In search of rejuvenation and self-care, Édaein O’ Connell journeyed to the crystal clear waters of Mauritius to find a tropical island that delivers far more than sunsets and beaches.
The moment the warmth kissed my skin in Mauritius, my body stirred to life once again. My skin was pale, my hair brittle, and my relentless pursuit of wellness felt like a tiresome battle in the months that came before. Pursuing wellness in Ireland can be a dreary journey, and it often forces you indoors. My mother always says that a change is as good as a rest, and as my pursuit of health began to feel more and more monotonous, I figured a change of scenery (along with a dose of vitamin D and a touch of opulence) might be just what I needed for a new approach.
Known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, the island of Mauritius is often associated with honeymooners. But really the island offers far more, especially for people like me who are in search of new, health-giving experiences. With luxury and ease at its very heart, Mauritius seemed to anticipate my needs before I could even articulate them. So, as the sun seeped into my skin and my feet sank into the sand, my body unfolded beneath its warmth. The struggle of wellness on my home isle was 13 hours away, but this new island – with its flashes of brilliant green, white, and turquoise – would take care of me now.
Stay
My first port of call was Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, located at the foot of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beneath the towering peak, the resort exudes a tranquil, secluded and rustic charm. Serenity is everywhere. The peacefulness of the surroundings never feels unsettling; it simply allows you to relax and feel at ease. The hotel boasts 205 suites, including 42
beachfront suites and three luxurious villas.
Additionally, guests can enjoy four restaurants, two bars and an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course. One of Dinarobin’s standout features is its vast stretch of sandy beach, which I took full advantage of each morning for a long, meditative walk. The sand is sugar soft, and the waters, as crystal-clear as glass. A two-hour drive away in Grand Baie is the Royal Palm, the jewel in the Beachcomber crown. Celebrating 40
years in business this year, the hotel is the epitome of grandeur, yet in a quiet, discreet and unassuming way. With only 69 suites, it’s a deeply immersive stay, and from the scents to the artwork to the decor, every element is carefully curated, including its wellness offerings. Like Dinarobin, the tranquillity is ever-present, allowing you to switch off and relax.
Unwind
Both hotels offer diverse and wide-ranging wellness experiences. As a newbie health aficionado, I took full advantage of both. After a 12-hour non- stop flight from London, my body felt stiff and sore, each movement accompanied by a creak. As a result, a full-body massage at the spa in Dinarobin was my first activity upon landing. Regular yoga classes complemented my daily walks, and soon jet lag was a distant memory.
In Royal Palm, I further delved into the world of staying well. The hotel has a spacious fitness centre with three separate buildings which house a cardio room, a weights room and a conditioning space. Cold towels and energy balls greet you before your workout, and personal trainers are available to elevate your holiday fitness experience. Royal Palm’s approach to wellness is holistic. In addition to regular yoga, I participated in morning mindful meditation sessions that challenged me to use my breath to regulate my nervous system.
Meanwhile, the spa at Royal Palm features La Maison Valmont products, known for being the pinnacle of spa luxury. With the heat causing excess water retention, I indulged in a lymphatic massage that not only boosted my circulation but also left me feeling lighter and more refreshed. Thankfully, wellness doesn’t end with the day; each evening, as part of the turn-down service, you can select a pillow spray to help you drift off into a peaceful sleep. I highly recommend the lavender blend, which had me entering dreamland in record time.
Enjoy
Outside of meditation and yoga, I learned in Mauritius that wellness can come in many forms. Dinarobin has a robust menu of land and water activities, from snorkelling to kitesurfing to golf. However, a boat trip on the pristine seas is a must. Nothing brought me more peace than reclining at the bow, watching a pod of dolphins leap gracefully through the air and turtles gliding along the ocean floor, before dipping my head underwater for a closer look at the vibrant coral beneath.
Then at Royal Palm, I got my heart racing and my coordination in check with a padel lesson. Padel is a racquet sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. It’s played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court, with walls that players can use to keep the ball in play. Sociable and fun, it has grown in popularity in recent years. Truth be told, I was dreadful at it, but it served as a reminder that fitness comes in many forms and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness.
Dine
I firmly believe that balance is the key to life, and when it comes to health, I fully embrace this philosophy. So, in addition to my hunt for a better constitution, I enjoyed the glorious gastronomy on offer at both hotels. Nothing is overly indulgent, but every dish is fresh, flavourful and thoughtfully prepared. At Dinarobin, lunch at Morne Plage was an exquisite experience each day, not only for the view but for the octopus salad.
While at Royal Palm, dining at Asiya was a true culinary experience. Specialising in Asian cuisine, each dish surpassed the last. At the hotel’s main dining venue, La Goélette, I had the best lobster of my life. Each morning at both hotels, I kicked off my day with a healthy juice, and by evening, I raised a gin martini, extra dirty of course. As I said, balance is key, and it felt only right to toast the beguiling island that had taken such good care of me.
Getting there
Travel from Dublin to Mauritius via London with Air Mauritius. Begin with a flight from Dublin Airport (DUB) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW). From Gatwick, board a direct Air Mauritius flight to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) in Mauritius. Flights with Air Mauritius start from approximately £557 (€650) one way Royal Palm Beachcomber starts from €873 per night based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis. Dinarobin Beachcomber starts from €413 per night based on two adults sharing on a half board basis. Dinarobin also has an all-inclusive offering. Airport transfers are not included, but can be arranged with both hotels.
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