A Dream Honeymoon: Exploring Mauritius and South Africa

Our honeymoon was a journey of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable adventures, and a few lessons learned along the way. We started in the tropical paradise of Mauritius, ventured into the wilds of South Africa with a stay at Lion Sands Hotel, explored the vibrant city of Cape Town, and ended with some of the finest wine and culinary experiences in Franschhoek. Here's a glimpse into our magical trip, highlighting the highs and a few lows, and some tips for future honeymooners.

Mauritius: A Tropical Paradise

Beaches and Beauty

Our honeymoon kicked off in Mauritius, and the island did not disappoint. The pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters were a perfect backdrop for romance and relaxation. We spent our days lounging on the sand, swimming in the warm ocean, and soaking up the sun. Mauritius is truly a slice of heaven for beach lovers.

Hotel Lux Belle Mare

We stayed at the Lux Belle Mare hotel, which we would rate 4 out of 5 stars. The beach was fantastic, offering beautiful views and a serene atmosphere. However, it felt more like a family hotel rather than a romantic escape, which was a slight drawback for our honeymoon.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

One of the highlights of our time in Mauritius was the dolphin and whale watching tour. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat was an awe-inspiring experience that we will cherish forever.

Challenges in Mauritius

However, not everything was perfect. We found that Mauritius is poorly connected, making travel across the island quite cumbersome. Despite being less than 30 miles apart, it took us over two hours by car to get from one side to the other. Additionally, the food scene outside of the hotels was less than stellar. When our hotel only recommended other hotel restaurants, we took it as a sign to stick with dining in-house.

South Africa: The Heart of the Wild

Lion Sands Hotel: Luxury in the Bush

From Mauritius, we flew to South Africa and checked into the Lion Sands Hotel. This was undoubtedly one of the best parts of our trip. The safari experience was beyond our wildest dreams. We saw the Big Five, enjoyed luxury accommodations, and were treated to impeccable service. We would rate Lion Sands 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone. The thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and rhinos up close in their natural habitat is something everyone should experience at least once.

Cape Town: Overrated but Entertaining

Next, we headed to Cape Town. While the city has a great dining scene, we found it to be somewhat overrated. Cape Town is often hyped up, especially by Europeans who find it affordable, but it didn’t quite live up to our expectations. That said, we did enjoy some fabulous meals and beautiful scenery.

Hotel 21 Nettleton

We stayed at 21 Nettleton in Cape Town, which we rated 3 out of 5 stars. The hotel was quite small with a strange atmosphere, and the service was not up to par. The rooms felt dated compared to the pictures we had seen online, which was a bit disappointing.

Franschhoek: Culinary and Wine Heaven

Our final stop was Franschhoek, a charming town known for its world-class wineries and gourmet restaurants. This was the perfect end to our honeymoon. We indulged in wine tastings, savored delicious meals, and enjoyed the picturesque surroundings.

Leeu Estates

In Franschhoek, we stayed at Leeu Estates, a fantastic hotel that we rated 5 out of 5 stars. The hotel had a great restaurant and was well-located for traveling to other wine estates. It was a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the best of South Africa’s wine country.

Lessons Learned

Our honeymoon was a dream come true, but we also learned a few important lessons:

1. Plan Your Flights First: Book your flights early and plan your itinerary around them to avoid unnecessary travel hassles.
2. Trust Your Own Preferences: Don’t rely solely on friends’ or colleagues’ recommendations. Everyone has different standards and preferences, especially those with kids.
3. Book Safari Early: If you’re planning a safari, book it well in advance. Opt for the best hotels and guides to ensure a top-notch experience.
4. Stick to Hotel Dining in Mauritius: Based on our experience, the best dining options in Mauritius are within the hotels. Venturing out for meals may not always be worth it.

Final Thoughts

Our honeymoon was an incredible journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and romance. From the stunning beaches of Mauritius to the thrilling safaris in South Africa and the culinary delights of Franschhoek, every moment was special. While there were a few bumps along the way, the memories we made will last a lifetime. If you're planning a honeymoon, take our lessons to heart and prepare for an unforgettable trip of your own.

Happy travels!