Mauritius has finally reopened to the world… And it couldn’t have come any sooner.
The Takeaway
- Mauritius opens to travellers from 1 October 2021
- Hello Joburg & Beachcomber are offering 35% off till 30 Sep 21
- Half board options (incl flights) from R17,180pp and upgrade to all inclusive for only R560 pppn
- 8 resorts to choose from with unparralled service and hospitality
* Edited & updated from original publication in October 2019.
Anyone who says it’s impossible to fall in love over and over again has clearly never been to Mauritius. Away from the crowds but with access to exclusive facilities, this Indian Ocean island nation is the definition of quintessential paradise.
Set beneath sweet smelling palm trees, encircled by a broken ring of mountain ranges and more than 150 km of translucent white sandy beaches, comes to life. The world’s third-largest coral reef exists here which surrounds the island and, speckled in-between the azure waters, are an array of uninhabited islands. Traditional fishing boats prowl for the freshest tuna along the waters edge and inland in the capital of Port Louis you’ll find beaming smiles from Mauritians -multiethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multi-kind.
We’ve teamed up with Beachcomber Resorts, which is 100% Mauritian owned to offer our readers exclusive access to several of the islands most memorable resorts. Here is your invitation to discover Mauritius with our top three hotel picks:
Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
best for the whole family
Park any problems at check-in. This distinctly Mauritian style hotel is perched on a peninsula with two beaches along the North coast of the island. This is definitely the best location on the island, the winds and storms are relatively calm, and the weather is stable and glorious.
You couldn’t, in fact, get any closer to the beach and because of its pristine location, with little swells and dots of beautiful coral, you’ll gladly stay in the turquoise warm waters all day long.
The hotels aesthetic is one that blends in with its natural surroundings, refurbished in 2017 with natural stone colourings, grey textures and wood, it’s traditional yet soft and simple. But, most important to note, is their astute awareness of plastic wastage and eco-friendly practices.
Not only does a culinary scientist visit the hotel and kitchen on a monthly basis but their focus is also always on seasonal ingredients and sustainability. Boasting a smart kitchen, a different themed dinner every night, proudly hosting fifteen female chefs in the kitchen, a tandoori oven and wood-fired pizza oven and the only hotel in Mauritius to make their own smoked marlin, it’s the best example of buffet style culinary cuisine we’ve experienced in a long time.
most important to note, is their astute awareness of plastic wastage and eco-friendly practices
After dining there is a choice of a massage below the allamanda flowers and goliath banyan tree. The entire spa is built inside this exquisite tree and its branches, with only six elite treatment rooms, enveloped by volcano rock pools and the gushing sound of waterfalls the retreat is complimented by the songs from the birds above.
Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
best for sport enthusiasts
Situated on the Southwest part of the island this five-star hotel is located in one of the most untouched parts of the island. There is seven km of unspoiled beach in the forefront and lurking behind is the majestic Le Morne Mountain. Soaking up the beauty of this location has never been easier; it’s breathtakingly perfect with utopian characteristics and grandiose natural marvels.
Days are spent in one of their one hundred and seventy-two exclusive suites, which have been adorned with luxurious fabrics and wooden finishes. The rooms are exceptionally spacious all with their own balcony/patio overlooking the marvellous view. There are also six pools begging to be used (one specifically reserved for adults only) all overlooking the mountain and the cherry on top has to be the discovery of the ice-cream beach bar. It is guaranteed that you’ll stuff your face with their delectable, velvety smooth, creamy, homemade ice cream selection.
The hotel boasts four restaurants; L’Harmonie Restaurant the main buffet-style restaurant where breakfasts are enjoyed poolside, Dina’s Italian restaurant, casual lunch restaurant La Plage and the impressive pan Asian Umami Restaurant. This modern Asian Japanese style cuisine offers roasted eel and futomaki rolls, scallop sashimi with a gorgeous shiso salsa and divine black cod yuzu miso. Cherishing every last spoonful is highly recommended.
Join the fish for a splash the following day and go snorkelling, diving, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing or experience the glass bottom boat, kayak or have an attempt at SUP.
No interruptions, just a glorious, reassuring sanctuary.
Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa
best for honeymooners & romantic lovers
With sapphire waters and golden green palm trees encompassing this superior resort, and a one hundred and twenty-two-metre infinity pool that wraps itself effortlessly around the property, this is what heaven must be like.
The original two hundred and ninety-five room hotel with sixty square metre rooms is impressive enough, but the adult’s only zone- Victoria for Two – is where the magic happens. Everyone gets a room with a balcony/patio beach view; seclusion and solace are what’s to be expected. The only rule is you check in barefoot and it is this luxurious shoeless experience that sojourns the entire trip. There is a tablet slab like bar inside the pool where pina coladas can be enjoyed and personalised service can be savoured.
This hotel meets even the most discerning of expectations.
