Ile Maurice - holiday

Phew - that was a long journey. We are on holiday in the beautiful Ile Maurice (or Mauritius) in the Indian Ocean.

This is just a quick shot of part of the lovely villa we've been allocated. We'd booked 2 suites (one for Mrs S and I and one for our daughter) but we were surprised and delighted when the Beau Rivage hotel placed us in one of their superbly appointed villas. It would take many more pictures to properly describe just how nice this place is. The pagoda, table and chairs at the back of the picture are for outside dining. According to our butler (yes - they provide a personal butler for each villa which takes a bit of getting used to) dinner can be served in the villa's dining room or at the outside table and chef will even cook a BBQ at the villa. I could get used to this (so - I suspect - could Mrs S and daughter)!

It was amazing to see beautiful blue skies and blue ocean after the dark grey weather we've had of late in Scotland. What a tonic it is. We've stayed here once before a few years ago and thought it was a once in a lifetime trip then but so far this one is surpassing it. That pool in the picture was just fantastic for plunging into after a long flight and an hour and a half car journey from the airport.

Hopefully blips over the next few weeks can show something of this wonderful island. It is also possible that holiday relaxation will overtake the desire to take lots of photos so there might be a few of beaches, sea, palm trees and drinks!