We were on a Full-Board bases which was great as we could enjoy their lovely light lunches round the pool with a cold beer from our mini bar or pool bar.

A delicious chicken and veg curry presented in these sweet and authentic looking little tins.

Chilling just outside our room.

1 of the 4 pools. Relax round it with a cocktail or find out when their next water aerobics class is The hotel also has a spa, and oh – a little reminder about the Mini Club should you need to drop the kids there first!

One of my favourite moments, albeit sad to leave, 5am (3am S.A. time) before catching our flight home – this very still, beautiful bay had me longing to come back.

Zilwa also has a chain of different hotels – so check them out here should you want to explore other parts of the island etc

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Whether you want to delve into traditional Indian delights or enjoy a more modern take – there are two parts to this enticing menu. What’s even better, is we tried the Chef Faizan Special Set Menu so we could sample a little of everything – accompanied with a beautiful wine pairing – from local S.A. favourites to a delicate french rose and more – I put banting back in its box for a couple of hours

While we waited to go through the menu and order drinks – a delicious and more-ish selection of chutneys and papadums were bought to enjoy! The whole experience felt like a real treat! Just the most beautiful and romantic setting. See the full menu here.

Pitty about the bad weather in this shot – but we so enjoyed meals at La Terrase each day – a full on breakfast spread is laid out each morning (Harry went nuts for their thick, decadent slices of french toast!!) and we enjoyed a wonderful seafood buffet the one evening. Enjoy lunch around the pool or at the pool bar and bliss out under the palms.

The One and Only Le Saint Géran is geared for relaxation – you really need not lift a finger while you’re there. From a sunglasses cleaning service to unpacking your bags for you to planning excursions, the service is fantastic!

I was left with this beautiful coffee table book – again, they always went the extra mile – I shall have to attempt some of the recipes inside, but it will certainly be on my coffee table holding fond memories.

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The one day I was so thankful for rain on the Island, was my spa day! Relaxing to the sounds of the rain, forced to be inside – I had the most magical experience, but little did I know, back outside!

After enjoying the steam room & sauna, I relaxed in the chill out area over looking this magnificent pool and view while I waited for my treatment – (so it’s a bonus to arrive early). I loved the different flavoured water available for what ever you mood you were in. (unwind, restore etc) I just closed my eyes and relaxed, it really is a treat just to be quiet.

Walking to my treatment room was like walking through a rain forest (And rain it did) Amongst the lush vegetation running between the hotel, awaits The Garden Spa Pavilion. Enjoy a private or couples massage or an array of other decadent treatments. I so loved the natural sweet fragrance in the air, the breeze on my skin and sound of the pouring rain while I enjoyed my treatment. No pan pipes, no aircon or staff/guests chatting outside your room. Absolute bliss!

Oh, and the massage was also fantastic! My therapist really got stuck into my shoulders where I needed it most. Amazing!

After my spa treatment I was off to the exclusive Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez. now If you’ve not heard of or had a Banstien Pedi – let me tell you it’s like no other pedi you’ve experienced! (So special it’s separate from the spa – an entity on it’s own!) Overlooking the resort and beach – palm trees in abundance – I relaxed (again!) and watch the magic, or should I say transformation, unveil.

I was surprised to have a guy attend to my feet – but when you see all the little, what look like power drills and precision involved, it kind of makes sense in a way Toes and feet are buffed and polished till ones toes are literally sparkling – you can get your toes painted but I think you’d want to leave your feet natural for a while, they’re just so perfect afterwards. (See here for more in-depth detail about Bastien Gonzalez treatments- AND, if you’re not headed for Mauritius anytime soon – you can the Bastien experience in Cape Town!)

Perfection! A serious treat to experience both the Spa & Bastien Gonzalez Studio – dinner awaits in part 3! xx

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We had a beautiful view of the ample palm trees and beach from our Junior Beachfront Suite- setting the scene for a relaxing holiday.

Complimentary With Your Stay:
• Welcome cocktail
• Welcome Mauritian Rum set up in the Suite
• Welcome Gift for the guests, including children and babies
• Butler service
• A selection of fresh fruits daily
• Unpacking and Packing of luggage
• A selection of teas and Nespresso coffee
• Pillow, Soap, and Fragrance menu
• Themed nightly turndown amenity
• A selection of soft drinks from the refreshment centre to be consumed in the Suite or villa only
• Garment pressing service upon arrival, one per guest
• Laundry for children aged 2 and under
• Baby convenience items available upon request
• WiFi Access

We had so much fun in the evenings making up our own rum cocktail from the in-suite rum station.

The resort is big enough including the golf course to go for a nice run, but there are an array of complimentary activities such as water-skiing, Hobie Cats, kayaks, snorkeling, glass bottom boat trips, tennis, golf and more. Also offered complimentary access to a dynamic KidsOnly Club for all children ages 3 to 11 years. Read my kid friendly review here. Excursions can also be arranged for you – see here. 

Loved the little touches like the his & hers gifts, a bottle of wine to enjoy and treats for the kids. One feels thought of and the staff are super attentive. A favourite in the evenings was with the “Turn Down” service – you could select a fragrance to be burnt in your room – from something calming to unwinding or up-lifting.

Watch out for Part 2 & 3 to see what else we got up to.

p.s. Those Louboutins

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(Dress: Poetry)

Ooh a girls dream come true – massive bathroom with clothing rails and storage to unpack properly, deep bath tub, shower and vanity. After a long day traveling, the huge bed was heavenly too. (Complimentary bottled water is available in the rooms as you cannot drink the water – and wifi! Although one should really take the opportunity to switch off in such magnificent surroundings ! !)

The resort has has 61 spacious suites and 17 beachfront Villas.

The grounds are lush, tropical and quiet – making walking back to ones room a treat for the senses as you enjoy the sweet aroma in the air. Luckily there are golf carts if you experience the odd downpour as we did, due to the passing tropical cyclone earlier in the week.

I mentioned the awesome time we had at The Rum Shed, But Shanti has 6 restaurants to suit any style, and you can arrange picnics on the beach if you feel for a more private and relaxed experience. We unfortunately didn’t get to do The Fish Shack but how amazing does that look. I kept saying to my husband, imagine a wedding here! Dine under the stars at the Fish Shack and after party at The Rum Shed! We did however also enjoy a beautiful 3 course meal at Pebbles ( This restaurant is Included in the half board package – the crispy crab starter a favourite) and where you enjoy a beautiful a la carte menu for breakfast each morning.

At your leisure there is a Spa, Yoga, meditation and a fitness centre. A walk down the long, pristine white beach will do the trick too. Zen! There’s a wide variety of free water sports and the hotel can arrange activities such as shopping trips, nature walks, quad biking and more.

We had a magical time at Shanti Maurice – a super spot for couples or families. (For more on the kid friendly vibes, read here!)

For more information – visit http://www.shantimaurice.com.

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Catch a golf cart or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens – down this beautiful lane, to enjoy a true Mauritian experience. A surprise awaits.

Experience a delicious complimentary rum cocktail on arrival – followed with locally inspired, tappas styled starter and barbecue to follow.

So tasty! Chilli bites, fish spring rolls and spicy chicken wings to name a few of the authentic starters. Loved the mini barbecue placed on our table warming fish, crayfish and barbecued chicken. As the last light fades, welcome the sound of live local-music, fire pits and ample stars.

This really was a high light of our trip. So much fun – could of had even more fun if we didn’t have to put a baby to bed – next time we’ll take advantage of the baby sitting service! xx

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We spend out first morning on the beach, enjoying the refreshing drinks bought to us from the little beach-hydration-station and the boys enjoyed some of the free water activities. Rolo, the guy managing the activities is such a cool dude, so eager to get you on the water and help out in any way he can.

Loved the rustic & authentic decor that tied in and around the hotel as you’l see in my next post.

Above and below, the view from the main restaurant where breakfast is served each morning. The staff were delightful and cooed over Harry. So sweet. 

I’m not a water person, but lived in this pool. With the humidity and warm water, it’s just so pleasant. A great work out can be had in this expansive pool, with loads of little nooks for chilling out in. After our first day we said we’d felt like we’d been here a week already. Instantly relaxed and happy and pinching ourselves. Shanti Maurice is what holiday’s are made of!

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1.) Knomad for iPad Mini (With Power Pack) – a fabulous travel organiser that charges your iPad & iPhone on the go!

2.) Moisture Kick Spray(& Leave in) Conditioner by Schwarzkopf - The perfect beach bag essential. Restore moisture to your hair after a dip.

3.) Keep lips & eyes hydrated on the plane with an added anti-aging boost with a creamy tube (always love product in tubes for traveling) of Sorbet Age Effect Lip & Eye Serum. 

4.) Whether you’re taking advantage of the resort gym or catching up on some glossies by the pool – love your ears with Urbanears Headphones.

5.) What’s a holiday without a new bikini. Loving the structured, neoprene trend from Bikini Club.

6.) Keeping my beauty bits safely together in my island-themed, make-up bag from Zana Products.

7.) Highlight a golden tan with Palmers Coco Butter Body Gloss – rich, moisturising and leaves your skin luminous.

8.) Keep bugs at bay with Oh-Lief Natural Olive Insect Balm. The best insect repellent out there if you ask me. I’d happily wear this fragrant balm daily!

9.) Lip balm; a beach bag & holiday have-to-have! Have fun with these juicy, fruit fragranced, Eos Lip Balms. They fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, bursting with delicious fragrances. So much fun & something a little different.

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Above images: Shanti Maurice Below: One & Only Le Saint Géran 

Below, Zilwa Attitude 

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xx 

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