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Framed by dramatic volcanic peaks and near the calm waters of an Indian Ocean lagoon, this Flic en Flac resort affords standout Creole delicacies and characterful lodging
Location
La Pirogue is situated within the seaside city of Flic en Flac on the west coast of Mauritius, about an hour’s drive from the island’s worldwide airport. From right here, the shoreline appears out towards the gorgeous Le Morne mountain, which dominates the island’s southwest peninsula. As soon as a sleepy fishing outpost, the spot is now a chief stretch of beachfront actual property and one of the sought-after places on the island.
The drive from the airport will take you previous Hindu temples, mosques, church buildings and eating places starting from Chinese language and Creole to Indian and French. The realm is surrounded by volcanic mountains and plush greenery.
Learn extra: That is what it’s like to remain within the 4 Seasons Mauritius after its in depth renovation
The vibe
From the second you arrive at La Pirogue, you’re feeling as if you’ve wandered right into a tropical-themed fairytale. This isn’t a slick, ultra-minimalist resort. It leans into native character with volcanic rock and thatched roofed cottages which can be formed just like the sails of a standard pirogue boat, whereas winding paths take you thru coconut groves.
In case you momentarily overlook the paradise wherein you’re fortunate sufficient to be staying, the quite a few illustrated “Watch out for falling coconuts” indicators function a mildly ominous reminder. When darkness hits, the resort swaps daytime lounging for charming night leisure that brings the seaside to life with soulful native music and fire-lit Sega dancing.
Service
I discovered myself on wonderful phrases with the beachside crew, who have been a dependable barometer for the resort’s true persona. They have been real, welcoming and beneficiant with their Mauritian hospitality, like the entire employees on the resort. There’s a laidback sincerity to how they function. They may get you a golf buggy you again to your room when you’re feeling lazy post-dinner or drop spherical a cocktail as you’re preparing pre-dinner.
The crew organized a breakfast served on a wood boat moored within the shallows. Dipping your toes within the water whereas sipping a cappuccino on deck is a superb, theatrical contact. However general, the service is extra about making you’re feeling at house than wowing you with bells and whistles.
Mattress and bathtub
With 248 rooms and suites in whole, the resort affords a variety of lodging, together with backyard bungalows dealing with the ocean and intimate seaside pavilions. Whereas none have a personal pool, when you’re seeking to go prime finish, the Duke of Edinburgh Suite comes with its personal seaside gazebo and 24-hour butler service.
All rooms are beneficiant in dimension, snug and thoughtfully appointed. They provide all-important air-con and ceiling followers, speedy wifi and a tasteful mixture of rustic and fashionable textures.
Loos are spacious, with most providing a shower, separate walk-in bathe and twin basins.
Learn extra: This Mauritius resort has a floating restaurant above a nature-filled lagoon
Foods and drinks
Eating right here is closely anchored in Creole heritage. At Wolmar, the open-plan buffet is a vibrant providing of worldwide cooking stations. Go for a Spanish omelette from the egg station alongside some freshly baked pastries for breakfast, and within the night tuck into native delicacies together with octopus stew with inexperienced papaya or genuine dry beef curry.
The standout for informal eating is the beachside Coconut Cafe, which dishes out genuine native avenue meals alongside wood-fired pizzas proper subsequent to the infinity pool. If you would like a break from the native rum infusions served underneath the thatched roof of the Medine Bar, the Van Der Stel Wine Bar is to not be missed.
It affords greater than 60 completely different vintages by the glass, full with a resident sommelier readily available to advocate the right pairing for a night cheeseboard. Staying right here additionally grants you a passport to dine on the upscale eating places of sister resort Sugar Seaside proper subsequent door.
At Wolmar, and throughout the entire resort, you’ll discover choices to go well with most dietary necessities, from plant-based dishes to Halal, vegetarian, and vegan choices.
Services
Wellness at La Pirogue centres across the nature-nested Glow Spa, which affords historic therapeutic massage rituals and an genuine hammam remedy. There’s additionally a fitness center and common yoga lessons that will help you discover your vacation rhythm.
On the waterfront, you’ll be able to strive kayaking, paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat rides and even crusing. For divers, the on-site Padi centre is a gateway to the coral-rich lagoon; and land lubbers profit from wonderful tennis courts and seaside volleyball services.
For extra mild splashing about, La Pirogue has two out of doors swimming swimming pools: a big central lagoon-style infinity pool, and a smaller devoted kids’s pool. Visitors even have shared entry to the swimming pools at neighbouring Sugar Seaside.
Learn extra: This Mauritius resort boasts a number of the finest sunsets on the island
Household-friendly?
Completely. There’s the Solar Children’ Membership for youngsters aged two to 11 (complimentary and open each day from 9:30am to 10pm) and the Teenagers’ Membership, every working each day programmes. Household bungalows interconnect, providing each shared area and loads of privateness.
Pet coverage
The resort doesn’t permit guests to deliver pets. In case you’re travelling with an authorized service animal you’ll be able to contact the resort administration straight earlier than reserving with the intention to confirm their particular lodging guidelines.
Accessibility
The resort options 4 accessible rooms with tailored loos that includes roll-in showers. Within the wider grounds, the property supplies accessible parking, step-free entry to main services, lifts and flat paths to navigate the tropical gardens and beachside.
Test-in/check-out
Normal check-in at La Pirogue is from 2pm, and check-out is by 12 midday.
At a look
Neatest thing: The beachfront bungalows. Someway conventional and high-end, you’re feeling like Robinson Crusoe if he’d washed ashore into the lap of a four-star luxurious resort.
Good for: Individuals searching for understated luxurious with a mixture of laidback seaside time and water actions.
Not proper for: Anybody searching for hyper-modern design or extremely formal, white-glove service.
Instagram from: Within the shallows of the lagoon by the resort’s uncrowded stretch of seaside, wanting in direction of Le Morne.
Deal with: Royal Street, Wolmar, Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius
Web site: yoursunlife.com
Telephone: +230 403 3900
Learn extra: The Oberoi Seaside Resort, Mauritius, resort assessment
George was a visitor of La Pirogue.
