My wife and I vacationed in this apartment for 15 days, beginning in mid-April 2025.
The apartment is a two-story townhouse. On the second floor is a bedroom with a balcony and bathroom, and on the ground floor is a kitchen-living room with a bathroom and a veranda with a dining area. We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the spacious veranda, enjoying the view of the ocean, sky, sun, stars, birdsong, and the flight of flying foxes. There's a barbecue area next to the veranda. The entire Casa Gem grounds are very well-maintained!
When searching and booking, we were impressed by the fact that the apartment was built in 2024. It had been recently renovated, everything was new, and the kitchen was fully equipped with everything you need, including a toaster and a capsule coffee machine!
We were greeted by a very friendly woman named Stella with a glass of cool lemonade. On the day of our check-in, a large basket of fruit was waiting for us in the kitchen, and the refrigerator was stocked with a mini breakfast set—very welcome after a long flight. We began communicating with the apartment owner, Jerry, via email long before our arrival. He was happy to answer all our questions promptly, providing useful information. He also recommended renting a car with a meet-and-greet service (delivery at the airport upon arrival and return upon departure). A car is essential for a comfortable stay at Casa Gem, as not everyone is physically fit enough to hike up such a mountain from the bus stop. Jerry was constantly asking if we needed anything, periodically sending treats of fruit from his garden, and his wife prepared a local dessert for us. They were incredibly hospitable and kind.
My wife was delighted with the utility room, which includes a washer and dryer, and an ironing board and iron on the second floor. The apartment was cleaned meticulously and daily, even changing the towels, including the beach towels. We really enjoyed the apartment's location, practically at the narrowest point of Mahé Island, allowing us to quickly cross it. We took advantage of this, catching the sunrise on the east coast in the morning and watching the sunset, easily returning to the west. Furthermore, the proximity to some of the best beaches gave us plenty of choice where to spend the day: Anse Forbans Beach, Anse Takamaka Beach, Anse Royale Beach, Anse Solei Beach, and others.
Overall, I HIGHLY recommend it. The apartment is excellent, and Jerry and the entire staff are friendly and welcoming. The only thing we didn't like was the lack of air conditioning in the kitchen/living room. With temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and cooking, it's impossible to spend long periods of time in the living room, so it essentially served no purpose other than cooking, even though there's a sofa and TV there. We hope that by our next vacation, Jerry will heed our advice and install air conditioning.
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