Review of Hotel One & Only Le Saint Geran, Poste de Flacq, Mauritius

Fabulous setting, good facilities and pleasant staff:

My family (my husband, our teenage son and I) returned to this wonderfully located hotel (on a private pensinsula), and this after our first stay eight years ago. Whereas some details changed, the main things remained more or less the same.

Whilst we have had a warm welcome the last time, we were this time greeted with the question: “Do you have a voucher?” But fortunately this bad first impression wasn’t typical for the whole stay.

We had once again one of the 148 Juniors Suites of the resort. We went for one with two Queen-size beds where a rollaway bed for our son was added. We were happy with our choice because of two reasons: these rooms are larger than the ones with a King-size bed and the bed quality (probably old beds) doesn’t promote being together in one bed. Anyway, rooms generally have a good size and are well-appointed. Whereas last time we had faced the sea, this time we were on the lagoon’s side. I think that both directions are equal, but it’s certainly important to be away from public space as the evening entertainment program may be quite loud.



We were on half board as probably most of guests, meaning you have your dinner at one restaurant (La Terrasse). There is a buffet every night but you can normally also choose from several served starters and entrées. Whereas we hadn’t always been satisfied with the food quality and the size of portions (too large) eight years ago, we liked eating at this restaurant although we didn’t consider the offered as a culinary highlight. Being on a half board basis and considering that you don’t always want to eat at the buffet restaurant, you receive a small credit in order to give you the possibility of trying out the resort’s other two restaurants. We ate twice at Rasoi, an Indian restaurant, which was both times a wonderful experience – superb food and excellent service – and once at Prime, an upscale steak house, which was good but far from being exquisite. As far as the latter is concerned, we were at least able to get there a glass of Prosecco. It was expensive but not as exorbitantly priced as the Champagne at this resort. I can’t understand that they don’t offer a less expensive sparkling wine – be it Prosecco, Cava or other – as an alternative to the (overpriced) Champagne at the other restaurants! As far as the breakfast buffet is concerned, which is served at La Terrasse, there was a good selection and I was happy that the pastries that I disliked last time were fine.



With regard to the facilities of St Geran, it can be said that they are excellent. There are two beaches, a busier one by the sea, a quiet one by the lagoon. You don’t have to rush in order to get sunbeds in the morning as there are more than enough of them, there is a water sports centre where you can – among other things – water ski all day (as the lagoon is quiet the whole day) and there is a number of activities you can participate in (when there is a demand for it what doesn’t always seems the case …). We missed the offer of a guided hike what we had very much appreciated the last time. With respect to the fitness centre it can be said that it is well-equipped although not very large but there is also a mind/body pavilion and a lap pool. What really is a highlight at this resort, is the excellent live band (the same as eight years ago) who plays almost every evening after dinner, sometimes their repertoire is matched too much to the taste of elderly people but that’s probably their regular clientele …



As far as the service is concerned, staff is usually eager to please you. Butler service was good and not too intrusive. At the restaurant reception, they were
attentive and knew you by name. Unfortunately, we never had the chance to meet the manager personally although we thought he was around (last time we had been welcomed by the manager upon arrival at the resort).

Overall, St Geran is a recommended place to go when visiting Mauritius. It isn’t a new resort (as e.g. Four Seasons) and therefore doesn’t offer a private plunge pool or similar fancy things but it makes up for such shortcomings with a really gorgeous setting on a private peninsula. But in the time to come, it will have to be reflected on certain renewals in order to stay competitive.

Date of stay: October 2011