Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge: An Enchanting Michelin Key Retreat Amidst Mauritian Nature

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Chamarel, Mauritius, and recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge consistently earns accolades for its unique blend of refined eco-tourism, stunning natural surroundings, and exceptional hospitality. This hidden gem offers a serene escape, making guests feel "at home" in a truly special environment.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge consistently receives "Superb" to "Exceptional" ratings, with many guests describing it as an unforgettable and magical experience. It boasts an average score of 9.4 out of 10 based on numerous reviews, with particularly high marks for its staff (9.8), location (9.7), cleanliness (9.6), and facilities (9.6). The overwhelming sentiment is one of deep relaxation, appreciation for nature, and immense satisfaction with the personalized service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Impeccable Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as warm, welcoming, friendly, professional, caring, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay.
• Stunning Location & Nature Immersion: Surrounded by the Black River Natural Park and the Chamarel mountains, the lodge offers sweeping ocean views and a peaceful, natural environment rich with wildlife, including monkeys, parakeets, and fruit bats. It's ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil retreat.
• Unique Design & Ambiance: The property oozes charm and a bohemian character, with individually decorated eco-lodges spread across the valley, each featuring original artwork and antique furniture. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, even when full.
• Excellent Amenities & Activities: The lodge offers two pools, a spa with massage cabins, a gym, free bikes for exploring the local area, morning yoga sessions, and a library. Guests also appreciate the "View Bar" for stunning sunsets. Hiking opportunities, including an accessible path up Piton Canot, are also a major draw.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites are consistently praised as lovely, very comfortable, and clean. Each of the 20 eco-lodges is individually decorated, reflecting the diverse cultures of Mauritius, ensuring no two rooms are alike. Key features include:

• Spaciousness and Comfort: Rooms are described as spacious, with good beds and comfortable furnishings.
• Connection to Nature: All room categories feature outdoor showers, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature. Private yards are also common.
• Views and Private Pools: Many suites offer breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. Pool Suites, particularly the Sea View Pool Suites and the Piton Canot Suite, are highly recommended for their private pools, spectacular views, and enhanced amenities, often attracting honeymooners.
• Thoughtful Touches: Rooms include minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, iPod docking stations, ceiling fans, and mosquito nets around the beds. Air conditioning is generally not considered necessary due to the mountain location. Guests also appreciate premium bedding and pillow menus.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Lakaz Chamarel is highly regarded, with a strong focus on fresh, local, and authentic Mauritian cuisine.

• Excellent Food Quality: The food is frequently described as excellent, delicious, wholesome, and incredible. Dinner menus change daily, and freshly caught fish is a highlight.
• Breakfast: A generous buffet breakfast is offered daily, with options to order à la carte, such as scrambled eggs. Continental breakfast can also be arranged in rooms.
• Dinner: Dinner is typically a set menu for all guests.
• Bars: The lodge features a bar, including the popular "View Bar" known for its sunset views and brilliant cocktail menu.
• Interactive Experience: Guests can even join the chef in the kitchen to learn about Mauritian flavors.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Lakaz Chamarel is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests frequently praise the staff for being:

• Warm, Welcoming, and Professional: Staff members are repeatedly described as very warm, welcoming, friendly, and professional.
• Attentive and Caring: Guests appreciate that nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and individuals like Joanna, Peggy, Julie, Hansley (the bartender), and drivers like Allan are often singled out for their exceptional service and genuine care.
• Personalized Touch: The staff takes time to chat with guests and check on their stay, contributing to a feeling of being well looked after.

6. Location & Accessibility

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge is ideally situated on the southwest of Mauritius, offering a different, more natural side of the island compared to the more developed north.

• Mountain and Nature Setting: The lodge is surrounded by the Black River Gorges National Park and the Chamarel mountains, providing a peaceful environment and opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.
• Proximity to Attractions: It's a 15-minute drive from the beaches of Morne and Baie du Cap, and a free shuttle service to Le Morne beach is provided. Rhumerie de Chamarel and Chamarel Falls are also nearby. Chamarel Village, with its food options, is also easily accessible and recommended for lunch.
• Transport: The lodge is approximately 43 km (27 miles) from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. While having a car can make getting around easier, the lodge provides transportation options like golf caddies to navigate its sprawling grounds.

7. Value & Pricing

While Lakaz Chamarel is considered an exclusive and luxurious experience, many guests feel it offers exceptional value for money, especially given the personalized service and unique setting.

• Competitive Pricing: With an average price of around $431 per room, it offers good value compared to the average hotel room price of $266 on Mauritius Island, especially considering its high-end amenities and service.
• Honeymooners' Choice: The lodge is a popular choice for honeymooners, suggesting it's worth the investment for special occasions.
• Inclusions: Half-board rates are common and typically include a full American breakfast. Complimentary fruits, homemade pastries, Espresso capsules, and bottled water are often provided.
• Additional Costs: Some guests note that wine and other drinks can be expensive compared to other places in Mauritius. A government tourist tax of €3 per person, per night will be collected at check-in starting October 2025.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• Water at Dinner: Some guests found it unusual to pay for water at dinner and felt the reason wasn't clearly explained.
• Dinner Dress Code: A few guests were unaware of the expectation for men to wear long pants and closed shoes for dinner, although it wasn't strictly enforced.
• Perceived Loss of Intimacy (minor): One recent review suggested that as the place grows, it might be "losing its intimate atmosphere" slightly, and that "sea view lodges" are the very expensive ones.
• Accessibility for Less Mobile Guests: Due to the number of steps and rough tracks, the property is not recommended for less mobile clients.

Sources

1. lakazchamarel.com
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10. deals.mu