BACKGROUND: Sun Resorts’ Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort is a modern resort set along a 1.3-kilometre stretch of white sandy beaches and also boasts Ile aux Cerfs Leisure Island.
WHERE IS IT? Located along the popular Belle Mare beach on the north-eastern coast of the island, Long Beach has the longest and widest stretch of coastline of any Mauritian resort. It’s only an hours’ drive from the international airport and 20 kilometres from Ile aux Cerfs.
ROOM FACILITIES: All of the 255 contemporary rooms, which range in size from 600m2 to 132m2, are ocean-facing; some have a garden view, others have an ocean view, while the Superior rooms are located on the beachfront. Rooms on the second level also have an ocean view, if that’s what you’re after. Ground floor units have built-inn couches and lead out onto luscious gardens and the beach, while second floor units have spacious balconies. The 29 family rooms, measuring 86m2, can accommodate two adults and three children. Although the resort is extensive, the wi-fi signal is strong and freely accessible should you need to answer emails in your room. Each room has a 42-inch TV, and the open-plan bathrooms are spacious, discreet and include a shower, bath and toilet cubicle.
RESTAURANTS & BARS: Le Marché serves full English and Continental breakfast along with Mauritian specialities. This was one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had and I even went back for seconds to try the deep-fried chilli balls. You can drink fresh coconut water straight from the coconut with your breakfast. Sapori, the adjoining Italian restaurant, has a wood-burning pizza oven to ensure authentic Mediterranean flavour and also servers Limoncello. You can sit indoors or on the raised balcony that overlooks the Piazza. Authentic Japanese restaurant Hasu has a grill centre and a Yakitori bar, should you not opt for sushi. The semi-private dining booths make for a good business dinner option. If you love Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine then book a table at Chopsticks, which has perfected its Sichuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine. Here you can enjoy a meal in communal buffet eating style. Of the five restaurants, four are included in the half board, full board and all-inclusive room rate. Tides Pool and Beach Bar serves lighter fare and cocktails and 24-hour room service is also available.
BUSINESS & MEETING FACILITIES: Who says you can’t do business in paradise? The resort has function rooms up to 110m2 in size that can be used for corporate or private events. The professional event management team will take care of the finer details. Business doesn’t need to stay in the boardroom however. Why not take to the green with a golf event at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course and its 68-seater restaurant overlooking the 18th hole?
LEISURE FACILITIES: Perhaps the most talked about feature of this resort is its leisure island – Ile aux Cerfs – where you can find the 18-hole, Par 72 championship golf course designed by Bernhard Langer. All guests receive complimentary green fees as well as a bus and taxi boat transfer to the island. Within 30 minutes you’ll be on the beach sipping on a Seybrew beer before teeing off. Cool down in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean once you’re done. Long Beach has the active traveller in mind. Guests can choose from an array of free water sports, such as wind surfing, snorkelling or a trip in a glass-bottom boat. For an additional charge you can scuba dive, qualify with your Open Water license or try big game fishing. There are also four tennis courts and a gym, where you can have free sessions with a personal trainer, to counteract all of that indulgence. The outdoor spa pavilion at Sea Spa is surrounded by a tropical garden and overlooks a lake, otherwise the single and double treatment rooms also have adjoining showers – something more spas should consider. Experience the Turkish Bath Hammam before you go.
Verdict: Long Beach is ideal for the active business traveller with a discerned palate and a taste for contemporary luxury.
Iga Motylska
Contact
Address: Coastal Road, Belle Mare, Mauritius
T: +230-402-0100
E: info@longbeach.mu
W: www.longbeachmauritius.com