This resort is an absolute insider tip in Africa: an island off the coast of Mozambique with majestic sand dunes rolling gently into the blue ocean on one side and dense green palm trees on the other side of the island. The Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort in Mozambique is a unique hotel with an even more unique location for an unforgettable trip! Find out in this hotel review whether this resort the right choice for you!

My review of the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resorts in Mozambique

Location & Accessibility

Where exactly is the resort located?

The Anantara Bazaruto Resort is located in the south of Mozambique – a destination that very few of us have on our minds when we think of a vacation with “sun, palm trees and sea”. Even though this destination has all that and so much more to offer.

The Anantara is located on the island of Bazaruto, the main island of the archipelago with the same name: the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. This protected area consists of five islands and numerous sandbanks in an incredibly diverse ecosystem. It is a true paradise for snorkeling and diving.

How to get to the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort?

Bazaruto is located off the coast of Mozambique, in the south of the country. Unlike the north of Mozambique, the south is very quiet, politically stable and safe. The nearest airport is the one of the coastal town Vilanculos (VNX). We combined our visit to the resort with a longer trip to Africa and therefore took the short flight to Vilanculos from Johannesburg (JNB) in South Africa which is a common route to get here.

At the small airport, we were greeted directly by the Anantara team and driven through the small village to the beach in an open off-road vehicle. Here we boarded a small speedboat and traveled for around 45 minutes across the turquoise-blue water to the resort, where we received a traditional welcome.

Alternatively, the resort also offers a more comfortable transfer from the airport by helicopter. This costs around EUR 200 more than the regular transfer, is much quicker and offers a great view of Bazaruto National Park from the air!

The concept of the Anantara Bazaruto Resort in Mozambique

Surrounded by the unique landscape of the Bazaruto archipelago, you feel very close to nature when you visit the resort. There is no main building with rooms at the resort, only wooden villas on the beach in various designs. All villas and other areas of the hotel are connected by a wooden walkway that leads over the green vegetation. The Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is located on the “palm side” of the island. This is because Bazaruto Island has a very special layout: While the west side of the island is covered in greenery, with a beach lined with palm trees, on the east side there are sand dunes up to a hundred meters high, which flow into the ocean.

The island is therefore not just a paradisiacal vacation destination for lying on the beach, but also offers a wide range of different excursions and adventures.

The villas at Anantara Bazaruto Resorts in Mozambique

As already mentioned, there are no classic “hotel rooms” at Anantara Bazaruto Island, only villas in various designs with one or two bedrooms.

Beach Villa

We stayed in a Beach Villa, which is the entry-level villa category at the resort. However, it is no different in size and design to the higher “Beach Villa Pool” category, which, as the name suggests, has its own pool. But this is the only difference.

Our villa is located in the immediate vicinity of the beach. Upon entering, you first enter a small corridor that connects the two main rooms of the villa:

The bedroom and living room with a large bed and a seating lounge as well as the terrace with access to the beach. Each villa also has its own space on the beach with a parasol and sun loungers.

The second half of the villa consists of the spacious bathroom. This was one of my absolute highlights of the villa. In addition to plenty of space, a rain shower and an additional outdoor shower, each villa has a bathtub by a window front which can be opened completely.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

Beach & Pools

The endless sandy beach right next to the resort is a dream for swimming, sunbathing and marveling at the sunset in the evening. Despite the direct location on the water, there are two pools in the resort. The main pool with a view of the sunset at the cocktail bar and a family pool with a great slide for kids at the other end of the resort. So everyone will find their ideal place to relax.

Even when the resort is fully booked, even the public areas are never overcrowded. This is due to the fact that the resort only has 45 villas but is still very spacious. You often get that “lonely island” feeling!

Anantara Bazaruto Spa

The spa area of the Anantara Bazaruto Resort is slightly hidden away, but is an absolute gem in the resort. For me, it is the most beautiful place to enjoy the sunset.

It is located high up on a hill overlooking the beach, which is a short walk or buggy ride away. The spa reception is an open space with a unique view of the sea. The treatment rooms are located along the hill and also offer great views thanks to large terrace doors.

The special thing is that there is also a small pool here, which is rarely used by guests, and even a hidden Jacuzzi under a pavilion. I can’t imagine a more romantic way to end the day: We first booked a traditional couple’s massage and then marveled at the sunset from the pool and jacuzzi!

Dining at the Anantara Bazaruto Island

There are a total of three restaurants at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort as well as the poolside bar. All villas at the resort come with an all-inclusive package – which is excellent! The food and the drinks and wines included were always very good!

Breakfast

In the morning, breakfast is served as a buffet in the main restaurant Golfinho. It is a small but very well equipped breakfast buffet with the option of having fresh egg dishes and co. prepared for you

Lunch

For lunch, small snacks or full three-course a la carte menus can be ordered in one of two other restaurants. The Clube Naval focuses on local dishes and fish, while Sonhos offers a fusion cuisine of Mediterranean dishes and sushi. An all-day breakfast menu is also available for late risers!

Dinner

The dinner location changes depending on the day. On some evenings, a themed dinner is offered in the Golfinho with a buffet and live cooking stations, on others a BBQ on the beach with your feet in the sand. This means that dinner never gets boring, even during a longer stay. The wines on offer, most of which come from South Africa, were also excellent! Unfortunately, not all cocktails, but only certain ones on the drinks menu, are included in the all-inclusive concept, but they can be ordered for a small surcharge.

Dining by Design

Our best evening was our “Dining by Design” dinner on the last day. This private dinner is specially designed for a special occasion or simply to enjoy romantic moments together. The team put a lot of effort into preparing a wonderful setting for us right by the sea. With our feet in the sand and the stars shining above us. A four-course menu is served, which either corresponds to the local, vegetarian/vegan or seafood theme. But even individual adjustments were no problem. This was the most beautiful and best dinner of our stay!

Activities

The special feature of a stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is that it is not a classic beach vacation, but rather a place that offers numerous opportunities for adventure and activities. These were my favorites:

Diving & snorkeling

Exploring the underwater world of the Bazaruto archipelago is an absolute MUST! From dolphins to turtles, colorful fish, reef sharks to manta rays, and even whales (depending on the season) and manatees, everything can be found in the waters of the protected national park! Our diving trip in particular was unforgettable. There is a PADI-certified diving center at the resort where you can even get your diving license or book other excursions.

Sand dunes tour

An excursion to the sand dunes on the other side of the island, which are up to a hundred meters high, is a must during your stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. In fact, we liked it so much that we booked two different tours: A sunset tour in the afternoon for sand boarding and a sunrise tour. Despite getting up early, the sunrise tour was our absolute favorite. The sun slowly rises over the ocean and bathes the dunes in a golden light. It is such a unique landscape!

To reach the sand dunes, we drove a few minutes across the island from the resort in an off-road vehicle and covered the rest on foot.

Bazaruto Archipelago boat tour

Another great half-day tour is the boat trip to another smaller island in the Bazaruto archipelago. First we went to a snorkeling spot, met dolphins on the way and finally stopped on an island, which we could explore and swim in the blue water while our guides prepared a delicious beach BBQ for us. We then headed back to the resort. It’s been one of my favorite days duirng the whole trip!

Résumé of our stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort in Mozambique

During our trip to Africa, the Anantara Bazaruto Island was the ideal place to relax and recharge our batteries. This unique destination is the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure, and you can choose your personal mix of both every day. Whether you prefer to spend the day exploring the island and its surroundings, or relaxing by the pool, enjoying a massage and sipping cocktails.

The resort is the ideal choice for couples as well as families who value their peace and privacy while enjoying great service and food. Each villa has a personal host who takes care of all requests, reservations and similar.

You simply have to put the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort on your bucket list!

→ Click here to book your stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

We had a sponsored stay at the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, which does not affect my opinion and review of the hotel.

Imagine waking up in the morning to the sounds of nature, stepping out of your room and seeing a bunch of giraffes having their breakfast just in front of your doorstep! Our stay at the Royal Livingstone by Anantara Hotels in Zambia has been one of my absolute favorite travel moments of the whole year! In this hotel review you’ll find out why you have to put this hotel to your bucket list!

My Hotel Review of The Royal Livingstone by Anantara

Location

Nestled within the breathtaking Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park at the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone by Anantara is a jewel just a quick 20-minute drive from the Livingstone Airport in Zambia where we got welcomed and picked up by one of the incredibly friendly staff members. The hotel is just steps away from the majestic Victoria Falls and close to the border to Zimbabwe.

The Concept: Where Luxury Meets the Wild

While staying at the Royal Livingstone, you will literally sleep in the heart of the national park alongside the Zambezi River, where zebras, giraffes, and monkeys freely roam the grounds. Each morning we woke up to up to another animal encounter just outside our room. Dinners by the Zambezi river will treat you to the sight of hippos while you’re fully immersed in the beauty of this unique nature. This perfect mix of relaxation and adventure creates an unforgettable stay which we never experienced anywhere else.

The animals living in the resort are truly wild and can not be touched or feed which makes it a truly unique experience to be so close to these gracious beings. Luckily there are no wild cats living in this park and hippos will kept put thanks to fences at the river bank. This is to keep the animals and visitors safe while you can still watch them in their natural habitat from a close but safe distance.

The hotel sparks a wonderful 1900’s style safari elegance which will make you feel like stepping back in time. You feel the special energy from the very moment you set foot in the open lobby to see the first glimpse of the lush garden with the pool and the Zambezi river behind it.

The Pool

The resort’s beautiful pool, adorned with elegant sun beds, offers a spectacular panorama of the Zambezi River, which is especially breathtaking at sunset. Wild Zebras occasionally walk around the pool to eat the fresh green grass on the property, adding a touch of the wild to your leisurely poolside relaxation

The Royal Livingstone Spa

I absolutely loved the Royal Livingstone Spa, where all treatments take place in wooden cabanas, right by the Zambezi River. The soothing sounds of flowing water accompanied with a heavenly Zambian massage, let me dream away after our long travel day and I felt really connected to nature. I highly recommend to schedule an appointment during your visit – you will love it!

Activities

During your stay at the Royal Livingstone you can enjoy a daily dose of adventure if you’re in the mood for it, thanks to its unique location next to the Victoria Falls. With a private entrance to the falls, guests can explore the iconic landmark from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. Other thrilling options include a boat tour to the thrilling Devils Pool, a helicopter ride over the falls or crossing the border to Zimbabwe for an unparalleled views over the falls or a safari. That’s why I’d highly recommend to stay at least 5 nights at the Royal Livingstone in Zambia to have enough time to fully enjoy and experience this amazing part of Zambia.

→ Here you can find my whole guide about how to visit the Victoria Falls

Rooms & Suites at The Royal Livingstone Hotel

Premier Garden Balcony Room

We stayed in a Premier Garden Balcony Room on the first floor which is the entry level room category but still luxurious. The spacious bedroom features a cozy bed surrounded by mosquito nets, complemented by a safari-style interior. The bathroom has a rain shower and even a bathtub. From the balcony you overlook the Zambezi River and often you can even watch the playful monkeys.

While tap water in Zambia should generally not be consumed or even used to brush your teeth you can DRINK the water straight from the sink during your stay at the Royal Livingstone. This is thanks to a filtration & purification system the hotel uses for all their water outlets so yo never have to worry about upsetting your stomach.

Livingstone Junior Suite

Our final night was elevated with an upgrade to the Livingstone Junior Suite. Located on the ground floor with a terrace offering river views, this 52 sqm haven featured an open layout, a freestanding bathtub, and a living area. The open bathroom, discreetly tucked behind a wall, added an extra touch of elegance.

Breakfast & Restaurants

The Old Drift Restaurant

The main restaurant, Old Drift, offers a buffet breakfast and à la carte lunch and dinner, showcasing a blend of international and locally inspired cuisine. The breakfast buffet had a fresh cooking station for omelettes and Co as well as international choices. I loved to enjoy the breakfast outside on the terrace overlooking the green garden and Zambezi River.

Kubu

Kubu, our personal favorite, stands on a dock by the river bank, offering unparalleled sunset views and glimpses of hippos in the water. The menu features local dishes, creating a culinary experience as mesmerizing as the surroundings. The number of tables is very limited and the service is exceptional for a truly luxurious feeling. Nevertheless the menu wasn’t overpriced but surprisingly affordable!

Dining by Design

For an intimate dining experience, the Royal Livingstone offers private dining at stunning spots such as a swimming pier in the Zambezi River or a private Zambian BBQ under the stars, which is the absolute dream definition of a romantic dinner. You can even enjoy your breakfast at the floating pier which is super peaceful!

The Royal Livingstone Lounge

In true 1920s style, The Royal Livingstone Lounge and Bar is an elegant space for evening drinks or light snacks during the day.

Résumé of our stay at The Royal Livingstone by Anantara

The Royal Livingstone by Anantara Hotels is not just a stay; it’s a captivating journey into the heart of Africa, where luxury seamlessly merges with wildlife and adventures, creating memories that are unforgettable. It is an extraordinary place for a romantic getaway for everyone who loves to enjoy the wilderness and natural beauty of Africa like nowhere else!

→ Click here to book your stay at The Royal Livingstone by Anantara Hotels

We had a sponsored stay at The Royal Livingstone by Anantara which doesn’t influence my opinion in this hotel review.

Over the last few years, we’ve had the privilege to stay in numerous unique hotels around the world. I am often asked about my absolute favorite hotel and although I can’t answer this question easily, one hotel comes always to mind: The Kruger Shalati, better known as the “Train on the Bridge” hotel in the middle of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. In this hotel review, you’ll find out what makes the Kruger Shalati so unique!

My Hotel Review of the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel

Location & Accessibility

The location of the Kruger Shalati is one of the reasons that make this safari boutique hotel so unique: It is located in the heart of the Kruger National Park in South Africa with a fantastic view over the valley of the Sabie River.

The Kruger Shalati is only 5km from Skukuza Airport or 110km from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. From Skukuza Airport a free transfer is offered for hotel guests. However, we were traveling with our own car as we had been exploring the beautiful Mpumalanga area beforehand, which I highly recommend!

The Concept of the Kruger Shalati

As the name “Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge” suggests, most of the rooms are in fact located in a train on a historic train connection bridge from the 1920s. Although the Kruger Shalati was only opened in its current form 100 years later in 2020, it still exudes the elegant charm of the Golden 20s. At the same time, the interior is top modern & the rooms in the train are much more spacious than one might expect. But you will find more details about it in the section “Suites” of the hotel review.

The direct contact to the animal world can be felt constantly during your visit of the Kruger Shalati! Due to the unique location on a bridge, above the Sabie River valley, wildlife can be seen and heard at any time of the day. At noon, herds of elephants move along the river to eat fresh grass and cool off. While doing so, they walk directly under the bridge. But also hippos, crocodiles, water buffalos and many other species can be observed directly from the room or restaurant.

photos by Janik Alheit

Pools

There are a total of three pools at Kruger Shalati, which provide an ideal way to cool off in the afternoon. The most impressive pool is without a doubt the one located in the center of the train bridge. The middle train compartments have been converted into a bar and lounge, and on the attached outdoor platform is the terrace with the pool at a lofty height. It is also the ideal location to enjoy the view over the valley and wildlife. The view is especially beautiful during the early morning sunrise.

Safari

Due to its unique location, the Kruger Shalati is the ideal starting point for safari game drives, which take place twice a day and are included for all guests. The whole experience takes place in a very small and personal setting. On each drive you have the same personal guide and in each car there is only a small number of guests, which is usually not the case on other safari tours.

The first game drive takes place early in the morning at sunrise and the second in the late afternoon until sunset. This is due to the fact that the animals are most active during dawn and dusk and therefore easier to spot.

Of course, there is no obligation to participate and those who prefer to sleep in on a day can do so as well. But we did not miss a single game drive! It is an incredible feeling to get so close to nature. Unfortunately we didn’t see the whole Big Five, as the leopards & rhinos were hiding from us. But we were lucky to see many other highlights, such as a pack of wild dogs, which are extremely rare to see. There are only about 150 individuals living in the 20,000 square kilometer (215,000 square ft) area of the Kruger National Park. → To put this number into perspective, Kruger National Park is home to 14,000 elephants and 1,500 lions.

photos by Janik Alheit

Unlike other safari destinations, the National Park has strict rules to protect the flora & fauna. This includes that you have to stay in the car at all times (you are only allowed to get out at certain points) and you are never allowed to leave the roads during the safari. It is therefore not possible to follow or approach a wild animal as soon as it retreats back into the bush. Also, the guides must never intentionally attract the attention of a wild animal by calling or making sounds. Humans should have as little impact on wildlife as possible. But don’t worry, you will still have incredible encounters!

photos by Janik Alheit

The Suites at the Kruger Shalati

The Kruger Shalati is a small and cozy hotel. There are only 31 rooms in total, 24 of which are the popular Train Suites and seven Bridge House Suites, which are not directly on the bridge.

The Train Suites

Upon entering our train suite number 22, my first thought was “Wow, I wouldn’t have imagined it to be so spacious!”. Beyond the small entry area is the bedroom with huge windows and a balcony. Following this is the bathroom with rain shower, separate toilet and a bathtub with a view! In addition, there is a small chill lounge with minibar. You almost forget that you are in a train compartment as it has been so cleverly designed. The decor is also cozy, stylish and modern. It combines historical elements from the 1920s with African art.

The hotel does not have its own spa area, but wellness treatments can be booked in the room.

photos by Janik Alheit

Breakfast & Restaurant

The Kruger Shalati is an all-inclusive safari hotel of a special kind, because not only the daily game drives are included, but also any meals and high-quality wines and spirits. The food left us speechless: the dishes are new every day and incredibly high in quality. The hotel is recommended by the MICHELIN Guide for good reason!

It all starts with a pre-safari snack in the early morning with coffee and tea, followed by an extensive à la carte & buffet breakfast upon return. Lunch was always light for me to leave room for Afternoon High Tea on the pool deck. The highlight each day was dinner after the last game drive: right by the campfire, under the stars, while reviewing the day and enjoying the unique, daily different food. Local ingredients are used and there is a choice of at least three hot dishes, plus appetizers and dessert. Additional choices are available for vegetarians.

So you see, you will not have to be hungry at any time and thanks to the changing menu, the food is always varied.

photos by Janik Alheit

Additionally, there is a break during each safari and snacks and drinks are served here as well. I especially remember our last sunset, which we enjoyed high on a hill above the savannah, with an Amarula in hand, while the sky shone in the greatest colors. A moment I will never forget in my life!

photo by Janik Alheit

Résumé of our stay at the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel.

An unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Kruger National Park! The warmth we experienced at the Kruger Shalati, the wonderful service, the lovingly prepared food, the top qualified guides and of course the luxurious setting and the special location, make the Kruger Shalati one of the best hotels I have ever had the pleasure to experience! It is the many small details that make the Kruger Shalati, Train on the Bridge Hotel so unique. The hotel is especially suitable for couples and friends who want to enjoy complete tranquility and retreat into nature.

→ Book your stay at the Kruger Shalati here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Kruger Shalati, but this does not influence my opinion and review about the hotel. On my blog I share only my personal and unbiased opinion!

Mauritius is becoming more and more popular as a vacation destination! And for good reason: The island has not only numerous adventures and waterfalls to offer but also dream beaches and great resorts. The Sugar Beach Mauritius is one of them and in this hotel review you will discover if the resort is the right choice for you.

My Review of the Sugar Beach Mauritius

Location & Transfer

Here the name says it all! The Sugar Beach Mauritius is indeed located on a beach that looks like white powdered sugar. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: The Flic en Flac beach with a view of the characteristic Le Morne Brabant rock in the background. Together with the shallow blue lagoon and the palm trees with their leaves blowing in the wind, it creates one of the most beautiful settings on the entire island.

The hotel is located in the west of the island, about 55 minutes by car from the airport.

Although a transfer to Sugar Beach Mauritius is offered, I highly recommend booking a rental car for your time in Mauritius and thus reach the resort yourself. Mauritius has so much to offer: from waterfalls to spectacular hikes to landscapes which I have not seen anywhere else. → Find the most beautiful highlights on Mauritius, which you should not miss, here!

The concept of Sugar Beach Mauritius

Sugar Beach Mauritius is a relaxing resort for both couples and families. The resort has a variety of activities and retreats to suit all travelers. For example, an Adults Only Quiet Pool or a Kids Club.

The design of the resort is based on the peak of sugar production in the 19th century on Mauritius. The buildings are reminiscent of the old sugar refineries and the interior of the lobby is also based on this period.

It is also exciting to note that the Sugar Beach is located next to its sister hotel, La Pirogue, and the two resorts are connected. This means that guests can move freely between the two facilities and enjoy all the amenities, such as pools and restaurants, of both hotels.

The rooms at the Sugar Beach Mauritius

We slept in a Deluxe Sea View Room with a view of the beach.

The interior had an open bathroom with a separate toilet and a rain shower with a window into the bedroom. A room divider and a blind on the shower, however, can provide more privacy. Shampoo and Co. are offered in refillable dispensers, which I find very important to avoid unnecessary waste. In the bedroom, in addition to the comfortable double bed, there is also a desk, minibar as well as armchairs with a view to the outside.

A tea maker and a Nespresso capsule machine are available in the room, but only a total of four coffee capsules are included per stay. At check in, snacks were waiting for us in the room, as well as a small bottle of rum from Mauritius.

Water is provided daily. Unfortunately, these are not refillable glass bottles, but regular water bottles for single use. However, there is a water dispenser in the lounge of the building during the day.

Our room was on the second floor, which meant we had a balcony instead of a terrace. The only downside to this is that you have the protruding roof of the terraces on the ground floor directly below you, which unfortunately isn’t very pretty when viewed from above and thus somewhat disturbs the paradisiacal view. On the second and highest floor, this should be less noticeable and the roofs should disappear from view. Especially for photos this is nicer!

The interior of the rooms is very cozy and at the same time modern with many warm wood elements, for the perfect island feeling to relax.

The rooms at the Sugar Beach Mauritius are not all in the same building, but there are several small ones on the complex. Thus, the resort seems very cozy and idyllic. I found it great that there was a studio in our building, as a small lounge, which gave me the feeling of traveling back to the 19th century. With the open windows, high ceilings, numerous plants and chirping birds, this was a dream place for me to relax. During the day, it is even possible to create your own perfume here, which I found very exciting.

Pool & Beach

As already mentioned, the Sugar Beach Mauritius is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The white sandy beach runs slowly into the shallow lagoon, which makes it a fantastic and safe place to swim, even for children. On the beach there are enough sunbeds and umbrellas, so there is always a place to be found, but without appearing overloaded, as there are also plenty of sunbeds at the two pools in the resort.

The main pool is located directly on the beach and is very nicely designed. Especially remarkable is the huge banyan tree, which was integrated into the pool landscape.

Adults who want to enjoy the peace and tranquility will feel most comfortable at the Quiet Pool. By the way, this is also an ideal place to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon in the evening. The sunset colors both the sky and the water in beautiful hues.

Wellness & Sport

Those who want to do sports during their vacation will also find the right place at Sugar Beach. For example, there are tennis courts, a shuttle to the golf course or a gym. Water sports in the lagoon or beach volleyball are also provided.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Cinq Mondes Spa, but we did visit the unique Beauty Bubble on the beach! From late afternoon, beauty treatments can be booked here to enjoy them in a very special ambience! Especially at sunset it is an unforgettable experience!

Restaurants & Breakfast

Mon Plaisir

The main restaurant at Sugar Beach Mauritius is the Mon Plaisir buffet restaurant. Normally I’m not a big fan of buffets for dinner, but the quality and selection of the food at Sugar Beach changed my mind. There is a daily changing theme for dinner with various live cooking stations. One of these is a traditional Mauritian night, which I particularly enjoyed.

Breakfast is also served in the main restaurant and is also of a very high quality with a Juice Station and many other highlights. Definitely a great way to start the day.

Buddha Bar Beach

The well-known bar and restaurant chain “Buddha Bar Beach” also has an offshoot in Mauritius! And directly on the beach of Sugar Beach Mauritius with a view of the sunset, which makes it my favorite restaurant in the resort! A modern Asian menu is offered for both lunch and dinner, and the cocktail selection alone is worth a visit! Especially perfect for a sundowner aperitif under palm trees.

Citronellas

The beach lounge and restaurant Citronellas has an Italian menu with mainly pizza and pasta, which unfortunately did not convince us very much. But maybe we just didn’t order the right dishes. However, the setting – also directly on the beach – is very cozy. But maybe we just didn’t order the right dishes.

Résumé of my Sugar Beach Mauritius Hotel Review:

Relaxation on the beach in paradisiacal flair. Despite its size, the Sugar Beach Resort Mauritius is a cozy hotel in which there are many dreamlike spots and views to be found. A highlight is undoubtedly the Beauty Bubble, the Buddha Bar Beach, the gorgeous beach and the connection to the sister hotel La Pirogue, to which all guests also have access. The Sugar Beach is an ideal base for exploring Mauritius or a great resort to simply relax for both couples and families.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Sugar Beach Mauritius

We had a sponsored stay at the Sugar Beach Mauritius, which didn’t influence my opinion about our stay and this hotel review.

Cozy, small and paradisiac – these three words best describe the new Adults Only Boutique Hotel SALT of Palmar. In this post you find my hotel review of the SALT of Palmar in Mauritius with all the details of our stay. Scroll down to find out if the hotel is the right choice for you!

My Hotel Review of the SALT of Palmar, Mauritius

Location & Arrival

The SALT is located in Palmar, at the Belle Mare beach. Here you can enjoy a fine sandy beach, snorkeling opportunities and a gorgeous view of the sunrise.

Located on the northern east coast, about 48 km from the airport, the drive to the hotel took us roughly an hour after picking up our rental car. Another option is to take a driver. However, having your own car in Mauritius is very worthwhile as the island is very large and there is plenty to explore!

→ Here you can find my post with the best things to do & see in Mauritius!

After arriving at the hotel, we were not only welcomed with a welcome drink, but also with a short and relaxing meditation with the feet in the sand, which I found very soothing after the long flight.

The Rooms at the SALT of Palmar

With only 59 rooms, the SALT is a small and cozy boutique hotel. From the inside, the rooms look almost all the same – there are no suites. They are each designed for two people, with a double bed, large closet, open bathroom with separate toilet, and a balcony. There are also great details like tea, coffee, snacks and hot chocolate, a beach bag awaits you in the room, a yoga mat and a welcome card. The only difference between the room categories is the location as well as the view:

The hotel’s design is reminiscent of a Moroccan riad with a pool in the courtyard. As a result, the room either have Pool View (with the sea directly behind), Beach View, or Garden View. Without question, the Beach View offers the best view and the most privacy. Especially on the first floor, you feel particularly close to the ocean. The Pool View also has its charms, but I would make sure not to stay on the ground floor, because further up you can also see the sea and not directly look at the pool deck chairs. The Garden View refers to the rooms at the back of the building, which is why they are also very quiet, but sometimes look out onto the parking lot.

Overall, the rooms are not ultra luxurious, but top modern, cozy and with “beach house feeling”. On a very positive note, the water in the room is offered in recycled glass bottles. Both sparkling and still water. Amenities such as shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are also offered in refillable containers, which saves a lot of plastic waste.

→ Book your room at the SALT of Palmar here!

The concept of the SALT of Palmar

SALT is a new brand of LUX* Collective, of which SALT of Palmar is the first and so far the only hotel worldwide. The concept of SALT are boutique hotels for adults, which offer the ideal starting point to explore the respective destination and at the same time a relaxed and quiet retreat. Furthermore, the focus is on sustainability as well as supporting the local community.

In fact, I felt and enjoyed this vibe immediately upon our arrival. The hotel exudes a certain lightness. Be it the Moroccan-inspired design, the friendly staff or the palm trees blowing in the wind and the blue sea – the feel-good factor at SALT is remarkable!

Pool & Beach

In the courtyard of the complex is the heart of the hotel: the pool, bar and restaurant. The courtyard is U-shaped, with one side open to the sea and the pool facing the beach. There are a few sun loungers and beds by the pool and many more on the beach. Unfortunately, it was the case here – as in almost all beach hotels worldwide – that most guests spread their belongings out on the pool loungers early in the morning, reserving them for the entire day. But on the beach you could still find a quiet place even in the afternoon.

The sandy beach is very fine and flows into a shallow lagoon, which is suitable for snorkeling, as well as kayaking and stand up paddle. The equipment can be used free of charge.
There is no need to be afraid of strong currents on this side of the island, as the swell is very calm. In the early morning, the hotel beach is the best place on the entire island to admire the sunrise while dreaming in a hammock.

I liked the drinking water station, where you can get still and sparkling water day and night. I find this very important! In other hotels there is often only one bottle of water available per day, which is much too little in sunny weather. In the SALT, however, you stay well hydrated throughout the day.

SALT Equilibrium Spa

The spa area SALT Equilibrium of the boutique hotel is very small and clearly arranged, but definitely worth a visit. In accordance with the name, salt is the focus of the treatments and care products here. For example, you can choose from umpteen different types of salt for a scrub. There’s also a salt room, which is supposed to be health-giving for the respiratory tract and in which it’s so relaxing that I fell right asleep.

There is no gym, but there is a fitness trainer on site who offers outdoor sessions. For example, yoga or kickboxing on the beach or a round of beach volleyball in the afternoon. Thanks to the yoga mats in the room, you can also work out or meditate at any time.

Breakfast & Restaurant

The Good Kitchen

Due to the compact size of the hotel and the small number of guests, there is only one restaurant at SALT, which offers an à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Good Kitchen is internationally inspired, but with a focus on local ingredients, and there’s a good selection of vegan dishes. For breakfast, a small buffet is added to the menu, which includes pastries from the in-house bakery SALT Bakery.

I absolutely loved the breakfast as it was better than any buffet in other hotels. There are numerous dishes on the menu from Açai Bowl to classic Eggs Benedict. A booking rate including breakfast is therefore highly recommended. The lunch menu was also top. Only for dinner we ordered pizza and pasta on the first day, which were solid in taste, but did not “knock our socks off”.

For our second evening, the SALT organized a private dinner for us on the beach, which was beautiful: under a gazebo in the sand, with the gentle waves right in front of us. The highlight of the meal was the homemade chocolate cake with liquid heart! By far the best lava cake we have ever eaten.

Bars

The main bar is located by the pool and offers a great selection of drinks. We were even invited to participate in a cocktail class, during which we created our own drink. Especially before dinner, we found it nice to enjoy a cocktail at the beach. Although you don’t look directly at the sunset on the east side of the island, the sky is still colored in orange and pink tones.

Additionally, there is a rooftop bar on top of the building that offers a great view. This was accessible during our two-day stay, but the bar was not open on either evening. Therefore, we took drinks from the pool bar upstairs to enjoy the view anyway. Normally, the bar should be open from late afternoon – otherwise the hotel misses a great opportunity for a sundowner cocktail for guests.

My Review of our stay at the SALT of Palmar in Mauritius

Pure relaxation and letting your soul dangle. Whether you want to relax all day in the sun or use the SALT as a starting point for exploration – I can highly recommend the hotel. The price-performance ratio here is more than just very good! The SALT is very affordable compared to other hotels in Mauritius and at the same time offers a great 5-star experience!

Both the design, the location, the breakfast, and the service delighted us!

The SALT is not an ultra luxury resort – but we did not miss that at any point. The focus is much more on carefreeness and tranquility, in a paradisiacal ambience. This makes the SALT a great choice for couples or friends who want to enjoy a break from everyday life.

→ Book your stay at the SALT of Palmar here!

We had a sponsored stay at the SALT of Palmar in Mauritius, but this does not affect my opinion and review about the hotel.

Where relaxation meets fun, action, culinary highlights and wellness. That’s the new Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma at the Egyptian Red Sea. The resort opened up mid 2021 and offers a great variation of activities for young and old!
In this hotel review you’ll find out more details about our stay at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma

Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma Review

Location & Arrival

Located near Safaga at the Egyptian East coast, the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma lies just a 40 minutes ride South from the International Airport in Hurghada. After landing we got greeted by a hotel staff member and driven to the resort.

The resort is located right at the beach with a private part which is only accessible for hotel guests. It is the ideal location to go kite surfing, snorkeling, diving or to relax in the sun.

The Steigenberger is located in a gated community called Ras Soma which is currently developing. The big plan is to open up more residences and shops in the upcoming years to transform Ras Soma in to a trendsetting location to live at and to visit.

Entering the resort through the lobby you’re instantly surrounded by the elegant elegant and modern oriental vibes which can be found all around the resort. 

Rooms & Suites

All room categories at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma are very similar and the biggest difference is the outdoor area and the view which can be a balcony or a terrace with either pool or sea view.

Executive Suite with Pool

My favorite category have been the rooms on the lower ground which are not facing the pool. They are called Executive Suites and have a private pool and garden attached to the terrace. Different from the other room categories, the Executive Suites have an additional sitting area inside.

The room itself is spacious with a king size bed, desk, relaxation area and a big window facade which leads outside to the terrace with sun beds and your little swimming pool.

The bathroom not only has a big rain shower but an additional bathtub for cozy baths!

Beachfront Villa with Pool

If you’re traveling as a family or group of friends you will love the private villas with up to three bedrooms. The outdoor areas of the this category is huge with an extensive private swimming pool, relaxation area and dining table. Inside the 215m2 space with your own kitchen and living room is designed modern and elegant – I especially loved the master bedroom with outdoor shower!

The Concept of the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma

Other than other resorts at the Red Sea, the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma is not noisy and loud but rather relaxing and perfect to unwind. You can either chill at one of the pools, have a drink at the bar, relax at the beach or get pampered at the Midiva Spa.

Pools & Beach

Located in the center of the resort, the main pool consists of three individual ones all of them are. The first one is relatively shallow and attached to the pool bar which makes it to the ideal pool to chill. The second one is the kids pool and the last one is the deepest pool and great for swimming.

Walk along the sandy beach and dip your toe in the refreshing Red Sea. At the beach you’ll find sun beds with umbrellas and wind blockers or rent a private cabana. We loved to that during the midday to get some shade during the midday heat.

As typical for the Red Sea, the Beach at the Steigenberger Resort doesn’t have white powdery sand like in the Maldives but rather an amber tone.

If you seek some adventures, then relaxing is for sure not the only thing you can do at the Ras Soma Beach:

Water Sport Activities

When visiting the Red Sea you simply can not leave without exploring the incredibly vivid maritime life. The best way to do this is via a little tour. We jumped on a boat at the Steigenberger Beach and only headed away from the shore for a few minutes until we arrived at the most beautiful underwater garden. The corals have been growing on natural pillars – kind of a vertical reef, surrounded by countless colorful fish! It was for sure one of my favorite diving experiences ever and super beginner friendly!

To try a bit of snorkeling you can also enter the water straight from the beach or head out a few meters on one of the kayaks or stand up paddle boards.

When the weather conditions are right you might even try some kite surfing. Unfortunately our session got cancelled due to the missing wind during our last day but it’s something you should definitely consider! We heard it is so much fun and way easier to handle than it looks like!

Wellness

An important part of the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma concept is wellbeing that’s why the resort offers many choices to get pampered and fuel your body.

I loved to start the day with a Yoga Session right at the beach. Nothing beats hearing the relaxing sounds of the waves early in the morning when most people are still asleep.

For this reason I also fell in love with the Midiva Spa of the Steigenberger Resorts Ras Some. The treatment rooms are located in little beach huts with a verandah. This means that you can have the sliding door, facing the sea, opened during your treatment to listen to the sounds of nature. Patrick decided to try a classic Swedish Massage while I choose a Lymphatic Massage which I can highly recommend!

In the main building of the Spa you can enjoy the sauna, steam bath or Jacuzzis at anytime!

Of course you’ll find a well equipped gym as well but to be honest we didn’t had a chance to try it during our stay!

Kids Club

When you’re traveling as a family and like to spend some romantic time as a couple anyways, the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma offers a great kids club with an indoor and outdoor area.

Breakfast & Restaurants

With a total of five Restaurants and Bars they Steigenberger offers a great variation of culinary delights for all tastes.

Kahramana

The main restaurant of the resort serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on an extensive buffet.
It is for sure one of the biggest breakfast buffets we’ve ever seen with Arabic and international choices with different live cooking stations. Also for dinner you can choose from countless choices which makes it impossible to try everything even if you’re staying for a week!

Beside the buffet restaurant the Steigenberger Resort Ras Some offers a great selection of à la carte restaurants which are included in the All Inclusive Package as well. The quality of the dishes has been exceptional and we tried all different cuisines during our stay.

Benisuma

Probably my favorite restaurant at the resort since I’m a big lover of Asian food. The Benisuma offers Japanese Teppanyaki and Sushi plus Indonesian and Thai cookery. If you come definitely try the „sizzling pepper beef“ it is out of this world!

Arabesque

Fans of oriental cuisine will love the Arabesque with Lebanese classics and Arabian oriental Mezze which are perfect for a convivial evening.

Maya

This Restaurant and Bar serves seafood, Tapas, Italian specialities and amazing cocktails. Thanks to its location at the beach, Maya is the ideal place for any time of the day. Either a light lunch, afternoon coffee or drinks and snacks after sunset!

Bars

At the Aqua Pool Bar you can enjoy drinks directly in the Pool or stop by for a quick lunch with Italian cuisine.
My favorite Bar nevertheless has been the Safari Lobby Bar. It has the most elegant oriental design inside and outdoors for an afternoon coffee or drink in the evening while listening to live music.

→ Book your stay at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma

RÉSUMÉ

No matter if you’re traveling as a family, group of friends or couple, at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma, you will find what you are looking for! Especially if you’re planning to have a vacation with relaxation as the main goal, combined with adventures and amazing food choices at a brand new resort!

Find more reviews about my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma, which does not influence my opinion and review about the resort.