Hotel Le Palmiste

The Le Palmiste is located in Trou aux Biches, on the north-west coast of Mauritius. Grand Baie is 7 and a half mi away, around half an hour's drive, whilst transfer time to the airport is around an hour.

In addition to its 90 guest rooms, the Le Palmiste opened a residence adjacent to the hotel, with its own private pool, in 2007. With regards to entertainment, a Sega show is put on once a week and a live singer entertains guests three times a week.

The Le Palmiste is tucked away behind a façade of volcanic stone, and the small lobby is housed in one of the hotel's oldest buildings, sheltered by a palm-leaf roof. The wooden reception desk stands facing the old furniture in the rather dark surroundings of the lobby, whilst outside there is a choice of three swimming pools provided with wooden or plastic deckchairs and parasols, and surrounded by the buildings several storeys high which house the guest rooms. If you feel like a spot of pampering, head to the hotel's spa, a small well-being centre which consists of two massage rooms, one of which is reserved for couples, and a hydro-massage room.

The most recent guest rooms were opened in 2008, and the fact that the Le Palmiste was built in three phases means that there are also three different styles of room. The oldest rooms feature Indian-influenced decor, those built in the second phase are more Asian in style and the latest rooms are typically Mauritian. The basic rooms have a floor area of 141 sq ft and contain basic furniture, but the light colours used in the decor brighten up proceedings. They also have a terrace or balcony, depending on the floor, and given their close proximity from one room to the next, there is also a curtain which can be drawn across for a little more privacy. Amenities include a television, a free safe, air-conditioning, a minibar with tea and coffee-making facilities, a direct international telephone line and a hair-dryer. Although this is not the largest of hotels, it is a pity there is no room service.

The main restaurant is located in the second part of the hotel and can accommodate up to 200 diners in its rather large, outward-facing dining room. The restaurant opens for all three daily meals, with breakfast and dinner served as a buffet and lunch served 'à la carte'. Alternatively, if you'd rather stay where you are for lunch, you can simply have your choice of dish brought to you! The cuisine here features both local and international dishes, including a very wide variety of Mauritian specialities.