Travel Spotlight –Mauritius

by Harden Holidays

Mauritius is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, known for its crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. This small island nation offers a unique holiday experience that is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore local culture, or indulge in adventurous activities, Mauritius has something for everyone. I was recently very fortunate to be hosted in Mauritius by our friends at Air Mauritius and Beachcomber Hotels, spending five nights exploring what the island has to offer.

One of the main attractions of Mauritius is its stunning coastline. The island is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with soft white sands and turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. The warm and clear waters are also home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. While on this trip I naturally enjoyed the beaches and waters, but also visited a tortoise sanctuary and swam with wild dolphins. Magical experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Mauritius is also known for its rich culture and history, which can be seen in its architecture, food, and festivals. The island is a melting pot of different cultures, including African, Indian, Chinese, and European, which has created a unique blend of traditions and customs. Visitors can explore the colonial architecture of Port Louis, the capital city, or sample the island’s delicious street food, which includes dishes like biryani, samosas, and gateau piment. It is also an island that feels very safe, during my time there I spent a day out and about in a hire car and everyone is extremely friendly and the roads are easy to navigate. It’s a great island for getting out and about.

In addition to its stunning beaches and culture, Mauritius is also home to an array of world-class resorts and hotels. Whether you are seeking a luxurious and opulent stay or a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, there is a hotel or resort on the island to suit your needs. This is perfectly reflected in Beachcomber’s range of hotels, and on this trip we slept at three but visited all eight. It’s impossible to pick a favourite but my top three would be the Shandrani Beachcomber, the Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber, & the Dinarobin Beachcomber.

I really liked Shandrani’s short transfer from the airport and the choice of three beaches areas to explore. Whilst at Trou Aux Biches I loved the layout of the pools and proximity to Grand Baie with it’s range of shops and activities. Lastly, at the Dinarobin I particularly enjoyed swimming with the beach in front and La Morne mountain as a backdrop.

However, I was also struck by the amount of space at every resort. They were all operating at around 80-90% of capacity and yet there was plenty of free loungers available at any time of day and the pools were calm and serene. The staff were always friendly and attentive, offering a superb level of service. Absolutely faultless. Having met many of the upper management, you can easily see how their passion cascades down to all staff members, with many of those we met having worked there for 20-30 years.

Lastly, the food and the drink were sublime and delicious. Canapes were served with drinks in the bar, and their wine was great quality and very drinkable. The food in the restaurants was fantastic and a la carte restaurants are included in the half-board or all-inclusive packages.

For those who enjoy being active on holiday, the Beachcomber resorts have a world-class range of sports available. There are a number of sports teams from around the world who choose to train there during the off-season. They particularly excel at golf, with most resorts having a minimum of a short course, but some, like the Paradis Beachcomber, have their own clubhouse and 18 holes of exceptional golf.

For those who prefer to truly relax on their holidays, all resorts have their own spa and relaxation program. During my stay at Dinarobin Beachcomber I made use of the facilities, enjoyed a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage, and I can personally attest to the benefits.

With beaches that would give the Maldives a run for their money, and with a lot more activities available, Mauritius makes a great Indian Ocean holiday destination. If you’d like to discuss your own trip there, then feel free to pop in our shop in the town centre and ask for Tim. For all things Mauritius and for holidays in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.