Your Vacation Dreams Come True at Shandrani Resort & Spa

If you’re dreaming of an all-inclusive 5-star vacation in Mauritius, you might be dreaming of the Shandrani Resort & Spa: its concept of “serenity plus” means that a host of amenities are yours for one price. The resort, set on a private peninsula on the edge of Blue Bay Marine Park, boasts three different beaches to explore — or take a short boat ride to the Iles aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve. Hungry? Choose from five different restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisine and wines, served in a sumptuous atmosphere of open-air casual luxury beneath swaying palms. Select your accommodations from spacious private rooms, suites that cater specifically to honeymoons or anniversaries, or full-size family apartments with room enough for the kids and friends!

All rooms include individual air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, showers, and soaking tubs; should you want to connect with the outside world, satellite TV and complimentary Internet access are at your fingertips. Have a soothing massage, spend an afternoon sunning and cooling off in an infinity pool, or take diving or sailing lessons from a PADI-certified instructor. Work out in the spa gym, with weights, sauna, and aerobics classes; check out kayaking, pedal boating, or snorkeling; or indulge in a little “pitch and putt” on a 9-hole course. It’s all here for your pleasure: land or sea sport, fine dining, or just absorbing the splendor of crystal-clear lagoon waters, balmy ocean breezes, and breathtaking sunsets from your personal balcony. Whatever your dream vacation includes, Shandrani Resort in Mauritius has you covered.

 

 

Exquisite Escape: Chalet Carat in Courchevel

You can be forgiven if, at first glance, you think the unofficial “mascot” of Chalet Carat Courchevel by Pure Concept is the polar bear; stuffed bears are everywhere in this magnificent vacation chalet in the Alps. The chalet, an upscale retreat for the discriminating traveler, is located in Courchevel 1850, a renowned ski area; in the midst of the snow season, fully lighted, it glows like a diamond — but a very livable diamond, at that. Spacious enough to sleep up to 10, its three levels offer luxuries and amenities comparable to a 5-star resort within your own four walls. Wood predominates in the interior décor, accented by touches of black and gray leather, velvet, and cashmere. At the heart of the chalet is the staircase leading from one level to the other, a graceful glass structure that plays up the shining wood around it.

Everything’s here: a fully-equipped modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances…a dining room and bar…even a terrace, which in summer months is the perfect outdoor dining space. Bedrooms are elegantly appointed with accents of gold, Mongolian lambskin, and whisper-soft rugs; all have en-suite baths outfitted in white Carrera marble. For indoor enjoyment, avail yourself of the Hollywood-style home cinema, with its deep purple décor and plush gray loungers — or have a dip in the heated marble pool, just off the bar area. When you add in the services of a housekeeper, private chef, and chauffeur, you’ll soon know why those polar bears look happy: they get to stay here all the time!