BluMarine Attitude ★★★★

Mauritius is rapidly becoming one of my favourite places to be on earth and my partner and I have come to stay at the Blumarine Attitude for a little luxury during our further explorations of the island. On the North side, overlooking the tiny islands and a vast lagoon, it is set in gorgeous tropical gardens that create your very own paradisiacal oasis on this small exotic utopia rising up out of the Indian Ocean. It's hot, I am expecting our first child and gone are the days when a mosquito net, rough mattress and beach hut were all I needed, I want hot showers, cosy bed and air conditioning at least, and as we arrive here I can see that we are going to get much, much more than that.

I cannot believe my eyes and my man's silence echoes my own amazement at the sheer delight that greets us. We smile dazedly and nod at our friendly welcome as we are shown our hugely spacious room that opens directly out onto a terrace with views across the garden onto that turquoise, glittering sea just a stone's throw away. The clean, salty air sweeps through our bedroom, which is a bright haven of gentle blues, charcoal shades and whites that feel infinitely soothing compared to the dazzling heat outside. Our huge double bed is just perfect and not only do we have air conditioning but also an impressive flat screen television, minibar, safe and tea and coffee making facilities as well as a gleaming bathroom with tub and complimentary products! Now this is more like it. Romance under the stars does not need to forgo the romance of being wrapped in an embracing cloud of four star pampering.

Romance is the word of the day and our stay as we begin to discover the many pleasures and treats available here. My favourite is inevitably that stunning ocean bordered by silky white sand and coconut parasols from which we can lazily read our books and drink fruity cocktails to our heart's content. Yet the amazing spa runs a close second and even in my pregnant lethargy I cannot help being beguiled by the many marine activities – free pedalos, snorkelling, sailing and even trips on the glass bottom boat! Then there are those two large, beautiful, azure pools and three restaurants to choose from for our all-inclusive stay. No need to hassle ourselves further than to choose whether we feel like fresh stir fried prawns at the Wok Restaurant, something more formal al Le Benitér or dining with our toes in the sand at the Seabreeze beach restaurant.

Those who seem particularly grateful for this Otentik formula are the parents I see escaping for a little couple time whilst their kids are happily enthralled at the Nauticaz centre with its own aquarium and puppet theatre, or playing games, all under the wing of the professional child carers on site. It occurs to me that this is the ideal place to come for a family vacation, which is extremely reassuring given the little one we are now waiting for – no need to give up such luxurious pleasures and magical holidays as these after all! The Blumarine Attitude makes romance possible regardless of what package deal you come with!