Casuarina Resort and Spa

This is a great choice for a holiday in Mauritius. It is located in the north of the island and is the driest and warmest part of the island during their winter months. It is an hours drive from the airport. The hotel is located straight across the road from a beautiful beach. The beach has free to use sunbeds for guests of the hotel. There is also free use of kayaks, canoes and surf boards. There are some rocky areas as you walk in to the sea in places, so you should definitely wear beach shoes. There is also a beach bar which does cater for those on all inclusive to either collect or have drinks brought to you on the beach. I believe that this was sold to us as a four star hotel. But by other countries star rating I would say it is a three star hotel. The rooms are quite basic and I would describe them as a bit tired, but don’t let this put you off, you really should try this hotel. It won’t stop you from having a great time. The hotel is very clean and you will see staff all day long cleaning and tidying areas. The atmosphere is very relaxing and laid back. Mauritians are very friendly, welcoming and courteous people. The pool areas and bar are very relaxing, not the best for those who love to maximise their suntans, as there are sail type shades above every sunbed. Plus you are naturally in the shade by around three o’clock. But if a suntan is what is required you have the beach across the way. I would say that the pool and bar areas are not wheelchair or push chair friendly. There are gullies surrounding the pool area, which cause wheels to become lodged and difficult to get out off. Watched this for myself on more than one occasion. Every review for almost every hotel in the world will complain about the food. Brits love to complain about food as if they are gourmet experts. The truth is that the food here reflects their culture which is heavily curry influenced. For some countries this is great, but for us Brits this is nothing out of the ordinary as we can access curries anytime we like in our country. We were given a dining experience as part of our holiday package, and were both hoping for something other than curry by this time. So when we were given an Indian style starter followed by four different curry mains EACH, we were left feeling disappointed. There was enough food here for six people, and ultimately there was a lot of waste. But again don’t rule this place out, there are always other options. There are individual food stations cooking each night. It might be fish, octopus, tuna, lamb or beef. There was also pasta on a few nights. There are cold options as well. So don’t be put off. You will find something.

We stayed at the hotel for 1 week on an All-Inclusive board, and had a great time. The whole holiday was very relaxing and enjoyable.

This review is based on our All-inclusive experience.

We stayed in a superior room which was spacious, clean had plenty of storage. The air conditioning was good, the TV was large and WIFI good. There was also Tea & Coffee making facilities. Everyday our mini fridge was restocked with a large bottle of water and a small bottle of 7up and Pepsi. The bathroom had a great shower and there was always hot water. Towels changed daily.

The food at Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner was fabulous. Everything was fresh and had flavour. There was a good “English Style” and continental breakfast choice, with fresh egg station. Both Lunch and Dinner had a choice of curry dishes and there were other meats dishes and pasta. For desert there were small cakes and ice cream.

Between lunch and dinner there was afternoon “tea time’, where fresh crepes were made, and either samosas or spring rolls (rotating daily) and cakes. There was also a coffee machine.

The hotel’s gardens where well maintained and the beech was just across the road and had sun loungers. The hotel also offered free water activities to choose from, including glass bottom boat, paddle-boards and pedalos.

All the staff throughout the hotel were brilliant, polite and always on hand to help. We can’t praise them enough. The Entertainment team were always positive, the bar staff busy and the restaurant team fantastic, all working hard. Just a few mentions to make, Stephane, Anoushka, Loic, Youshi, Steeve, Roonal.

The only suggestion we could make is for the WIFI to have better range, for around the Pool and Beech area. But it is good within the rooms and inside the building space.

We would definitely recommend and return.