Background
Long Beach is a new addition to the Sun Resorts portfolio, which includes four hotels in Mauritius: Le Touessrok, Long Beach, Sugar Beach (5-star), and La Pirogue(4-star); and one in the Maldives: Kanuhura (5-star). Long Beach opened in April of 2011.
Where is it?
The hotel is situated in Belle Mare, on the east coast of Mauritius. It’s 55 kilometres from the airport – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam – and the drive takes approximately an hour, whilst the capital, Port Louis, is also approximately an hour away.
Room Facilities
There are 255 rooms arranged in three ‘crescents’. Every room has a view of the ocean, whilst the design is very much ‘chic contemporary’ and minimalist, with pastel colours and modern fittings. Features include king-size bed, 42-inch flat-screen TV (with selected satellite channels – local, movies, SuperSport, BBC World and CNBC), complimentary Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, digital clock radio, electronic safe, mini-bar, tea and coffee (extra cost) and air-conditioning. Our air-conditioning was making an awful racket when we arrived, but a quick call to reception sorted that out and the response was immediate. The en-suite bathroom had ample hanging space and shelves, along with separate rain shower, toilet and bath. As we were on the first floor, our wooden balcony had a great view of the sea, along with couch, table and chairs – an excellent relaxing option.
Restaurants & Bars
You’re spoilt for choice at Long Beach, with the central piazza offering four dining options, in the form of the hotel’s Le Marche restaurant, Sapori (Italian), Hasu (Japanese) and Chopsticks. The latter quickly became a favourite, serving high quality Chinese food, whilst I was a little disappointed with the pasta I received at Sapori. Pre- and post-dinner drinks are taken at Shores, the cocktail and lounge bar, which is also situated on the piazza, and features live music most nights. The remaining dining option is the Tides pool & beach bar, which on some nights features a comprehensive buffet.
Meeting & Business Facilities
Long Beach has one small function room of 110m², but it does have the latest communication technology – data projector for PC and video, video player lectern, CD player, microphones, DVD player, PA system and remote-controlled screen and Internet connection facilities.
Leisure Facilities
The central pool complex really does dominate and you’ll find yourself spending plenty of time there, taking your meals at Tides pool bar. There’s also a smaller pool on the upper deck, overlooking the sea. A full range of water sports are available, as are tennis, aerobics, yoga, badminton, five-a-side football, volleyball, table tennis, wall climbing and a pitch-and-putt golf course. As befitting a 5-star Mauritian resort, there’s an inviting spa, with 12 treatment rooms, a spa pavilion and a full range of treatments. As Le Touessrok is part of the Sun Resorts portfolio, Long Beach guests have preferential access to the Bernhard Langer-designed golf course, which is situated on an island, a half hour’s drive and a 15-minute boat ride away. Long Beach offers a complimentary shuttle.
Verdict
I’ve talked before about Mauritian hospitality and the service at Long Beach was another reminder of how the country can teach the rest of Africa a thing or two about service. I was also taken with the ultra-modern design throughout the hotel – something I didn’t think I’d fancy, but which l clearly did, due to the fact that everything was of the highest quality. That includes the accommodation, food, service, activity offering and attention to detail. Clearly, a lot of thought went into designing Long Beach and the result is something unique and worth experiencing.
Contact
Address: Coastal Road, Belle Mare, +230 401 1919, longbeachmauritius.com
Dylan Rogers