Beyond the Beach: Exclusive Insights from a MICE Mauritius Fam Trip
Day 1
Descending into Mauritius is a thing of beauty – the lush green landscape and crystal blue coastline wakes us up immediately from our overnight flight, as excitement peaks we head off the plane and see a welcome sign with our names before as we walk across the gate bridge. The group and I are escorted to a separate exit, greeted by the private cars to whisk us to the Jet Prime Lounge for an exclusive arrival experience. Breakfast platters and fizz are served as we hand our passports over to the team for the formalities whilst we relax in the lounge.
The Emotions team Annick and Teelasha welcome us with beaming smiles as we hop on our transfer to the first of the LUX* hotels we’re visiting. A short transfer along the coastline with some information and history of Mauritius from our guide Vom (aka Voice of Mauritius!) and we arrive for breakfast at Tamassa. The group are met with the iconic vista that all of the LUX* properties have in their reception, a trademark welcome of theirs, and after a quick freshen up we head for breakfast. The vibe of the resort was warming and fun, and we experienced a meditation session under the wishing tree and a tour of the Santosha Spa. I wonder how many of us wished to have the chance to return to Mauritius already…
We head back to the transfer, and it doesn’t take us long to reach the towering landscape of Le Morne, a beautiful area with a deep history. The group enjoy taking in the view of the beach from the Treehouse with canapes and fizz at LUX* Le Morne before heading to the The Beach restaurant for a beach view lunch. The hotel has a serene retreat vibe, and already the group was experiencing the vast choice of hotel styles in Mauritius.
“I’m going to have a nap on the coach” said one of the group members, and I chuckle that they won’t want to sleep during the next transfer to the North of the Island. Little did they know that we were about to head on a helicopter transfer across the island to land at LUX* Grand Gaube! Our pilots allow us to enjoy the sights from above whilst giving information on where we are during the flight, and as we land at LUX* Grand Gaube helipad, we’re welcome once again by warm smiling faces and refreshing coconut beverages. The hotel is a mix of retro chic, and the bedrooms are neutral in tones with different textures to bring warmth.
After checking in to our rooms and refreshing, and a quick show round of the hotel including its cinema, we enjoy an authentic Mauritius dinner under the banyan trees at the hotel, complete with rum tasting sessions and a fire show. A few of us stay chatting on the beach after, watching the stargazing event some of the hotel guests were enjoying.
Day 2
After a breakfast at the hotel’s The Palm Court restaurant, the group are welcomed at reception by a parade of vintage cars to discover the north of the island – not just any vintage cars, but the drivers own the cars themselves and are eager to tell us about the history of the cars and their beloved country. After taking in some stops including the red roof church and dodging a few showers, we arrive at Château de Villebague for a delicious private lunch.
Some time at leisure back at the LUX* Grand Gaube is then available for the group before a sundowner gin masterclass at the Turkish restaurant Bodrum Blue, complete with a DJ and sunset photo opportunity. Luckily the showers kept at bay, and we were able to enjoy a BBQ on the beach under the festoon lights, enjoying a Sega dance lesson, a traditional dance in Mauritius, where us UK agents really showed our moves…
Day 3
An early start was on the agenda for the group as we travelled to the East of the Island for breakfast on the beach of LUX* Belle Mare. As we arrived, we were met by a small cluster of yoga mats laid out on a green area in front of the beach where we embraced some gentle stretching while listening to the sound of the waves. The hotel recently reopened after a devastating fire, and the transformation is stunning.
After breakfast we head to our speedboat ride along the coast. We stop for a spot of snorkelling in beautiful a beautiful coral area, before heading for another surprise stop – a floating bar with snacks at Ile aux Aigrettes. The surprises kept coming, as one of the crew members climb onto a rock with a guitar and started singing, and we all join in!
We could have stayed all day, but we had the wonderful Shan waiting for us at Ile Des Deux Cocos for lunch, and Island you can privatise for your group or head straight to from the airport with its close proximity.
After a snooze on the transfer to the Grand Baie, the group soon perk up when arriving at the LUX* Grand Baie – the newest addition to the LUX* portfolio in Mauritius. Uber trendy and sophisticated, we’re checked in promptly and taken to our modern rooms, before meeting for pre-dinner drinks at one of their exclusive villas with private pools. After taking in the luxury of the villa and canapes, we head to Ai Kisu for an oriental feast, and some of us even make it to the onsite Club Ai Kisu dancing the night away.
Day 4
We start the day with breakfast at Beach Rouge, before splitting into smaller groups to enjoy the hydrotherapy offerings at the spa and a spin class and yoga session at Niyama. Even a gymnophobe like me left with endorphins! The hotel has a focus on wellness and even has a wellness menu, including immersion 3, 5, or 7 day programmes for those who really want a reset of the mind and body in breathtaking surroundings.
A quick refresh and we met at Bisou for lunch, the rooftop infinity swimming pool, which is exclusive for adults during the day, for a meze lunch. Some of us jump on the swing over the pool and take in the view of the ocean. We head down to Maison Lux after for coffee and sweet treat, where the patisserie chef gave us an insight into each one available. Of course, we took one of each and shared so we could sample them all!
A few hours of leisure time was then available on the group, where some of us enjoyed a stroll along the beach and a mango smoothie ice cream, before meeting again for some pre departure drinks and snacks by Beach Rough as the sun started to set and we said our farewells before heading to the airport.
Mauritius is a destination with so much to offer, each area of the small but mighty island offering its own style and story to tell. Weather you have a small, intimate incentive, or a larger group who likes an adrenaline rush, Mauritius has it all.
