Latest Reviews for Grand Baie

Mauritius is beautiful, safe and unspoilt. The people are really lovely and friendly so we enjoyed this much more than our Caribbean hols. Holiday is mostly hotel-based so don't go if you want action packed plus bars etc. Taxis and buses are cheap (hang on to your hat!) but buses finish around 6.00 pm. Strike a deal with a taxi driver and do an island tour - we always do this and you can pick where you go (seen one sugar plantation you've seen them all) A visit to Port Louis was worthwhile; a walk through the market area was really interesting, still authentic and no hassles other than mild approaches from sellers in the produce area for spices and similar. The shops around the harbour are a miniscule version of the VandA Waterfront in Cape Town - include in your visit.

Coin de Mire is pretty and parts refurbished but very basic. However, again the staff cannot do enough for you and are very friendly (seems genuine enough without making you cringe). Have to agree with an earlier review - go for an upgrade as we stayed in a Superior Room and was very satisfied. It was basic but spacious - bathrooms need a refurb but so did the ones we stayed in Sandals and we paid almost £6,000 three years ago for that. Extremely clean and maid visits every day. Moved to a Standard Room for our last day as this was only available and it was dinghy and smelled damp - still very clean though and it did have air con which by the way we barely needed all holiday. Mauritius is thought to be an all year round destination but in July, whilst we had some lovely weather and not too hot, it would only be for part of the day and there was a fair bit of cloud around. Another factor is as it's winter the sun goes down by 6.00ish and it's quite cool at night - take some long sleeved/warmer clothing with you. Any rain was mostly at night.

The Coin de Mire beach staff are also very good - helped us to first time snorkel from the free glass-bottom boat which goes twice a day (equipment provided); pedaloes and kayaks; volunteer to move the sunbeds for you.

Food wasn't that varied but plenty available and fresh, the 'All Inclusive'is as it says 'local' so if you like rum in ten permutations you'll be ok, the beer went down very well (Phoenix and Blue Marlin) and the red wine did get marginally better the more you drank but don't expect Pinot Noir. Entertainment was professional but not every night - no other bars or restaurants around unless you taxi to Grand Baie.

Great relaxing holiday for very reasonable cost. Can also recommend Mercury Direct - good value and changed our hotel no problem to Coin de Mire when original withdrew watersports. Didn't tell us about flight change though for our transfer from Dubai (separate write-up); just showed it on our revised confirmation for the hotel change which of course we didn't notice as the flights had been correct on the original. Cathay Tours (their reps in Mauritius) were also efficient, even phoned us to say she may be late for our welcome visit - that's a first!!

ROOMS
if you have booked the standard rooms..BEWARE..they have no air-conditioning and are old,damp and very dark.we kept our clothes in the suitcase as the wardrobe stunk.Pay approx. £10-13 per night per room ( at the reception desk or preferably before you go as we were unable to upgrade until 2 days before we left and we were there for 11 days) for an upgrade and notice the difference. the rooms were like heaven..clean, modern and fresh and light..air-conditioning was excellent plus a television.
RESORT
nothing much to do after 22.30 as the 'entertainment' finishes then. Buses are very cheap but finish at 18.30.
Go all-inclusive as the bar prices are expensive.