The Beachcomber Experience

If you were to soar above the clouds 100 kilometres into the air and look down over the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean, you will see many small islands lying below you. Some are fairly small, some tiny. The jewel of this wonderful sight that greets you is one island that eclipses all others, namely, the island of Mauritius. This small island rightly referred to as “Heaven on Earth”, only 2,040 square kilometres in extent, is a very welcoming destination for travellers. 

This independent country relies largely on the growing and processing of sugar cane for its domestic gross product, but much more importantly for you when looking for a dazzling vacation experience, it has a robust and thriving tourism sector.

Mauritius has a decades-long connection with South African holidaymakers for the simple reason that it has fabulous, protected beaches; warm, turquoise-coloured seas gently lapping its shores and stunning coral reefs just begging to be explored by snorkelers and scuba divers alike.

Beachcomber has been a big part of Mauritius’ tourism right from the beginning. Having opened their first hotel (The Park Hotel) on the island way back in 1952 and since then they have been rightly labelled a pioneer of the Mauritian hospitality industry. 70 years since that inland establishment first opened its doors to the public, they now proudly boast eight top-class resorts and hotels, each of which offers the visitor a great experience.

At Flight Centre we partner with the best and Beachcomber is no exception. Let’s take a journey through some of their spectacular resorts as we give you a glimpse into the Beachcomber experience.

Located on the sheltered northwest coast, stretching along a pure white sandy beach, this flagship hotel is a tranquil tropical haven with a unique atmosphere, natural charm and timeless elegance. Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is also celebrated for its award-winning cuisine. Three restaurants presided over by French Chef William Girard, invite you to a tantalizing culinary experience. This property delivers excellence in every sense of the word.

Located on the most scenic shoreline in Mauritius with the spectacular Le Morne Mountain acting as a dramatic backdrop, this elegant five-star resort offers an intimate village-style setting. Adding to its charm are cascading pools dotted with islets, terraces designed with sea views and tropical gardens planted with exotic trees. The unique spa is the heartbeat of the property and delivers unsurpassed tranquillity.

One of the finest luxury hotels on the island this resort enjoys a superb location on the island's southwestern tip. Situated on the Le Morne peninsula, the resort (like Dinarobin Beachcomber above) is set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Mountain and edges onto one of the most scenic shorelines on the island. The greatest leisure resort on the island is fringed by a pure white sand beach and boasts the island's largest lagoon.

This resort rightly lays claim to being the most romantic hotel in Mauritius. Its location on the northwest coast of the island ensures one of the best climates and with its romantic atmosphere, the hotel’s idyllic setting is THE dream destination for your perfect wedding and honeymoon. Look forward to dining in six restaurants and savouring spectacular sunsets from one of the best beaches on the island.

Set on a private peninsula lapped by the Blue Bay Marine Park rich in sea life, this resort has three different beaches to discover. Beachcomber’s first seaside resort (under another name at the time) is located in the unspoilt south-east region of Mauritius and is a welcoming four-star resort with a lively vibe with a plethora of activities for all ages.

This resort is conveniently situated between the tourist hub of Grand Baie and Port Louis, the capital city and is one of the most popular family resorts in Mauritius. The rooms are among the largest and most stylish in the 4-star category on the island, making them ideal for family holidays as most rooms can accommodate two adults and two children.

Catering equally well to families and couples, this property occupies an enviable peninsula location five kilometres from the heart of Grand Bay. It has commanding views over the northern islands and the sparkling Indian Ocean and offers lush tropical gardens dotted with cascading pools and a string of secluded creeks.

Beachcomber’s entry-level four-star cosmopolitan resort is located on the sun-drenched northern coast of Mauritius. It is within walking distance of Grand Baie, Mauritius' main tourist hub, which provides guests with a choice of restaurants, bars, and boutiques – there is no better location for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

It goes without saying that Mauritius’ tourist focus is firmly set on water-based activities, sights, sounds and hands-on experiences like taking a trip to view whales or frolic with dolphins.

The snorkelling is jaw-droppingly awesome while scuba divers will remember the reefs literally teeming with life for the rest of their lives!

How about a cruise on a catamaran? Stopping off at places only accessible from the sea, you would think you are a castaway on some idyllic desert island. Your Beachcomber experience will be that much richer for having set foot on one of these yachts!

But, Mauritius is not only about having fun at the seaside or on or within the sea, it offers the visitor so much more.

A little-known fact is that Mauritius can rightly claim to have established the first national park in the world. This is the famous Black River Gorges National Park created by the French in reaction to the extinction of the dodo. It is a stunningly beautiful place with its dense rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails and unique wildlife like the flying fox.

Close to the capital, Port Louis, is the 18th-century perfumed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens (also known as the Pamplemousses Gardens and the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere) with its ponds of giant water lilies and their visiting birdlife. Of particular interest to South Africans is the Ebony tree planted there by the late Nelson Mandela in 1998.

Situated in the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths Geopark are the spectacular Chamarel Waterfalls. The Seven Coloured Earths sands are a sight to behold on their own but the waterfalls in full flow will take your breath away.

Experience Mauritius the Beachcomber way and you’ll be delighted every time. Beachcomber remains true to the history and culture of the island and these treasured beaches. They are committed to maintaining their beauty in addition to wowing their guests.

If you are a discerning beach-loving traveller who is dreaming of a holiday in Mauritius, speak to one of our Travel Experts and let them help you plan your Beachcomber experience, today.