Magical Mauritius with Beachcomber

Natalie Matthews on 03 February 2016
After spending a week in Mauritius on a memorable Educational with Beachcomber Tours, I experienced all that the island has to offer from sunshine, humidity, cyclonic weather activity to perfect sunshine once again and the most friendly faces of the locals.

Our trip began checking in at the British Airways counter for our flight from OR Tambo to Mauritius with the full use of their Business Club Lounge prior to boarding where cappuccino's and breakfast snacks were in abundance.

On arrival in Mauritius we were met by the ever friendly staff of Maurtourico who transferred us to the 5 Star Deluxe Resort of Dinarobin located right under the majestic Le Morne mountain in the South West of the island. Dinarobin is luxurious in every way with the rooms set out in six separate tranquil crescents, which each have their own private pool area over and above the main restaurant and pool area. They even have an 'adults only' crescent for those looking for a little slice of peace and quiet. We were then treated to dinner at the main restaurant L'Harmonie where we had a huge variety of foods to choose from, most of us choosing oysters, fresh fish and prawns. Dinarobin has 3 other restaurant areas to choose from including an adults only restaurant, dedicated to fine dining as well as a variety of rooms from Junior Suites to Club Senior Beachfront Suites and Family Suites. Dinarobin guests also have full use of all the facilities at Paradis Resort next door.

With that in mind, the following morning we were transferred to the 5 Star Superior Paradis Resort via golf carts. Also set underneath the picturesque Le Morne Mountain, with kilometres of soft white sandy beach where watersports such as kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking etc are extremely popular. Over and above the many water sport options is their 18 hole championship golf course, four restaurant options as well as full use of all the facilities at Dinarobin. Rooms range from Deluxe to beachfront suites as well as villas which are perfect for families sharing accommodation together.

Our third day brought us to the ever popular 5 Star Superior Trou Aux Biches Resort, located close to Grand Baie and along one of the islands finest beaches. Different dining themes are offered at six restaurants, including one Thai and one Indian speciality restaurant. The beachfront suite with private plunge pool is an unbeatable room choice with direct access onto the beach! Lastly, a wide variety of water sports are on offer including probably the best kids club in my opinion.

On our fourth day we transferred further down the coast to the 4 Star Le Victoria Hotel. Also set on the West Coast with long sandy beaches which borders a marine park for optimal snorkelling opportunities and amazing sunsets. Le Victoria is renowned for their spacious rooms as well as the variety of activities and entertainment that they have on offer.

Another day and another hotel. We ventured up the coast and into Grand Baie for a spot of shopping in the local market before checking into the 4 Star Le Mauricia Hotel. Located in the heart of Grand Baie means that guests are within walking distance to the vibe and activity of the local shops, restaurants and bars. I was pleasantly surprised with Le Mauricia's soft refurbs that they have undertaken. The hotel has a distinct Nautical feel to it with ship replicas dotting the open spaces throughout the lounges and restaurants. Their buffet spread was also one of the best quality and variety that we had during our stay. However, as they are located in Grand Baie, their swimming beach area is slightly on the small side, but guests can also take a shuttle trip up to their sister hotel Le Canonnier and spend the day there swimming, snorkelling etc.

With that in mind, our next over night was at the 4 Star Le Canonnier Hotel, located just around the bay from Le Mauricia. Le Canonnier's unique peninsular location in the North offers the opportunity to see both sunrise as well as sunsets. It is a historical hotel with a 'Treehouse' Spa built within a 200 year old Banyan Tree and an Old Lighthouse dating back to the 1600's where they have now accommodated the kids club for a spot of fun and adventure. Their Honeymoon Apartments are extremely spacious, located on the ground floor with direct access to the beach. Another great room choice would be their Superior Sea View Rooms whilst the 'Le Navigator' restaurant offers the most amazing sea views and cuisine for a late afternoon, early evening meal.

Our last two days were spent further south at the 5 Star Shandrani Resort & Spa, with its close proximity to the airport allows for quick and easy transfers on your arrival and departure days. Shandrani is located in a Marine National Park which means that the quality of snorkelling from the hotel is of a high standard and they offer a Sailing Club, Dive Centre as well as a Sports & Nature programme. They also have a wide variety of other water and land activities including a 9 hole golf course and an alfresco spa by Clarins. I loved Shandrani in that their rooms are spacious, they have 3 beaches to choose from, each with their own scenery and ambience so you never feel over crowded. They also have a variety of sea facing rooms from Superior to family apartments, ideal for larger families.

All in all, a fantastic first hand experience at each and every property. The Beachcomber Properties really have something to offer each and every type of family. If you are planning a trip to Mauritius speak to me so that I can suggest that property that would best suit you.