Mauritius Adventure Part 1 - Home
So we booked a last minute holiday! We even tried to keep the destination a surprise until we got here! We thought it would have been funny to have just posted a photo saying ' ah hello from .....'! The plan failed though as we both found it too difficult to keep the destination on the low down from anyone! So on the 16th April 2017 we packed our bags and the kitchen sink to head off to Mauritius for two weeks!
We wanted a simple holiday this time so booked a deal with Thomson's! We had been away with them before and it had always been hassle free! I love going adventuring and planning trips bit by bit, stage by stage, but sometimes you just need a break from having to organise anything. This was the perfect solution for us at this point in time!
Luckily the flight we had booked came direct from London Gatwick to Mauritius. This meant that once boarded we had 11 hours to sleep, watch films and to get excited about arriving at our destination. The best news was the empty seat next to me... extra leg room and extra space for me meant I could certainly get some shut eye! I actually managed to sleep for once, although when waking up I was most disappointed I never got to see the end of Rio 2! Such a kid!
Weather wise we were obviously hoping for sunshine, but the forecast had been a bit iffy! We were just hoping the rain symbols and lightning symbols would only be intermittent and we would get some sunshine while we were here! Bearing in mind we have previously landed in Mexico in a storm and left Fiji in a cyclone I am normally prepared for a tropical storm or two to hit our holiday destination! Fingers crossed this wouldn't be one of them holidays!
Upon arrival the sun initially had its hat on! We were picked up by a coach transfer that took around an hour. Mauritius on initial inspection was rather flat, lots of farming, but with internal mountainous peaks. Although they would have been used to the heat I felt for the farm workers out in the sunshine working hard - they must have been boiling! Half way to our destination we had our first experience of Mauritius' crazy weather. To the left side of our coach it was beautiful blue skies and sunshine. To the right side of our coach it was dark clouds and raining! It was like we were in two different places!
We are now on day three of our trip and I can certainly vouch that the weather is changeable! We go from clear blue skies, beaming sunshine, crazy hot to torrential down pour in a matter of minutes! Have tried to capture how the weather can change the views from our apartment as I am not convinced anyone will believe it can change so quickly. We have already had to dodge a few rain storms. When it rains here it certainly rains. Luckily it never gets cold though and sometimes the rain is rather refreshing! a
Now lets talk about our destination! Home for the next two weeks. We had decided to stay in a hotel called Lux* Grand Gaube. We were also lucky enough to somehow get upgraded as our room was incredible! A lovely ground floor apartment with a terrace overlooking the sea. The view was amazing and could be seen from both the bed and the bath! Our first impressions of the resort were really good and we quickly relaxed having a beer on our terrace to take in the view.
The whole resort is beautiful and so far we certainly cannot fault it! The resort is set on the sea front jutting out into two bays!. This allows the resort to split into the family / adults only sections. But it is important to note adults have access everywhere! Unlike some resorts the options of where to set up camp and relax are endless. With two pools, two beaches, five places to eat/drink, a coffee shop and endless nooks and crannies filled with hammocks and bean bags we really were spoilt for choice. Although the the hotel is fully booked we have never struggled to get sun loungers, seats for dinner or felt over crowded at any point. In fact at some points you can walk around the resort and not even see another guest! Clearly a credit to the designers - it flows really well!
Board wise we were lucky enough to be all inclusive, but there are several options. For all inclusive guests there are some amazing twists! Not only is our food and drink included, but a large proportion of the activities are all available for free. This means that on any day we can go canoeing, snorkelling, paddle boarding, windsurfing, pedal boating or go out in the glass floor boat to see the coral reef! On top of that we also have access to the gym, the spa sauna, steam room, hot tubs, tennis courts, bowls, croquet and a cinema screen. Now that is quite a bit to fit in amongst some relaxing! We are determined to try and use the facilities to the max! Although don't get too excited anyone - I doubt very much we will be out windsurfing! It's just not my thing!
The first few days have been fun filled and whizzed by very quickly! Including making a wish on the wishing tree!
TUESDAY HIGHLIGHTS!
We visited a man who makes animals out of coconuts! Yes we thought we should embrace the activities! Plus it was close to where breakfast was being held! We were a little disappointed as we thought that we would be able to make one, but apparently the tools are rather dangerous so we were only allowed to watch! On reflection, us and power tools on holiday was never a good idea! Some of his creations were amazing though! I was particularly taken by the naughty monkeys and a cat who had a nodding head! Each week he makes a guest one to take home and has promised us that if we return next Tuesday he will make us one! How we would fit this in the luggage bags though I have no idea!
We also tested out the Spa yesterday! Now I did have the most relaxing massage ever, but I always sign myself up to these things thinking they are an amazing idea! Then I seriously hate that moment just before though! That moment when you realise you are having to wear paper pants and you are pretty much naked in front of a random stranger! How is that ever going to be the start to a relaxing hour! Needless to say I survived my own insecurities and the massage was delightful! Perfect way to unwind after a long flight the previous day! The spa has the most amazing products! We are lucky enough to have a number of them available in our room! Feel very spoilt for choice with exotic shampoo, conditioners and body washes!
It was also the perfect place to get away from the rain! Hiding out in the spa for a bit while still being able to relax! We spent just over an hour relaxing in the hot tubs and saunas before retreating! I would suggest bug spray if you are going here as although relaxing, the mozzies also like to come out to play!
We have also tried to embrace the water sports activities - to a degree! We started simple! How wrong can you go with pedal boating! Not wrong at all hey! Well somehow we managed to pick the time to head out as a storm was heading in! We got a little way out, but had to do a hasty u-turn to get back to shore before the heavens opened! I think we have got the main skills now for next time....but will be only heading out when the sun is in full force!
The evening was brought to a close with an open air cinema experience! Now this was funny! A big screen was set up and everyone had sun loungers, pop corn and drinks. It was a pretty set up with lights and a little pop corn making machine! Was super excited to be able to go and the weather was holding out. We were probably around 3/4 of the way through the film Invictus when the heavens opened! After being committed to so much of the film everyone sat there with umbrellas to the end! Looking back we must have all looked crazy, but it was a fun film and a fun way to spend the evening.
WEDNESDAYS HIGHLIGHTS
Today's activity was more successful though! I decided I needed to get my STRAVA stamp and a run in! I thought - how hard can it be? A short little run down the coast. It was hard though as I had limited areas to run in and I wasn't sure how far I should venture out alone! This however was not the problem. Even at 8am in the morning it was far too hot! I had to bail ship after two miles - I was melting! It was a good attempt, but for now I think running will need to be kept to the gym!
In the afternoon we headed out on the free glass bottomed boat tour! They took us out over the coral reefs to see the fishes! It was pretty amazing how much you could see and we spent a good hour chasing down NEMO lookalikes! We saw loads of fish - and certainly no sharks -despite what the boat driver was trying to tell us! You can see he had a cheeky side!
Sampling the ice cream stall! Now this is a highlight for Garry! We had read in the resort review that there was an ice cream truck on site! Ice cream is a must for any holiday. We certainly were not expecting such a cool van though! It was a converted mini! The front end a mini and the back end full of ice cream! We had a selection after being out on the boat to cool down! I have a sneaky suspicion we maybe back an several other days!
So I know it sounds like we are not doing a great deal of relaxing! But we really are! Around trying to use the facilities to their fullest we have been relaxing in the sun, swimming and enjoying the amazing variety of food and cocktails! The Garden Mojito is currently our fav! Well it does contain gin! We have been ever so lucky to have an amazing first few days of our holiday and cannot wait to enjoy the rest! The staff here are the nicest, friendliest people ever and have made us feel very welcomed! So 5* to the Lux* Grand Gaube! You certainly have been a delight to come and visit. Would certainly recommend anyone to come here.
So for now.... we will be off to have a cocktail, enjoy a bit more sun and look forward to seeing more of Mauritius on some of the day trips we have planned. Look forward to sharing the rest of our adventures!