We arrived on Sunday July 21 at the Long Beach for 4 days, a 5-star hotel in Belle Mare owned by the Sun Life group.
Having already tested the Pirogue in Flic en Flac, I was eager to see what the services would be like at this hotel.
A warm welcome from the front door to reception. A hand on the heart and a smile that seems sincere.
Nice, high entrance. Luggage storage just a little further on.
Our arrival is announced by a gong to call the staff for assistance. Enjoyable fresh juice, a refreshing towel and classic check-in.
Payment of the stay from the outset, a guarantee of payment it seems.
Explanations galore, as with any check-in. Little booklet on the hotel and its services, including a map of the area and restaurant opening times.
The cards are handed over and the stay can finally begin.
The kids asked for the golf car, and without further ado we’re whisked away in the little vehicle to our suite, much to the children’s delight.
My opinion on the Long Beach Hotel
THE HOTEL
5-star hotel, part of the Sun Life group, including Sugar Beach, La Pirogue and Hotel Ambre.
Located in Belle Mare, on the island’s east coast. A large hotel, several restaurants, several pools, including 1 infinity pool (adults only).
It’s a bit of a walk from reception to your room, but not if you don’t have to carry your luggage.
THE ROOM
Superb ground floor suite, as requested and beach front as agreed.
I’ve rarely had a room with such a beautiful location.
A beautiful room, the right size and, above all, a view of the blue ocean. We’re just 2 steps from the pool and the beach, very convenient.
King-size bed for the gentleman and me. 2 single beds, even extra single for the children. We slept very well.
Large TV, comfortable double bed, 1 extra bed and 1 bench bed.
Shower, bath, double basins, lots of cupboards. You quickly get the hang of it, but it suits me just fine. Small outdoor garden furniture always a pleasure. Clean room, impeccable sheets, large TV, nickel wifi, working fan and air-conditioning! Perfect!
A little extra with the digital detox box where we put our phones.
A great night’s sleep for me. Top-notch bedding, very soft hotel linen, everything we love.
THE BEACH
Belle Mare beach, what can I say except that it’s magnificent. The gradations of blue in the east of the island are incredible.
The water is transparent, the sky is bright blue with not a cloud on the horizon, and the wind blows lightly as you’d expect for an austral winter.
You cover up quickly when you get out of the water, but it’s really good. Very practical, as our room was just 2 steps from the beach.
Don’t hesitate to take your snorkelling gear to explore the seabed, where you’ll find some beautiful specimens. In the east, there are some really great spots for snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you may even spot turtles at sea.
Parasols and deckchairs available.
What I liked was the little button on the parasol to call a waiter.
SWIMMING POOL
Beautiful pools of varying depths. Beautiful sloping palm trees in some places.
The high infinity pool is for adults only.
The pool with water jets, which the kids loved.
A full-length pool by the gym for swimming laps.
BUFFET & RESTAURANTS
The buffet is rather small, to our great surprise. But it’s enough to satisfy us.
Morning buffet
Arriving early in the morning, we had no trouble getting a good table without having to weave our way through the crowd to help ourselves. The space seems pretty small when it’s busy. It’s hard to serve yourself easily, especially at the crêpe stand. It’s best to come early, especially if you’ve got the little ones in tow.
Spicy wholemeal omelette, a gluten-free area, I’m impressed by the butter dispenser where all it takes is a squeeze to get a few rectangles of butter.
→ For a 5-star, the buffet rather limited for my taste. More choice in other big hotels. Lots of people in the morning for breakfast. No buffet dedicated to children specifically, nor one at their height where they can help themselves. The crockery isn’t adapted to toddlers either: ceramic crockery and therefore heavy and breakable.
We preferred the restaurants and their menus: Italian and Chinese.
Restaurant Sapori
Italian for “flavors”.
Not like at the buffet, you get served. It’s so nice not to have to carry 2 plates at the same time, while keeping an eye on the little one so he doesn’t stumble at the slightest step.
Our formula included a starter, main course and dessert, plus water. We had a wonderful time, with attentive service. The kids loved it, which really pleased me. For dessert, we wanted a fruit plate, which wasn’t on the menu, but our wish was granted.
Restaurant Chopsticks
Subdued atmosphere and red lights. With no windows, it’s as if we’re on a terrace, which is pleasant.
Children’s menu, dim sum appetizer. Very good service, attentive to the little ones.
KIDS CLUB
Kids club located near reception. The structure is really nice, a castle with slides in the shade on sand, a swimming pool with a fence all around, grass, buffet outside, inside several areas of games and activities. Books, board games, a nap area…
The staff were numerous but not very enterprising. As we were there with the children, they didn’t come to look after them.
ACTIVITIES
Included in your hotel package: glass-bottom boat, kayak, pedal boat, paddle, beach volleyball court, gym, climbing wall, basketball hoop, tennis courts, billiards. No need to get bored.
In the bar, you can enjoy jazz concerts in the evening. Mauritians are real artists, and I’m always impressed by their musical talent. It’s really in their blood.
A drink to round off the evening, while the kids dance to the music.
Ice creams and crêpes available for a fee if you’re not on the all-inclusive package.
RATES
Resident rate for 2 adults + 2 children (-5 years): RS 10,000 per night on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner).
Reasonable price for the suite, meals and all services offered.
Very good family stay.
I hope my site helps you with your project or your vacation.
If you’d like to take the expatriation plunge yourself, why not get some help?
