Background
Veranda Leisure and Hospitality has six hotels in Mauritius. Heritage Le Telfair is a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’, and shares a stretch of beach with the group’s hotel on the adjacent property – Heritage Awali.
What’s it Like?
It’s an old sugar plantation-type estate, with a bridge over a river joining the reception area with the rest of the hotel. A large pool features as the centerpiece, with only the poolside bar separating the swimming area and the beach, with the main dining and bar areas on either side. Great efficiency in design, with the pool/beach view from the bridge making for a stunning first impression. Further to that, the service was outstanding. From a business point of view, Wi-Fi is available in all public areas, but appeared most effective in the bar, when I tested connectivity to my iPad. The only annoying feature – having to log in every 30 minutes, to reconnect.
Location
In Bel Ombre, on the south-west of the island, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. The airport shuttle cost us 40 euros per person. Further to that, taxis are expensive in Mauritius. If feasible, rather look into hiring a car. The capital, Port Louis, is approximately 60 kilometres away.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 158 rooms and suites. Again, economy of design is the standout feature, with a king-size bed as the centerpiece, up against a ‘walled headboard’, behind which could be found cupboard space, a changing area and a safe. The bathroom was very spacious, featuring separate bath, large rain shower and toilet, dual basins and toiletries, along with a retractable mirror separating bathroom and bedroom. Other room features included air-conditioning, wooden floors, centralized lighting, flat-screen TV (with selected satellite channels, including BBC World News, SuperSport and movies for hire), work desk, couch and verandah with table and chairs, looking onto a garden. If you don’t fancy lifting a finger, go for the suite option, which comes with butler service. My only criticism was the lack of milk in the mini-bar fridge, but that was quickly solved with a call to reception.
Restaurants & Bars
Annabellas serves breakfast and dinner. The breakfast spread is extensive, with cold meats and cheese, hot meals (eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, omelettes etc), pancakes and waffles, fresh rolls and banana loaf, as well as fresh juice squeezed in front of you. Lunch can be taken by the pool, with options such as hamburgers, paninis, pizzas, cold meats on rolls etc. The dinner options are Annabellas and Ginja, which is a bit more secluded, at one end of the beach. We dined at Annabellas, where dishes such as the following were on offer: crab starters, seared tuna, beef kebabs, and chicken breasts stuffed with goats cheese. Just a word of warning – the wine prices are quite expensive, as are the bar prices you get at the Cavendish Bar, which is a great pre-dinner drinks venue, complete with live music most nights.
Leisure Facilities
The Seven Colours Spa offers a range of treatments and is set in picturesque gardens, whilst Heritage Golf Club has an 18-hole championship course, and is a five-minute shuttle ride away. Besides the main pool, guests also have access to a heated pool, along with a host of water sport activities. Additional facilities: gym, tennis courts, mountain bikes, quad biking, table tennis and bowls, as well as aerobics, thai chi and yoga sessions.
Verdict
An excellent 5-star hotel, with luxury amenities and a beautiful setting. A great incentive option, but probably not conducive to conferences, although a good base from which to conduct business or hold meetings, if you can concentrate with the beach and pool beckoning.
Contact
Address: B9 Bel Ombre, Domaine de Bel Ombre, +230 601 5500, heritageletelfair.mu
Dylan Rogers