Superb setting, pleasant hotel:

We (my husband, my son – 14 years – and myself) spent six days in this hotel, and this already for the second time (we had been there five years ago). We were delighted that several improvements had been taken place over those years.

First of all, the general service level had been enhanced, we think this is due to the fact that the bigger part of the employees come from Mauritius where a high standard of service is common. Furthermore, the quality of the food was much better than five years ago (we especially liked the restaurant „The Seahorse“ where they serve a combination of French and local food). Finally, daily activities such as hiking tours or trips by bicycle were arranged (we appreciated Wesley very much who was in charge of these activities and tennis lessons).

The hotel is very nicely situated on Anse Kerlan



and on Petite Anse Kerlan



and there is even a third beach (Anse Georgette)



where you can go by feet (a walk of about 20 minutes, but please note that’s slightly strenuous because it’s usually hot and very humid) or by buggy. On the grounds of the hotel there is a well laid out golf course (we don’t play golf so we can’t comment about it).

We had made sure that we were in a junior suite (actually we needed two of them because our son wasn’t allowed to stay in our room but they offer competitive rates for such arrangements) near the pool and the main beach to prevent us from long walks (the accommodations are fare-scattered). The junior suites have an adequate size, also the bathrooms are spacious, overall they are not exactly luxurious but nice enough.

Breakfast is served in the restaurant „The Seahorse“. You have a good selection of all the current breakfast items, in addition there is a station where they prepare different egg dishes and one which offers freshly done crepes and pancakes, also there is a staff member who slices fresh fruit, a good idea that I have so far not encountered anywhere else. As far as dinner is concerned, we liked the above mentioned restaurant „The Seahorse“. The main restaurant („The Legend“) offers daily changing menus such as an Indian one or a local one (we tried bat, quite an extraordinary experience), which were nice, the beach grill is also good, but a bit cramped (we preferred to be there during the day because of fewer people and the stupendous view).

All in all, we liked to stay at Lemuria. A tip: Borrow some bicycles at the hotel (for free) and make a tour along the coast. There is not much traffic and the terrain is even, furthermore you have terrific views of the coastline. (Don’t do such things in Mahé because there is much more traffic, the roads are narrow and the terrain is hilly!)

Date of stay: October 2008

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My husband, my son (14 years) and myself spent just under a week there and we loved it. The location is hardly to beat: The hotel is situated on one of the most beautiful beaches I know, but be beware of the rough sea, it’s only suitable for very good swimmers.



The individual villas are far-scattered in the nicely landscaped grounds. You really are in a need of the buggy service, especially if you are accommodated in a villa on the hillside as we were.

We chose the least expensive room (and that isn’t cheap at all), the villa on the rocks (on the hillside).



You get a bungalow of your own that is usually situated very secluded with a small infinity pool,



a nice outdoor living area



and a great view of the beach.



The indoor room itself is okay but nothing special, however the bathroom is quite extraordinary with a shower overlooking the surroundings,



but don’t worry, normally nobody can watch you while showering; by the way this is the same when having a bath in your swimming pool! All in all, you really get a superb accommodation. During turn down service they leave different goodies, really a nice touch.

As far as the food is concerned we tried all three restaurants. We especially liked Chez Lamar (great atmosphere by the pond and local food), Saffron, the Thai restaurant, was also nice (but we didn’t like the buffet that they offer once a week), also the main restaurant (with a Swiss cook) was good. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant where you can choose from a rather small buffet (unfortunately there are no fruits on it) and you can order from a menu with a wide choice.



Service is usually not to be criticized, first of all in the bar. Also you will be pampered when being in the (small) pool area (chilled towels, iced water, cooling spray and drops), they also offer you to provide deck chairs on the beach. Once we were invited to a drink with the management and got to know the manager of the hotel, a German, and had several pleasant chats.

When staying here you have to be aware of the fact that you are literally „in a gilded cage“, meaning you can’t go for a walk outside the hotel as it is very secluded. You have to rent a car to see the island’s highlights. I wouldn’t recommend neither trips by bus (it’s quite a walk to the bus stop) or by bicycle (too strenuous and too dangerous).

In case you look for a less isolated hotel, I suggest that you are going to one of those in the Beau Vallon area but they are not as exclusive as the Banyan Tree Hotel!

Date of stay: October 2008

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