From kayaking to cuisine: savouring the best of Mauritius

IOL News

19-05-2025

Take me back to paradise: Beachcomber Victoria is a haven for South Africans.
Image: Supplied
I'm not sure what it is about travelling, but one gets to do things one never usually does at home, despite the splendours of our beloved South Africa.
Nine years later, back in Mauritius, I successfully wielded the sticks with skinny arms on a kayak. I am averse to water. Martin Jacobs, a wonderful travel mate and fellow novice who joined Cape Town, proved an able partner in the paddle.
Jacobs, a creative director and content creator, was seated at the front of the kayak. I've always been a backseat old boy. Genial, intrepid travel fundi Hermina Sennelo (she is so knowledgeable) paddled solo, escorting us on behalf of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
She'd done this before and, therefore, looked at ease. For newbies, Martin and I did not look at all at sea. While it seemed easy, the wind beneath our pale pushed us on our way as we paddled around Ile d'Ambre Island in the Northeast of Mauritius.
Of course, it didn't matter that I couldn't swim. I was handed a life jacket. All canoeists had to sign a disclaimer. Little man, you're on your own in this paradise. It helped that one could see the crystal-clear blue water below. It did not seem deep.
Any signs of nervousness were gone, as one just had to swing those oars left and right until we got close to the ecological wonder they call the mangroves.
Such wonders one usually sees in the movies – and in Mauritius. We rowed to a mangrove tunnel, enjoying the beautiful scenery and straying not too far from the phone to capture these moments that may not come again.
A pit stop to sample mango soaked in vinegar, salt, and sugar, prepared that morning by guide Enrico, was refreshing. I yearned for more. He gave me the remaining liquid. It was yummy but not as the best litchi I recently had at Thaba Eco. More of the same, please, my yumminess!
Perhaps, when one is not driving, er, canoeing in this peaceful, quiet paradise, they may consider adding a touch of gin.
We stopped for homemade cake and refreshments on the nearby island. Sea Kayaking on the return trip with Hermina saw us encounter strong currents that strived to push us further from shore; however, we managed to get to land.
For a non-swimmer, I was chuffed at having enjoyed kayaking in Mauritius without any drama. Thank God. The experience is available for around R1100 per person. Afterwards, we headed to a sumptuous lunch at Le Château de Labourdonnais before overnighting at Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa at Coastal Road, Pointe Aux Piments.
This large resort is a favourite haunt of South African families, who come for the pristine beaches, the many things to do for children and adults, and the divine Italianfood served overlooking the beach - family vibes, but they cater for the romantics.
Even newfound friends like us were soaked in the atmosphere. The next day, we were off to GrandBaie seaside village on a full-day Catamaran excursion on the East Coast Croisieres Australes to the islands in the North - Island Gabriel and Plate Island.
The cosmopolitan faces on the vessel always remind one of the joys of travel, where you mingle with people of different tongues. The golden oldies. The young and in love. The bored going through the oceans. The adventurous. Wanting a thrill. The beauty. With their henpecking mom. They're all on board with different suntan lotions for different folks.
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One of the many activities on offer at the 136-room dwelling is a boat cruise, and while on land, there's plenty to do.
Image: Supplied
A gentle start turned awry as the rough waves pounded the catamaran, leaving all of us drenched. We stopped at Gabriel Island to swim. The rocks on the beach were not my friend's. I chose to lie in the sun and get 40 winks from too many deadline-driven late nights.
Lunch on the vessel was served with chicken, sausage, fish, and a potato salad. A little rum and Coke to smooth the return journey hit the spot. As the afternoon beckoned, we arrived at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, concluding the scenic catamaran cruise.
For a small island, reportedly 65 kilometres from one side to another, everywhere you go is said to require at least an hour. The drive to Victoria seemed quicker.
We were given time to chill and put on some make-up before dinner at a seafood platter for one at L'Horizon at Victoria Hotel on the West Coast. Not a seafood lover, though it was scrumptious. The Victoria Hotel is known for its beautiful sandy beach, spacious rooms and spectacular sunsets that are a highlight of the west coast.
One cute little feature in the room is the addition of a three-pin South African wall plug for those who want to charge their laptop.
Reportedly, this Beachcomber resort is popular among South Africans, with 60 per cent of occupants from Mzansi. More than 100 000 South Africans visit the island annually.
The Victoria Hotel boasts a breathtaking view.
Image: Supplied
Life's a beach?
We also stayed at Ocean's Creek, a cosy 4-star hotel named after the lower reaches of the Tombeau River that meet the Indian Ocean. The hotel enjoys easy access to sandy beaches with open views of iridescent sunsets over the teal-blue bay.
Activities galore - thrills and adventures await the hotel's youngest visitors at the generous kids' club for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
My room overlooked the pool. On the bedside table was a notepad with the inscription: You are exactly where you are meant to be. Holidaygoers, mainly from India, with many from South Africa and Europe, danced until 11pm, nightly. The place was buzzing.
Ocean's Creek is co-owned by a Bollywood film star who once starred with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Recent guests included the South African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which comprises 21 African Member States promoting regional integration.
I can't imagine delegates spending too much time conferencing in paradise. What would they learn when VitaminSunshine is so compelling?
Up next was the quirky C Mauritius, our destination. It has much to write about, especially the vibrant host Catherine Barbe, who goes the extra mile to make guests' stays memorable: Sega dancing, kite-flying, and picnics on the beach are just some of the many highlights.
The Mauritian-Creole buffet was a delight. They also offer sushi in the restaurant adjoining the pool with abundant sea views. If you miss dinner, there's a self-service takeaway where you can get cool drinks and meals.
What more can one ask for in paradise? Swimming lessons and a butler?