Escape to Paradise: Ocean Lake's Luxury Mauritius Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Ocean Lake's Luxury Mauritius Getaway - A Seriously Honest Review (and You Need To Book)
Alright, alright, let's talk Mauritius. And not just talk about it, but dream about it. And then, book it. Specifically, let's gush (and, yes, maybe nitpick a tiny bit) about Escape to Paradise: Ocean Lake's Luxury Mauritius Getaway. Because, frankly, after spending a week there, I'm pretty much convinced I left a piece of my heart (and maybe a few stray sock, because, let's be real, packing is hard) behind.
First Impressions…and the Anxiety That Vanished:
Landing in Mauritius feels like stepping into a postcard. The turquoise water punches you in the face (in the best possible way). And Ocean Lake? Well, it doesn't disappoint. The drive in? Breathtaking. And the reception? Smooth as a rum punch. (Speaking of which… more on those later.) The lobby gleams, there's a gentle breeze, and suddenly, all that pre-vacation anxiety (did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I remember to turn off the iron? Did I accidentally leave the dog in the… wait… never mind) just…poof. Gone.
Accessibility & The Little Things That Matter:
Okay, real talk: accessibility matters. And Ocean Lake seems to get it. I noticed ramps, elevators, and generally thoughtfully laid-out spaces. They list "Facilities for disabled guests". More than just a checkbox, it felt genuinely considered. While I personally didn't need fully wheelchair-accessible, I saw enough to reassure me that they're making a genuine effort. The more I've traveled, the more I appreciate a hotel thinking about how its guests moves, and I'm impressed – and relieved!
The Room - My Own Private Paradise (Mostly):
Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The room. My room. Was it perfect? Almost. The Air Conditioning was a godsend – seriously, you need it in Mauritius. The Blackout Curtains were life savers. And the Free Wi-Fi? (Yes, again! Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! The hotel shouted it, and I’m here to scream it! Finally, I could actually update my social media, without paying a fortune. The Internet Access – Wireless was pretty solid, too.) Oh, and the Bed: Extra Long - fantastic, I am 6'2, and I actually slept well the entire time.
The Bathroom: Clean, efficient with a good shower. I appreciated the Toiletries and the Bathrobes were a nice touch. The In-Room Safe Box was also there, I barely use them, since the room was secure.
Now, for the slightly less perfect bit: the décor. While not bad, it felt a little…classic hotel. Perhaps a touch more personality, a splash of Mauritian flair, wouldn't go amiss. But honestly, it didn't detract from the overall experience. I’d still choose ‘em again.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Stomach Ache):
So, the dining. This is where Ocean Lake truly shines. Honestly, I ate like a king (and sometimes, queen… don’t judge). Let's break it down, shall we?
Breakfast: The Breakfast Buffet was legendary: think mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that practically begged to be eaten, and an omelet station where you could watch your breakfast dreams come to life. The Asian Breakfast, was interesting, but I stuck mostly to the bread. It was amazing. The Coffee/Tea in the Restaurant was good, but I have standards. Nothing is as good as my morning coffee.
Restaurants: There are restaurants. Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! You can’t be surprised! They all had great International Cuisine in the Restaurant with some tasty Asian Cuisine in Restaurant. I had a life-changing plate of local seafood. The Vegetarian Restaurant was a nice option too.
Snacks & Drinks: The Poolside Bar was a constant highlight. I will never not love a swim-up bar. Those cocktails! The Bottle of Water and Coffee/Tea were always replenished.
Room Service: Yes, there are Room Service [24-hour]! I was pretty lazy on this trip.
The Hiccups: Okay, real talk. There was one occasion where, let's just say, my stomach wasn't entirely happy. Maybe I overdid it on the spicy curry. (Pro-tip: pace yourself. You're on vacation, not in a food-eating competition.) The good news? The staff was incredibly helpful, and the Doctor/Nurse on Call was a comfort.
Things to Do - Beyond Just Lounging (But Mostly Lounging):
Yeah, the temptation to do absolutely nothing except lie by the Swimming Pool [Outdoor] is strong. And, trust me, I succumbed to it…multiple times. But, even a person like me - who can nap with the best of them - needed to get up eventually.
Relaxation Station: The Spa/Sauna were pretty great. I did not get any Body Scrub but I did get a deep tissue massage. They also offer a Body Wrap, a Foot Bath, and a Steamroom, if you want to indulge in those.
Fitness fanatic?: There is a Fitness Center and a Gym/fitness, but I was too busy with my Happy Hour.
Pool with the View: The Pool with View was gorgeous.
Beyond the Basics: The hotel offers things like: Sauna, Steamroom, Babysitting Service, Kids facilities, Family/child friendly.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because 2024, and You Know… Stuff:
This is a big one. Ocean Lake clearly takes cleanliness seriously. I noticed Hand Sanitizer everywhere. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, and I felt safe. They did Daily Disinfection in Common Areas. They also had a First Aid Kit, which I did not need the use of. They have Rooms Sanitized Between Stays.
They also were implementing Physical distancing of at least 1 meter which I appreciated. I saw a lot of Staff Trained in Safety Protocol. I also understood that they had a Safe Dining Setup, and Sanitized Kitchen and Tableware Items and Individually-wrapped food options.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference:
Okay, let's rattle off some of the things that made my life easier and my vacation extra smooth:
- Air Conditioning in Public Area: The air conditioning was available in the public areas of the hotel.
- Concierge: Helped me with everything from booking excursions to finding the best local rum.
- Doorman: Always there with a smile.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry & Dry Cleaning: A lifesaver, especially when you spill red wine on your favorite white shirt.
- Car Parking: Car park [free of charge] Car park [on-site],.
- The elevator: I appreciated this.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
Don't have kids, but I observed they had all the things. Also, the staff was just so helpful.
Getting Around:
They offer Airport Transfer and Taxi Service and Valet Parking.
The Verdict – Book It. Now.
Honestly? I loved Ocean Lake. The location is paradise. The food is divine. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
But… before you rush to book, let me be honest: It’s not perfect. Nothing is. But, even with its minor imperfections, Ocean Lake is a truly special place. It's a place where you can escape the everyday and live, even for a short time, in a world of stunning beauty, delicious food, and genuine hospitality.
My Unsolicited Advice: Book the Ocean View Room. Seriously. Do it now.
Now, for a tempting offer and the ultimate call to action:
ESCAPE TO PARADISE: Ocean Lake's Exclusive LUXURY Mauritius Getaway Offer – Unforgettable Moments Await!
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving an escape where luxury meets genuine relaxation?
Then prepare to be transported to a world of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and unparalleled hospitality at Ocean Lake's Luxury Mauritius Getaway!
For a limited time, we're offering an exclusive package that includes:
- A stunning Ocean View Room – wake up to the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean every morning!
- Complimentary Breakfast in your room – indulge in a delicious start to your day, complete with fresh fruit, pastries, and your choice of hot beverages.
- A Romantic Dinner for Two – savor a delectable
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade knee-deep into the gloriously chaotic mess that was my trip to the Ocean Lake Tourist Residence in Mauritius. This isn't some polished travel brochure; this is my reality, complete with sandy toes, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta “wow, Mauritius is… something.”
Day 1: Arrival… and Existential Dread (aka, "Where am I?")
- 6:00 AM (ish) – The Painful Ascent to Boarding: Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t have chugged that last… ahem… pre-flight courage potion. The flight was brutal, packed tighter than a sardine can after a tsunami. I’m talking elbows in my ribs, the constant whir of the entertainment system, and a screaming toddler who seemed to find my eyeballs endlessly fascinating. I seriously considered duct-taping my ears shut.
- 1:00 PM (Mauritian Time) – Landing… and Confusion: Landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The humidity hit me like a wet blanket, a fragrant one, mind you, but still, a blanket. Got through customs which was surprisingly smooth, then found myself staring at a throng of people holding signs that looked like a UN summit. Finally, there it was – my name scrawled on a crumpled piece of cardboard. My driver, a lovely man named Rajiv (I think, I was jet-lagged) looked at me like I was a lost sheep as I lugged my overly packed suitcase (so much regret).
- 3:00 PM – Ocean Lake Terror-Residence (kidding, kinda): The Ocean Lake. Oh, what to expect? It's… well, it was… It wasn't the pristine paradise of the brochures, let's put it that way. My room, thankfully, was clean-ish. The view was… well, there was water, which was a plus. I think the previous occupants had been heavy smokers, I swear I could still smell an echo of stale cigarettes and maybe a hint of despair. First order of business: Locate the air conditioning (it worked!) And then, a frantic search for coffee. The existential dread kicked in – am I really here? Is this really my life?
- 4:00 PM - Exploring the… beach?: The beach was right there, a short walk away. It was gorgeous. The sand was white, the water was turquoise. I found a spot under a palm tree and just… sat. Sat and stared at the ocean. And then a crab scuttled past, and I jumped about a mile. Maybe I’m not cut out for being a beach bum.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner… and The Search for Edible Food: The hotel restaurant. Uh oh. Let’s just say it was… “rustic.” The menu promised “fresh seafood,” which translated to something that resembled overcooked rubber. I ended up eating a plate of fries and feeling profoundly sorry for myself. And the waiter? bless his heart, but he was probably new. I think he forgot my drink. I asked for water and got… sparkling water. I can't lie, I almost cried.
Day 2: The Deep Dive (Literally - into the Indian Ocean) and A Deep Dive into My Own Sanity
- 9:00 AM - Snorkeling, or Attempting to Snorkel Without Looking Like a Complete Idiot: Okay, full disclosure: I’m not the most graceful person. Picture me trying to put on a snorkel mask. It was a disaster. Water everywhere. Fogged-up goggles. I swallowed half the ocean. Finally, I managed to get myself into the water. And whoa. The fish! The colours! It was… incredible. For a few minutes, I forgot about the dodgy dinner. This bit was genuinely amazing. I chased some clownfish for ages, feeling like a kid.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch… and the Case of the Missing Salad: Back to the restaurant. Decided to be brave and order a salad. It was… an adventure. The lettuce was lukewarm. The tomato looked like it had seen better days. I think I saw a tiny ant. I sent it back. And ordered the fries again. You know what you're getting with fries.
- 2:00 PM – Catamarans and the Sea: I booked a catamaran cruise, thinking, "This is it! The life!" Nope! I got seasick. The scenery was still breath-taking. The crew was lovely, but all I could focus on was the gentle rocking feeling. I spent most of it lying down in the shade, trying not to hurl up the questionable lunch. I still took some photos. Beauty is everywhere, even when you are about to throw up.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at… Different Restaurant, Same Problems. Decided to try a different restaurant. Slightly better food, but the service was glacial. It took an hour to get water, and then another 45 minutes to get the bill. I almost walked out.
Day 3: More Beaches, More Food-Related Trauma (and a minor breakdown)
- 10:00 AM - Attempted Island Exploration… And A Broken Down Car. Rented a car, thinking I’d conquer the island. Got about 10km before the car started making noises that should have sent me running in the opposite direction. Ended up stranded on the side of the road, with the sun beating down and zero cell service! Finally, a kind local, bless his heart, helped me.
- 1:00 PM - Reaching a beach… and more beaches, beaches, beaches. I hit a beach. Grand Baie. It was okay. Gorgeous. But the car incident had me on edge. Beach, water, sun, more beach. It was getting repetitive. I was starting to feel like a lizard basking in the sun.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel: The meal was marginally better tonight. I think. I've lost track. I had a burger. I don't think I've eaten a single vegetable in the last 3 days. I feel a profound sense of guilt and a growing sense of disappointment with myself.
- 8:00 PM – Cocktail Hour… Or My Descent Into Madness: The cocktail… it was strong. Way too strong. I started chatting with a couple at the bar. And then I started talking to the barman. And then, well, I don't remember much after that, other than a vague sensation of singing terribly and probably embarrassing myself in front of everyone. This, I think, was the emotional low point.
Day 4: Recovery (and Hope?)
- 9:00 AM - Awaking to a blurred memory. Ouch. My head. The sun. The shame. Got out of bed. The room itself felt small, and the air-conditioning had given up.
- 11:00 AM - Relaxation at the beach. Found a different beach. Le Morne. The view was good. The water was perfect. This time I just sat and focused on the beauty. I felt a slight sense of optimism. Just maybe it would still be a good trip.
- 1:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: I had lunch. The burger was ok, I think.
- 7:00 PM - Reflecting… and Packing: I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm actually not sure if I'll be sad. Part of me can't wait to go home; the other part of me is a little broken after the week. I packed. I'll probably come back. I'll probably need therapy.
Final Thoughts:
Mauritius. It's beautiful. It's challenging. It's a place where things went wrong more often than they went right. I loved it and hated it simultaneously. Would I go back? Maybe. With a significantly lower expectation of perfection, better packing, more snacks, and a serious commitment to finding a good restaurant. Oh, and maybe a crash course in handling a snorkel.
And that, my friends, is the wonderfully imperfect truth of my Mauritian adventure. Don't judge – just learn from my mistakes (and maybe laugh a little). You're welcome.
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Silver Horseshoe Inn's Saint Anthony Secret!
So, Escape to Paradise: Ocean Lake... is it *actually* paradise? I saw some photos...
Alright, alright. Let's be honest, "paradise" is a *massive* claim, right? I went in with serious skepticism. Those glossy photos, they always get you, don't they? But, *honestly*…Ocean Lake in Mauritius? It's pretty darn close. Like, I'm talking the pre-Photoshop, real-life, heart-stopping kind of stunning. The water is that insane turquoise you see in the brochures (surprise!), the sand is like, powdered sugar under your feet… it's ridiculously beautiful.
But here's the thing...my first impression? Jet lag. Absolute soul-crushing jet lag. Spent the first 24 hours staring at the ceiling fan, convinced it was judging my life choices and desperately craving a decent cup of tea. So, paradise? Maybe after a solid 12 hours of sleep, which, let me tell you, is an investment in itself.
What was the food like? Because, honestly, good food is a dealbreaker for me.
Okay, food. This is *crucial*. Look, I'm a food person. I live to eat. And Ocean Lake? They *knew* what they were doing. The breakfast buffet? Forget trying to be "healthy." There were pastries, fresh fruit (that mango!), cheeses… I swear, I had a minor internal debate every morning about whether I should just bypass breakfast and go straight to lunch.
Lunch? Oh, the lunch. We’re talking fresh seafood, grilled to perfection, salads that actually taste like something, and enough variety to keep you guessing. One day, they had this prawn curry… I’m still dreaming about it. And the cocktails? Yeah, they flow freely. Maybe a little too freely at times. Let's just say, one afternoon I *might* have accidentally wandered into a kayaking session after three “refreshing” pineapple daiquiris. Don't ask. It involved a lot of giggling and almost tipping over. But the food? Top-notch. Absolutely. Zero complaints (except maybe the growing waistline!).
Tell me about the rooms. Were they actually luxurious, or just…fancy?
Alright, room situation... So, "luxurious" can be interpreted in a bunch of ways, right? Think "softest sheets you've ever felt" luxurious. Think "ocean view so stunning you almost weep" luxurious. It had all the bells and whistles - a huge, comfy bed (essential), a bathroom bigger than my *actual* apartment (slightly excessive, but I wasn't complaining), and a balcony that overlooked the ocean.
Now, a slight confession: on the first night, I couldn't figure out how to work the air conditioning. It was like trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics. I spent a good hour sweating and muttering under my breath, feeling like a total idiot. Finally, I conquered it, and the room became the perfect chilled sanctuary. And that view? Seriously, I spent hours just staring out the window, watching the waves. It was pure bliss. Plus, the housekeeping staff were *amazing*. Always left little treats and fresh flowers… it felt like living in a movie.
Activities! What can you *actually* do? Because I get bored. Quickly.
Boredom? Nope. Not a chance. Okay, so, the obvious stuff: swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing (obvi). But there's so much more! They have a water sports center with kayaks, paddleboards, even windsurfing lessons (which I chickened out of, because, you know, balance is not my forte). There are boat trips to other islands, which I Highly recommend. The wildlife is insane!
One day, I went on a guided hike in a nearby nature reserve. And it was… well, it threw me. The hike was more "slightly strenuous climb up a mountain" than "gentle stroll through a meadow". I was panting, sweating, and questioning all my life choices (again). But the views from the top? Unforgettable. The air was fresh, the scenery was spectacular, and the sense of accomplishment? Priceless. Almost. I was also slightly terrified of the descent and nearly fell a few times. Still worth it! And, of course, there’s the spa. Which I’m going to get into – I'm a bit obsessed.
The Spa! Tell me about the spa! I heard it was amazing.
Okay, the spa. Buckle up, because I'm about to gush. The spa at Ocean Lake? It's pure, unadulterated heaven. I'm not even kidding. I went every single day. Don't judge. I needed it. The humidity was intense, my muscles were tight from all the swimming (and the near-death experience on the aforementioned hike), and the stress of, you know, *being on vacation* was overwhelming.
First of all the atmosphere... It's all gentle lighting, exotic scents, and soothing music. You instantly feel your blood pressure drop. I got a deep tissue massage the first day. My masseuse, bless her heart, found knots in muscles I didn't even know I *had*. She worked miracles. The next day, I had a facial. The next day, a body wrap. The next day, another massage. And so on... I pretty much lived in a state of blissful relaxation for the entire duration of my stay. Honestly? The spa alone is worth the price of admission. It's the kind of place where you can truly let go and just…be. I left feeling like a new person. (Or, you know, a slightly more relaxed version of my existing self, which is a victory in itself.)
What about the staff? Were they, you know, *actually* helpful and friendly? Or just pretending?
Staff. This can make or break a place, right? At Ocean Lake, the staff were genuinely fantastic. Not the fake, overly-polished "customer service" you sometimes get. They were *actually* friendly and helpful. Always smiling, always willing to go the extra mile.
I had a slight issue with a delayed transfer from the airport – completely my fault, I’d mixed up the times! – and the hotel staff were on it immediately. They rebooked the driver, apologized for the inconvenience (even though it was all me!), and had someone waiting to help me as soon as my flight landed, which was amazing. The whole team seemed genuinely happy to be there and were completely down to earth. They're a big part of what made the whole experience feel so special. It’s the little things, you know? Like remembering your drink order or giving you a friendly hello. They definitely weren’t just pretending. They were real people, making a real difference.
Any downsides? Anything I should be prepared for?
Okay, full disclosure time. It wasn't *all* rainbows and sunshineHotel Radar Map
