Finding Tropical Perfection: A Review of Maradiva & Sands Suites, Mauritius

When you’re in the mood for loveliness, there really is nothing nicer than a luxury holiday on a gorgeous tropical island paradise.

Out of all the fantastic islands you could possibly choose, there is one in particular I would thoroughly recommend. Stands beak and feathers above the others. Mainly because it is the island of the dodo. Mauritius. 

Reason I love it quite so much, by the way, is because it has every single thing you could possibly desire for a holiday made in heaven.

The weather is kind, the scenery is superb and the beaches are beautiful beyond belief. The food’s pretty amazing too. Only problem, is working out which fantastic hotel to stay at.

Luckily, I’ve got just the answer. In fact, I’ve got two. 

They’re both in the top five of super duper, staytastic, luxury resorts on the island, which is nice. They’re also both on the western side of the island, which means they get the best of the weather. Which is nicer.

But best of all, they are the only places in the top five that are family owned and run. Boy does it show. Staying with either one of them gives you a real taste of the very best that Mauritian hospitality has to offer.

Each one, awesome in their very own way.. But before getting too carried away, let’s get down to some hard facts.

We took a direct flight from Gatwick, leaving in the afternoon, arriving on Mauritius in the early morning. A delightful drive in a very posh car took us to our first resort, where the friendly staff greeted us with cool hand towels, warm smiles and a tasty welcome drink.

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

Was so postcard perfect and picturesque, that when we were sitting in reception, I actually had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

A golf buggy then carried us past pretty palm trees, colourful gardens and the tiny tropical forest glades that throng the resort, before stopping in front of our beachside villa.

The Villa Experience

Everyone gets their own villa here. An incredible, tropical island hideaway, complete with your very own private, swimming pool.

With plenty of outside space to while away the hours, and the soft sandy beach just a few steps away through the trees.

We went for a two roomed villa, each bedroom a self contained work of art. Combining luxury, decadent delights and sweet perfection in every detail.

The bedroom was enormous, half filled by a dreamy double bed, whilst the substantial dressing room was an unexpected bonus.

The equally enormous bathroom was immaculate. With double sinks, huge bath and not one, but two drenching showers. One inside, one outside. I loved them both!

Fine Dining and Japanese Flames

There are a selection of amazing food places to choose from.

With several varieties of top tier cuisine on offer; Japanese, Indian and Beach Grill, giving you oodles of choice.

Our first night, we had an amazing Indian meal, next night we went to Haiku, one of two Japanese restaurants in the resort.

We sat and watched as the talented chef cooked up some outstanding Japanese dishes right in front of our eyes.

Seeing flames light up the room was the perfect way to prepare ourselves for the food. Which looked every bit as good as it tasted.

An Oasis of Calm: The Ayurvedic Spa

The spa is a must visit. An oasis of quiet calm and relaxation, offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

We went for a consultation with Dr Nair, who after a short talk with each of us, took our pulses, then gave us an impressive analysis of our lifestyle choices and fitness.

After which, we had an Ayurvedic massage. They were incredible. A magical carpet ride of bliss, above and beyond any massage you can imagine.

To say they were sublime would be an understatement. If you should happen to visit, you absolutely have to give this spa a go. It’s awesome. 

Authentic Cookery Lessons

The chef that impressed us so much with his skills at the Japanese restaurant also offered cookery lessons.

We went along, learnt how to make authentic Mauritian food and had the best time. Ending up by eating the delicious chicken curry we had helped cook. 

Around The Resort

As well as the food, the spa, the gorgeous beach and the finely manicured grounds, there are also the usual suspects onsite.

A fitness centre, watersport’s centre and tennis courts. In short, if you wanted to spend the entire holiday in the resort, I really wouldn’t blame you.

Exploring the Island: Black River Gorge and Beyond

One day we took a tour of the southern part of the island. Was worth it just for the car, a top notch, electric BMW that was the last word in comfort.

It took us to a volcanic crater, some wonderful waterfalls and a national park, complete with seven coloured earths. Along the way, we stopped to admire the Black River Gorge.

A superb scenic wonderland, which looks like something out of Jurassic Park. Gorgeous.

Sands Suites Resort & Spa

Maradiva Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a holiday filled with peace, quiet and alone time together.

But if you’re looking for more of a beach fun break vibe, their sister site next door, Sands Suites Resort & Spa, is the place to be.

We transferred across for a few nights and had a stonkingly good time. Absolutely loved it.

The suites themselves are arranged in tall, elegant, thatched beach houses, laid out in a horseshoe. Each and every one facing the sea, with superb views of the waves rolling over the distant reef. 

Sea-Facing Suites

Our suite was a ground floor twin with lots of living space, a big bright bathroom and a walk in closet affair for clothes and whatnots.

The beds were comfy as cotton candy clouds, the bathroom was a joy to use, but the star of the show was definitely the spacious balcony.

The perfect place to sip a sundowner, stretch out and soak up the sunshine or just enjoy those luscious sea views. Fantastic.

Island Flavours and Generous Portions

There were three rather tasty eating establishments, first one we tried was the Pink Peppercorn, a beach front restaurant which specialised in Mauritian dishes.

Every mouthful was a mighty symphony to island living done right. Next day we moved onwards and upwards to the restaurant beside it, Spice, which was even better.

We also went along to The Tamarind for breakfast every morning. One thing they all had in common was excellent flavours, enormous portions and endless smiles from the cheerful staff.

Spa Treatments and Sundowners

As you might expect with such a top notch venue, there was an equally top notch spa. Another oasis of tranquility and peace.

We both went for one of their sixty minute, full body massages. Which were sublime. Just like everything else at this resort, they were off the scale. Sensational. 

The Resort Vibe and Mixology

The beating heart of the place was centred around the bar. With plenty of spaces to sit in sunshine (or shade)  and plenty of entertainment on offer.

You could either sit and enjoy a view of the beach, sit and savour the silence, or, during the evening, sit and enjoy the sounds of the nightly shows. 

Naturally, there were cocktails on offer too. They were so superb, we even signed up for a mixologist master class, to learn just how the bar staff went about their mysterious business.

Best thing was, we got to drink the results of our labours. Who knew Lychee Martinis were a thing? Not me, that’s for sure. Cheers!

Ocean Encounters: Swimming with Sperm Whales

You can book excursions with the hotel, so we chose to swim with dolphins.

When we got out to sea on the boat, the captain couldn’t find any dolphins that day, but what he did find was even better.

A pod of sperm whales, which rose to the surface in pairs to take enormous gulps of air before sinking back out of sight.

Must say, it was an intense and touching experience. As was the excellent BBQ lunch we had on a nearby island. Really was the perfect way to spend another day in paradise.

Conclusion: Two Distinct Flavours of Holiday Perfection

We went in search of holiday perfection and have to say, we found it, in two very distinct and delicious flavours.

The Maradiva Villa was flawless, just the ticket for some indulgent downtime. Allowing us to recharge our batteries and soak up the beach side solitude. 

Whilst the Sands Suite was the ultimate in upmarket friendliness. A space filled with smiling faces, good vibrations and enough going on to keep the good times coming right up until it was time to go home.

If you’re looking for sun, sea, sand and superb memories, these might just be the best two places to begin your search.