By J. Fung Oct 5, 2020
Se detendre, French for relax and unwind. We work to live, but there has to be a balance between working and relaxing. Vacations are like a prescription for good mental and physical health. It’s the ultimate getaway to take a break and surround yourself with a relaxing and inspiring environment. While you should appreciate the opportunities that you earn through working hard, you also need to make time for yourself to relax and recharge. You’ve earned it.
I’ve always been attracted to island destinations in the Indian Ocean. Travel magazines and island calendars show some of the best beaches in the world are in the Indian Ocean. It was time to explore! I always got 2 questions when I mentioned I was traveling to Mauritius: Where is that? and Why did you pick to travel there? Great Questions! The best way I described the location, it’s east of Madagascar. After visiting Emirates Airlines You Tube channel and website, I was attracted to Mauritius for its diverse cultures and beaches to explore. I was ready to travel to an island destination with French, African, Indian, & Asian influences.
Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay
A warm Mauritian welcome from the very start. I was greeted by the Westin Mauritius team, toured the resort, and was given their signature Ginger Iced Tea. I’ve stayed at many of Marriott’s resorts, but my arrival experience at the Westin was the best of all my vacations. It showed they were extremely focused on the guest experience and attention to details. It was my first stay at a Westin Resort and my first impression was this was the relaxing environment I was looking for. They have a passionate team focused on the well-being of their guests.
Exploring the Resort
The Heavenly Spa at the Westin Mauritius is located in its own private garden. A soothing sanctuary for immersing your mind and body. There are a variety of products and sensory experiences available that provide a healing catalyst for your mind, body, and spirit. The Westin signature scent of White Tea Aloe is infused throughout the resort. A soothing scent to remember that has a blend of white tea, wood cedar, and vanilla.
The Westin Mauritius includes 4 restaurants on-site with a diverse selection of cuisines. All dining areas have a unique location steps away from the Indian Ocean. For a special evening for two, a private dining experience on the beach can be reserved.
Whisper Zone Pool
Imagine a pool that makes you feel like it is the first place you want to be after you wake up in the morning. A morning swim is the perfect start to a day. The sounds of birds in the background in a huge tree overlooking the pool along with water gently cascading over the infinity edge. All with a view overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Westin Turtle Bay has two pools on the resort. My suite was steps away from the adults only whisper zone pool. A dedicated area for adults to enjoy a quiet relaxing day.
Exploring Turtle Bay Beach
You’ll never run out of options in Mauritius from sunrise to sunset. From lounging under tiki umbrellas, kayaking to a waterfall, snorkeling, and watching an amazing sunset. Turtle Bay is the main area in Mauritius dedicated to protecting sea turtles.
Epicurean Experiences
At the Beach Grill, you will find great dining overlooking the Indian Ocean. We found the Giant Prawns with Mauritian fried rice to be fitting for dining on the beach. The pineapple cannoli dessert was a creative twist with layers of pineapple wrapping a creme filling instead of the traditional pastry.
For Indian cuisine, Mauritian style, Kangan is steps away from the Indian Ocean at the Westin Mauritius. The elegant ambiance overlooks the main pool, making it a very serene dining spot at night.
Seasonal Tastes showcases a variety of Mauritian, French, Indian, and International culinary delights such as Puit d’amour and Binjel (Fried taro).
Cultural Evenings
Indian Candle Dances and African Drumlines are evening experiences to see, hear, and feel.
Ile Aux Cerfs Island Excursion
French for Deer Island, this privately owned island is available for day excursions. Imagine being on a speedboat off the coast of Africa taking you to a waterfall and then heading to the private island for a day of relaxation or fun in the sun.
Exploring Mauritius
The Westin Mauritius was located on the Northwest area of the island. Our explorations included a bicycle ride to Trou Aux Biches and a day trip to the main city of Port Louis and town of Grand Baie.
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. Our day of exploration included trying Mauritian style Chinese cuisine, a food market tour, and shopping at the Port Louis Waterfront. Also make sure to try the freshly made fruit juices in Mauritius. This will give a refreshing break while exploring the city.
Grand Baie is located in northern Mauritius. A tourist friendly town that offers lively restaurants, fashion & craft shops, and glass bottom boat trips.
Our exploring of Grand Baie included touring the crafts markets and walking along its white sandy beaches on our way to the famous Banana Beach Club.
Au Revoir
My arrival in Mauritius began with a drink and my farewell also. Saying goodbye isn’t easy to do, but you will always have great memories from a vacation that last a lifetime. Thanks to the Westin Mauritius team for always making their guests feeling relaxed, renewed, and inspired. My Mauritius vacation also inspired me to relearn French. I studied French a very long time ago. After hearing Bonsoir the first evening, it brought back memories. It’s like when I hear the word Mauritius today, I will always remember the great experiences from this vacation. For more information on the resort and more travel information for Mauritius, please click on links below.
