​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The magnificent estate gardens are also there to be explored while enjoying the many footpaths and pathways through the gardens. Well, exploring does make one tired, so there is, of course, your room that is beautifully furnished down to the last detail to really give you all the comfort that you can get, and the lovely beds are second to none. The rooms are fully equipped and, depending on the type of room, you can also have fax machines, et cetera. Of course, we opted for a room without any business apparel. The Maritim villa with an individual garden and pool is totally attuned to the modern family lifestyle and is there for your pleasure. For the even more discerning guest, there are two presidential suites with a distinct character. In total, there are 215 rooms to choose from and, rest assured, you will find a room that is tailor-made for your specific needs.

It is a known fact that I love food and that I am not scared to try every dish available. Alas, too many dishes and too little time again really made this impossible. Seven days are what is needed to truly experience the great cuisine. Belle Vue is the main restaurant, from which you have the loveliest of views over the pool and the ocean from any of its split levels. Different buffets and theme evenings ensure a variety of courses, including sushi. For a really great experience, the Château Mon Désir is the place for Fine Dining à la carte. This lovely mansion built in a colonial style next to the ‘Historical Ruins of Balaclava’ makes for a lovely view over the Citron River and Turtle Bay while one enjoys gourmet Indian and French delicacies. For the more relaxed kind of guest there is the La Marée Restaurant that nestles among the palm trees and is right on the beach. Succulent seafood and other grillades are served in a relaxed atmosphere from early too late. The Quarter Deck Bar at the pool surrounds both sides of the pool, providing you not only with a view of the pool, but also over the ocean. An open lounge is there for your enjoyment if the sun gets too hot when lying around the pool.

An impressive conference centre, ‘Maritim Hall’, which can accommodate 350 people, caters for conferences and weddings. A cosy boardroom, ‘Arsenal’, for 12 people is great for executive meetings or, if you need a boardroom for 24 persons, ‘Terre Rouge’ is the answer. No, we did not make use of the boardrooms, but I did find out that the most modern equipment is available at the hotel and that the rest can be hired. Eating and lazing around make you fat or lazy, so there are daily activities and games that complement the hotel’s weekly programme includes boccia, fitness, aqua gym, water polo, beach volleyball, table tennis, beach soccer, archery, collective golf lessons, croquet and bike tours.

But what use are golf lessons without a golf course? Don’t worry – a 9-hole course designed by Graham March is available, and, to make it interesting, each of the 9 holes for the less adventurous. And, should you want to, there are three tennis courts with floodlights, with rackets available from the hotel. What is even better if you are a guest at the hotel is that you do not pay for the golf or the tennis. If that is still not enough for you, then please do visit the Sport & Wellness air-conditioned and is fitted out with a selection of modern equipment to keep you in shape. Land-based entertainment is closed off with mountain hiking available in the region, cycling available in our oustide the estate and horse riding centre on the Maritim Estate. Even if you do not go riding, at least go and see the horses and ponies – they are magnificent animals and bring joy to numerous guests. Also do not miss the pens where the giant tortoises are kept, for this is something that you will never be able to experience anywhere else in the world. The ‘blue yonder’ is forever calling, so Maritim caters for a number of activities to keep you entertained. The Boat House is fully equipped for all kinds of water sports and the following are free of charge” water skiing, bottom boat trips, snorkelling, and paddle boats. The Diving Centre is a must for the adventurous guest and can take 10 divers on 2 dives per day. Equipment includes everything you need and the cost is very reasonable. If need be, you can also have diving lessons free of charge.

If a Hobie is not your idea of sailing, you can go on a sailing cruise in a comfortable yacht moored in front of the hotel. Parasailing is available from the hotel (outside supllier) and is great fun. It even got me in the air without a problem, and that is when you really have a view of this great paradise. Big-game fishing with a fleet of motor yachts available for charter starts from the hotel jetty, and there is all the equipment that you will need, on board. Still not enough? Then ask the staff to assist in arranging the Blue Safari Trip on which you explore the depths with a small submarine or do some undersea walking. If that is not enough, please ask the concierge to book you a taxi back to the airport! The essence of being in this paradise is, I believe, relaxation, and that is exactly what you will get at the Maritim Tropical Flower Spa.

The spa is a lovely oasis where a sea of tranquillity washes over you, with the sound of waterfalls and the chirping of birds bringing you back to the essence of nature while you await or enjoy one of the many treatments that are on offer to balance body and soul. There are also special rooms for partners and a special room for bridal preparations. That brings me back to the other part: wonderful and unforgettable weddings. Dedicated wedding coordinators will arrange a complete wedding package, including local formalities, ceremonies and dinners. All official and religious formalities are taken care of. You can choose a peaceful spot, on the beach, in the tropical vegetation, in the garden or in the covered gazebo, to say “I do.” To get to your wedding, you can make use of the horse-drawn carriage and then transfer to a boat on the Citron River for your wedding photos or take the photos in the ruins and also while strolling through the lovely gardens. Another service that is really of value is ‘The Lounge’, which is an arrival and departure lounge for early and late arrivals and departures. There you will be assisted by a personal concierge, and there are shower facilities with firstclass amenities, a library, a computer and free Wi-Fi, lockers and a flat-screen TV.

The ‘Turtle Kids Club’ is a fenced-off, safe area and playground featuring a small house with a games room/TV room, kitchenette and toilet for children aged between 3 and 11 years. There are toys, videos and daily programmes for children, who are taken care of by hostesses. Plan well or you will not be able to enjoy all the facilities or treats brought to you by this professional and friendly Maritim team. Enjoyment is not a ‘maybe’ in this paradise – it is a given. It is a privilege to be spoilt like this in what truly is paradise.

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