We returned to O&O LSG for our 7th or 8th visit since 2000, and were once again treated as if we were members of the family who had never left.
Our last visit was almost 2 years ago, so we were wondering how many staff would remember us. Needless to say, plenty of them did, and we very much enjoyed the attention as various members of the team (not just the managers, from whom you expect such treatment) came to greet us by name when we arrived and over the course of the next few days. Personal attention like this is a small thing, but it makes a huge difference.
It would take way too long to list all the things about LSG that make it our favorite resort in Mauritius (out of the 6 or 7 we've stayed at), but here are a few chosen at random:
-- Unlike most other resorts in Mauritius the main restaurant doesn't just serve a buffet to a schedule that hasn't changed since before the Ark (so no Monday = Mauritian; Tuesday = Asian; Wednesday = Indian; ... ; Sunday = "Fusion", i.e. leftovers; rinse and repeat for next week) ... there is always a (superb) buffet if you want it, but most nights are a la carte from a menu that changes every day, so you won't get bored if you stay for more than a week
-- The lagoon side of the hotel is almost entirely protected from the prevailing wind, so very windy days which would imprison you in your room at most other resorts can still be spent on the beach at LSG
-- For the same reason, the lagoon is calm all day, regardless of tide levels ... so watersports start early and continue until sundown ... unlike most other resorts, where you can't ski after the tide starts going out
-- There's a better than 1-to-1 ratio between guests and beach loungers ... so no need to rush out at 6am to get your towel and sandals down before anybody else can steal "your" lounger ... although if you're so inclined, chat to the beach waiters and they'll reserve your spot for you every day so that you can arrive at leisure without worrying that somebody else will get upset because there aren't enough loungers to go around
The superb location, facilities, food and service are expected in a resort in this price range, but even so LSG manages to surprise and delight us every time. Some of this year's highlights:
-- For the new year period the hotel flew in a sand sculptor, who created a number of wonderfully intricate sand castles along the beach ... a whimsical touch that really delighted our kids (and impressed us too)
-- Giorgio Locatelli (of Locanda Locatelli, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in London) was in residence, cooking in one of the restaurants for a few days, and also gave a cooking demonstration for guests, an amazing experience which we thoroughly enjoyed
-- A well-known recording artist of a certain generation who is a regular guest at LSG (no names mentioned) took the stage one evening for an impromptu performance of a few of his golden oldie hits, much to the delight of all present
So as you can see, LSG is not your standard package deal tropical island resort ... it really is a very special place, as is very much attested to by the very high proportion of guests who return again and again almost every year, including ourselves.
In sum: we've stayed at various Four Seasons resorts around the world, most of London's best hotels and some of the best in Paris, Rome, Florence, Milan, Zurich, St. Moritz, etc, etc ... LSG easily matches or betters them all.
- One Only Le Saint Geran
- Le Saint Geran
