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I’ve come to realise that escaping England over the Easter holidays is an absolute must. Having endured those dark, wintery nights which suddenly descend in November, come March, I’m beside myself! Sadly, while the weather starts to slowly lift in the British Isles, it’s still cool. Europe may definitely be warmer, but if one longs for those tropical heat-filled days and beautiful balmy nights, a trip further afield is the only solution. At the blatant risk of sounding terribly spoilt, I’d already ‘done' the Maldives, which more than hit the spot, but I’m someone who longs for an adventure and the thrill of somewhere new. ‘Darling, have you tried Mauritius?’ one friend cooed to me over coffee, ‘it’s got that French tropical chic vibe going on – I think you’d love it!’
Edo posted the scenic landscape shots, taken in March, with his Instagram followers
Deciding to make a trip of it, I mapped out my journey from the West coast of the island to the East – the former side famously having the best beaches. With my family in tow, I wanted a stylish hotel that could accommodate children whilst allowing me to live out all my stylish tropical holiday fantasies without compromise. This I found at Sugar Beach in abundance. The tasteful white and cream Colonial-style buildings line the beach, so you always feel just a stone's throw away from the sea.
Rooms were beautifully fitted out: light, bright, and very spacious, offering either sea-fronted balconies or sandy terraces. I truly looked forward to going back to my suite each evening. Nor, however, could I stay inside for long when there was just so much to do within the resort. The giant pool with fountains (one of the biggest on the island) had a fabulous Miami feel to it. I loved swimming up the bar for a cocktail or three while gazing out across the one-and-a-half-kilometre pristine white sandy beach. For more action-packed activities, the sky really was the limit. From paddle boarding and canoeing to snorkelling and perfume testing, and even a beauty bubble that sits on the sand for wind-down massages, hair and make-up. This really was my happy place.
Yet not every day has to be a beach day. When we wanted to explore the island, there was an array of activities all within a thirty-minute drive from the resort. The Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark captured our imaginations with its beautiful multicoloured sand and spectacular fountain. Lunch at the tree-top style restaurant was even better positioned: 260 meters above sea level, offering incredible views while dining on delicious Creole cuisine. The Sugar Plantation museum is also a cultural must.
Onwards we travelled, up the north west coast for something a little different. Still on my quest for destinations that were the epitome of tropical chic, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius was now front and centre of my attention – and my goodness did it deliver! Their 71 traditional thatched roof villas and pavilions, many with their own pool and garden, span the twenty-acre seaside property, with a residential and very exclusive feel. Walking between villas, I rarely saw anyone else until I arrived at either the pool, the beach or the restaurant. It was a deeply peaceful environment, which was a welcome contrast to the busier resort I’d just resided in. Here, the pace was much slower, the restaurant and bar areas felt very grown up, and I wondered: why hadn’t I ever considered this as a honeymoon destination? My children adored its sophisticated style, but personally, I was thinking how nice it would be to settle here for a week or two alone…
I found even greater solace at their serene spa, tucked away in a garden of frangipani trees and hibiscus bushes, which naturally scented the air. The sound therapy with Himalayan singing bowls was like nothing I’ve ever tried before, while the Indian healing massages left me feeling fully rejuvenated: most invigorating. Turtle Bay, upon which the hotel sits, is particularly pretty. Choose between a hammock positioned between palms or elegant deckchairs adorned with vibrant yellow-and-white striped house towels. So tranquil is this setting that you hear almost nothing but the gentle breeze across the sea along with birdsong, and the only interuption will be the whisper of a waiter politely enquiring if you should need a ice cold hand towel, hydrating juice (which they deliver regularly) or anything else at all for that matter. Had I found my paradise?
Lady Helen Taylor's mother, the Duchess of Kent, played her part in Wimbledon history over three decades ago
We climbed further up the north-west coast to visit a different kind of luxury. The LUX* Grand Baie is tucked away on one of the island’s best beaches, teamed with the slick decor of Kelly Hoppen. This state-of-the-art hideaway attracts the impossibly glamorous young international crowd, especially the Parisians, who parade around in the latest resort wear by day and glitter in diamonds by night. Soaking up the sun en famille was an easy breezy affair at the red-and-white-striped Beach Rouge Club with the resident DJ spinning mellow tunes and creating a dazzling party scene. Adults mingled while children played on the beach just below. Friendships were formed among this like-minded crowd, making for a highly social holiday indeed.
For a quieter vibe, head up to the rooftop adults-only pool and Bisou bar to enjoy the famous turquoise lagoon view. I sipped on Canary margaritas at my in-water table while watching the sun turn a blazing pink at night. I was on cloud nine. Though there is only so much partying one can do, even on holiday. My answer was to hit the spa, which I did each and every day. It was nothing short of excellent. Here, after initial testing to pinpoint your personal energy (air, fire, water or earth) I placed myself in the hands of their astute practitioners who nourished my physical and psychic needs. Whether you desire a Turkish hammam or a nutritional meal plan from the resident specialist, expect to leave overwhelmingly relaxed!
With one more destination to go, we crossed over to the East coast for a more relaxed, low-key family feel, and Constance Belle Mare Plage was just the ticket. Spanning two kilometres of white sand and a picturesque boat scene, it felt idyllic. The children were in their own little heaven with three pools to choose from, while the fourth was an adults-only which I enjoyed while they lived it up at the Kids’ Club. Beyond that, there were tennis courts, a diving centre, and two fantastic golf clubs. We all took joy in the grand choice of eight elegant restaurants to shimmy between, including the Blue Penny Cellar, which houses around 35,000 bottles of wine – a further source of medicinal relief when things went too far after a tennis match or a round of golf.
The dynasty gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow to mark the occasion on a highly symbolic day
The sweet spot is – you guessed it – the spa. I realised that spa-ing is clearly something Mauritius excels at! The Guerlain spa here had an authentic island feel to it, encased by lush flora, it acted as the resort's inner sanctum. Offering treatments using regional ingredients such as ylang ylang and lemon grass, expertly executed with local, Thai and Balinese techniques. They even had a Kids’ Spa menu offering facials and massages, and mani-pedis, allowing me to carry on my favourite holiday hobby without the guilt trip of leaving my children elsewhere while I preened myself.
So, come the end of summer, when the sun fades and dreary nights set in, I no longer need to live in fear of what's ahead as I know just what I need to do. Mauritius it shall be.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius - rooms from €600 per night B&B. https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-mauritius/
Sugar Beach from £461 per night in a Deluxe Sea View Room on a half-board basis. For more information or to book visit https://www.yoursunlife.com/sugarbeachmauritius/
LUX* Grand Baie Mauritius - Doubles from £252, including breakfast luxe resorts.com
Constance Belle Mare Plage - Doubles from £273, including breakfast constancehotels.com
Fly from London to Mauritius from £789.00 (economy) with Air Mauritius. For further information, visit airmauritius.com
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