Last autumn I spent three idyllic weeks in Mauritius. The first week was spent with my husband, Steve, at Beachcomber Dinarobin Golf & Spa Resort, recently awarded a 2023 Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best award by Trip Advisor in no less than three categories. What fabulous taste I have!
Our next stay was at an all-inclusive enclave located on the east coast of the island.
Sunrise Attitude is a laid-back hotel on the stunning Belle Mare Plage and is about embracing the carefree beach lifestyle. The casual vibe encourages you to kick off your shoes, unwind and let the stress melt away. What’s more, it’s an adult only environment. Hurrah!
Transfer to hotel
Given that Mauritians drive on the correct side of the road (the left, obvs) it seemed sensible to hire a car to make the journey east and be able to do some exploring.
The route from Dinarobin took us up the west coast before heading cross-country and mountains via the towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe, two bustling towns filled with folk going about their everyday lives.
The scenery was awesome and in the more remote areas we passed through several ramshackle villages, and it was fascinating to see parts of the island not on the regular tourist trail.
Why Sunrise Attitude
I’ve had the mantra ‘west is best’ drummed into me about Mauritius for eternity as the west coast avoids the prevailing easterly winds and of course allows for the most spectacular of sunsets. However, the long east coast beaches are legendary for their finer and whiter sands, the most renowned of these being Belle Mare Plage, where some of the island’s most luxurious hotels are located.
We were thrilled to be joined by my brother, his wife and my sister for the rest of our vacation and with Steve’s preference for informality and a desire to not wear long trousers on our beach holidays, the Sunrise Attitude stood out as the perfect option. Top room category mind!
Our room: Couple Swim-Up Room
I can’t stand a swim-up room… said no-one ever! There’s something special about being able to slip into the pool from your terrace at any time of day or night and that’s exactly what we did.
At 31m2 the rooms aren’t huge, but they are perfectly formed and come with a lovely terrace. The hotel's interior design reflects a bohemian style, with colourful Mauritian accents, natural materials, a mix of patterns, and rooms furnished with arts and crafts from the local communities. I ashamedly confess to wondering if I could sneak the wall hangings into my suitcase on departure. I didn’t!
Steve seemed to relish the shower room with its window and view into the room. I’m not sure my enjoyment levels matched his, but it did make me giggle.
The beach: Belle Mare Plage
This paradisical wonder is reached in less than a minute from the hotel across a very quiet road. The hotel has a private sun lounger area and offers various activities here, including yoga, in which my sister participated daily.
I’ve seen a few beaches in my time and Belle Mare Plage is up there with the absolute best. It combines white sands, volcanic rocks, windswept trees, crystal clear ocean and shrines to the Hindu gods. Words won’t do it justice, but hopefully my video clips do.
Pools
The heart of the pool scene at Sunrise Attitude is the Main Pool. It's a vibrant and lively space, surrounded by lush greenery and providing access to a swim-up bar. The second is an infinity pool which feels like a hidden gem and offers some quirky chill-out spaces where you can unwind and socialise. You can risk a hammock (I didn’t!) or try a comfy bean bag style lounger which are found scattered throughout the property.
All-inclusive dine around
Attitude are renowned for their wonderfully varied offerings, including opportunities to dine at other hotels in the group. The package is valid from arrival to departure, no matter the flight times, so you’re not left to starve or be thirsty having vacated your room at midday. What a refreshing change.
The breakfast buffet offers everything from Mauritian kitiri (kedgeree) to fresh fruit, cereals, eggs, etc. Lunch is offered at The Social House and The Market, with the addition of Not Nou, a traditional Mauritian kitchen, for dinner. Snacking can be fulfilled at Taba-J street food, afternoon tea and pastries at the Teabaz and specially prepared picnic baskets are offered for the beach or excursions.
A selection of local drinks, including water, beer, tea, coffee, soft drinks, table wine, alcohol and spirits, all bottled in Mauritius, are available at all hours. We put that one to the test.
Evening entertainment
Each night low-key, non-intrusive entertainment is provided, and we sang along to the live acoustic music performance and covers of Bob Marley numbers... much to the horror I’m sure of the musicians themselves.
Otentik Experiences
Sunrise Attitude also offers authentic (otentik in Creole) and unique guest experiences to its guests focusing on local culture and traditions. You can spend an evening with a local family who will cook and pass around the rum whilst entertaining you with their own music and dance.
Taba J, the resident street food truck, which forms part of the all-inclusive dine around is fabulous, and Teabaz offers an impressive selection of local teas and infusions – the signature flavour of cardamom-vanilla is a must. If Mauritian cooking appeals - and I can highly recommend it - then classes are available where you can feast upon your results if you dare!
Sustainability
Known within the group as ‘Positive Impact Movement’, sustainability is an important part of Sunrise Attitude’s ethos. The hotel actively engages with the local community, collaborating with villages and artisans, promoting local products and crafts which decorate and furnish the rooms. Food is locally grown, and single-use plastic has been banned. Room snacks, toiletries and water are topped up by taking your glass jars and bottles to the Bulk Shop.
Would I recommend Sunrise Attitude to clients?
100% yes! The price is great, food and beverage offerings are exceptional, swim-up rooms and private pool villas are perfect for honeymooners and THAT beach. Wow.