Three Star Luxury in Mauritius! (source - MikeW)
Three stars! That is all it takes to please me. I write this blog post (in my Moleskine) as I lounge by the infinity pool in my three star hotel in Mauritius. Up to this point, I have apologised four times already for a number of things I need not apologise for; namely the numerous attentive staff just doing their job. As a regular user of hostels and other types of budget accommodation, this three star palace is the height of luxury for me. To be fussed over with hot towels, served drinks at my sun lounger and to be treated with some degree of deference is something of a novelty. And, to be honest with you, it is a little embarrassing! I am eternally thankful to be blessed with with a cheap taste for travel; so to have an army of hotel staff tempting me with a host of foods and drinks, clearing away my litter and lifting heavy bags, all with a cheery smile, is completely unfamiliar to me. I am no Diana Ross. I have no diva-ish tendencies that might suggest I have delusions of grandeur when it comes to travel. I am a dyed-in-the-wool Yorkshireman who firmly believes that you should not make others do what you would not do yourself. So, to have a retinue of staff to do your bidding just seems a bit silly! But, I forget. This holiday is a momentous one; where I am celebrating, with my family, a number of special occasions. I am not backpacking through Eastern Europe on a budget of £10 per day or trying to negotiate the lowest price for a room in Croatia. I am in this Indian Ocean paradise to relax. I have certainly paid a fair whack for this and should certainly let the staff here take the load. This is a treat! I have a fairly stressful job where I think constantly about the welfare of others; so to have someone make my bed and clean my room for me each day, as well as bring me drinks and cook me sumptuous meals is an unadulterated joy...and, one I should savour! Sure...I am only here for 10 days, but how lovely it feels to let those stresses ebb from your body as you sink into that sun lounger, pick up your book, dip into the pool, back to your book, dip into the coral filled tropical ocean, read more of that book...
MikeW 'Slumming It'! (source - MikeW)
So, you may feel out of your depth; a little above your financial station, but my advice to the budget conscious traveller out there - give it a try! Throw yourself into the lap of luxury for a week or two! Besides, you save so much on your other trips, why not live it up for a while; even if it does mean 'slumming it' in a three star!
Safe travels!
