Charley from our Marketing team recently travelled to Mauritius, staying in five stunning Beachcomber resorts and visiting a further two.
In this travel diary, she shares her experiences and insider insights on the best places to stay and the must-do activities across the island.
Day 1 - Arrival in Mauritius & Boat Trip
After a smooth 12-hour flight with Air Mauritius from London Gatwick (great food, loads of films and thoughtful extras like travel kits), we arrived in the warmth of Mauritius.
Our first stop was Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa - just 6km from the airport, so you’re poolside in no time. It was so refreshing to get to a resort so quickly after a long flight. We were greeted with a beautiful breakfast spread and a celebratory glass of prosecco - a pretty lovely way to start the trip!
I stayed in a Superior Ground Floor Room with direct beach access. It was bright, spacious and so peaceful - the kind of place you instantly relax in.
That afternoon, we headed out on one of the island’s most popular excursions – a speedboat adventure! We snorkelled in gorgeous waters, spotted colourful fish, cruised past waterfalls, and ended up at a floating bar where we sipped flavoured rums and sampled traditional Mauritian gajak (snacks like samosas and gateaux piment - a must try in Mauritius!).
Dinner was at Shandrani’s Ponte Vecchio restaurant. It was a five-course feast - scallops, sea urchin, meat and seafood platters, and a raspberry sphere dessert that looked almost too pretty to eat. Almost!
Day 2 - Exploring Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa
We spent the day getting to know Shandrani properly - and wow, there’s a lot to explore. The resort is set on its own peninsula with three beaches, each offering something different. One is perfect for swimming, another is wilder and great for walks, and the third is ideal for watching the sunrise.
If you're after an action-packed holiday, this is your place. There’s kayaking, waterskiing, paddleboarding, an escape room, a gym, and more.
Families will love the two-bedroom apartments, and the dedicated kids' club is a real bonus.
Dinner at Le Sirius, with views across the marine park, was all about fresh, flavourful Mauritian dishes - I really loved getting to know the island’s food culture.
Day 3 - Road Trip Across the Island
Time to hit the road!
We hired cars and drove from Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa in the south to Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.
You’d think driving in a brand new country would be tricky, but not in Mauritius! The road signs are very similar to the UK, plus they drive on the left too.
Armed with only a paper map, we stopped off at some must see spots on the island:
- La Vanille Nature Park to see giant tortoises
- Bois Chéri Tea Plantation for a peaceful wander through tea fields
- Grand Bassin and the Mangal Mahadev statue - a towering statue of Shiva and a beautiful crater lake
- Tamarind Falls for amazing views
- The Botanical Gardens, bursting with tropical plants
It was a scenic, simple drive and a brilliant way to see the island. Locals were friendly and helpful with directions, and the mountain route was well worth the detour.
Arriving at Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa, I checked into a stylish Deluxe Ground Floor Room just in time for a sunset cocktail.
Dinner was served on the beach followed by a fire show, the perfect way to end a busy day!
Day 4 – Getting to Know Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa
This day was all about exploring Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa- and I quickly realised why it’s such a favourite. It’s a brilliant all-rounder with something for everyone. For families, it ticks all the boxes: large beachfront rooms, kids’ and teens’ clubs, a baby care room and so many activities, both on land and in the water.
But it was the Victoria for 2 section that really stood out to me. Tucked away from the main resort, this adults-only wing has a totally different feel - calm, quiet, and made for couples.
The swim-up rooms are stunning, opening directly onto a private pool that stretches the length of the accommodation. You can literally step out of bed and into the water. There’s also an exclusive à la carte restaurant with beautiful views and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for romantic evenings. If you're after that peaceful, grown-up getaway Victoria for 2 is a brilliant choice.
After our resort tour, we watched the sunset with a cocktail in hand, listened to live traditional Sega music, and tucked into another delicious Mauritian dinner.
Day 5 - Grand Baie, Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa & Canonnier Beachcomber Resort & Spa
We started the day with breakfast and a tour of Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa, located right in the heart of Grand Baie. This resort is lively, sociable and perfect for younger couples or families who want to be within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops.
We spent the morning wandering the local streets, grabbing some street food (the gateaux piments were incredible), and chatting to locals before hopping on a local bus. Honestly - catching the bus was easy, super cheap and gave us a proper taste of local life.
Next stop: Canonnier Beachcomber. This one totally surprised me - it’s set on a historic peninsula surrounded by tropical gardens and ocean views. There’s a banyan tree growing through the middle of the spa, and walking through it genuinely feels like you’re nestled in the jungle, even though you’re still only a short drive to Grand Baie.
We stayed in a two-bedroom family apartment - and I was impressed. It was really spacious, with two proper bedrooms (both en-suite), and a gorgeous little terrace where you could sit and listen to the birds in the morning.
In the afternoon, we made use of the resort’s complimentary water sports and jumped on a glass-bottom boat for some snorkelling. We spotted vibrant coral reefs, colourful fish and even a few sea cucumbers. This was definitely one of my favourite experiences - and so easy to do straight from the resort.
Dinner that night was at Le Navigator, perched above the beach with views out to the ocean.
Day 6 - Sunset Arrival at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
On day 6 we moved onto Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa - our first 5-star resort!
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is known for its sunsets - and it didn’t disappoint! We arrived just in time to soak up the sunset.
My Ground Floor Tropical Junior Suite overlooked a tranquil garden and pool area and included both indoor and outdoor showers for a luxurious tropical feel. Very romantic and perfect for couples or honeymooners!
Dinner at Mahiya, the resort’s Indian restaurant, was absolutely unbelievable! We were served traditional Indian cuisine like chat papdi to start followed by a huge range of curries (murg tikka, tiger prawn tandoori, Delhi butter chicken, prawn malai) and a side of naans, pilau rice and dal. Genuinely one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had.
Day 7 - Exploring Trou aux Biches, Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa & Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
We spent the morning touring Trou aux Biches - the island’s first eco-resort and still one of its most luxurious. It’s ideal for honeymooners or families looking for space and privacy (think beachfront villas and suites with private pools).
Then it was down to the south-west to Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Set on the Le Morne Peninsula, this is a dream for active families - golf course, watersports, great food, and postcard-perfect scenery.
Lunch at Paradis’ Mediterranean Zest restaurant was a standout for me - mezze, seafood paella, truffle pizza and tiramisu.
We finished the day at our final resort: Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, set under the backdrop of Le Morne Mountain.
From the moment I arrived, I felt more relaxed. It’s all about wellness and calm here - elegant suites, serene beachfront and an incredible spa. My Beachfront Junior Suite had gorgeous beach views and such a peaceful vibe.
That night we had a tropical chic gala dinner in one of their beachfront villas. Live music, delicious food, and plenty of dancing. It was the perfect send-off for an amazing week.
Day 8 - Wrapping Up
Our last morning was spent relaxing, exploring Dinarobin’s iconic spa and enjoying lunch with our feet in the sand at Le Morne Plage.
And just like that, it was time to head home. I left with a camera roll full of sunset snaps and a serious soft spot for Mauritius. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
Like the Sound of Mauritius?
If Mauritius is on your list (and if it’s not, it should be!), our expert Travel Consultants can help.
They’ve seen the resorts, explored the island, and experienced it just as holiday makers would - and they’re ready to share their insider tips and advice.
Why book with a Travel Consultant?
- Honest recommendations based on first-hand experience
- Full itinerary planning - no extra cost, no stress
- Access to exclusive upgrades and offers
- One point of contact throughout - no call centres
Find your own Personal Travel Consultant today and they’ll help match you to the perfect resort, the best excursions, and the right itinerary - all designed around you.