On a stretch of beach sheltered from the trade winds of the Indian Ocean, a renovated luxury hotel embodies the Mauritian spirit.
White sand stretches into blue waters that eventually melt into the horizon of the captivating sky. 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa, beyond the eastern coast of Madagascar, the island nation of Mauritius sits serenely in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
Situated on the northern coast of the island, the Royal Palm Mauritius, part of the Beachcomber luxury hotel family, took a vacation and underwent a renovation. The hotel closed its doors for a five-month hiatus in May and open its doors again on 11 October 2014.
“This renovation allows the Royal Palm to be adorned with a new and necessary modernity without betraying the incomparable and timeless atmosphere of this magical place,” said general director Jacques Silvant.
The renovated Royal Palm Mauritius features 15 new Ocean Suites, a completely renovated reception area and bar and an Italian trattoria that accompanies the hotel’s current restaurant, Natureaty.
The flight from Brussels to Mauritius takes around 12 hours without layovers, but Air Mauritius, the island’s own international airline, operates more than 30 weekly flights to the island out of most major European cities, including Brussels. Once the plane has landed, it’s not difficult to stretch out the kinks and cast off the worries of the life briefly left behind.
The island itself, a true tropical getaway, is perfect for relaxation or adventure. The white sandy beaches make for the perfect escape. Then there are national parks with hiking paths to be trekked, islands to be explored and speed boats to be rented for a day out on the water. Botanical gardens, a geological formation known as the Seven Coloured Earth and the Coin de Mire cliffs, home of famous white-tailed tropical birds, offer a haven for nature-lovers.
History enthusiasts will be pleased by Mauritius’s old sugar factories (sugar cane was once the island’s main source of income) and colonial residences and by the naval museum at Vieux Grand Port, the location of the island’s first settlement and of the Grand Port naval battle fought between the English and French during the Napoleonic wars. Numerous local markets and the capital city of Port Louis buzz with the Mauritian culture, a blend of Indian, Chinese, African and European traditions.
The Royal Palm Mauritius works to enhance the feelings of serenity brought by the island and capture the essence of the Mauritian way of life, and its October reopening marks a renewed investment in bringing the best of a relaxing, luxurious holiday to its clients.
The hotel’s new Ocean Suites combine modern amenities with the incomparable atmosphere of the sea. The suites comprise a bedroom, large separated lounge, bathroom and a double terrace that looks out toward the sea. Decorated in beiges and turquoise, the rooms reflect the natural colours of Mauritius and wash away any stress or anxiety.
An on-site fitness centre and facilities for tennis, squash and table tennis, plus an array of water sports including kayaking and snorkelling are available to the hotel’s guests, allowing them to stay in shape and take advantage of the island’s tropical climate and refreshing waters. In the Royal Palm spa, guests can enjoy saunas, yoga and massage among numerous other treatments until they are refreshed and ready to explore the island.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and a 2014 winner of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Royal Palm Mauritius has served visitors for nearly 30 years, and with the completed renovations, the hotel aims to continue offering a destination of luxury and serenity to guests who come to explore all that the tropical island boasts.
www.tourism-mauritius.mu
www.beachcomber-hotels.com
www.airmauritius.com
