Beachcomber’s 30th Birthday Celebration June 2019

I was very fortunate to be invited to take part in Beachcomber’s 30th birthday celebrations in Mauritius. I visited all eight hotels and stayed in three of them.

After our 12 hour flight, we arrived at the Shandrani Hotel, the closest Beachcomber property to the airport. The first impression that you get when entering the reception area is just amazing. The view over the pool directly onto Blue May Marine Park is simply stunning. We explored the Marine Park by kayak which was great fun. There are three palm-fringed beaches that are very safe for swimming and great for families. Shandrani has it’s own sports and nature programme with half day excursions that take families around the island to see the unique wildlife.

We were taken on an excursion and the first stop was a tea factory and museum. Our tour was followed by tea tasting and snacks. Next, we went to a giant tortoise park and nature reserve which also had a small zoo. We bought food to feed these amazing huge animals and also got to hold and feed the babies.

Our second hotel stay was at the Dinarobin, I was looking forward to staying at this property. Over the years I have booked many clients here, all who have had amazing holidays and I can now understand why! It is set in tranquil tropical gardens, with the stunning Le Morne Mountain as a backdrop. It has a long uninterrupted beach which is great to walk along. This is an all-suite hotel that blends colonial elegance and wood furnishings with traditional thatched roofs. There are four restaurants plus a further four at its’ adjoining sister hotel, Paradis. You can stroll between them or get a lift on the hotels’ frequent buggy service.

Paradis has an 18-hole championship golf course, a helicopter pad, as well as an amazing array of land and water activities. As a surprise, we were taken for a flight over the lagoon. We had a birds eye view of Le Morne Mountain, the sea was crystal clear – it was just breath-taking.

The third hotel we stayed in was Troux Aux Biches. The hotel has a pristine stretch of white sand beach, one of the best on the island and is my personal favourite of the Beachcomber properties. It is within close proximity to lively Grand Baie and Port Louis. I had the opportunity to snorkel on the reef and although much of the coral is dead, there was an abundance of colourful and interesting fish. We also went kayaking through the shallow waters. There are six superb dining options offering an amazing choice of cuisine. It is a very relaxing resort, great for couple and families as it offers pretty much everything you need for a perfect holiday.

We visited all the other Beachcomber properties:

Victoria – This friendly resort is in a great location between the capital, Port Louis and Grand Baie. Evenings are particularly stunning as the sun dips down over shimmering the Indian Ocean. If you can tear yourself away, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring local culture and atmosphere. The exceptionally spacious rooms and suites are all ocean-facing.
Victoria for 2 – The exclusive adults only section of the resort comprises forty fabulous ocean-facing rooms that open onto a tranquil stretch of beach. There are seventeen exquisite Swim-up rooms from which you can take a dip in the pool direct from your terrace. You can use all the facilities of the Victoria as well as the adults only restaurant. It is perfect for couples and honeymooners.

Canonnier – This welcoming resort lies at the tip of a historic peninsula, complete with an ancient lighthouse, ruined fortress and remains of cannons from long ago battles. The rooms are spacious with stylish furnishings made from natural wood and rattan materials. If you stay here, you can also dine at nearby Mauricia or Victoria.

Mauricia – This resort is the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. A tropical haven with great dining and leisure facilities yet with the shopping, restaurants and evening entertainment of Grand Baie just short stroll away. There is a superb range of 2-bedroomed Family Apartments, creating a separate ‘family village’ area with garden views. The resort offers just about every water sport you could imagine including complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and snorkelling, others can be arranged for additional cost. You can also dine at nearby Victoria and Canonnier.

Royal Palm – A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Royal Palm is the jewel in Beachcomber’s crown. A luxurious boutique hotel, there are 4 staff for each of the 69 suites, providing discreet yet impeccable service. Situated on the north-west coast, a stone’s throw from Grand Baie, it is surrounded by tropical gardens with white sandy beaches. The dining is world class, and as well as sampling one of the three restaurants, you can arrange to dine privately on your own balcony or terrace served by a personal waiter.