In case you missed Travel Diary 1 and Travel Diary 2.

25 February 2013:

Karolina and I woke up early and it’s still weird to think we are 2 hours ahead of South Africa. We were in the Long Beach Hotel gym at 7am, 5am SA time and burnt some calories, which in hindsight was very much needed for the day we had… We have been eating some of the most incredible food and while we have made some healthy choices, there has been a lot of food.

After gym, breakfast and a shower, we met our taxi driver in reception who was taking us to Le Touessrok hotel for the day.

We were welcomed with an ice cold towel and a delicious drink – the humidity is on about 85-90%.

Prithee, the Sales Co-Ordinator met us and took us on a tour of the resort. Le Touessrok has been going strong for 34 years and it certainly has that luxurious island resort feel to it, while still being warm and welcoming. The views are absolutely breathtaking and I was having a field day with my camera.

We were taken on a tour of the hotel and saw the 2 pools – the Main Pool and the Frangipani pool, which is the “Quiet Zone” pool for over 16’s only.

The children have their own club called The Tea Club. They can spend hours playing, putting on shows on their own little stage, having cooking lessons in their own kitchen and they have their own life guarded pool.

We were shown a Base/standard room, which is spacious and has the most wonderful view of the ocean.

There are 3 restaurants… The Main Restaurant where you can eat breakfast and dinner called: Three Nine Eight.

Safran, the Indian restaurant only open for dinner and Barlen’s Restaurant, which is on the beach and is open for lunch and dinner. It is named after the current Restaurant Manager, Barlen who has loyally been with the group for so long, the owners decided to honour him in naming the restaurant after him.

Ilot Mangenie is a private island that has an open kitchen where you can enjoy lunch and sun tan. Il aux Cerf has 2 restaurants and a market for all your shopping desires.

 It was so peaceful and sophisticated. I loved the beautiful smells as you entered each room and the chic designs on the wall panels.

 There is also a fitness area and gym overlooking the Frangipani pool.

Prithee took us to our Superior room we would be using and Karolina and I couldn’t stop gushing the view. A 180 degree expanse of turquoise water and the sound of little waves crashing onto the rocks below.

After an amazing tour of the hotel, Karolina and I changed into our bikini’s and decided to hit the beach!

The main beach has 3 floating platforms with deckchairs and umbrellas. It’s first come first serve and it’s magical. We decided to swim out to the one that was unoccupied and we lay in the sun while the platform gently bobbed. I love that feeling.

When we finally looked at the time, we realised we needed to be on the boat to get to Ilot Mangenie.

The turquoise water is never done any justice in photo’s, but you get the idea! Breathtaking!

Upon arriving, we were greeted with a cold towel, a sunglasses clean and a spritz of water to our face.

To be perfectly honest, I saw how basic the set up was on the Island and was expecting a lunch of basic snacks. Here is a classic case of “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”

The service was impeccable and Karolina even said she wanted to give our waiters a hug because they were so warm, funny and friendly.

We ordered the Red Snapper with vegetables and I have to say, this was one of the best meals I have had in a VERY long time (and we are eating some incredible food!)

Put it this way… It takes a LOT for K and I to be silent. We literally sat in silence, eating and every now and then saying how delicious/incredible/wonderful/insert adjective here the food was.

We were so full, but Robinson our waiter insisted we have the Banana Flambee for dessert… He has one of those friendly faces you can’t say no to.

I’m so glad we didn’t. Yet again, one of the best desserts I’ve had in a while.

I was craving my Vanilla Tea, so we headed off to Barlen’s, where they served us tea on the beach with scones.

All Disney Princesses are surrounded by birds… K and I had, what felt like, our very own “Disney moment.”

 After our tea, we decided to walk along the beach … It was such a tranquil afternoon.

We went back to our hotel room to get ready for dinner. We were nearly late for our dinner with  Prithee, but I blame it on the moon. It was such a stunning sight to see a full moon light up the ocean the way it did. I tried to photograph it, but it does it no justice.

We met Prithee at Barlen’s for dinner and everyone is so amazingly warm and friendly. I know I say this often, but it really stands out.

Yes, I know it’s the hospitality industry, but there is also a sense of pride amongst the Mauritians. I really believe they have such good hearts and it comes across.

We were given a selection of sushi and a seafood Miso soup … Everything is so incredibly fresh here, it melts in your mouth.