As we prepared to depart from Mauritius en route to London and eventually onward to North America, we had the opportunity to spend an evening at the island nation’s flagship lounge, the Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge.
This happened to be our first encounter with any of the airline’s products. After soaking up a late check-out at the Four Seasons Mauritius, we headed to the airport to experience the lounge.
Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge – Entry & Access
The Amédée Maingard Lounge at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport offers access to business class passengers of Air Mauritius, Kestrelflyer Gold members, and various members of partner airlines.
If you have a Priority Pass membership from an eligible credit card, you’ll also be able to enjoy a visit.
In my case, I gained entry with an Air Mauritius business class ticket, which we booked using Aeroplan points.
The lounge is located opposite Gate 28 in the international departures area. It’s important to note that you’ll want to allow ample time to reach your gate from the lounge as it may be a bit of a walk.
After navigating through immigration and security checks, turn right and follow the signs leading towards the lounge, situated between Gates 27 and 28.
It’s an extensive space, spread across two levels, although the downstairs area was closed during my visit. This lower level is typically open during busier times to accommodate more guests.
Entering the lounge, guests are welcomed at a chic reception desk, where boarding passes are scanned.
A standout feature is the red spiral staircase leading to the upper floor, which is the main part of the lounge and can also be accessed via an elevator.
This area is spacious, well-lit, and benefits from natural light pouring in through skylights aloft.
Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge – Seating
Entering the lounge, one is met with a split-level design offering distinct experiences: the upper Chamarel Lounge and the lower Tamarin Lounge.
The upper tier is a hub of activity, with the main buffet, bar, bathrooms, and shower facilities are located, spread across a generous 20,000 square feet.
An open, airy design with skylights frames an impressive aerial view of the runway. The lounge has a modern appeal, inviting natural light to complement the lounge’s warm lighting.
Upon entering, you’ll a series of plush armchairs lined up in a row, facing the concourse below and offering views of nearby gates. This area is ideal for solo travellers who prefer a quiet spot to relax before a flight.
Adjacent to this is a casual bar setting with high stools.
Further in, the lounge opens up to a cozy area with a mixture of sofas and armchairs grouped around low coffee tables. It exudes a relaxed vibe, away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
For those interested in catching up with current events or enjoying some entertainment, there is a dedicated space with comfortable seating facing a television.
In contrast, for those needing to stay productive, there’s a business centre that features a large table with ample seating and power outlets to charge electronic devices.
For dining, there are small, round tables accompanied by comfortable beige lounge chairs, perfect for enjoying a quick meal or a beverage.
For those in small groups or families, rectangular dining tables with bright orange chairs are available, each table seating four people comfortably.
Additionally, the lounge features a communal table that can accommodate larger groups or solo travellers willing to share their dining space with others.
The downstairs Tamarin Lounge welcomes guests with a sprawling seating area where self-serve drinks are available.
The ambiance here is relaxed, with diverse and comfortable seating arrangements that prevent the space from feeling overcrowded, even as it welcomes a sizable number of guests.
On the ground floor, the relaxation zone, cozy salons, and bar area offer a retreat for guests seeking tranquility.
This level is also thoughtfully designed with accessible amenities for passengers with reduced mobility and those needing baby changing facilities, ensuring inclusivity and convenience for all travellers.
Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge – Dining & Bar
The main buffet area boasts an attractive selection of dishes that include traditional and international dishes. Basmati rice, a rich vegetable stew, and the Mauritian favourite, dhall puri with bean curry, tomato sauce, pickles, and chili paste.
The pastry section featured tarte banane and gâteau coco among others. Guests may choose from a variety of light bites, including salads and sandwiches as well as vegetable pizza, veggies & tofu skewers, and two cheese feuilleté.
Soups with mixed vegetables, noodles, and legumes were available, as well as grilled chicken skewers in honey and teriyaki sauce.
The buffet also included crispy chicken burgers with tomato, vegetable- and protein-packed tacos, and individual portions of baked fish with steamed vegetables.
A standout for me were the tandoori tacos, which were so delicious that I helped myself to several.
The lounge also features a separate bar area, offering local beer, wines, spirits, and cocktails. The bar isn’t self-service, which gave me a chance to have a pleasant chat with the bartender.
Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge – Other Facilities
The bathrooms are located on the lounge’s upper level.
They’re designed with a sleek, contemporary style, featuring dark wood paneling and marble countertops. The large, oval mirrors added to the modern aesthetic, and the space was neat and orderly.
Adjacent to the bathrooms, the shower area was equipped with a large overhead rainfall shower head and a conveniently placed sink adjacent to it.
Lastly, the lounge has an exclusive children’s area on the same level. It was a thoughtful addition, furnished with cushioned seating and low tables, perfect for young families.
The area seemed like a comfortable and engaging space for children.
Additionally, I noticed that free Wi-Fi was available throughout the lounge. This was a great convenience, allowing guests like myself to stay connected in a comfortable setting.
Conclusion
As the airline’s flagship lounge facility, the Air Mauritius Amédée Maingard Lounge offers ample seating in a modern and luminous setting.
The lounge features a well-appointed buffet, boasting a diverse mix of local and international cuisines, and includes a nicely stocked bar, too.
With convenient access for business class passengers and Priority Pass members, the lounge’s extensive amenities make it a worthwhile destination for those departing from this island nation.
