Hotel Check
Par Excellence, Mauritius
Background:
Par Excellence is the most recent development in a rental pool of self catering luxury Villas in Mauritius. bestbeach is the exclusive South African reseller of these well respected Mascareignes properties.
What it’s like:
Breathtaking is the first word that comes to mind. Our welcome included cocktails near the large pool, adorned with beautifully crafted hammocks and surrounded by palm trees, with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and its islands. Exactly the tropical experience you only dream of. The interiors are as stunning as the gardens. Decorated specifically with the South African market in mind, these luxury apartments steer away from the typically bright, effervescent colours loved by Mauritians, and instead present a palette of neutrality and tranquility. Soft browns, creams and whites define the space and images of fish, shells and boats blend in seamlessly with the ocean theme creating an inviting, comfortable and incredibly relaxing setting. These subtle touches lend a personal feel to the place – very different from your typical hotel room. The same theme is carried through into the rooms which are spacious and most offer exquisite sea views. Self catering these apartments might be, but a personal chef can be arranged to cater for your every gastronomic whim. Aaah….the freedom to “own” your own space, eat what and when you please without stressing about missing paid for meals and no premium on drinks. This 2000m² property includes an outdoor bar and a large deck furnished with sun-loungers. Par Excellence offers a break that really enhances the feeling of “living on paradise island”.
Where is it?
The apartments are located in Grand Baie (Bay), a touristic village located in the North of Mauritius approximately 2hrs drive from the airport. The location is ideal for business people or families, as it is only minutes away from shops and restaurants. An impressive Super Mart, the equivalent of a Makro, offers a mix of South African, international and local goods. The prices are on a par with SA prices and perfectly affordable for a self catering holiday. Access town, gym, tennis/squash courts, shops, a pharmacy, night clubs and restaurants are no longer than an eight minute drive away.
Room Facilities:
This prestigious address includes four private suites (two ground-floor level and two first-floor level) and a spacious penthouse on the second level. Each floor has four bedrooms and three bathrooms (two en suite and one common). Each room is fitted with air conditioning and ceiling fans, satellite LCD TV, WiFi and a DVD library (at no extra charge). A fully-fitted kitchen is available on each level, with a dining area that seats eight people. Each verandah boasts a private bar, lounge area, outside dining area and Weber braai set. Included in the room price is daily housekeeping, linen change, guest laundry and ironing, 24hour security and a mean on arrival and departure dates.
Restaurants and Bars:
Besides commissioning in a personal chef or making use of the concierge service to order in, there are a number of trendy restaurants and bars that offer anything from a children’s Spur meal to something more exotic like Thai, Indian, South Asian or Mexican foods. There are side-street vendors selling bowls of ruby red raspberries and cream, open-air cafés and fancy restaurants overlooking Grand Baie and its fleet of yachts – there’s really something for everyone in this festive town.
Verdict:
If you enjoy your own space and privacy, like to march to your own tune and set your own rules, then Par Excellence is the perfect business or family proposition. You would need to hire a car to get around, so add this onto the cost of your stay, but parking is secure and places to visit are close by. Overall, it’s a different way of staying in Mauritius, it offers serious value for money and an opportunity to experience the island on your own terms.
Fact File:
Contact:
+27 (11) 759 5155
Kim Forsyth