The motto of Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa in Mauritius is “The Art of Beautiful.” It’s spot-on. This exquisite hotel has elevated beauty to an art form. That is clear from the moment you step onto the property. Located on the idyllic, sheltered north-west coast of Mauritius, this luxury hotel borders an astounding sea whose turquoise hue is so vivid that if you saw it in a brochure, you would think it had been doctored.
The resort also offers some of the most stunning beaches on the island. We spend one afternoon relaxing without caring about the world in the limpid sea.
But it is not just the adults who will have the time of their lives at this ultimate paradise-under-the-palm-trees resort. Kids will also have a holiday they will never forget at this dreamy hotel.
It can often be difficult to make sure children are entertained on a family holiday, but that is not a problem at Trou aux Biches. The younger ones, aged 3 to 11, can splash around in the private kids’ pool and take part in a dizzying array of complimentary activities, encompassing everything from witnessing a spectacular fire show to watching movies at the open-air cinema.
This Two-bedroom Villa hosts up to five people. It features two spacious bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms and a large indoor and outdoor living area including a private pool.
Here, there is absolutely no danger of teenagers repeating their tedious catchphrase, “I’m bored!” There is an excellent selection of sporty activities on offer at the teens club for children aged 12 to 17, such as tennis tournaments and exciting bike rides.
From the beach, children – and grown-ups – can enjoy a very wide range of complimentary water sports, including waterskiing, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and glass-bottom boat trips.
Named after a village nearby, Trou aux Biches is the largest five-star hotel in the Indian Ocean, with 333 exceedingly elegant suites and villas. Particularly desirable are the beachfront pool suites, which work very well for couples or smaller families, and the two- and three-bedroom pool villas. These are ideally suited for families or multigenerational stays. Ringed by lush vegetation, they boast their own private pool, barbeque area and baby care amenities. Guests staying at these villas have their own private butler. With all that on hand, families may be tempted never to venture any further!
Trou aux Biches offers a multitude of beach activities for children and families to enjoy together.
The attention to detail is highly impressive, too. On arrival, we discovered in our room a bell jar full of delicious, multicoloured, homemade macaroons. And at dinner on that first evening, the waiting staff already knew that my wife is vegetarian and brought the most gorgeous vegetable red curry, prepared especially for her.
The dining options at Trou aux Biches, are also off the charts, including six – count ‘em – outstanding restaurants. I would particularly recommend the pan-Asian restaurant, Blue Ginger, which is under the expert guidance of chef Eric Ticana, winner of the prestigious World Sushi Cup. Who knew that such a competition existed?
A better option for families might be La Plage, a delightful restaurant situated on the beach. Shaded by capacious canopies and just yards from the inviting water, families can enjoy everything from a delicious TAB burger to succulent king prawns a la plancha.
Left, Blue Ginger’s sushi plate by the winner of the World Sushi Cup, chef Eric Ticana. Right, La Plage, where the whole family can enjoy delicious meals just metres from the sea.
In addition, guests have access to a fabulous spa and a first-class golf course, Mont Choisy Le Golf, situated just a few minutes from the resort. During this time, children can enjoy their own initiation to the game on the hotel’s bespoke putting green.
One of the resort’s best features is the fact that each cluster of villas has its own bijou private pool. We pass several hours beside our nearest pool, completely unbothered by anyone else.
The only disturbance comes from the amazing wildlife. Affixed to the twigs at the summit of a nearby bamboo tree are many precarious, bulb-shaped nests. These have been meticulously constructed by very pretty yellow birds called Cape weavers. Known as genius architects, these incredibly skilful birds can bind together their nests with 12 knots tied with their beaks and feet. To prove the veracity of the creatures’ nickname, their nests manage to cling on to the tree for dear life even during the most ferocious cyclone.
Trou aux Biches is also distinguished by its ravishing 35-hectare tropical gardens. I particularly love its burning red flame trees, as do the hotel staff. One tells me that she is always very happy to see the trees bursting into crimson life as, when they are at their brightest at the end of December, the staff receive their annual bonus.
This is another brilliant free family activity. You could spend hours with the kids exploring the treasure trove of wildlife that thrums in every corner of Trou aux Biches.
Left, Mont Choisy Le Golf, just a few minutes from Trou aux Biches. Right, the resort’s bespoke putting green, is ideal for kids to try their hand at the sport.
In addition, the resort hosts a wonderful Rum Festival every November. You can try rum from any of the 18 local producers who are lined up in stalls like a boozy church fete. The rums glory in such splendid names as Penny Blue, Pink Pigeon, and Cyclone. Sounds like a long-lost episode of Gladiators, doesn’t it?
Accompanied by a lively Sega band, we especially relish a sweetly spicy rum called Raph. This is served in an eye-catching white china bottle shaped like the head of the dodo (an emblem of the island.) Did the dodo, which once proliferated in Mauritius, become extinct after downing too much rum? If you poured from this bottle at your next dinner party, it would certainly get guests talking.
It is traditional for hotel reviewers to find fault in the properties they stay at. However, I’m almost embarrassed to say, I could not find a single fault with Trou aux Biches. It is the perfect get-away-from-it-all destination for all the family.
When the manager hears it is my first time at the hotel, he says: “I hope it won’t be your last.”
Me, too.
Bookings and reservations HERE.
Author: James Rampton
Also in Mauritius, discover the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, and Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Mauritius in World Traveller Plus from £1,632 return and Club World from £2,991 return both including taxes and fees. Book now at ba.com/mauritius
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