Mauritius, a country not only recognised for its beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets and volcanic landscapes, but... fun fact... did you also know that it is renowned for the now extinct, flightless dodo bird, made famous by Lewis Carroll in Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland?
A great plus when travelling to Mauritius from the UK is the minimal four-hour time difference. There’s therefore little jetlag and when comparing summer prices with Europe, you will get a lot more ‘bang for your buck!’
The Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa is a firm family favourite with my clients. Located on the northwest coast between vibrant Grand Baie and the capital Port Louis, it is a perfect base for exploring every part of this stunning island, and if like me, you love a magical sunset, then you will be very content. As the resort is west facing, it offers the most magnificent views over the glittering Indian Ocean as day transitions to night.
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 azure blue ocean and are ideal for families, bringing together lovely surroundings and excellent facilities in one entrancing resort.
Upgrading to a deluxe room category is a worthwhile consideration and I would recommend a ground floor option as this offers a private terrace. These rooms sleep up to two adults and two children under 12. However with no separate sleeping areas, a larger room that can offer these is available upon request. Rooms are decorated in hues of yellow and white, making them light, airy and their location makes a great base for exploring the resort.
The impressive two-bedroom family apartments are double the size of the deluxe rooms and available on all three floors, each coming with its own outdoor living space.
The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a large bathtub and walk-in shower, and the second bedroom, designed with children in mind, has its own ensuite shower room.
These apartments are conveniently close to either the restaurants, the main pool or the sports centre.
The resort has several additional room types and categories, including junior and senior suites that may be preferable, depending on how many people are travelling as a family. We can break down the different options available when discussing your holiday plans.
In addition, The Victoria recently introduced its adult-only ‘Victoria for 2’ concept, geared specifically towards those who dream of being alone in the world with a loved one. The complex has its own restaurant, swim-up bar, choice of ocean view or stunning swim-up rooms, and guests can also enjoy all the facilities of the Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.
There are five resort restaurants, three of which are classified as family dining. All restaurants open onto the beach with magnificent ocean views enabling an outdoor living experience whatever your culinary choice.
Le Superbe is a fabulous family meal option with a dedicated section for children that includes smaller tables and chairs allowing them the choice to enjoy their mealtimes with newfound friends. The live cooking shows will delight and entertain as the chefs demonstrate their skills.
The beach restaurant, L’Horizon, specialises in seafood for their dinner menu, serving fish chosen from the best catches of the day. You can choose to eat under their thatched roof for a feeling of being in an authentic fishing village or al fresco style at a table on the beach, feeling the sand between your toes.
La Casa is the hotel’s Italian option, allowing an appreciation of Mediterranean classics and scrumptious antipasti whilst enjoying the Port-Louis skyline visible from the restaurant, along with the tropical breeze adding to the sights, sounds and feel of the surrounding paradise.
Although the Victoria is renowned as a family-friendly hotel, they do also offer two adult-only eateries: the Morris Beef steak house and La Terrasse, featuring local Mauritian delights served among the palm trees under the stars.
Younger family members will love the kids club and its amazing location, right on the beach!
With health and safety always a prerequisite, a shaded area under a tent is on hand with refreshments on tap.
Complimentary activities are provided from 09:00 – 22:00, including sandcastle building, a weekly outdoor beach cinema, discovery trips on the lagoon and a jumping castle, along with arts and crafts facilities and workshops and much more.
Babies are very well catered for too, with a care room for convenience which includes all the necessary basics: a bottle warmer, changing table, steriliser and a fridge filled with yoghurts, fruits and homemade purees.
The teens have their own area and facilities where they can participate in specifically designed activities, along with arranged gaming tournaments in the virtual world and on the tennis courts in the real one. They can also participate in glass-bottom boat excursions.
Whilst the younger ones are at play, there is plenty of complimentary beach activities to indulge in, including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing and taking out pedal boats or kayaks to immerse yourself a little in the island life.
The Victoria also offers several land sports, varying from the more exerting tennis and squash to more precise ones like archery and bocce ball, as well as a fully equipped gym for working out, and complimentary classes, which include aerobics, yoga and spinning.
The Hammam (Turkish steam room) and sauna in the splendid spa are on hand to soothe any tired muscles and trained therapists can tailor a beach massage for a pampering treat.
The tropical paradise that is Mauritius and the warmth, hospitality and service provided by the Victoria will undoubtedly provide a great collection of fabulous family memories.
