Welcome to Pingouinvillas located in the residential tourist area in Blue-Bay, the South-East of Mauritius Island. It is set-up in a small tropical garden full of exotic flowers under the shade of coconut trees encircled by cool verandahs bordered by fanciful balustrades. Pingouinvillas enjoys an exceptional peace where only the chirping of birds disturbs the calmness in the morning and the area is harmonious with its tropical flora and fauna.Blue-Bay is 5 kilometres away from Mahebourg: a historical village and one of the main fishing sites on the Island. Pingouinvillas is within 200 metres (3 minutes walk) from the Blue-Bay beach which is the most popular seaside resort in the South of Mauritius with its fine white sand and its peaceful turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral reefs. Pingouinvillas is accessible within 8 minutes drive from the SSR International Airport.
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HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Location
94A, Rue des Daurades Blue-Bay,Mauritius, Blue Bay, Mauritius 00000
Pingouinvillas
251 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Once again we had a great holiday at Pingouinvillas (our second year in a row).
Sarif and his family did everything possible for us and for that we thank him.
The apartment was spacious, clean, close to good restaurants and 5 minutes from good beaches. Great value fro money.
SUGGESTION: If Pingouinvillas had a pool (even a very small splash pool) it would be paradise. Until then is it just excellent.
TIPS: There are some great, secluded beaches (further up towards Shandrani side) and near Point D’Esny (there are two public access alleys, look for them on the way to Mahebourg – there is no shade though so take beach umbrellas).
Ask Yanoom (cleaning lady) to cook you a meal – excellent and good value.
There is a doctor at the end of the road (Dr Pacso) and a good clinic at Curepipe (Fortis Clinique Darne)
The little red fodey bird (we call him the Red Baron after Manfred von Richthofen from World War One) chases every bird other than his immediate family. He is great fun to watch and he will eat out of your hand. Please give him less “junk food” (bread) and more health food (millet and wild bird seed, which you can buy at London Way).
If you are on the ground floor take sensible measures for security (don’t sleep with your doors or windows open).
The taxi fare to Mahebourg should not cost more than 100 rupees, irrespective of the number of passengers. While it might sound like a good idea to make contact with a good taxi driver and use him for the duration of your stay, this is not a good idea because for some inexplicable reason once they have established a relationship with you they start to put the fares up. Use a variety of taxi drivers to avoid this situation.
Hire bicycles from Sarif – easy to get around and you see so much more than you would in a car or taxi.
Use Le Beau Vallon (sp?) for their swimming pool – have a meal then relax by the pool they don’t mind at all.
Chicken Briani take-aways on the left hand side just as you come into Mahebourg (just before filling station).
Go to Des Copains restaurant in Mahebourg for chips or noodles and a beer (one street up from the market).
Nice Chinese restaurant 2 streets up (bright lights at night, can’t remember the name).
There is a guy in the food market who sells South African quality fruit and vegetables (northern end of the market in the food section).
Try and get into Charka’s restaurant at Le Preskill (speak to Manager about a day pass) – excellent steaks.
The Bamboo Restaurant (on the road to Mahebourg) makes very nice pizzas.
Use “One Love” boats for excursions (in lagoon next to Preskill).
It is cheaper to hire a car for the day than to take a taxi if you are going North – it’s easy to find things, you won’t get lost don’t worry.
Snorkelling – the coral in the blue bay lagoon itself is dead – for excellent snorkelling go out opposite Blue Bay Lagoon Hotel and further east towards Point D’Esny – you can go right out to the end of the reef if you want into the surf – but watch out when you cross the speed boat lanes – go at 05h00 in the morning and get back by 08h30 and in the evenings go out at 17h00 and get back before dark – although night snorkelling also excellent, take a good torch.
First thing you should buy when you get to Pingouinvillas is a couple of sharp knives, a cutting board and some “pads” for the mosquito machine.
Find out the departures and arrivals at the airport and when there are a bunch of them together, take a couple of drinks and go hang out at the end of the runway – spectacular stuff, even more so when they are taking off northwards (over land).
The butcher next to London Way sells meat of South African quality – don’t buy meat at London Way.
The main Mahebourg market is on Mondays near the football stadium.
All local landline calls are free – in emergency ask Sarif if you can use the phone in the reception area.
James and Jenny Drew
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Date of stay: December 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GOOD: · The flat was clean, spacious, with hot shower, washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, gas oven, kitchen, free wifi(speed is changing, some drop-outs between 5min and 4 hours), no AC, fan, no mosquito-screens, TV(~10 channels) in a quiet area(NOT the dogs, planes). Short distance to the airport. · Scooters and cars for rent. · We have made a good deal, so some deficiencies were overall compensated. NEUTRAL: · The transport was done by Mr. Sarif. · Cleaning is every 3-5 days. · There is one long term resident living in nr. 6, funny man. BAD: · The bed in the bedroom is really small. Make sure ,you come with a loved and slim one... · The blue bay beach(mostly locals) is small, almost clean, some waste on the beach. The corals (to the right hand side) are almost dead. Some fish. The pointe d’esny beach(mostly foreigner) is a bit longer and cleaner. No corals. Mostly its impossible to swim free without fears, as there are many boats passing by(some in a distance of a few meters to the shore!). Beware of stronger currents, when going too far. · There are only sufficient supermarkets in town, like Londonway, Kingsavers. A bus or taxi-trip is necessary. · The starting planes can be heard very well. The only good thing is, there are not plenty. The last starts before midnight. · Almost every house in the village has a minimum of 1 dog, some roaming, but I didn’t see aggressive ones! But they like to bark anytime and nobody stops them... CONCLUSIONS: · In total, a good place for staying in relation to the price. Coming back? MAURITIUS: YES; PINGOUIN: YES.
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Date of stay: October 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I went to Mauritius Island in the month of June for my honeymoon and I had really enjoyed my holiday trips. My husband and I stayed in the south-east of Mauritius as he likes snorkeling a lot. We decided to stay at Pingouinvillas which is 300 metres away from the Blue Bay beach and we can say that this lodging has contributed to the success of our holiday. First of all, the owner Mr.Ramjan is very friendly and is very resourceful. He came to welcome us at the airport of SSR Ramgoolam INT. and he drove us to Pingouinvillas. To our great astonishment, we were served with coffee and we didn’t expect such a warm welcoming. Concerning our apartment where we stay, los of compliments to make! The apartment is well decorated, very spacious, European standard, newly furnished, well- built and organised and we had really liked the kitchen which is fully equipped and very hygienic. The owner always instructs us on places to visit and he is very friendly. He also brought us to a nearby supermarket to do our shopping and we had really appreciated this. A cleaning maid come do change our bed linens and towels twice per week and all I can say that our place was very clean in such a way that when the sun shined, the tiles sparkled. I highly recommend this place to stay in Blue Bay as I have visited other places as I intend to come again in Mauritius. But pingouinvillas is an exclusive place to stay due to its infrastructural professionalism and its services.
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Date of stay: June 2007
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Myself and my husband Derek have stayed here twice already. The first trip was a holiday and the second was a business trip. The service we get is always remarkable. The staff are friendly and helpful and the apartments are always clean and tidy. All maintenance is up to date. We would recommend this venue to any holiday makers as well as business associates. The second trip we called ahead and hired a car through them. Nothing is ever a problem and they are always happy to help. Five star accommodation, five star service and 5 star attitudes. So pleased. Thank you Salif and staff. Pengouin Villas you rock! We will be back👌
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Date of stay: December 2017Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The BEST place we ever stayed in !!! We lived in the 125 m apartment. It was amazing, really spacious, cozy and up-to-date. There was everything you need (& free wi-fi!). Two of three sleeping rooms had their own balconies and also there was one large balcony in the living room, covered with palm leaves, sooo nice!! There was bathroom with the toilet and separate toilet, which was very convenient. Rooms were absolutely the same as on the official web-site.
Mr. Sarif Ramjan and other people working there are very-very-very friendly and open to all your requests!!
The beach is just 5 minutes walk. Sea there is of such an unbelievable colour! You can walk along the beach to the north to get to the ones that are not accessible from the road ('cause of the private cottages). Also in 10-15 minutes of walk from the apartment there is a thin road leading to the Pointe d'Esny, very beautiful and isolated beach. In Pingouinvillas they can tell you how it's better to find it.
We highly recommmend !! Anna St., Russia.
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Date of stay: November 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed a night at the villas and our villa was very nice. We were picked up at the airport and the service was excellent.
We also rented a car! Great airport drop off service. The car was in good condition and way cheaper than the big agencies.
So, the tip is - if you end up staying at one of the big, expensive resorts, grab a car from these guys and it will save you.
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Date of stay: May 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were picked up from the airport as promised and taken to our apartment, the 125m2 apartment (#5). Thankfully Kenny kindly took my heavy bag up the stairs for me.
The apartment has all you need to be comfortable. Though only two of us (my husband and I) were staying here, we opted for the large spacious apartment as we were staying for three weeks and wanted the space.
Three bedrooms - two with queen bed, wardrobes and balconies and one with two single beds, wardrobes and windows.
Bathroom consisted of a shower, basin, cupboards, toilet and washing machine. A second toilet next door to the bathroom also.
Kitchen with cupboards, crockery, cutlery pots and pans. Refrigerator and freezer, kettle, coffee maker (we did not use this) and microwave. Stove with electric plate and oven and three gas hubs also (which we thought didn't work, but in fact there was no gas and this was rectified immediately when we eventually mentioned it).
Lounge room with couch and chairs was comfortable, however we spent every morning and every evening that we were at home out on the balcony. The balcony has a table and 4 chairs and catches the sea breezes as well as giving glimpses into the lives of the neighbours.
These apartments are perfect for the couple or family who are mobile enough to walk to the nearby bus station or who have rented a car. Pingouinvillas have cars for hire at reasonable rates, just ask Sarif!
Blue Bay is within walking distance and here you will find the Bougainvillea restaurant which offers a large range of foods from Mauritian cuisine through to pizzas, pastas, etc.
Our second day (as we arrived late in the evening) we were taken to London Way for groceries. This is a handy place to shop and can be reached easily by bus later on however we discovered a King Savers not far away which offered a larger range of foods, etc.
Others in the apartments were for the most part quiet and friendly. "Bonjour" and "hello" whenever we walked through the front gate. Only one group got rowdy at night with a party which eventuated into a brawl. This was not repeated.
The quiet street was lovely. There was a wedding down the road in our second week staying here and there was music and festivities, but it was not of any bother at all.
Our highlight was the little orange Mauritian Fody bird who visited us every morning and we fed him/her wholemeal bread crumbs. Eventually he ate from my husband's hand. This was a wonderful experience.
Overall we were really pleased with our choice to stay with Pingouinvillas and will stay there again when we are able to visit Mauritius next.
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Date of stay: December 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:125m2 apartment suits a family or people wanting lots of space.
Go for the studio apartment...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A very kind man who goes by the name Sarif greets you upon arrival and looks after you during your stay. The place itself if located 7 minutes walk from Blue Bay beach in a quiet residential area. The apartment was very large and spacious and came with everything you could require for your stay. The one negative element was that the cleanliness was not up to scratch. The floors needed a good clean, the kettle was black inside, the tablecloths and sofa cushions needed a wash. Ironically, there is a washing machine and a mop & bucket in the flat. Apart from the hygiene issue this place would be a perfect place to stay in Blue Bay.
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Date of stay: September 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pingouinvillas is a charming complex within easy walking distance of the public beaches at Blue Bay. The apartment was spacious, well maintained, well equipped and comfortable. The proprietor was very helpful with airport transfers and visits to the shops but otherwise did not intrude. The apartment is ideal for families not wanting the hustle and expense of hotels. Make sure you have the right adaptors. No ACs could make it very hot in summer.
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Date of stay: June 2011
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:All the rooms face onto a quiet street. Ground floor might be preferable for those not wanting...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We was only 3 days, but it was very good time. The House located near to beach, bus station; good conditions for families. Fully equipped apartment.
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Date of stay: May 2011
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour Christellle,
Je pense que les 15€ de frais de transfert doivent correspondent au trajet de l'aéroport à l'hôtel. Nous n'avons pas eu ce problème car nous avions réservés une voiture.
Je vous souhaite de très bonnes vacances.
Bristol, United Kingdom49 contributions54 helpful votes
"The ground floor rooms could be a bit noisy with people arriving and leaving in front of your balcony - choose the 2nd or 3rd or 4th floor rooms for lovely views, birdsong and more peace."
There are more places to choose from in the Blue Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
$34 - $37 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
MauritiusGrand Port DistrictBlue Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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