Surinam Holidays from NZ$4,837

Beach and staff were amazing

The room and resort is very well maintained and care is given. The pool and grounds are kept very clean. The food is part of the experience of the hotel and is prepared with expertise.

We enjoyed our week-long stay at Seasense and would give it a 4.5 score if we could. This small 63-room adult-only boutique hotel is beautifully designed and the rooms are well appointed. Service is friendly and attentive, but can be slow at mealtimes. The exclusive beach is quite small and shallow but fine for a splash or a snorkel. The pretty à la carte restaurant is right by the sea, and there was no shortage of loungers, including with shade. The small pool is heated and lovely for a quick dip. The modest spa and sauna is a nice touch. Two issues however. First, noise from the road: the hotel is sandwiched on a small strip or land between the main coast road and the sea. More importantly, we found the food quite variable: occasionally excellent, always presented beautifully, but often bland and under-seasoned and cold. A shame given the reputation of Mauritian cuisine. Also, half the menu items (and nearly all the fish options) are subject to hefty supplements. The buffet night (combined with a free cocktail party for guests) was however enjoyable.

Pros-the property and rooms were clean Staff members were professional, attentative, helpful, hard working and polite at all times Good quality of food and night shows (ABBA was spectacular!) Cons - the gym is small and lacks toilet facilities. Lack of designated spaces for smokers, therefore we were exposed to second hand smoking! Lack of recycle receptacles in rooms and throughout the property.