LUXURY TRAVEL
Balmy evenings start at the open-air bar on the main terrace, listening to the live band, before heading down to La Brezza, the hotel’s superb Italian restaurant led by chef Alessandro Morino. You may want to forgo the large lunch to do justice to the dishes he serves. If you have had your fill of lazy days of pampering and beach lounging, there is plenty of island to explore. Hanging hundreds of metres up, suspended from a zipline wire in Casela Park, you can see the beautiful scenery stretched out beneath you. The volcanic terrain and climate mean that the mountains are covered with lush greenery that is perfect for trekking expeditions. Those with a penchant for bathing in waterfalls can visit the Tamarind or Black River Falls or the brilliantly named Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. If you fancy a day trip off island, catamarans go from Grand Baie to the small islands located to the north. Mauritius has a rich and fascinating cultural heritage. Long a trading post, it was colonised by the Dutch, then the French (who renamed it Isle de France), before coming under British governance. While Mauritius regained independence
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“The volcanic terrain and tropical climate mean the island is covered in lush greenery – perfect for trekking expeditions”
in 1968, all these influences – especially the French – remain. People speak both French and English, but you will also hear Mauritian Creole. The bustling market in the capital Port Louis is a good location to soak up the
atmosphere. Though less fraught than say, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, it’s a lively place and home to a wide variety of curiosities that, with closer investigation, could easily yield interior design gold. Smaller Grand Baie is also worth some shopping time, offering bargain cashmere, as well as garments and textiles (the island is a textile manufacturing centre for many big brands). For a casual lunch in Grand Baie, try the Beach House for a breezy ocean location, live music and excellent shrimp. Whether ziplining, trawling through the markets in Port Louis or soaking up the sun and sea vibe from your wellappointed suite at the Royal Palm, Mauritius will tick every box for a romantic getaway – a magical setting, fine food and just the right blend of tranquility and adventure. u ROYAL PALM MAURITIUS Royal Palm Mauritius offers accommodation, ranging from Junior to Royal Suite. Wedding packages also available. Contact Beachcomber Tours; beachcombertours.co.uk
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