Escape to Paradise: Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius Awaits
Shangri-La Le Touessrok: Mauritius - Paradise Found… Mostly. Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Alright, listen up, wanderlusters! I’ve just crawled back from the shimmering shores of Mauritius, and specifically, from the legendary Shangri-La Le Touessrok. Let me tell you, it’s an experience. And I’m not just saying that because I’m still slightly sunburnt and dreaming of those turquoise waters. This place? It's a vibe. But, as with all things, it’s a slightly complicated vibe. So, grab your passport, your sun cream, and your sense of humor, because we’re diving in deep.
Accessibility: Navigating Paradise (Mostly) Without a Sweat
Okay, let’s start with the important stuff. Accessibility. This is where Shangri-La mostly shines. They definitely try. There are facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which is a huge plus, especially after you've had one too many piña coladas. They've got the CCTV in common areas and outside the property, making you feel a little safer wandering around. I'm not disabled, but I'm always looking out for everyone: good on them for making an effort.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: This is a yes. I saw ramps, wide pathways, and staff always willing to lend a hand. Not a perfect score (I’m a tough critic!), but definitely a thumbs up for trying.
The Internet: Your Digital Oasis (Maybe, If You're Lucky)
Look, in this day and age, a good internet connection is practically a human right. Thankfully, you get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!). And, surprise! Internet access is available (duh!) and even Internet [LAN]. I mean, who still uses LAN? Apparently, Shangri-La. But hey, options are good, right? Wi-Fi in public areas is also a thing. Reliability? Umm… let's just say I spent a fair amount of time staring wistfully at the waves, waiting for my Instagram to load. Which, in fairness, isn't the worst way to wait.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and Secure (ish)
Okay, let’s talk about the current state of the world. Shangri-La, bless their cotton socks, is taking this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and professional-grade sanitizing services. Plus, they’ve got Hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. I felt like I was in a constant state of hand-washing, which, to be honest, is not a bad thing. You even get the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. They're Rooms sanitized between stays which is a huge plus.
**Cashless payment service. Food is Individually-wrapped food options, and they've got a Safe dining setup; it's all the right things. Staff trained in safety protocol and they're even checking Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. All great signs, good hotel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Indulge (and Maybe Overeat)
Here's where Shangri-La REALLY shines. Oh. My. Goodness. The food! The drinks! The sheer volume of choices! Let's start with Restaurants: plural. Like, a lot of restaurants. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The stuff of legends. Imagine a sprawling landscape of croissants, exotic fruits you’ve never even heard of, and everything in between. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options, naturally. I'm not a breakfast person, but even I was tempted to overeat. And did. I did.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes.
- Buffet in restaurant: Double yes.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, the Poolside bar and Snack bar all great.
- Desserts in restaurant: Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
- Happy hour: Need I say more?
My absolute experience? The Room Service. This is a special one. After a long journey, all I wanted was a good meal and a comfy bed, I ordered the Room service [24-hour]. The food was delivered in a swift and excellent way. The waiter, amazing, and the whole experience was perfect. I did have a small issue, where I didn't clarify my order correctly and they brought me the wrong item, but it was perfect anyway. They even bring a Bottle of water and the essential condiments, which makes you feel super cared for.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: So. Much. Relaxation.
This is where Shangri-La truly delivers on the "paradise" promise.
- Swimming pool: Multiple. Stunning. Views to die for.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Obviously.
- Spa: Okay, buckle up, because this is where I lost a day. A glorious, blissful day. I had a Massage that was so good, I think I might have briefly levitated.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: all great.
For the Kids: A Family Fiesta
Babysitting service is available; they are Family/child friendly, and have Kids facilities and a Kids meal. I don't have kids, but from what I saw, the little ones seemed to be having a ball.
Services and Conveniences: Pampered to Perfection (Almost)
They've got your back. Literally. From Airport transfer to Valet parking, they’ve got you covered. Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping, the works! Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage are all available.
The Rooms: Your Private Oasis (if you’re lucky enough to score a good one).
Okay, let's be honest. The rooms were a bit of a mixed bag. Air conditioning is standard (thank heavens!). But the decor felt… a little dated. You know, that slightly-too-much-mahogany, slightly-too-plush-carpet style. But hey, Air conditioning, Bathrobes, and Free bottled water are always welcome. And the extra long bed was a lifesaver. The blackout curtains? Genius. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. And a Seating area is always nice.
The down sides?
- Soundproof rooms: I think they need to work on these. I heard more than I wanted.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: A little over the top.
- **Interior Design: **A little dated, like my grandma's guest room.
- Lack of Character: The hotel needs a little more personality, a little less plastic.
My Verdict?
Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a fantastic hotel. It's not perfect – no place ever is – but it's undeniably beautiful, incredibly well-equipped, and offers a level of service that is hard to fault. The food is incredible, the spa is heavenly, and the location is breathtaking. Just be prepared for a touch of the "luxury hotel" experience, which can sometimes feel a little… sterile. But if you want to escape, relax, and forget about the real world for a while, then Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a pretty damn good place to do it.
Now, how about that offer… because you know you want to go!
Escape to Paradise: Shangri-La Le Touessrok Awaits!
Tired of the daily grind? Yearning for turquoise waters, powdery sands, and a taste of pure indulgence? Look no further! The Shangri-La Le Touessrok in Mauritius is calling your name, and we've got a deal that'll make you forget all about spreadsheets and Zoom calls.
Here's what you get:
- Luxurious Accommodation: Prepare to be pampered in our stylish rooms. Think plush beds, private balconies (perfect for those sunset cocktails!), and all the amenities you could dream of.
- Culinary Delights: From the legendary breakfast buffet to exquisite a la carte dining, your taste buds are in for a treat. Sample international cuisine or savour authentic Mauritian flavors – your gastronomic adventure starts here!
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Dive into multiple pools, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, and indulge in a heavenly spa experience. Book a massage, a body wrap, or simply relax by the infinity pool with a cocktail in hand.
- Seamless Experience: Enjoy the peace of mind with our top-notch service and attention to detail, from airport transfers to daily housekeeping.
But wait, there's more! For a limited time, we're offering an exclusive package that includes:
- Complimentary upgrade to the next room category!
- A romantic dinner for two on the
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius, and let me tell you, between you and me, I’m already picturing myself perpetually sprawled out on some impossibly white sand, cocktail in hand, pretending I’m in a James Bond movie. This is gonna be a trip. And trust me, it won't be perfect, because life, like a good cocktail, is best with a little bit of… well, let's just say a splash of something unexpected.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok: My Messy, Wonderful, Possibly Sunburnt Itinerary (Subject to Change, Obviously)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (aka, "Where's the freaking beach?!")
Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The dreaded flight. Okay, truth time: I hate flying. Smelly airplane air, crying babies, the existential dread of being trapped in a metal tube hurtling through the sky… Anyway, we land in Mauritius. Immigration is a breeze (thank god, I'm already sweating). The car rental pick-up? Less breeze. The paperwork! The insurance! Seriously, does anyone understand the fine print? But hey, we survived. Driving on the left is another experience altogether (my brain still defaults to the right, and I swear I almost took out a scooter). Finally, we arrive at the Shangri-La. The lobby is… well, it’s a lot. Blindingly white, ornate, and a little intimidating, which is just what I need after a sleepless flight. I may have squeaked with delight at my room, with that glorious ocean view. Still trying to unearth the beach itself, so far just a lot of gorgeous (seriously, gorgeous) manicured lawns.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch. First impression: the food is expensive. But okay, the sea bass at the beachside restaurant is DIVINE. I swear, I could almost taste the ocean. Post-lunch: exploration. I get hopelessly lost trying to find the beach. Seriously, after all that gorgeous manicured lawn, the beach is practically hidden. I eventually stumble upon it, and it’s… yeah. Magazine-worthy. I just plop down on the sand, and feel the panic of travel finally melt away. The water is that impossible turquoise color, the sand is perfectly white and soft. I may or may not have shed a tear of joy. Okay, I totally did.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Sunset cocktails at the Sega Bar (I think that's what it was called). I remember… the rum punch. Boy, did I remember the rum punch. Watched the sunset melt into an explosion of orange and pink. Actually met a lovely couple from Ireland who are the world's most chill. Tried to learn some Sega dancing, and I'm pretty sure I just looked like a confused flamingo. Dinner at Kushi (Japanese restaurant). The sushi was incredible, the tempura? Sublime. I'm already dreading the bill, but hey, we're on vacation!
Day 2: Isles Aux Cerfs and the Great Sunscreen Crisis
Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Isles Aux Cerfs! This is the island that practically defines Mauritius. We take the speedboat (smooth sailing, even for me). The island is beautiful. The pictures don’t even do it justice. The water… I could stay in it forever. I try to be cool and rent my own paddleboard, but end up paddleboarding for about 5 minutes before wiping out spectacularly. The local kids gave me some side-eye (legitimately funny). The sun, however, is BRUTAL. Which leads us to…
The Great Sunscreen Crisis (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I thought I’d packed enough sunscreen. I thought wrong. Apparently, my SPF 30 is a joke compared to the Mauritian sun. Red. The word is red. I spend the next hour desperately trying to find a shop that sells higher SPF. I swear, I looked like a lobster. Finally, I find a tiny little shack, filled with locals, who just started laughing as soon as they saw the state of me. They sold me the goods. The sunburn? Still there, but slightly less… apocalyptic.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More Isles Aux Cerfs. Regretfully spend the rest of the day covered up completely, and feeling like I could be anywhere. Still, the scenery is truly magnificent, and the beach BBQ was fun. They had fresh grilled fish and lobster. I sat there with a beer, enjoying the atmosphere, and chatting with the Irish couple again. I felt a bit silly about my sun-induced woes. Life is short.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Back at the hotel. Finally, a long, cool shower. Dinner at a local restaurant outside the resort. I'd heard that the food here is much cheaper, but also more authentic. I'm a sucker for authentic. This restaurant was an experience: the smells! The spices! The chaos! They didn't speak much English, but we managed, and they made suggestions. I had a delicious curry (I think it was chicken, maybe goat. I'm still not entirely sure). The evening was pure magic.
Day 3: Spa Day and the Quest for the Perfect Mango
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spa day! Okay, this is what dreams are made of. The CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La is basically a temple of zen. I had a massage that was so good, I think my soul floated out of my body. Facial? Perfection. I feel like a new person. The worst part? Having to eventually put my clothes back on.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Mango Hunt! This is a serious undertaking. I have a serious craving for the juiciest, most perfect mango in existence. I spend the afternoon wandering around the markets, sampling every mango I can find. Some are good, some are… not. Finally, and after much deliberation, I find it. The perfect mango. It’s juicy, sweet, and the smell is overwhelming. I eat it right there, dripping juice from my chin, and feeling like I've achieved a level of enlightenment.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Exploring. I take a taxi to a local town for a bit. Realizing I don't really know what I'm doing, or where I'm going, but okay, I'll wing it. This is where the magic is. I stumble into the coolest, most unassuming little bar. The owner, a kind, older man, poured me a special rum cocktail that was incredibly strong (I didn’t learn my lesson from Day 1 at the Sega Bar). I met a couple of locals who taught me some Creole phrases. I tried, unsuccessfully, to dance like them. The laughter was infectious. Dinner at the hotel. Trying not to have too much rum, this time.
Day 4: A Final Sunset and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last dip in the Indian Ocean. I'm starting to recognize some of the staff, and they greet me with smiles. Swimming is perfect. Reflecting on the trip. Man, I wish I never had to leave.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Last lunch at the beach restaurant. I eat the sea bass again (obviously). Savoring every bite. Doing some last-minute souvenir shopping. Buying ridiculous things that I'll probably never use, but that will remind me of this trip.
Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): The last sunset. I find a spot on the beach, and I watch the sun sink into the ocean, painting the sky in the most vibrant colors. I feel a mix of sadness and gratitude. This has been an experience. A messy, imperfect, sometimes-sunburnt, and utterly wonderful experience. I'll definitely be back. (As soon as I can afford it.) Flight back home. The end.
Okay, spill. Is Shangri-La Le Touessrok REALLY "paradise"? Because let's be real, Instagram lies.
Ugh, Instagram. The bane of my existence and the reason I spent a solid week questioning my life choices before this trip. Yes, the pictures are gorgeous. The water *is* that turquoise. The sand *is* offensively white. But "paradise"? Look, I’ve seen some… questionable things in the name of "paradise." Let's just say, it's the *potential* for paradise. Like, a really well-groomed puppy with a slight drool problem. It takes work to get to the good stuff.
There were moments, mind you. Like, the first time I stepped onto Ilot Mangenie, the private island. Pure, unadulterated bliss. But then the sand got *everywhere*. Seriously, in places I didn't think sand *could* go. And the tiny, annoying crabs? Those little buggers were relentless. So, paradise? Mostly. With a side of "damn you, nature!"
What's the vibe like? Is it all stuffy rich people flashing their Rolexes? Or can a regular human (with a questionable budget) survive?
Okay, I'm not going to lie. There ARE Rolexes. And designer sunglasses that probably cost more than my car. But! And this is a big but (pun intended, because, beach bods), it's not *all* stuffy. I saw people of all ages, sizes, and… well, levels of fanciness. The staff is genuinely lovely. Even if I accidentally spilled a drink on myself *twice* that day. (Don't judge me, humidity is a thing.)
The key is to embrace the "effortless" approach. Fake it 'til you make it, baby! Wear your most expensive (but still comfortable) swimsuit, walk with an air of confidence even if you’re secretly terrified of stepping on a sea urchin, and you'll fit right in. Honestly, the best part was watching the *really* well-heeled folks get just as annoyed by the sand as I did. Made me feel… normal.
Let's talk food. Is it worth the inevitable dent in your wallet? Specifically, the restaurants.
Alright, food. The eternal vacation dilemma. Some of the restaurants are… eye-wateringly expensive. Like, "should I sell a kidney?" expensive. But the quality? Usually top-notch. I'm a sucker for a good seafood platter. Did I order one? Yes. Did I regret it when the bill arrived? Maybe. But the taste of that grilled octopus? Worth it. (Don't tell my bank account.)
But here's my pro-tip: Don't be afraid to venture off-property. There are some amazing, more affordable options nearby. The local food scene is vibrant and delicious. You can definitely have amazing food experiences without taking out a mortgage. I will say this though, the breakfast buffet... that's where you want to go broke. Fresh fruit, pastries, omelets made to order... I'm drooling just thinking about it. (And yes, I may have *accidentally* eaten three croissants. Hush.)
Okay, seriously, Ilot Mangenie. Tell me ALL about it. I’m dreaming of it.
Ilot Mangenie… Oh, *Ilot Mangenie*. That was the thing that truly felt like paradise. (Mostly.) It's a private island accessible only to hotel guests. Pure, white sand, ridiculously clear water, palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze… It's the Instagram-worthy dream come to life.
The beach service is impeccable. You can order cocktails and snacks directly to your sun lounger (which is a luxury, I swear!). But here’s the reality check: While the sand is gorgeous, it's also HOT. Like, scorching-your-tootsies hot. Bring water shoes. Trust me. And those tiny crabs? They're *everywhere*. Seriously, they move like little ninjas. I spent a significant amount of time shrieking and trying to avoid them.
Also, the cocktails are amazing – but they sneak up on you. By 2 PM, I was questioning all life choices. In a good way, perhaps. The sun, the sand, the cocktails… it's a potent combination! Just, you know, pace yourself. Or don't. Your call.
Beyond Ilot Mangenie, what else is there to DO? I don't want to just sit on a beach (though, let's be real, I probably will).
Okay, beach bumming is a perfectly acceptable activity. In fact, I highly recommend it. But if you get restless (like I did, after approximately three hours), there's plenty to keep you occupied.
You can take a boat trip, snorkel (the coral reefs are breathtaking), windsurf, kayak, or just generally mess around in the water. I tried paddleboarding. Let's just say I spent more time in the water than on the board. There's also a spa (which, *swoon*), a golf course (which I didn't try, because, golf is hard), and various cultural excursions. I really wanted to see the Seven Coloured Earths. That's on my "next time" list.
Honestly, the hardest part is choosing. The sheer options are overwhelming. My advice? Don’t try to do *everything*. Relax, choose a few things that genuinely interest you, and let the rest go. You're on *vacation*, after all!
The staff. Are they as amazing as everyone says? Because sometimes "amazing" means "pretending to be amazing for tips."
Okay, I have to give the staff major props. They were genuinely lovely. Helpful, friendly, and went above and beyond to make you feel welcome. They remembered my name, my usual drink order (which may or may not have evolved over the course of the trip), and always had a smile.
Now, I’m not saying they're *perfect*. I mean, they work in hospitality, so they're probably trained to be super nice. But I genuinely felt that they wanted to make your stay memorable. There weren't any forced smiles or fake pleasantries. And that makes a huge difference. Tip generously, because these folks deserve it. And maybe, just maybe, you'll get an extra piece of that delicious mango sorbet. Just saying.
Any downsides? Be honest. It can't *all* be perfect.
Okay, yeah, it's not all sunshine and rainbows (though, there *is* a lot of sunshine).
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