Inexpensive family accommodation in Mauritius, appearing suspiciously affordable.
Mauritius' Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury: A Consistent Portrayal of Tropical Elegance
In the idyllic island of Mauritius, where turquoise waters meet pristine white sand, the luxurious Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury stands as a testament to understated elegance. Carsten K. Rath, a seasoned travel journalist, shares his unforgettable encounter with this five-star establishment.
The dreamy allure of Mauritius transcends the stereotypical tropes of a tropical paradise, with its vibrant cultural heritage and colonial past harmoniously coalescing to create a lifestyle that is both relaxed and attentive. The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, situated in the heart of Grand Baie, embodies this unique Mauritian spirit autonomously, making it a frequent destination for discerning guests who return year after year.
The hotel's rich history dates back to 1952, when it initially operated as a beach hotel, and later became one of the first true luxury hotels on the island. As the flagship of the renowned Beachcomber Hotels group, which operates eight hotels on Mauritius, the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury remains loyal to its original spirit while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by spacious suites nestled amid a lush tropical garden, each boasting stunning sea views. The smallest suite measures 75 square meters, while the expansive Presidential Suite offers more than 260 square meters of sumptuous living space with a generous terrace. The unpretentious yet sophisticated decor harnesses the beauty of earthy tones, natural materials, and harmonious details, avoiding the opulence that often plagues luxury hotels.
Dining at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is a culinary delight, with an emphasis on fresh, aromatic, and beautifully presented dishes across its various restaurants. The main restaurant, La Goelette, serves perfectly cooked steaks, while Le Bar Plage showcases freshly caught seafood. La Brezza offers a tantalizing selection of homemade pasta that is prepared to the specific taste of each guest.
At the helm of the hotel's culinary offerings is William Girard, an accomplished chef with over 25 years of experience in fine dining. Girard's exceptional culinary skills, sharpened at prestigious restaurants both in France and internationally, shine brightly in the hotel's dining establishment. Girard's team goes to great lengths to accommodate guests' preferences, preparing some favorites several weeks in advance, such as the Peking duck that one regular guest orders every visit.
The attentive service at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury extends beyond the kitchen, with staff members demonstrating a respectful and courteous demeanor at all hours. While their interactions may seem somewhat reserved at times, it could simply be a reflection of the area's francophile Ellsewhere, Patrice Landrein, the hotel's new General Manager, is instrumental in upholding the exceptional level of service. With nearly 30 years of experience in international luxury hospitality, Landrein has expertly balanced maintaining the hotel's unique character while ensuring the highest level of consistency.
The sommelier, Julien Dumas, is a shining example of the exceptional service offered at the hotel. With a background at renowned houses, including the Cheval Blanc and Ritz-Carlton, Dumas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. However, he prefers to keep a low profile, skillfully accompanying guests on their wine journeys rather than lecturing them on the finer points of viniculture. His approachability and empathy make him a standout sommelier.
The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury captivates guests by striking a delicate balance between maintaining consistent luxury and promoting an intimate, familiar atmosphere. Despite seemingly exorbitant prices, the hotel's exceptional amenities and service ensure that it remains an accessible destination for those seeking a high-end tropical vacation.
Carsten K. Rath's Travel Rating:[1] Top-notch
Royal PalmResort Name: Royal PalmLand: MauritiusRegion: Grand BaieBest travel time: July to October, May and October are particularly popular: mild temperatures, no extreme humidityTarget airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)Transfer means: Hotel transfer, taxi or chauffeur service (helicopter transfer also possible upon request)Transfer time: Approximately one hour by car from the airport to the hotelRoom price per night: circa 600 Euro (Junior Suite) to over 2500 Euro (Presidential Suite) per night.
About the author: As a former grand hotelier and operator of the most relevant hotel ranking in the German-speaking world die-101-besten.com, Carsten K. Rath is a globetrotter by profession. He travels to all hotels he writes about for ntv at his own expense.
[1] Source: ntv.de
- Guests at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury can seamlessly integrate the hotel's tropical elegance into their lifestyle, as the hotel's attentive service and home-and-garden-influenced suites offer a tranquil haven.
- For those seeking a change in travel destination, the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, with its unique combination of lifestyle, home-and-garden charm, and tropical beauty, is an ideal spot to unwind and experience a new journey.
