Customer Reviews

"CRISTAL RESORT was wonderful! the people are friendly and very helpful! we stayed in unit 8 which is nearest to the ocean and has a breath-taking view! We did the spice and city tour and some snorkelling, everything was great fun and we enjoyed it! we got stuck on the airport for 8 hours which wasn't such a great experience but we finally got home safe and mostly have great memories of our honeymoon! we want to go back!"

Chandre B., January 2009 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"CRISTAL RESORT was wonderful! the people are friendly and very helpful! we stayed in unit 8 which is nearest to the ocean and has a breath-taking view! We did the spice and city tour and some snorkelling, everything was great fun and we enjoyed it! we got stuck on the airport for 8 hours which wasn't such a great experience but we finally got home safe and mostly have great memories of our honeymoon! we want to go back!"

Chandre B., January 2009 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Thanks to Salome & Exotic Vacations for all you have done. You really have given what was asked for. The Exotic Vacations Team will be used for any other trips we may plan. The service given was great. Thanks :) The Resort was quite good but the restuarant quite expensive."

Natasha A., January 2009 · Mtoni Marine

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"We really had a wonderful time! The holiday far exceeded our hopes and expectations. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to share the experience with our 3 daughters, 2 boy friends and my Mother-in-law. Everyone had a great time! We would certainly choose Merville Beach again. Thank you so much."

Mike S., December 2008 · Merville Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"We really had a wonderful time! The holiday far exceeded our hopes and expectations. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to share the experience with our 3 daughters, 2 boy friends and my Mother-in-law. Everyone had a great time! We would certainly choose Merville Beach again. Thank you so much."

Mike S., December 2008 · Merville Beach

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"My children had a wonderful time. Unfortunately it was the worst holiday i have ever encountered(not yr fault). I had not seen my husband for 9 weeks and was looking forward to a time of intimacy and relaxation after weeks of stress build up. After 3 nights of absolute agony on a Relaxon Premiere Class mattress(one of those you have to turn over each month) which was long past its usage date and should have been trashed long ago - it had completely lost its colour, it was so compacted and as a result as lumpy and hard and uncomfortable as can possibly be imagined. On the fourth day i asked the management to change it, they said they would speak to the housekeeper but could not promise me anything. I guessed that meant a no and i was right. I was so exhausted from lack of sleep that during the day i was listless and sore and had no energy left to enjoy the water sports notwistanding intimacy with my husband whom i only see for a week every 8 or 9 weeks. The disappointment is so huge that i can safely say i hated the holiday and added a dampner to the holiday for for everyone as i just could not rise up to their energy levels. I absolutely despise Le Mauricia and can only wish the worst for them. I had so looked forward to this holiday and wasted so much money for nothing. On the fourth night we put the plastic garden cushions on the bed and the bed sheet over them - hardly a comfortable or romantic way to sleep balancing on them. My poor husband has had 6 months in Nigeria and had so looked forward to this break. What a let down. Enough to make one want to do damage to these selfish people. This in my experience is not 4 star considering one spends several hours a night in a bed and the other half of the hoiday at the beaches. BOTH count equally. The 2nd annoying thing was the way the waiters serve. Several times as soon as your plate was almost empty they whisked it from under your nose as you turned your head to talk and you looked down to take another bite and there was no plate. On one occasion we chose to sit at a vacant table which had no reservations on it but was in a cooler position as allthe other tables were full except for one which had a breakfast type nook and which we had sat at before but everytime you had to get up to let a person out so that they could get some more food. The waiter pounced on us and told us we could not sit there as other people were going to sit there - obvously they had done some deal and in addition all the other vacnt tables in that area were supposedly for others as well. My husband is a VERY diplomatic person but i could see he was very upset about this. They made absolutely no effort to find us an alternative table. If i compare the waiters and service with the hotel i stay in in Nigeria these waiters have a lot to learn about graciousness. The rest of the hoiday was fine but i longed to come home so i could get some sleep! This typeof service seems to be a common problem now that i have spoken to others who have been to Mauritius. Guess its the luck of the draw. Perhaps the only tip i can give is to take very little clothes as you live in your swimming costume and to take plastic shoes for the coral/rocks. And most importantly as a pharmacist i met there pointed out - take 'Burnshield' spray for aftersun.(its the spray used for normal burns) and works better than any after sun. (Dischem supplies it) Thanks anyway for all your organising, we have lovely photos and most importantly my children had a great time. Have a great 2009 year!"

Caroline H., December 2008 · Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)

"We've just returned from 7 nights at Tamassa where our family had a wonderful holiday. We enjoyed many aspects of Tamassa - beautiful accommodation, high standard of food, nice staff and excellent facilities. We used the water sports equipment every day. Noticed Tamassa was the only hotel in the area where so many waters sports are free. Played tennis, used the well equipped gym, library and free internet etc. Only have a minor comment - must limit maintenance/construction work during peak season - was quite a bit of digging in the gardens not sure why. Did a brilliant West Coast catamaran cruise, booked by the fantastic staff at Tamassa boat house and spent our last day at Ile Deux de Cocos where snorkelling was the best and food and service outstanding. Left for the airport straigth from the island to make the most of our last day. A special thank you to Heidi and her team for the outstanding service, helpful information and for answering so many questions with great professionalism!"

Lora R., December 2008 · Tamassa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"7 days in heaven - Right from the first day at the 4* Le Mauricia Hotel we had excellent service from the friendly staff, great weather, too much food and ample entertainment. The hotel offers everything you need for a good value for money holiday package and being in the small village of Grand Baie it was a two minute walk to shops, the Grand Baie Bazaar and the Banana Beach Club with the most affordable cocktails around. Snorkeling, parasailing, glass bottom boats, catamaran cruise to Ilot Gabriel and exploring the island by hired car - been there, done that! On departure we even received a complementary CD from Beachcomber hotels. The words of one of the tracks sum it all up: I don't only want to dream asleep. I also want to get to see what I see in the magazines. I also want to get to smell and taste and touch those things. Come on baby now, I think that the time has come. We're not getting any younger,baby that's a rule of thumb. So come on pack your bags 'cos you need it more than me. Take my hand and let's go and see for ourselves - dream is a serious thing. Compliments and our deepest appreciation to Salome d.T. of Exotic Vacations for 110% service and commitment and Beachcomber Hotels for good value for money. We are already starting to plan our next trip. Charles,Irma,Lanese and Mienke K. Stellenbosch South Africa"

Charles K., December 2008 · Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Excellent holiday destination!! Five star service throughout our stay. The all inclusive package was great and if I travel again with exotic I will be sure to take an all inclusive package. NO HIDDEN COSTS! I cant wait to go back again!!!!!!! :)))) and will definitely book with exotic :)))))))"

Yusuf E., December 2008 · Tamassa

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Exotic vacations offered exceptional service right up until the day we left sending emails on "counting the days to depature".The helpful staff we only to happy to offer their time with all our pre holiday questions.All emails were answered within a couple of minutes and getting through to them telephonically was a dream. The Holiday at Tamasa was one I will never forget.From the time we arrived at the airport to the time we came home we received nothing but exceptional service.The staff waited on you hand and foot and we never had to look far for assiatnce if needed.The accomadation its self was amazing and all units were never far from the beach of a refreshing swimming pool.There were on going activities for the kids which kept my daughter occupied for hours.The sunset cruises offered are a definate must while you are on the island.Cant wait for our next island experience!!!!!! Thank you so much."

Lee G., December 2008 · Tropical Attitude

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome Celia & I eventually got back to Joburg OK yesterday due in the main to the sterling effort by Hadija at the Air Tanzania office in Stone Town who managed to arrange flights via Dar and Nairobi so that we could each catch our on going flights on Sunday evening. Hadija even drove us to the airport to ensure we caught our flight to Dar. We had a diabolical night in a hotel in Dar which we had to leave at 3.00am on Sunday morning but at least we made it. The holiday itself was fantastic and everything about Langi Langi was right for us. Thank you and good luck sorting out the Air Tanzania shambles. Happy Christmas Chris & Celia S."

Chris S., December 2008 · Langi Langi Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome Dankie vir al die reelings en vir jou aanbevelings. Dit was ‘n heerlike vakansie en alles het voor die wind verloop. Ons sal dit defnitief vir ons vriende aanbeveel Groete Zak"

Zak K., December 2008 · Paje By Night

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome I would just want to thank you for the well organised trip.The people at Mtoni Marine are stunning and Stone Town is a must"

Gert J., December 2008 · Mtoni Marine

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Hi, It was really great. As you said it is a magnificent beach (probably the best on the east (to south) side. We had a stunning time , well received by the owners and staff and would highly recommend it to all. Thanks for arranging our stay."

Andre M., December 2008 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Jambo to all at exotic!! Our holiday at Cristal Resort was to say the least horrible, awfull, disgusting and all other names that u can call it. OH NO!!!! SORRY! That is how it feels to be back!! Why did you only send us for 10 days!!! WAY TOO SHORT! Salome that did our bookings is in a lot of trouble about the 10 days! We will be going back in April. Will send photos and thanks for an exotic holiday!!!! Cobus and Vanessa J."

Vanessa J., November 2008 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Thank you so much, Stephnie, for recommending Sakatia Lodge. Jose and Isabella were the perfect hosts and we had an absolutely fantastic honeymoon. There is NOTHING which we felt could have been changed so that we had a better experience. Thanks for a superb experience."

Joe L., November 2008 · Sakatia Lodge

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Exotic Vacations and Salome did a superb job - we have been very impressed. Ocean Paradise was excellent in all respects as was the Zanzibar Palace. As for the Palace, I think one of the bigger hotels might suite some folks better. As for Zanzibar itself, I was a bit disappointed however this in no way reflects in anyway on Exotic Vacations. Guess I was expecting something more exotic and romantic. Also the ocean at Ocean Paradise is quite shallow for several hundreds of yards out and not conduce to swimming or diving. The beach itself is excellent. The native dance show at the Paradise was excellent, one of the best I have ever seen. Buffet was very good and plenty selection. All in all a great experience and as mentioned Exotic Vacations did an excellent job in every respects. Everything worked like clock work. Once again my special thanks to Salome. Well done guys and many thanks, you done good. I am affiliated with Above 7 Beyond Travel here in Austin and will pass your name on to them. Bill W., Austin Texas"

Bill W., November 2008 · Ocean Paradise Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Morning Salome I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU. The honeymoon was Awesome. Once again, thank you. Farzin"

Farzin S., November 2008 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Good Morning, Yes we had a great trip. A few items you might like to know. Try and keep away from using Air Tanzania. Three delayed flights and one cancelled. This was my choice to use this airline as it suited me to fly on a Sunday. It is quite difficult to phone the airline and also to get the correct phone number of the airline so perhaps you could put the number to phone on the voucher when you issue the ticket. LangLangi was great. The owner Sella makes everyone very welcome and is around most of the day. He is very helpful and tentative to all his guests. Rooms clean but basic, wonderful swimming pool and clean kitchen. The transport company, was excellent. The driver was always on time and waiting for you. We really enjoyed our trip and hope to visit Zanzibar again in the near future. Kind Regards, Tom"

Tom R., October 2008 · Langi Langi Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

"Dear Salome, yes we had a fantastic holiday in Zanzibar, this was not entirely because we booked Citete Beach Bungalows were we had a bad night first in the family room with lots of mosquito bites, later we moved to a very ageeable seafacing room the best in this complex and have no complains about this. The beach was the best we have seen so far but have been told that the northern beaches are even better because you can swim at low tide. Food was great but to little at breakfast and dinner, we suspected that the cook was taken home some of it and told the Omany lady owning the place when we left and she promised to supervise the kitchen closer. All staff were very friendly and helpful but neyt door Cristal Resort with free snorkeling, freestanding cottages, swimming pool etc.would have been the better option with lesser rates for tours. On the plus side Citete has internet wireless service which we not aware off otherwise I would have brought my notebook but the landlady lent me hers. Next time we will visit Zanzibar with inital 2 days in Stone Town and expore the north with rented car before deciding were to stay. Never the less it was a great trip and departure tax is 30 USD not 60 USD which is normally included in your ticket. Carine and Juergen"

Carine G., October 2008 · Kitete Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)

"Dear Saalie Just a quick mail to thank you for the most fantastic stay at Langi Langi. You really made our holiday a spectacular experience and we were continually surprised and delighted. Thank you for the beautiful gift that I received on arrival at Langi Langi – a bottle of Ylang Ylang perfume, in addition, thank you for our complimentary sea food platter meal on Thursday evening and the special champagne glasses that you arranged for us. Thank you also for the GORGEOUS sea view room that we were upgraded too – WOW! We are so grateful and cannot thank you enough for your AMAZING hospitality and kindness. Please contact us when you are in Cape Town for the Exhibition next year, we would love to host you for a dinner as a small token of our appreciation. Many thanks Leigh"

Leigh O., October 2008 · Langi Langi Beach Bungalows

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Dear Deva Just a quick mail to say a very big thank you. Ryan and I had the most magnificent holiday at Cristal Resort/Kinazi Upepo and can only compliment you and your fantastic staff. I did a lot of research before our trip to Zanzibar and for interest Ryan and I visited all the other hotels in Paje from Paradise to Hakuna Majewe whilst we were there to compare the restaurants and accommodation. In our opinion Cristal Resort is by far the loveliest place to stay in Paje on our budget. Thank you once again for a fantastic experience. Many thanks Leigh"

Leigh O., October 2008 · Cristal Resort

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi Salome Net baie dankie se vir ‘n great vakansie die plek was absoluut wonderlik!! Dankie Magda"

Magda H., October 2008 · Chapwani Private Island Hotel

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)

"Hi there First opportunity I have had to do some personal 'catch up'. Thank you so much for all the trouble you went to in arranging our holiday. The break was much needed and I hope you did not suffer too much with your motion sickness. Boraha Village Resort is an absolute gem as far as location is concerned, set 4kms from the airport and 4kms from the village. Transport is easily arranged, be it motor bike or quad. We opted for motor bikes and found them great. The resort is beautiful and thankfully not over commercialised. The menus are only in French, unfortunately South African schooling - unless private - does not include French. None of the above are a major issues - but would make a huge difference. So would advertising the fact that they have goggles and fins for snorkeling (some folk only found out on their last day) and T-shirts resort specific, shirts always go down well and it will earn a nice bit of pocket money - maybe later going for caps. The staff were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. Well that's about all - yes, we would most certainly go back given the opportunity. Kind regards Jennie R."

Jenni R., October 2008 · Boraha-Village

Our service: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5) · Hotel: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5)