Paradise Cove Hotel Review

Overall Rating

Paradise Cove Hotel
June 2004

In short we had a really great time in Mauritius. For those thinking of going at this time of year do remember that it's WINTER time over there! Not to say to expect snow or ought, but do remember to pack a cardie for the evening. The temperature is right for both sunbathing as well as sightseeing.

As to the hotel, it is a really romantic hideaway. Architecturally built in low (3 storey) bedroom blocks in a semi-circular shape surrounding the small cove which forms the beach. The headland opposite (which is a 1 minute stroll from the main block) prevents a view to sea, but does provide beautiful gardens and some really super seating with sunshades which are on the seafront.

The room we had was clean, tastefully decorated with a nice large bathroom attached. The only drawback was the adjoining door (presumably for kids - even if this doesn't seem all that kid friendly, more of a honeymooners' paradise). This door was anything but soundproof, which is fine except that our neighbours (both sets) were real moaners. The second lot spent ages on their mobiles complaining to anyone from there to here about the lack of beach (more later) whilst the first lot woke us morning and night (and on the rainy afternoon) with the joys of carnal desires!

It is true that this hotel does not have a long sandy beach (Paradise Cove should give a suitable hint). It is in the far north of the island, but since the whole island can be driven in about an hour that isn't a real problem. If you have been told that you can walk into the local village or indeed to Grande Bay, think again - you will need one of the numerous taxis to do that. Once you have paid the "official " or stated price once, take one a card from the driver and barter him down. For a whole day we paid between 1400-1600 rupees (50 to the £), albeit one guest said they got it for 800!

Two warnings. This hotel is like many a good money making enterprise. If paying well over the odds for local beer and water offends you beware - you will be. But if you can afford to go there in the first place then

The food is great, but, The Coucterie (?), or the restaurant in the huts next to the sea is not necessarily good value. It is romantic, but at £80-£100 on the bill after allowance for half board, is not good value even at London prices. I had the lobster which was OK; my other half (being a non-seafood eater) had a steak, which was a serious error. The Mauritian evening and BBQ we found to be excellent, as was the Indian evening.

The diving is great and Willebe is good fun and is helpful.

I suppose the key question is would we go back. To Mauritius, yes, but we might want to try out the West Coast on some of the hotels near to Isle au Serf next time. (If I win the lottery even the Toussrok!)