Villavague

We had a superb two-week family stay with 17 people. The garden is magnificent, with tucked-away spots for privacy and relaxing, and the pool was especially nice with children or at the end of the day. The rooms are spacious and generally well equipped, though a few could do with updating. Cherlaine managed the property and was attentive and quick to respond both before and during our stay. She's a good person to contact about arranging excursions or events. Breakfast was included, simple but very good. We also enjoyed the excellent traditional Mauritian meals available with half-board. The location may not be the island's best, but with a rental car or a driver-guide service by car or bus, it's easy to get to the attractions, including dolphins, islet tours, the capital and rum distilleries. Dodo Market is a small supermarket about a 5-minute walk away, with plenty for meals and snacks as well as souvenirs. La Murène, next to the market, serves typical dishes at reasonable prices. There's also a little souvenir shop nearby. Prices aren't displayed, so remember to haggle.

Albion is a convenient base for getting to Port Louis, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes and Flic en Flac. It's a decent 3-star hotel, and breakfast was generally good. The bed in the Coco Superior Room was too hard, though, so watch out for back pain. There was no reception on Sundays, which meant checking emails to find out how to check back. It's a good compromise if you want a well-located hotel. Bring cash to pay the bill, as the exchange rate and fees add another €20.

Without Prisca, Djennia, Isabelle and Cherlaine doing their best to make our stay pleasant, this would have been a 1 at most. The hotel clearly wasn't ready to host guests in proper conditions. Delayed, ambitious renovations had turned what should have been an idyllic place into a huge construction site. Nothing outside was finished, and we walked over construction debris, including cigarette butts and bottle caps. During our 15-day vacation, the owners, Kristel, never told us about the work or offered a refund for the many inconveniences. The renovations also meant we regularly had no hot water, and sometimes no water at all. Avoid this place this year. Make sure the renovations are finished first, because the location and the people are worth it. The island itself is magnificent, and Mauritians are lovely, kind and peaceful.

The breakfast was truly delicious and made fresh to order, and the pool is lovely, surrounded by flowers and fruit trees. The staff were warm, welcoming, accommodating and attentive. A lovely hotel.