Domaine De Grand Baie

The Domaine de Grand Baie is definitely a nice hotel; it still has that air of newness having opened in Sept '22, good facilities and a high level of decor/style in both the apartment and communal areas, but I just didn't feel it delivered what I was expecting based on their website and photos.

From their photos it (cleverly) appears that all the rooms overlook the beautiful pool and garden areas. Sadly, however, only a small number are graced with these views and the vast majority of rooms actually overlook the various array of carparks. The location out on the edge of town and multitude of long corridors furthers it's somewhat soulless vibe, akin to a business-centre.

The outdoor pool is also pretty compact and can be sheltered from the sun for parts of the day, whilst the garden restaurant never seemed to be staffed/open.

When i made the original booking i contacted the property to enquire about the possibility of an early check-in and was told to enquire closer to the time. A few days before arrival i contacted them again and didn't even receive a response. When we arrived we were told 'no' to an early check-in as supposedly all the rooms were full and just instructed to 'wait over there' (around the corner from reception), with no timeframe given for our room nor any offer of refreshment or where we could freshen up, after nearly 24 hours travelling to get there. We were eventually given our room key after 3 hours, just after the standard check-in time of 2pm, before being pointed in the room's direction - without any help with luggage.

Having made it to our room, we were rather dismayed to discover the aforementioned 'carpark views' (as we were staying for nearly a week) - so returned to reception to enquire about the possibility of changing room, but were lead to believe most of the 'nice view' rooms were assigned on long-term rentals so unavailable, but were promised they'd make a note and get back to us in a couple of days. We never heard back.

It's the details that make a hotel, and this one needs further refinement (and more plants to distract from the grey of the carparks)!

We stayed in an apartment which was very clean and comfortable. The tv selection was limited and certain channels didn’t work ie BBC new, no big deal but these little things can be important for some. The complex is a bit clinical and lacking in character but overall bright, clean, pleasant and welcoming. The restaurant food is terrible! Despite sending back our starters and mains to be re heated, therefore, giving the kitchen a second chance, it was still very poor, having stated this, the waiter was great, where credit’s due. Our experience there was very disappointing where we were looking forward to dinner, with a short stroll up to our room for a quick getaway; didn’t happen as dinner was non existent! Breakfast the next day; terrible buffet at one of the worst I’ve come across!

I LOVE THIS PROPERTY, everything about it, from the location, staff,service offering, the hotel/apart concept everything was just exceptional, we were treated like royalty, this felt like home and more so for my market/clients as this is the type of concept they request often, Domaine can do both,relaxed apart style as well as the fine dining elegant yet follow through with simplicity is key. The meals prepared were magnificent, the staff/waiters were warm and felt like family, the rooms perfectly set up for apart style living, no beach BUT shuttles to the beach make up for no beach at the property, the shopping Centre being within walking distance, the emergency being just across the street is perfect for those anxious travellers with or without kids, I personally took a walk in the community of Grand Baie with Jean-pierre who kindly offered to take me,this moved my heart and soul tremendously and made me fall deeper inlove with MRU for all that is seen and unseen. Domaine has everything one needs when wanting to book a apart style vacation,kitchennet,balcony,lougne,dinning space,bathroom outside of the room,bathroom in the bedroom,closet,washing machin,stove,and even a dishwasher!!!!! This is a perfect sell for my clients. Saheed and his team are outstanding,everything about the team felt safe and nothing was ever to much to ask for!!!!!