A tale of romance unfolds in the backdrop of social divides, leading to a tragic conclusion. The narrative of Paul et Virginie by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, an esteemed French novel from the late 18th century, delves into this theme against the picturesque setting of Mauritius at that time: a realm where peace and unity reign supreme. Presently, this essence is encapsulated by the Veranda MC’s Paul et Virginie hotel and spa in Grand Gaube, a quaint fishing village.
The journey from the airport to the hotel is enchanting. Majestic palm trees and verdant hills provide a scenic backdrop as vibrantly attired locals traverse the roads. Amidst them, two men carry a plinth resembling a Hindu deity on their shoulders. It turns out to be the auspicious Maha Shivratri festival, an annual celebration honoring the deity Shiva, drawing devotees on a pilgrimage to the sacred Grand Bassin crater lake, 550m above sea level in the island’s south.
Upon reaching the adults-only four-star hotel, the transformation by interior designer Ophelia Merle leaves a profound impression. The lobby exudes elegance with bamboo furniture, while the Poudre d’Or bar offers stunning views of the Grand Gaube Lagoon. Outside, parasols and bar stools seamlessly blend with the landscape, alongside sea-view pools, one featuring an infinity edge.
The superior room, adorned in calming green hues with accents of orange, wooden lamps, and mirrors, offers a mesmerizing vista of the sea and lush palms. Dining at the hotel is a refined affair, with Le Saint Geran restaurant located at the end of a pier, offering delectable seafood overwater. Additionally, the Isle de France buffet restaurant, part of the half-board package, presents a diverse array of international cuisine overlooking the pool.
For a rejuvenating experience, a visit to The Seven Colours spa is highly recommended, where each color signifies specific treatments. Opting for the “purple” treatment, a neck, shoulder, and upper back massage, leaves one in a state of bliss post the rejuvenating session. The spa also offers private wellness sessions like a 15-minute chakra test and massage lessons.
To immerse in the local culture, guests can engage in Creole lessons provided by the hotel, a language spoken by the majority of Mauritians. The sessions cover basic greetings and expressions, showcasing the language’s resemblance to French. Noteworthy is the Creole slang for “girlfriend,” referred to as “transink” … 35!
Exploring beyond the hotel, a visit to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden in Pamplemousses town offers a delightful excursion. Spread over 33 hectares, the garden boasts a rich variety of tropical flora, including giant lily pads, a medicinal spice garden, and diverse wildlife like deer, tortoises, and bats, creating a paradisiacal ambiance.
Another must-visit destination is Grand Baie on the northwest coast, accessible via the hotel’s bus service. Notable landmarks include Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux, a Catholic church renowned for its striking red roof against the azure waters, and the vibrant local market, shops, and eateries lining the bay and coast road to Pereybere.
Weekends in Grand Baie offer vibrant nightlife with jam sessions, live music, and Sega performances – a music genre originating from Africa. Strolling along the golden beach with crystal-clear waters further enhances the idyllic experience. For a taste of authentic Mauritian culture, Veranda Paul et Virginie hotel presents rum-making sessions and Creole cooking classes, allowing guests to create their own culinary delights and rum blends.
A visit to L’Aventuredu Sucre, a former sugar factory turned museum, provides insights into Mauritius’ sugar production history and its economic significance. The tour concludes with a sugar tasting session, offering various types of sugar alongside rum samples. As the journey wraps up, a final dinner at Le Saint Geran restaurant, relishing sumptuous dishes amidst the warm evening breeze as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, marks a fairytale conclusion to this enchanting Mauritian sojourn.
