I forgot my worries at this historic resort in Mauritius' 'magic place'
'We call this The Magic Place,' my guide tells me with a smile. 'Even when it's raining everywhere else, there are always blue skies here.'
You might think constant sunshine is a given in Mauritius, but as a tropical island, it gets more rain each year than the UK.
During my stay in the impossibly beautiful country, I was caught in soaked-to-the-skin downpours, and stood at viewpoints which promised scenes of lush jungle and imposing mountains — only to see nothing but clouds.
And yet, if my guide was to be believed, it was going to be a different story here in Flic en Flac.
And as we pulled into the five-star Sugar Beach resort, with it's cool, vaulted lobby — turquoise sea glistening in the distance — I started to wonder if this place really was magical after all.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Arriving at Sugar Beach is pretty breathtaking. From the reception building you get an almost uninterpreted view of the main pool and gardens, with the Indian Ocean in the background.
High-ceilings and laid-back staff make you feel like you're in a calming oasis, away from the heat and the chaotic Mauritian traffic.
This sprawling resort, built in the early 90s, is styled like an old sugar plantation, with a grand manor house and villas that mimic the look of Mauritius' colonial houses.
There's no denying it's beautiful, but it can feel a little jarring. Sugar plantations in Mauritius were heavily reliant on slaves, forcibly brought over to the island by Dutch, French and British colonisers.
Still, the hotel manages to strike a balance between acknowledging the past and investing in the future.
Mauritian culture is celebrated through workshops with local artists and events such as a seafood market event every Saturday, which supports local fishermen.
Meanwhile, 75% of the hotel's food is sourced from suppliers within the community, and the vast majority of its workforce (who are offered extensive training in the likes of leadership and technical skills) are Mauritian.
First up, and perhaps most importantly, there are two pools. The main one is a huge, curved situation that seems to reach around the entire hotel. It spreads over 2,000 square metres, and the sunbeds that are slightly submerged in the water are an added touch.
There's also an adults-only pool (I am not exaggerating when I say I ate the best chicken wrap of my life pool-side) which is surrounded by palm trees, with a sea view. Children have their own pool in the Kids' Club.
If you prefer lounging to the sound of waves crashing, there's also plenty of sunbeds on the beach. Thanks to the coral reefs that encircle the island, the sea is calm and shallow.
Activity-wise there's lots on offer, with everything from tennis and beach volleyball to windsurfing and snorkelling.
A manicured lawn which overlooks the beach also becomes a pop-up cinema on selected nights, where a huge screen is erected, and guests can watch a roster of films under the stars.
There's a spa, an option for when it rains (my guide, as it turns out, wasn't right about that one).
An authentic Mauritian massage for 60 minutes costs 4,500 Mauritian rupees, which works out at around £72.
There are three restaurants at Sugar Beach.
First is Le Patio, a buffet-style restaurant which all-inclusive guests have access to, serving breakfast and dinner.
There's a huge selection. Breakfast offerings include an omelet station, full English favourites, continental pastries, a smoothie station, fresh fruit, crepes and waffles, to name just a few.
In the evening, you can enjoy traditional Mauritian curries, as well as more familiar options like pasta and pizza.
I was surprised by the not-at-all naff entertainment here — I watched a Sega Tipik performance, a traditional Mauritian artform which involves songs and some mesmerising drumming.
But it's Sugar Beach's a la carte restaurants that aren't to be missed, although it's worth noting, they're not included in the all-inclusive package.
In a secluded corner of the hotel is Maré Maré. The interiors look kind of like the chic neighbourhood restaurants you'd find in the likes of Richmond or Highgate, with a white beamed ceiling and light-wooden accents.
However it's the alfresco dining that's the showstopper: you eat right on the beach with an ocean view. There's even a sunken fire pit, where I witnessed a nervous looking guy about to propose.
It's a pop-up concept, with a guest chef curating a menu each year. For 2025, the collaboration is with South African celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel. I tucked into prawn fritters, and fresh local fish.
Over at Buddha Beach Bar, guests can also enjoy Asia and Mediterranean dishes. I opted for sushi and delicious lobster dumplings. I was warned by my waiter that the Singapore chilli prawns maybe a bit too spicy, but I enjoyed every mouthful (although I have a sneaky suspicion they may have gone a little light on the chilli).
There's also a bar area at Buddha, which feels like the heart of the hotel. It's pleasantly busy at all times of the day, but it's at its best at sunset. Once night falls, you can sip cocktails into the early hours, while genuinely good acts serenade you with live music.
In the name of good journalism, I did my best to sample as many cocktails as possible here. Special mention goes to Violent Noble G&T, a twist on the classic that sort of tastes like Parma Violets.
One word: stunning.
I stayed in a premium ground-floor suite, which has the look of one of the aforementioned colonial houses, and is bigger than most London flats.
I had two adjoining rooms: one with a bed and bathroom, and another with a living area (and second bathroom).
It's glass fronted (your 'front door' is a sliding glass door that steps out onto a terrace, with a pool and ocean view), which does take a bit of getting used to. Unless you're an exhibitionist, there's a lot of faffing about with drawing the curtains. But it does mean you can enjoy the stunning views of the pool and ocean from bed.
The wooden panelling and boho aesthetic feel calming and at one with the stunning scenery you find at every turn in Mauritius.
The bed, as you'd expect, was huge, and the free-standing bath would be perfect for honeymooners wanting a romantic night in (you'd definitely want to close those curtains).
There's an impossibly huge TV and a mini bar area which Brits will be pleased to know comes with kettle, cold milk and tea bags.
I enjoyed sipping a morning cuppa on the sun lounger on my terrace, listening to the island wake up and the waves crash in the distance. Bliss.
Sugar Beach is a five-star resort and it comes with a five-star price tag. More Trending
TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Flic en Flac, Mauritius staying at the 5T Sugar Beach on a half-board basis from £2289 per person.
The price is based on two adults sharing a deluxe double room with sea view and balcony, flying with Air Mauritius on direct flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on September 8 2025. Your hold baggage (23kg) and transfers are included.
Time: Mauritius is GMT -4 hours.
Weather: The average daily temperature in July and August, during Mauritian winter, is around 25°C. During their peak summer months, from November to February, temperatures sit around 30°C. October and November are also the driest months.
Adaptors: The plug sockets are the same as those in the UK.
Visas: You can visit Mauritius without a visa for up to 60 days, however, you must fill in the Mauritius All in One travel form online before you arrive. You'll need to show this to officials when you arrive at the airport.
Check in/check out: 2pm and 12 noon.
Disability access? There are three luxury rooms available for disabled guests. The rooms have have ramps and wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, as well as grab bars in the bathrooms.
Standout feature: The sunset views from Buddha Beach Bar.
Perfect for: Couples, families and friends after a relaxing holiday.
Not right for: Groups looking to party.
Kristina was a guest of TUI. For more information visit tui.co.uk, visit your local TUI holiday store or download their app.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: In the forgotten Faroe Islands, life still feels real
MORE: I road-tripped on Route 66 — these are the 6 stops you don't want to miss
MORE: I stripped off to bathe naked with strangers in Japan — here's how it went
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Smoking passengers start fight on TUI flight forcing an emergency landing
The TUI flight from Cancun, Mexico, was forced to make an emergency landing after two passengers were caught smoking in the toilet British holidaymakers returning from a sunny break in Cancun, Mexico, were unexpectedly diverted to the chillier climes of Maine, USA, after two unruly passengers sparked chaos by refusing to extinguish their cigarettes and beginning in a brawl. The captain of the transatlantic TUI service bound for London Gatwick had no choice but to execute an emergency landing on Tuesday when two individuals were caught "smoking in the toilet." Despite a strict no-smoking policy on UK flights for over 30 years, the defiant duo continued to flout the rules, ignoring the pilot's ultimatum to land the aircraft if they persisted. Frustrated travellers aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner told the New York Post how the disruptive smokers, believed to be a couple, escalated their antics into a physical confrontation. "They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner," one passenger recounted. Consequently, all 267 passengers from Cancun found themselves making an unplanned stop in Bangor, Maine. The flight's audio captures the pilot informing air traffic control: "Cockpit is secure, and there's two passengers fighting, and the crew has pretty much gotten them under control." In a matter of minutes, the flight was rerouted, and by 9.30pm, the TUI aircraft was grounded in Maine, with local authorities promptly removing the troublesome pair from the plane. However, the ordeal was far from over for their fellow travellers, who were left stranded in Bangor for an unplanned overnight stay before they could secure another flight back home. The transatlantic leg of their journey didn't commence until 3pm on Wednesday, with passengers finally touching down at Gatwick later that day. Remarkably, the two disruptive passengers managed to evade charges from US Customs and Border Protection officials, who opted to send them home on separate flights. A representative for the border force explained: "This incident involved a foreign-to-foreign flight that was diverted due to an in-flight altercation between two passengers. "Upon arrival, CBP officers removed both individuals from the aircraft. Although no criminal charges were filed, CBP processed the two subjects for expedited removal."
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
TUI passengers' flight home ruined after couple caught smoking in toilet
TUI passengers on a flight home from Mexico faced chaos after a couple on board the plane started smoking in the toilet and then began fighting British holidaymakers returning from a sun-soaked break in Cancun, Mexico, found themselves unexpectedly stranded in the considerably chillier US state of Maine, after two passengers on their flight refused to quit smoking and sparked a brawl. The pilot of the TUI transatlantic flight bound for London Gatwick was compelled to make an emergency landing on Tuesday, following the discovery of two passengers "smoking in the toilet." Despite UK airlines having enforced a smoking ban for the past thirty years, the duo stubbornly continued to light up, even when the pilot threatened to land the plane if they persisted. Irate passengers aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight informed the New York Post that the unidentified smokers seemed to be a couple, whose in-flight chaos subsequently spiralled into a fight. "They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner," one fellow passenger revealed. All 267 passengers from Cancun were then subjected to an unplanned stopover in Bangor, Maine. Flight recordings disclose the pilot communicating with air traffic controllers, stating: "Cockpit is secure, and there's two passengers fighting, and the crew has pretty much gotten them under control." Within moments, air traffic controllers had rerouted the flight and by 9.30pm, the TUI flight was grounded in Maine with airport officials escorting the pair of smokers off the aircraft. The travel chaos only intensified for their fellow passengers, who endured an unplanned overnight stay in Bangor before catching another flight home. They would be waiting until 3pm on Wednesday to recommence their transatlantic trip, eventually touching down safely at Gatwick later the same day. The two troublemakers who sparked the chaos dodged any charges by US Customs and Border Protection officials, who resolved to send them back on separate flights. An official from the border agency commented: "This incident involved a foreign-to-foreign flight that was diverted due to an in-flight altercation between two passengers. "Upon arrival, CBP officers removed both individuals from the aircraft. Although no criminal charges were filed, CBP processed the two subjects for expedited removal."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit holiday airline warns of flight delays over summer and blames French for hold ups
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FLIGHTS this summer will suffer massive delays because of French hold ups, a Brit airline boss has warned. The dismal forecast comes as holidaymakers continue to wrestle with disrupted flight schedules often leaving them stuck for hours in terminals and on planes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Brits should expect long delays this summer, an airline boss has warned Credit: Getty Chief Commercial Officer at Easyjet Sophie Dekkers blamed the expected summer chaos on French air traffic control's poor planning and staff shortages, saying the country lacks capacity to cope with the traffic. She told The Times: 'The biggest issue we've got [in France] is resourcing and the actual planning of the airspace. "They don't have the people on the ground to be able to cope with the amount of traffic that's covering their airspace and they don't have the capacity to cope with the traffic.' With 70 per cent of short-haul flights going in and out of the UK using French airpsace, the budget airline is heavily reliant on France's air traffic control. So, staffing issues or poor planning could be disastrous for the airline's flight schedule. As well as affecting flights to France, departures to some of Brits' favourite holiday hotspots will also be hit such as, Spain, Greece, Italy and Croatia. Most aircrafts will do multiple flights to different destinations each day, so one of the biggest issues this summer will be the "knock-on impact" on the rest of the networks, Ms Dekkers explained. She said: "when people say, 'why is my London-Scotland flight delayed by French traffic control?' "It's because previously that flight was scheduled to do London to Spain and back, and then London to Scotland and back." Issues relating to air traffic control have caused 49 per cent of delays for easyJet since the start of the holiday season (since Easter). Flight Chaos in Europe: French ATC Strikes Disrupt Travel for Thousands This is a 77 per cent hike compared with the same period last year. And with 20 per cent of European airspace still shut, due to the war in Ukraine, delays and scheduling problems have only intensified, she added. 'Severe disruption' EU officials told the Financial Times that the air traffic control system was operating at capacity due to staff shortages and increased demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. They added that last year was the worst summer yet for delays and cancellations and "this year will be very similar". Approximately 37,000 flights occur in Europe on the busiest days of the season - but this is the limit of what air traffic controllers can currently manage. Strikes, such as those recently in France, have also made the situation worse. Eurocontrol, the organisation responsible for air traffic control in Europe, said flights were "impacted by air traffic control (ATC) industrial action between 2-5 July 2025, leading to severe disruption for passengers, airlines and airports." In total, there were 3,343 fewer flights to and from French airports compared to the previous week - all of which were cancelled due to the strike. Europe currently also has a reduced airspace due to the war in Ukraine. The EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas explained that this, paired with the shortage of controllers, "threatens to overburden the air network and disappoint passengers". He saod airports are now more congested and "Europe cannot afford chaos in the skies". Travel advice With a summer of further disruptions expected, The Sun's head of travel Lisa Minot has advised what you should do if travelling this summer. She said: "Whatever happens if it is [your flight] delayed or cancelled for reasons outside of the the airlines control, then unfortunately there is no compensation due. "But the airline does have a duty of care to look after you. "If your flight is cancelled and it is the airline's fault ... then you could be due compensation. "It could be anything up to £520." Last month Ryanair also said that this summer would be the worst summer for flight delays and cancellations. The airline revealed the worst air traffic control centres (ATCs) for delays and this included the UK as the fifth worst. Ryanair said that the European Commission and European governments "have taken no action to fix their shoddy ATC services and ATC delays will now be even worse in summer 2025". Micheal O'Leary, the airline's CEO, also said that if staff shortages and ATC issues are not sorted, there will be "record ATC flight delays this summer". The airline's 'League of Delays' revealed that France and Spain have been the most impacted so far this year, with 15,634 and 11,576 flights delayed respectively. The airline has also claimed that 90 per cent of their flight cancellations during the French ATC strikes, could have been avoided if overflights over France were allowed to take place. Many airlines are now calling on Brussels to complete the 'Single European Sky' project which would allow airlines to fly the most direct route possible within the EU. This would mean that airlines would not follow diversions via several points, but instead fly straight to a destination. Last year, air traffic was up by five per cent compared to 2023, with over a third of flights delayed by more than 15minutes on arrival, according to Eurocontrol. Overall, delays averaged around 21.4minutes per flight.
