REVIEW: Royal Palm - Beachcomber Resort

Mauritius holds a unique and special place in my heart, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder each time I visit. As an avid explorer of new destinations to add to my illustrious 'bucket list,' I find myself repeatedly drawn back to this captivating island. On this occasion, fortune smiled upon us, and we had the privilege of experiencing the upscale Royal Palm, a treasured part of the esteemed Beachcomber Resort group. The resort boasts stunning vistas set against a backdrop of white, sugary sand and crystalline turquoise waters, with the Royal Palm unequivocally accentuating its prime location in Grand-Baie.

First Impressions & Setting

Nestled in a secluded haven just off the main road, away from the clamour and commotion, the Royal Palm creates an idyllic oasis for guests to rejuvenate and restore their spirits. Unlike other resorts, this boutique-style hotel contains only 69 rooms and suites, rendering it an intimate and exclusive retreat. Although families are welcome, I find this establishment more suitable for couples or honeymooners.

A sophisticated resort where every detail matters and our attentive and discreet staff provide for our guests’ every wish.

Upon setting foot inside, the radiance of natural light suffuses the lobby, illuminating the elegant colonial-inspired interior. In the heart of the hotel, a pool area with plush sun loungers overlooks the restaurants and bar sections. During our stay, we observed that this area was not heavily frequented, as guests preferred to recline on the beach or at the beachside pools.

Our affable host welcomed us and graciously offered a mini-tour of the hotel. The laid-back luxury and personalised atmosphere of the Royal Palm are evident from the outset, with its cordial and convivial staff overseeing the premises.

Direct access to turquoise waters and sugary sands

Rooms

To our delightful surprise, we were upgraded to the prestigious Presidential Suite. Nestled atop the building, the entrance to the suite is marked by grand double doors, leading to a capacious corridor and living area with two lavish sofas, and even an office area, ideally suited for digital nomads and remote workers. Sliding glass doors open to a balcony featuring an outdoor settee, loungers, and a table to savour breakfast. The suite was elegantly adorned with fresh bouquets of flowers, nautical-themed artwork, and literary reading material.

The bedroom boasts a lavish dual-sink en-suite bathroom complete with a rainfall shower and a freestanding bathtub. Considering the generous size of the suite, one could comfortably enjoy an extended stay. After acquainting ourselves with our new abode, we indulged in a selection of our welcome treats, including handmade desserts, exotic fruits, and a bottle of bubbly.

Dining

La Goelette is the main restaurant at Royal Palm Beachcomber Mauritius, offering a fine dining experience with a menu that features French and international cuisine. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, making it a popular choice for couples and special occasions. The service here was excellent, with attentive and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and wine selection.

Le Bar Plage is a casual beachfront restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere for guests to enjoy light meals, snacks and drinks. The menu features a range of salads, sandwiches, and grilled items, along with refreshing cocktails and fresh juices. The staff are friendly and efficient, with a slightly more casual beach style. The location is also a highlight, with stunning views of the ocean and a relaxed vibe that makes it a popular spot for lunch.

Ischia is the resort's Italian restaurant, which is located on a terrace overlooking the gardens and pool. The menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and fresh seafood. Most guests have particularly enjoyed the homemade pasta dishes, which are freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.

We were also fortunate enough to have enjoyed a ‘Royal Grill’ at the beach, whereby guests were invited to dine outdoors and enjoy a delicious buffet. It was a great way to switch up the environment and also meet more members of staff.

Experiences

Spa: The spa at Royal Palm is indeed impressive and with a boardwalk-paved pool area with a wow factor upon entering. My partner enjoyed one of their bespoke Valmont Purity Facials, specially designed to cleanse impurities and leave the skin feeling rejuvenated. This is particularly great for city workers who are exposed to air pollution.

Watersports: With so many activities on offer, it's hard to resist trying them all. Daily snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips are available, and non-motorized equipment is also at your disposal to use as and when.

Wine Tasting: A highly recommended and fantastic experience with the Head Sommelier, blind-tasting a few bottles of wine with complimentary canapés. This made for a memorable and insightful experience. We were then able to choose our favourite bottle of wine to enjoy with the rest of our dinner for the evening.

Wellbeing: We were kindly treated to experience a slow and calming morning at the spa to practice meditation and breathwork, a great way to kick-start the day before adventuring around Mauritius.

Gym/Sports: Personal training sessions are available to guests, as well as group exercise classes. During our visit, we had a tennis lesson on their private tennis grounds.

Overall

As this particular resort was constructed on a relatively intimate scale, it provided an amiable community ambience, thereby enabling us to form genuine connections with all during our sojourn. As previously indicated, anticipate an ambience of relaxed refinement, sophistication, and serene tropical environs. The resort further flaunts a remarkable range of facilities, inclusive of a multitude of swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, tennis courts, and a luxurious spa.

Book your next stay at Royal Palm Beachcomber- Mauritius by visiting:

beachcomber-hotels.com

This stay was gently offered by Grifco PR for Royal Palm Beachcomber - Mauritius. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.