We booked Maradiva through Kuoni. Due to my husband wanting to plan the perfect getaway for our 25th Wedding anniversary celebration we had reason to contact the hotel prior to our arrival. They were always prompt and courteous in their responses and always helpful. Prior to our visit they supplied a map of the resort, food and beverage costs and were also accommodating in my husband’s request for a specific villa - they did caveat their response with the fact that they could not promise to allocate the chosen villa but would do all they could to meet his request.
We flew with Air Mauritius (via Charles De Gaulle) so arrived very early on a Tuesday morning. Upon arrival at the hotel (06:45) they welcomed us with fresh fruit juice and a refreshing hot towel. They advised that our room would be ready by 07:30 so if they could show us briefly round the hotel, we could then go and take breakfast after-which we just needed to ask the restaurant staff to call reception and someone would come and get us and take us to the villa. The villa was the one my husband had requested (101) so he was a very happy person from the start.
We had booked a beachfront luxury suite villa. These villas have an outside space that is equal in size to the inside space. This makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the amazing location of this hotel. The plunge pool in the villa is cold but the main pool is heated. If you visit the spa that too is heated.
From the minute we arrived the hotel team have been exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble! They have brought sun beds to our villa, taken the time to ensure that we have everything possible that we may need. The staff have remembered our preferences and our names throughout our stay making us feel very special. I am a vegetarian and Dhanish (one of the restaurant managers) has taken the time to ensure I had a great choice of food - going the extra mile of even getting the chef to cook a piece of fish for me to try prior to our Raj tent Candlelit evening meal on our actual anniversary (I do eat the odd piece of fish!) - just to ensure I would like it on the night. On our last night my entire meal was made up of things not on the menu. It’s great that they check how quickly you want to eat and how long you’d like to wait between courses.
All the staff are personable yet remain professional. They remember things said in conversation and ask about them on following days which is very nice.
It is nice to have in villa dining (room service) at the same price as the Coast2Coast restaurant or you can have this same menu brought to the sun beds on the beach. The service is great and the outdoor space at the villa makes this a very pleasant alternative to visiting the main restaurant.
There are 2 a la carte restaurants (Teppanyaki and Indian) and are both well worth a visit. If you are on half board basis (as we were) then you get an 1800 Mauritian Rupee allowance per person to spend on food in these restaurants which we found to be perfectly adequate. There is a good choice of food at varying prices in each a la carte restaurant and it was easy to find food to our liking - even for a vegetarian eater.
The main Coast2Coast restaurant (where you take breakfast and can have lunch and evening meals) is a very relaxed environment. Breakfast is buffet style but very well presented with an ‘egg chef’ on hand to cook your favourite omelette or a variety of eggs of your choosing. They have a great selection of Continental, English and Mauritian choices. You can also order cold meats, smoked salmon and other special order foods at no extra cost. Drinks are also included.
You are given one 750ml bottle of water in the room each day. Having to pay for extra water is unusual in other parts of the world but in Mauritius it is normal if you are not in an all inclusive hotel (such as Maradiva). You just have to get used to it.
The spa is well presented. They took the time to check our needs and preferences. We had a lovely couples massage and a rose petal bath. There is a sauna, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and dip pool.
All the hotel team seem to enjoy working at this hotel and this is reflected in their smiles, helpfulness and attentiveness. If I could remember all of their names it would be difficult as there have been so many of them that have made our stay so special. I would definitely forget to mention someone. Nothing has been too much trouble, if we’ve asked for anything it has been carried out with a smile and a manner that has reflected their enthusiasm for their jobs.
If we get the opportunity - we will certainly return to this wonderful hotel.
