Cool evenings at Ambre offer time to appreciate life

The flight on Air Mauritius only lasted about four hours, but Mauritius is two hours ahead of South Africa, so it feels longer. Luckily the Air Mauritius staff was very attentive and friendly so the flight itself was very pleasant. (Air Mauritius also offers direct flights to and from Shanghai and Beijing, see below).

The air is pungent with that typically tropical bougainvillea aroma and before we know it, Jimmy from Summertime Transfers, organized by World Leisure Holidays, has us seated in his comfortable, air-conditioned van and we make our way through the dark night. The streets are narrow and deserted as we catch a glimpse of a beautiful temple every once in a while. Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent. The area of the country is 2,040 square km and the capital is Port Louis. The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural; most Mauritians are multilingual, and English, French, Creole and Asian languages are spoken, which makes it popular with European and Asian tourists.

Endless beach We finally arrive at our home for the next few days–Long Beach Hotel. The hotel takes my breath away. The design is like nothing I have ever seen. My brother–an architect –would call it "brutalism".

It is situated on the edge of one of the Island's longest, widest and most beautiful natural beaches. The design and architecture are contemporary and chic, built around the concept of "Italian life." The lively central Square has an air of the Dolce Vita, the real heart of the hotel, surrounded by restaurants, bars and boutiques. We have a late dinner from the Italian buffet and are shown to our room, an ultra-modern luxury suite. The hotel has 255 rooms, stylishly arranged in three semi-circles. Each room has a view of the Indian Ocean and each has the advantage an average 109 square meters of beach space. Their contemporary design and refined furnishings are in perfect harmony with the apple green, coral red, white and ash grey hues of the décor.

Each room in this new five star hotel in Mauritius is equipped with a mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities. Each bathroom has a shower, a bath as well as a separate WC.

We are lulled to sleep to the softly breaking waves, meters from us. The next day reveals the hotel in all its glory. After a scrumptious breakfast, including delicacies like Marlin Carpaccio and Chinese dish stew, our charming host Poojah shows me around the grounds. We visit the spa, the kids club as well as the very modern and well-equipped gym. I then explore the extensive, majestic pool area on my own and marvel at the "day beds" built into the pools.

After a wonderful dip in the calm, warm seas I have an afternoon snooze and then it's off to a back and neck massage at Sea Spa. A haven with lava rock walls, surrounded by serene waters, Sea Spa is situated away from the more lively parts of the hotel so as to preserve the tranquillity of the place. I almost fall asleep but its time for a shower and then we are off to dinner.

Long Beach prides itself on its fresh produce and exquisite flavours: Italian, French and Mauritian cuisine combine with the perfumes of Asia and flavours are fused with the lively rhythms of show kitchens. We meet assistant manager Daren at the Shores Bar for pre-dinner cocktails and then decide on the Chinese restaurant, quaintly named Chopsticks, for dinner. Our starter of marinated jellyfish is delectable and the sweet and sour main of pork and fried rice is some of the best I've ever had. The desert is the pièce de résistance – homemade rice pudding ice cream accompanies an egg tartlet with a shot glass of mixed fruit – truly stunning! Half-board here includes breakfast and dinner but excludes lunch and all beverages. But beware! The drinks are unbelievably – and in my view, unnecessarily - expensive.

Multi activities A dance show commences after dinner in the Square with wonderful lighting and ambience. Long Beach offers an array of entertainment options at night including bands, dancers and a nightclub.

The next morning after breakfast, we go for a quick ride in the glass-bottomed boat and marvel at the different species of fish–the afternoon snorkeling in the reef is excellent and gives us an even closer view of the beautiful coral and the schools of fish and sea life.