Mauritius with Africa Collection and Beachcomber Hotels
With less than four hours flight time from Johannesburg, Mauritius makes for a logical post-South Africa beach holiday and with what must be one of the shortest transfers ever, I found myself gazing from my terrace over gorgeous white sands to the turquoise sea at Shandrani Hotel.
With fairly infrequent flights, mostly early mornings and evenings, the proximity to the airport means that planes can be seen and heard, but are not intrusive, at this idyllic all-inclusive five star hotel. I took a relaxing walk along the beach to build up an appetite for a delicious dinner accompanied by several glasses of a cheeky red and after a good nights’ sleep and a good look around the hotel, went snorkelling in the clear waters of the marine park. What a fabulous experience for a nervous sea swimmer! It took me a few attempts to get the hang of the snorkel and goggles and then I started to relax and enjoy looking at all the different coral and myriad fish.
Heading to the south west and Le Morne Peninsula, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa was home for the next two nights. This 5* hotel has fully interchangeable dining and facilities with neighbouring Paradis, a world-acclaimed spa, the exclusive ‘Club at Dinarobin’ and a host of land and sea based activities. The Paradis Golf Club stretches between natural boundaries formed by the Le Morne Mountain and the turquoise lagoon, a truly stunning setting! A blissful few hours spent in the fabulous spa preceded a gastronomic feast and the best night’s sleep, totally chilled!
Due to choppy seas our boat ride to the north of the island was replaced by road transfer and this gave us the opportunity to see some of the inland attractions. From St Denis River, Chamarel Waterfalls cascade into the gorge below, all in a lush forest setting. Close by, the seven-coloured earth reserve is a real geological curiosity and you may well think the different colours are shadows but once up close you can see they’re not. Grand Bassin Lake rests in the crater of an extinct volcano. It’s said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Ganges and beside the lake there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.
Situated between the lively village of Grand Baie and the capital Port Louis, in the north-west, Le Victoria is a special place for everyone with its spacious accommodations and all-inclusive option. A plethora of activities include tennis, mountain-biking, water-skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing and, for a fixed fee, an ‘unlimited’ diving package for experienced divers. There is a great atmosphere in the evenings with singing and dancing helped along with a few glasses of the delicious coconut rum!
Within walking distance of Grand Baie is the 4* Le Mauricia offering a casual atmosphere and plenty of activities plus optional ‘Beachcomber All-Inclusive’ which is interchangeable with nearby le Cannonier, the real surprise hotel for me. Set on a stunning beach, the surroundings bear testimony to Mauritius’ colonial past; even the kids’ club is situated in an 18th century lighthouse and the wellness centre is built around branches of an ancient banyan tree. Our superb lunch overlooking white sands and turquoise waters was sublime and very inventive, time to move over Heston!
It’s true, the sunsets in north-west Mauritius are a joy to behold – Trou Aux Biches delivered and then some! With my luxurious Beachfront Suite (with its own pool!) the bathroom alone was almost as big as my garden at home with both an indoor and outdoor rain shower. Dinner at Indian inspired Mahiya was authentic and delightful with friendly and attentive service for our final night on this beautiful island. Trou Aux Biches has everything you need for a chilled and blissed out rejuvenating holiday or a more active break, plus, with its six restaurants you're sure of plenty of dining choices.
It was kind of a shame to tear ourselves away on the final day to visit and take lunch at the prestigious Royal Palm but we were completely spoilt and now I understand why this hotel is always sold out in high season. Oozing charm, the service is attentive and discreet and your every whim anticipated, truly a tranquil tropical haven.
My whirlwind tour of Mauritius has definitely left me wanting more, so I'm sure I'll be back in the not too distant future. Each Beachcomber hotel was unique and all had a slightly different 'flavour' although service throughout was impeccable. Youngsters of all ages are made very welcome and the hotels offer the fabulous Bob Marlin children's club up to 12 years of age and some of the hotels also offer activities for 13-17 year olds too.
There is so much more to Mauritius than just a beach holiday and it is well worth getting out and exploring if you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger! Our summer time brings cooler temperatures in Mauritius but it is still warm there and an ideal time to take advantage of the lower prices. You might get the odd shower but who really cares in paradise? Mauritius - I'm sold!