Customer Reviews

"Just a note to say that all the M. family had a wonderful holiday in Mauritius. Thank you for your thorough and efficient organisation of our holiday. Regards Carol M."

Carol M., October 2008 · Le Coco Beach

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

"Dear Heidi and Sammi I just wanted to write to thank you for a fantastic holiday to Mauritius. Everything ran like clockwork and the staff throughout Le Victoria were fantastic - from the miniclub to the babysitter, reception and restaurants. We all feel rejuvenated after our break which is exactly what we were looking for and the holiday allowed us some time to ourselves while also keeping the children happy and occupied. We cannot fault a thing. Thank you for helping us choose such a great option and congratulations to Beachcomber for having such a successful and well run product. We hope to return one day... Thank you The E. Family"

Diane E., October 2008 · Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

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

"hi Salmone the resort was lovely and we enjoyed it. however air tanzania were a disaster we were delayed 1 hr in joburg followed by 4 hours in der es salam, arriving 5 hrs later than expected in zanzibar, we recovered from this, on the way home we were delayed 1 and half hours in a roasting small zanzibar airport followed by 4 more hrs in der es salam, where no one informed us what was happening and we only just made our london connection as we had only allowed 7 hrs btwn flights and to change terminals in jo burg and we recieved no assistance we are still no wiser as to the delay. i can say the service provided by exoctic vacations was excellent thank you"

Mary O., September 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

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

"As Italian tourist I had a very great experience with your organization and suggestions! Travel Zanzibar (for the returns transfer) worked perfectly. The Hotel (Arabian Nights) was very good! About the hotel I would like to share with you some extra feedbacks, mainly the good and the pain points: Arabian Nights hotel has a small private beach, which is something VERY important in Paje beach or anywhere in Zanzibar. Having a private beach you are saved from the thousand of people/kids that want to sell you everything. Trust me, I love so much speak with local people, but in that case was too much, no way to take some rest! Four people from Paje by nights preferred to have always dinner in our hotel for making sure they could spend some time in the Arabian's beach. In my opinion when you suggest the hotel you must make sure to inform your client of this reality at which European tourist are not used to. The hotel had also a pool. When I saw it I thought that was not worth in Zanzibar, but I was wrong! Two reasons: 1) in the late afternoon in the beach the sun come down and it's very windy, but you can still take some sun in the pool. 2) when it's hut and the tide low, it's simply a great pleasure have a pool in the hotel! Food in the hotel was good, People very kind and polite. Air condition in the room was to much noisy. That was the pain point of this hotel. We have been lucky! Our nights were not to much hut, but if they were we were going to spend bad nights for that. Arabian Nights do not have dogs. I love animals (I made a Safari!), but in this case this made me feel much batter. I went to "Paje by Night" one night for having dinner with my husband, but I was attacked by one of their dog. The experience was not funny. Thank God the bite did not make me bleeding. They have 3 dogs, but one of this is very aggressive. A friend of mine that was staying in Paje by Night too had a similar problem, with the only difference that she was not bitted by the dog, which simply started snarl to her ... Hope this help you!"

Monica S., September 2008 · Arabian Nights

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

"Our experience was awesome !! Will definately be doing that again.. .Unfortunatelt the weather did not turn out so great for us... But we still made the most of our rainy days !"

Jaylene R., September 2008 · Casuarina Resort & Spa

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

"Hi Salome, Just wanted to thank you on behalf of myself and my parents for a wonderful holiday in Zanzibar. Changuu Island was wonderful, all that we expected and more and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking to relax in a beautiful enviroment. Thank you for your quick and efficient organising. Thank you for everything once again. Kind regards, Malgosia K."

Andrzej & Malgosia K., September 2008 · Changuu Private Island

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

"30 August 2008. Dear Salome, Zanzibar, Mnarani Beach Cottages were just the BEST, BEST, BEST. We loved every minute of it. (Mauritius, Mozambique etc. etc.... time to pull up your socks, you snooze, you loose.....you aint got nothing on this place – this is real island style !!!!) NOTHING went wrong at all. I would HIGHLY recommend Mnarani Beach Cottages. We are DEFINITELY going back. Salome your service has been impeccable from start to finish. Thank you. As you know this is my job, I own a privatized tourist centre. I have been in the industry for 12 years and I am really impressed with everything about your company. I have attached some pics for the web. I have got about 1000 pics running on my computer as a screensaver. I can’t get enough. I just keep staring at it. I am going to give you some feedback. Mnarani is an exquisitely, beautiful destination. It is exactly what one has always dreamt of as being a romantic, remote island framed by palm trees and unspoilt beaches. In fact, the area is as yet totally unspoilt. If you are looking for bright lights, fashion competition, thumping music and everything that goes with that touristy, commercialized scenario......you are in the wrong place. In our opinion, Mnarani is unsophisticated, remote, totally laid back and chilled. Where does one start describing it? THE TEAM..... under the supervision of the dynamic owner Nassor were FANTASTIC. Every single one of them without exception. They just couldn’t do enough for one. Always smiling and friendly. Never failing to pass you without their greeting in Swahili..... ”jambo, jambo - habari yako” This means "hello, how are you" They really have listened to and noted what their guests needs are. They have made a huge success of the Beach Resort, considering the resources actually available to them. Accommodation wise, The family cottage was very adequate. Superbly situated. Spacious and clean. We were pleasantly surprised to find a small fridge(with ice trays... very important!!!!) A kettle….. tea, coffee and milk supplied. We spent our first night in a standard cottage which we found very limited on space. There is a very well put together, comprehensive information file in each cottage. Telling one what Marana has to offer as well as a bit of the history of the area and surrounds. Daily, someone put flowers on our beds. In the shape of a heart or a swan or whatever. Beautiful !!!!! That small personal touch leaves one with such a warm fuzzy feeling!!! Our linen and towels were changed regularly (no shortage there) The hammocks and swings were just THE BEST………… I became a “children” all over again. I couldn’t get enough of the swings. The food was varied and different. We enjoyed it. Our philosophy is.... eating whilst on holiday is an experience and it’s actually all about the ambiance. Cuisine is a matter of opinion and a bonus if you think it is good! If you are looking for exotic “Michelin Chef Style Cuisine”……..Mnarani is not the place to be! The beaches and swimming were out of this world. Tepid warm, azure blue crystal clear water..... The weather was balmy hot. On your doorstep, there are miles and miles of soft white powdery sandy, forever changing beaches, with lots of the most exquisite shells constantly washing up. We were fascinated by the extreme rise and fall of the tides. From the sea creeping up to your "front door" to receding "half a km out to the reef, in a matter of a few hours.......incredible!!!!" We went snorkeling. The sea life and coral etc. was just another world. Brightly coloured fish were, darting around, curiously inspecting us whilst we swam between shoals of thousands of beautiful different types, shapes, sizes and colours. The swimming pool at the resort was GREAT. If the tide was too far out.... "voila", the swimming pool was right there. The gardens are green and colourful. Immaculately tendered. There were always at least a half a dozen members of staff weeding, planting, cutting, trimming. Palm trees groaning under the weight of big orange coconuts. Lots of banana trees everywhere. There was always fresh fruit available at all meals. The cherry on the top was the decadence of spoiling yourself at Berina's little "open air - Cinnamon Cottage Beauty Salon" (with a banana leaf roof) overlooking the beach and sea. She does the most wonderful massages and head massage for an hour at a time. Or you could have a pedicure or a manicure or if you are daring enough henna tattoos or your hair braided etc etc. whilst lazily, dreamily, looking out onto the exquisite beach. Suggestions for first time guests to be forewarned. Please be warned about being ripped off at the airport on arrival. It left such a bad first impression. As we collected our suitcase. A man with a little fez hat whispered out of the corner of his mouth. Give me $10 and you don’t have to open your suitcase. I was soooooooooooo taken aback. I looked him straight in the eye and said. There is nothing wrong or illegal in my suitcase....Open it if you wish. He scuttled off, and one of his colleagues made me pick up my suitcase, put it onto a bench and open it. It is just such an inconvenience. You are hot and tired, trying to find keys to unlock etc. (make sure your suitcase keys are readily available) He then did not even look into my case. He very rudely said .......go!! They did this to several people that came in. The elderly people were afraid and upset and some just paid???? When we left Zanzibar, the customs were apparently stopping passengers at the x - ray machines and saying; if you have got shells you must pay a fine, or give us $10. Quick as a flash they took the money and into their pockets. At one stage we watched an official walk up toward them, as they were about to scam some lady. He said, "What’s going on here?" The x-ray officials very quickly said to the passenger, ok go, go, go? Another thing to mention is the terrible jostling and hassling that goes on when you arrive to carry your luggage. It is imperative to have small change on hand. The smallest denomination that we had was $20 bills. So that proved a very awkward situation!!! Make a point of enquiring prior to your departure re tipping. What is the norm? Make sure you have small denominations. EVERYONE wants a tip!!!! Of course tipping is a very personal thing, but forewarned is forearmed. We were totally in the dark as to how to tip, especially with the SA rand exchange rate. We loved the spice tour. Very informative. One had no idea where some of those spices come from!!!! Stone Town......well.....????? been there, done that, ticked that one off my list. Or maybe we just got spoilt up North at Mnarani???? But, having said that, I am glad that I have experienced it. One has read so much about it. It is of course important to formulate your own opinion. And now sadly to sign off until next year when we return with the WHOLE FAMILY for two weeks this time. It was an absolutely fantastic holiday to be highly recommended. Well done Nassor and the team. Thanks again for everything. KWA HERI - GOOD BYE ASANTE, ASANTE - Thank you, thank you very much! Diana, Sue and Ann. xxx Karibu Tena - You are welcome!!!! 30 August 2008. I look forward to hearing from you. Take care, Di"

Di N., August 2008 · Mnarani Beach Cottages

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

"Hi to the Exotic Vacations team: Many thanx for all your efficient service regarding our Merville Beach, Mauritius trip. The holiday was great, the hotel super-friendly. Facilities plentiful and comfortable. Drinks expensive, but that didn't hold us back. All in all a good package. Will download pictures to your site at some stage. Will recommend Exotic Vacations and Merville to fam and friends. Kind Regards Brandon J."

Brandon J., August 2008 · Merville Beach

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

"my wife and I had an awesome experience at bazruot lodge and would love to go bak there. the ocean was fantastic and the views from the plane was breathtaking and spectacular. the rooms was awesome and the outdoor shower was fantastic.# the food was awesome and delicious and the activities were awesome as well. all i can say it was awesome, fantastic and superb and we definately hope to get back there. the staff were friendly and really nice and because of them the resort deserves a 5 star and not a 4 star. thank you so much to all the staff at Bazaruto (Luis, jacque, derrick and the rest) also a million thanks to Ilze from exotic vacations for arranging this trip and making life so easier to book with you . thanks a million. mohammed and nadia"

Mohammed L., August 2008 · Bazaruto Lodge

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

"Dear Salome, We had a fantastic holiday thank you very much. Service was great and people are very friendly, especially Sumo who did the transfers The service from you was also great by the way. We were quite shocked to find out that Kitete has no Alcohol licence but luckily we took a lot of wine with and bordering resorts have alcohol I would recommend that you just tell your clients about this so that they know. Regards, Lisa"

Lisa W., August 2008 · Kitete Beach Bungalows

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

"Thanks Salome. We had a wonderful time. The service we received from you for a short holiday like this was nothing short of brilliant. Everything went so smoothly. Thanks again, Ian and Trina"

Ian M., August 2008 · Mtoni Marine

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

"It was great, right from arrival to the Hotel - the staff were very good always serving with a smile. The rooms are very beautiful no regrets at all. i think they only sad part was the weather which made it abit miserable - very windy but anyway we decided to enjoy ourselves. we toured the island with a speed boat, did the submarine tour and the nature adventure besides swimming in the ocean and all. thanks for organising our tour, we appreciate and hopefully next time we go to mauritius in summer. Thanks Heidi and Ilze"

Jenny N., July 2008 · Tamassa

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

"The time was very nice and the weather was good just one day raining while we were there.The houses is very very standard with not even a double bed in it have 2 single beds against each other.The beach itself is very nice and the people are friendly.there is no Motorised water sport like paresailng and the deap sea fissing is very expensive at $250 for a hald day.Snorkeling was very nice and nice things toe see. The breakfast was every day the same Omelets or omelets to choose from.Dinner was very very nice.Stone town not so nice."

Abrie B., July 2008 · Mnarani Beach Cottages

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

"We haven't been there before, and were very pleasantly surprised at the beauty and friendliness of the island. The holiday organised by yourselves was excellent in all respects. We were collected timeously from the airport, deposited at Le Victoria hotel, which was faultless. The staff were friendly, polite and extremely competent. The food was excellent, the rooms were spacious and beautiful. I cannot fault the holiday in any way. Shame that drinks are expensive, but what can you do!! We have reccommended Beachcombers to everyone, and will be returning very soon! Regards, Susan L."

Susan L., July 2008 · Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa

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

"Mtoni Marine:Die strand is defnitief nie gelykstaande aan Nungwi se strande nie. Dit het ons egter nie gepla nie want ons het net twee aande oorgeslaap en was in elk geval besig met toere. 'n Besoek aan Prison island is 'n moet asook die spice tour van Mtoni Marine. Kamers is koon, groot en gerieflik. Personeel is baie vriendelik en behulpsaam. Vat maar net ekstra Tabard saam want daar is verskriklik baie muskiete. Daar is geen swembad huidiglik aangesien hul besig is om 'n nuwe ene te bou. Jy kan egter by die Hotel langsaan gaan swem of jy word met 'n boot na 'n sandbank in die see gevat vir 'n swem. Die ontbyt bestaan uit 'n verskeidenheid en is heerlik. Maak asb. 'n punt daarvan om vir Mohammed Afrikaans te leer. Hy is baie leergierig en ken heelwat Afrikaanse woorde. Iewers het net 'n misverstand ingeglip met ons vervoer na die lughawe. Ons drywer sou ons half 11 opgetel het.Hy was 11 uur nog nie daar nie en het ons maar 'n taxi gevat aangesien ons half 12 moes inboek. Dit het so 18 000 sjielings uitgewerk. Exotic se diens is puik en uiters bevredigend. Baie dankie aan Salome."

Christo & Karien S., July 2008 · Mtoni Marine

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

"Die strande van Nungwi is ongelooflik mooi. Die sand is rerig poeierwit en die see...die ongelooflikste skakerings van blou. Die uitsig van Langi-Langi se "deck" is onbeskryflik. Ons spesifieke kamer was klein en het geen ketel of yskas gehad nie. Die waterdruk is ook baie swak en om te stort was maar 'n storie. Aandete was heerlik en nie so duur nie.Ontbyt bestaan uit 3 porsies vrugte en 'n keuse van 'n omelet met 2 snye toast of 2 snye French toast of 2 pannekoeke. Vir alles wat jy meer wil he moet jy meer betaal. Mens raak nogal moeg vir eiers 5 dae agter mekaar. Die swembad is pragtig skoon en netjies. Ek beveel Langi Langi aan enige tyd. 'n Besoek aan Mneba-eiland is 'n moet."

Christo & Karien S., July 2008 · Langi Langi Beach Bungalows

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

"Hello Salome Sue and I got back on Saturday night and I just wanted to say thank you for a fantastic recommendation. I absolutely loved Karafuu – the service, the setting, the people, the food … it was a really special holiday. Sue has the digital photos so as soon as she’s loaded these, I’ll definitely mail some to you. Thanks again, it was a real pleasure doing business with someone as professional and knowledgeable as you. Warm regards, Chantelle"

Chantelle K., July 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

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

"Thank you very bmuch for your excellent arrangements.Our stay was most enjoyable and the service at the hotel unbeleavable.We will certainly return to the Le Canonnier in future since every minute of our stay was an unforgettable experience. Photos to follow. Regards, Casper j.v. R."

Casper J., July 2008 · Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

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

"Hello Exotic Vacation Team Our holiday was fabulous! On Chapwani all was excellent... Mauro (sp??) and Ali who run the place are wonderful. The food was great, the staff are fabulous and the fact that there are so few people there is just bliss. I would love to go back. Transfers were all on time and very polite. Had a wonderful time. Regards - - Celeste and Gerald"

Celeste V., June 2008 · Chapwani Private Island Hotel

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

"What a graet hoineymoon! We had a great time and the Monsoon rain stayed away! The weather was great and our stay very enjoyable!Thank you to your staff and Karafuu Hotel, staff and management."

Ian O., May 2008 · Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa

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

"Salome, Dankie, definitief baie gerus. Makuzi is redelik afgelee, met 3km na die teerpad en geen dorp in die onmiddelike stapafstand omgewing. So mens kan net basis rus - moenie verwag om naby aksie te wees nie. Maar dit was reg vir my. Groete Anton d.G."

Anton G., May 2008 · Makuzi Beach

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

"Hi I must say I had an absolutely wonderful time, and think Malawi is stunning. Makuzi Beach was exactly what I was looking for and the perfect place to do nothing. I have a few observations: 1) There is no background music in the bar - which is nice at times, but I do think that some should be provided if wanted. 2) They could make more use of African crafts in table settings (who wants a normal place mat in the middle of Africa?), and they should use James, the local artist to paint some pictures to put in the bar area and in the rooms. This way, James' work will also be promoted. 3) Although it is said that Lara is greatly involved with the community, apart from a nursery and the school that I know she built, I'm not sure what else she is doing? She should make this info more readily available, as opposed to guests having to seek it out. She was not there when we were there, so the info was not available to us. 4) The lodge should have a couple of bicycles to hire out, for the more energetic, as it is the normal way of getting around. Otherwise you are pretty much stuck at the lodge. so if you would like to explore your surrounds, a bike would be a great option. I do have some great photo's, but I did not find the link (other than the website), so I'm not sure how to upload my photo's. Regards Janine"

Janine J., May 2008 · Makuzi Beach

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

"Ilze Thank you once again for the arrangements, all bookings went smoothly. Here is some photos. Feedback is as follows: Flight Flight departured 30 minutes later than planned but we still landed in time. Food was ok on flights but the seats are very uncomfortable even though it is just a 4 hour flight! The return flight landed earlier than planned so that was nice. Hotel The hostess was very friendly, the rooms were spacious and mine was a few feet from the beach and 3 units from the main restaurant so the location was great. Food/Drinks Although I still think our food is the best (especially the meat), the buffets were great and I enjoyed eating the breakfast, lunch and buffet every day (definately picked up some weight). Beach/Water The beach is very long and beautiful and it is like a bay where you can swim so its very nice. Thanks again for your assistance, I feel relaxed and will go back soon! Kind regards Tania C."

Tania C., May 2008 · Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

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

"Dear Stephnie and team! This was a wonderfull experience and we will definately make use of you again! Up to the last flight every thing was just fantastic. Not even the hotel trasfer were wrong although we had delays on the flight. Well done, you will hear from us again. I have recomended you to the Namibian divers that want to vissit the Lodge in August. Talk to you soon!"

Chris L., May 2008 · Sakatia Lodge

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