Rachel Leroy 
Conveniently located only 15 kilometers from the capital, Port Louis, The Oberoi, Mauritius stands amidst twenty acres of lush, sub-tropical garden, and enjoys an enviable position on the shores of Turtle Bay, a natural marine park with a rich coral reef. The Oberoi, Mauritius also has easy access to six hundred meters of combed, white sand beaches, which are blessed with views of magnificent sunsets, every day. The beach area is not your typical powdery white sand beach, though. It is quite rocky and has a very small swimming area. The Oberoi, Mauritius does have amazing sunsets, which more than compensate for the lack of a powdery beach.
The Oberoi, Mauritius also houses four national monuments that date back to the French Colonial period and together make up a battery that was an integral part of the defense system of Mauritius in the old days. The main gunpowder store now serves as an exclusive dining space making it an idyllic place to dine. The battery also makes The Oberoi, Mauritius a very historic place to stay in.
When arriving at the hotel, guests feel like they are entering a paradisiacal place. The grounds are immaculately clean. From the moment guests arrive they are treated like royalty. Check in is done in an impressive, efficient, personal and very professional manner. They must know that guests are exhausted from a long trip so they make the check in process as smooth and as fast as possible.
The rooms are spacious and very tastefully decorated. The décor is even more highlighted when guests receive a surprise birthday cake in the room upon arrival, truly a very special touch. Special occasions are celebrated with a bang. One guest’s daughter’s birthday celebration was arranged and orchestrated by hotel staffs so lovingly and with so much attention to detail. The room was set up with balloons, a special cocktail was arranged and even rose petals in a candlelit bath were arranged for the parents upon their return from a sunset cruise. The teenage girl even received a small gift when the guests left. It’s the little details like these that make every guest’s stay truly special and sets it apart.
The Oberoi, Mauritius is wonderful for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. If you enjoy lots of activities and evening entertainments, The Oberoi, Mauritius doesn’t have much to offer so you’re better off staying elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a real haven, an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle coupled with superb service then The Oberoi, Mauritius is the perfect place.
When it comes to food, there are three restaurants at The Oberoi, Mauritius. These are On the Rocks, the main restaurant, and the Gunpowder room. On the Rocks is known for its mouth-watering barbecues and you can dress casually. Tell the chef what you like as he can do things off the menu on the spot. Not only is the food good but On the Rocks is also perfect for watching the stunning sunsets, which is not possible at the main restaurant. Depending on when you go sunset times vary so best to check with the hotel.
Reservation at the main restaurant is not necessary – you just turn up between 7pm until 11pm, last order is taken at 11pm. The main restaurant is fine dining and you need to dress up – long trousers, closed shoes and a shirt, and no flips flops for men. Ladies usually wear dresses, either smart casual or smart. The food menu changes regularly and is really top quality. You get a choice of Mauritian and Indian and European options daily. Lobster is available for a supplement over half board in both restaurants (and costs around 800 rupees). Everything else on the menu is included for guests staying on half board basis. You can’t do all-inclusive here though. But best to go for half board, as dinners can be costly starting at £130 for a couple without drinks. For this, you get one dish from starters, main and dessert and coffee/ tea included. You will have to pay extra for water.
Tap water is not drinkable at the restaurant so you have to choose between still or sparkling water, which could cost around £4 a bottle. The food is served in large portions in general. There are no restaurants within walking distance of The Oberoi, Mauritius so thankfully the food choices at the hotel are good. Others who have tried outside say the food isn’t as good as the food in The Oberoi, Mauritius. You also get to enjoy live entertainment at the bar and On the Rocks restaurant during the evenings. It is music that is nice to the ears and relaxing.
Overall The Oberoi, Mauritius is truly an excellent choice if you have the money to spare.
