When asked to suggest beautiful beach holiday options, Mauritius is a no brainer.
A pint-sized island (slightly smaller than the county of Devon) in the southern Indian Ocean, consisting of tranquil shores of powder white sand backed by picturesque mountains and home to fantastic resorts with legendary hospitality, it is a perfect modern holiday destination for families and couples alike.
Located around 1,200 miles from the east coast of Africa, the island is hemmed by 330km of immaculate white beaches.
The south, west and east coasts are defined by stunning beaches that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean, whilst in the north, the shallow bays are ideal for watersports like wind and kitesurfing. The warm sea waters are surrounded by coral reefs and vibrant fauna and flora.
Enjoying a tropical climate all year round, its seasons are the opposite of our own, although there are only two distinct ones, summer running from November to April, and winter from May to October. The higher temperatures of summer coincide with the region’s rainy season, whilst the cooler months tend to be drier.
The island is also prone to microclimates, so it could be beautifully sunny where you are but raining only up the road.
Reaching Mauritius from the UK is easy with regular direct 12-hour flights from London and most regional airports offering indirect flights daily, via the Middle East or Europe.
So, you've decided upon Mauritius for your beach holiday, so the next decision is where to stay?
Having been twice and visited many of the island’s hotels, I know for certain that staying at one of Beachcomber's eight properties will not disappoint. As a pioneer of the hospitality industry in Mauritius, they have some of the best beachfront locations, offering an unrivalled choice of land and water sports, great dining options and some of the very best spas. There is certainly a resort to suit everyone, from honeymooners to families of all ages and with accommodation to match.
Each offers the following where applicable with a couple of minor exceptions and variations:
⦁ Complimentary kids clubs
⦁ A variety of meal plans, including fantastic all-inclusive options
⦁ Nightly resident band or shows
⦁ Many complimentary land and water sports
⦁ Free Wi-Fi throughout
⦁ Wellness spa
Here is my very own quick guide to the virtues of each to help steer you a little but do please talk to me about your personal preferences and circumstances and I will happily advise the best match.
Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa
Positioned on the north-west tip of the island in Grand Baie, this hotel offers the best of both worlds and is a great option for couples and families that like to get out and about.
It's a heavenly haven for stretching out on its sun-kissed beaches, with great dining, ample facilities and a relaxed fun atmosphere, plus has the shopping, restaurants and evening entertainment of vibrant Grand Baie just a short walk away.
Guests can also dine at the nearby sister hotels of Canonnier and Victoria.
Le Mauricia Hotel essentials:
Transfer is 47 miles
Total Rooms: 236 + 1 Villa
Restaurants: 2
La Rhumerie Nightclub
Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Located on a historic peninsula on the northwest coast, this is a very friendly, relaxed resort with spectacular views over the northern islands and home to an ancient lighthouse, the ruins of an old fortress and several old cannons.
The unique spa is located within the branches of a banyan tree and as with all Beachcomber hotels, there’s a host of complimentary land and water sports.
Guests can also dine at the nearby sister Hotels of Mauricia and Victoria.
Canonnier Beachcomber essentials:
Transfer is 47 miles
Total Rooms: 283
Restaurants: 3
Reduced green fees and prime tee-off times at Mont Choisy Golf Course
Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa
My personal favourite, and I hope to be back again soon. Located on the west coast between the capital Port Louis and lively Grand Baie, Victoria is set amidst lush tropical gardens beside a gorgeous white sandy beach.
Each of the spacious rooms, some of which are the largest on the island, look out to the ocean and are ideal for couples or families, bringing together lovely surroundings and excellent facilities in one entrancing resort.
Guests can also dine at the nearby sister hotels of Mauricia and Canonnier.
Couples can opt to stay in the adult-only section of the hotel - Victoria for 2 which offers 23 oceanview rooms and 17 superb swim-up rooms, a swim-up bar and an exclusive restaurant, making it a great choice for honeymooners who can also enjoy the excellent facilities of the main hotel.
Victoria Hotel essentials:
Transfer is 37 miles
Total rooms: 255
Restaurants: 5
Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa
Situated in the less developed south, surrounded by 70 acres of gardens and the Blue Bay Marine Park, this hotel sits on a magnificent stretch of coast. Unwind on one of three beaches, be pampered with an indulgent afternoon at the spa or try out one of the several complimentary land and water sports. There is great snorkelling close to the beach and a pitch and putt course for practicing your golf swing.
Shandrani is situated relatively close to the airport so planes can be seen and heard from the hotel. However, flights are infrequent with key times being early morning and late evening. I have had many clients stay here and say that this has not impacted their holiday in the slightest and that they would happily return.
* Shandrani is currently closed for an exciting refurbishment until November 2020.
Shandrani Hotel essentials:
Transfer is 4 miles
Total rooms: 327
Restaurants: 5
Trou aux Biches Golf Beachcomber Resort & Spa
Trou aux Biches boasts a prime west coast position set along one of the island’s best stretches of beaches and near to lively Grand Baie and capital Port Louis.
This is an all-suite property offering an impressive choice of accommodation from beachfront suites with their own plunge pools to two and three-bedroom family villas.
For family holidays, there’s also a complimentary kids and teens club.
Enjoy a dip in one of the six garden pools, join in with numerous free land and water sports or simply just relax and enjoy the outstanding setting.
Trou Aux Biches Hotel essentials:
Transfer is 43 miles
Total suites: 306 + 27 Villas
Restaurants: 6
Reduced green fees and VIP service at Mont Choisy Le Golf
Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Paradis sits on a long stretch of soft white sand, surrounded by a crystal lagoon on the tip of the stunning Le Morne Peninsula on the south-west coast.
The luxurious and spacious accommodation is spread out across the resort and with a host of complimentary land and water sports, including the superb 18-hole Paradis Golf Course, there is plenty on offer to keep all ages happy.
With a choice of eight restaurants, four here and four at next door’s sister hotel, Dinarobin, you won’t be short of dining options.
Paradis Beachcomber essentials:
Transfer is 43 miles
Total rooms: 280 + 13 Villas
Restaurants: 4 with a further 4 at Dinarobin Beachcomber
Great Golf package
Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Nestled between Le Morne Mountain and the Indian Ocean on the south-west coast, this resort is renowned as one of the most elegant and comfortable resorts in Mauritius.
Its tranquil location and luxurious all-suite accommodation make the hotel perfect for couples or families seeking an intimate, relaxed hideaway.
The adult zen suites offer complimentary access to The Club and are ideal for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special birthday or anniversary.
Dinarobin offers a perfect mix of facilities for both the active and those looking for peaceful relaxation.
Dinarobin essentials:
Transfer is 43 miles
Total Suites: 172 suites + 3 villas
Restaurants: 4 with a further 4 at Paradis
Great golf packages
The Club
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
Grand Sable Beach on the north-west coast of the island is home to the Royal Palm, the first Indian Ocean hotel to become a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World.” With just 69 intimate suites, it's set on an idyllic stretch of beach and is just a short walk to Grand Baie.
Oozing elegance, the property is acclaimed for its award-winning à la carte dining, flawless service and outstanding hospitality, with staff outnumbering guests by three to one.
Royal Palm Hotel essentials:
Transfer is 47 miles
Total Suites: 69
Restaurants: 3
Helipad
Access to Mont Choisy Le Golf
If you can manage to tear yourself away from the beach or for those wanting to mix some adventure and exploration with your relaxation, then Mauritius offers plenty here too.
Have lunch with a Creole family, stroll the streets of Port Louis with a local guide, infuse the exotic scents of a market or watch the fine art of rum distillation.
There are French-colonial homes and botanical gardens to explore, tea and sugar museums introducing the island’s heritage, waterfalls, rivers and diverse culture created from a lineage that goes back to Europe, Africa and Asia.
Active pursuits include hiking through the Chamarel Mountains or perhaps learning a new water sport. Alternatively, take a leisurely boat trip out along the coast, stopping to snorkel as you go and hanging out with the dolphins.
