There's considerably more to Mauritius than just its beautiful beaches and hotels...
Finally, two years since last departing UK shores, we flew direct to the Indian Ocean island paradise for our multi celebration trip originally scheduled for June 2020. It was so worth the wait.
We are more your 'keep busy' kind of travellers as opposed to chilling all day on the beach. Add the travel agent in me and the result is a 12-night stay in three different hotels with a change of scenery every four nights. It was like having three holidays in one!
Our first sojourn was at Beachcomber Mauricia on the north coast and a short walk around the bay from the bustling town of Grand Baie.
It’s a great hotel if, along with your relaxation, you like to get out and about, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars on your doorstep.
The Bay Watch Bar is a great place to hang out with a cocktail whilst watching the sunset.
Le Nautic, the à la carte restaurant, has wonderful staff, fabulous service and extremely tasty food.
Other than the odd stroll and wander around Grand Baie, we didn’t do a great deal whilst at Mauricia. The first four days were spent relaxing at the resort, swimming and enjoying the cocktails - it was as much as we could muster after the last 18 months and just felt right.
The next stop was Preskil on the southeast coast where I had stayed on a previous visit but following a recent renovation, I was intrigued to return. I wasn’t disappointed – the setting is simply stunning and everything in the resort feels fresh and new.
We totally loved the impressive Junior Suite in which we stayed; it’s a fantastic option for couples.
The food here is excellent with plenty of choices at the buffet along with two splendid à la carte restaurants, though only the Mosaic is included with the standard all-inclusive package.
I would recommend the all-inclusive Premium package which then includes lunch and dinner at the 1810 beach restaurant, facing the turquoise lagoon and beautiful islet, île aux Aigrettes.
We had arranged an excursion to La Vallée de Ferney, a forest and wildlife reserve situated in the Bambou Mountains. The two-hour 4x4 tour was exhilarating and spectacular, taking us across rivers and up steep slopes to viewpoints with the most stunning panoramic views.
Close by is the Ferney Falaise Rouge, a wonderful sea-view restaurant where we enjoyed a more serene experience with a delicious lunch, to cap off a magnificent experience.
Whilst staying at Preskil, we were thrilled to also be attending our friends Roberta & Keith’s wedding at Beachcomber Dinarobin, a long overdue and memorable day.
I have arranged destination weddings in Mauritius and the resort certainly knows how to do them.
Our final stop was the one I had been most excited about.
Beachcomber Victoria is set amidst lush tropical gardens, beside a gorgeous white sandy beach, on the northwest coast and was the first hotel I stayed at in Mauritius 15 years ago. I fell in love with it then and was incredibly looking forward to returning. It didn’t disappoint!
We stayed in an Oceanview room in the new adult-only wing of the hotel, Victoria for 2. The rooms have been designed with couples in mind, making perfect options for honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions. They are light, contemporary and stylish, and enabled us to watch the sublime sunset from our balcony with a glass of bubbly in hand.
The adult-only pool with swim-up bar was directly below and just a few steps away was the exclusive restaurant. Magical.
Dining options were at four different restaurants and on our final night, Malcolm had booked a surprise private beach dinner. This was the trip highlight and something I'll never forget; we had the most divine seafood we have eaten for a long time.
From Victoria, we booked a chauffeured car as I was eager to visit the botanical gardens and take hubby into the capital, Port Louis, to show him the local markets and the luxury waterfront area.
The hotel also provided a generous and tasty packed lunch.
Our driver was fantastic, and I would also suggest having a guide to make the most of covering the 33 hectares of gardens, as he was able to show us some real highlights and share so much information and history as we walked around. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere and I would highly recommend visiting.
We totally loved our entire stay. The Mauritians are such warm and friendly people, and an integral part of what makes the island so beautiful.
Malcolm hugely enjoyed the intense conversations about the English Premier League with all our transfer drivers. The moment they knew we were from the UK they wanted to talk football, and all seemed to support Manchester United. Their understanding of where we lived was enhanced by Southampton being our nearest team.
Thank you, Mauritius, we will be back.
