A mere 12 hours after departing from London with Air Mauritius, Ross and the group landed in Mauritius on Sunday morning and were met and transferred to the Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa, nestled serenely in the unspoilt southern part of the country, to check-in and freshen up before the antics started! After a look around the hotel, the group were treated to a delicious A La Carte lunch at the beachfront restaurant – the cheeseburger was a favourite amongst the group along with some of the seafood dishes!

In the afternoon, they explored the resort a bit more, stumbling upon a small 9 hole golf course onsite, water-sports and boat excursions (all complimentary). The gorgeous hotel hosted large open plan bedrooms with one- and two-bedroom options for those going as couples or families. The evening entailed delicious pre-dinner drinks and dinner at Shandrani Beachcomber, overlooking the stunning Mauritian sunset. 

After awakening on Monday, they group enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Mauricia Beachcomber in the North of Mauritius for a look round. A slightly cheaper alternative, this hotel was lively and very close to Grand Baie, providing easy access to nightlife.  Afterwards, they adventured out on a guided walk around Grand Baie, visiting the shops and local market for traditional souvenirs and snacks. 

Ross stayed at the Canonnier Beachcomber tonight, a hotel with a sublime, relaxed feel to it. Around one hour and 20 minutes from the airport in the north of the island, the Canonnier sits close to Grand Baie but its design creates an isolated feel. Surrounded by beaches and with three onsite restaurants, you need not leave. 

On Tuesday, the group travelled over to Victoria Beachcomber Hotel to have a look around, before experiencing lunch at one of the beautiful colonial houses in Mauritius called La Demeure De Sainte Antoine. It was unbelievable! A very unique setting in an old colonial Listed building, maintained as best as possible while keeping the original feel to it. The group enjoyed a great selection of seafood and meat dishes, and for those that like spice, the restaurant produced a home-made traditional chilli paste which certainly got the taste buds going!

After lunch, they continued onwards to the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, where the general dress code is ‘casual elegance’ during the daytime (swimwear and vests/tank tops for men are not allowed). In the evening, gentlemen are requested to wear collars, trousers and closed shoes, while ladies are kindly asked to dress with equivalent elegance. 

This is the flagship Beachcomber Hotel, part of the Leading Hotels of the World. Check-in is completed in the comfort of your room, where you are met with a selection of fresh fruits, macarons and complimentary champagne. The Junior Suites are large and spacious with a sea-facing terrace and stunning views. This has to be one of the best beaches on the island with white sands, crystal clear water and picturesque sunsets. The hotel has a great bar with the finest selections of Chamiral Rum (the island’s own brand) and a selection of other spirits, perfect for happy hour. The group dined in the main restaurant for tonight’s meal, Ross’ favourite place to eat on the island, five metres from the sea. They enjoyed very fine dining, with crab to start, followed by filet steak with fois gras (a very popular choice for most guests apparently).

Wednesday morning entailed a leisurely breakfast at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, and some time to enjoy this beautiful and unique property before a transfer over to Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber for lunch. In the afternoon, Ross had time to enjoy some of the resort’s activities. This resort is very close to Mont Choisy Golf Club where the Mauritian Open was held while Ross was there – Thomas Bjorn was in reception while we checked in! The hotel is quite vast with a luxury spa onsite, a very well manicured putting green, six tennis courts, a high-spec gym and complimentary water sports, including glass-bottom boat tours.

On Thursday, the group were offered the fantastic opportunity to experience a resort scuba dive with Francois and Christelle Besson – the owners of Diving World Mauritius. Mauritius is a wonderful destination for diving, being nearly entirely surrounded by protective reef so it is a safe and relaxing area. Ross couldn’t recommend this any more to people looking for something different – whether you have a padi or are a complete novice (as he was), the guides take you through all the necessary steps to be able to have a successful diving experience. The group started in the pool to adjust and then were taken out to sea – where breathing underwater took a little time to get used to! It was great once down there though; Ross saw a group of over 50 clownfish feeding at the bottom of the sea along with rainbow fish and pipe fish and close up views of the coral (beware of the sea urchins!).

After grabbing a quick bite to eat at the buffet after the diving experience, they headed straight back to Trou aux Biches Beachcomber and then on to Le Mourne Peninsula to check-in to the Dinarobin Beachcomber.

Friday morning offered an incredible morning hiking experience for the group. After arriving at the meeting point called Gris Gris, the group were guided through the forest, stopping by a waterfall known locally as Cascade Mamzelle, before making their way to the southern coastline. They stopped for a swim in a natural sea water pool before finishing the hike at the Gris Gris beach. Arriving back at the Dinarobin, they enjoyed a delicious lunch at Paradis before a surprise hour in the spa! Tucked away in lush vegetation at the foot of the Morne Mountain, the spa captures the mystery and serenity of Eastern cultures to create the perfect healing sanctuary for the body and mind.  

On Saturday, Ross took part in a Golf Initiation at the picturesque Paradis Golf Club. The course is quite tight in places but not very long unless the wind picks up. The first tee is on the doorstep of Paradis and, for those staying at Dinarobin, a golf buggy will be delivered to the room roughly an hour before the tee time so guests can make their way over at leisure. The course is set up for both beginners and accomplished golfers and the backdrop of Le Morne Brabant Mountain – not many better settings for a round of golf.

Finally reaching the last day of their trip, the group waved goodbye to Mauritius to board their flight home.

Feeling inspired? Get in touch with the team at info@savilerowtravel.co.uk to book your bespoke Mauritius getaway today.