Escape to Mauritius with Nick
Join Nick on his trip to Mauritius with Beachcombers UK
We met up at Manchester Airport and checked in for our flight with Turkish Airlines. We flew to Mauritius via Istanbul. I had never flown with Turkish Airlines before, so I was really excited to experience it. The connection worked really well and is a great option to consider rather than flying via Dubai with Emirates. Istanbul Airport is very modern, and the departure board shows flights to almost anywhere in the world. Duty-free shopping and happy mooching was definitely the plan! Helen gave me a huge list, so off I went.
The flight to Mauritius was great. The crew were very attentive, and I would certainly recommend flying with them. Well done, Turkish Airlines!
On arrival in Mauritius, my passport was stamped quickly, and I was thrilled to get my Mauritius stamp — very happy with that, and off we went. For all the history buffs (me included), Mauritius was once a French colony until the British took over, which is why they drive on the left like us. Most people speak English, French, and a Creole dialect.
As soon as you meet the locals, you realise the true gem of this place — the people. They’re always smiling, warm, and kind-hearted. Our itinerary was well balanced, with lots of hotel visits and stays, but we also had time to enjoy the views and try out some of the activities the island had to offer. Transfers are by road, but there’s also the option for a helicopter transfer if you fancy arriving in style.
Mauritius is an incredible paradise getaway — perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or special celebration. The island is as dreamy as the photos: soft white sand, clear turquoise sea, and tropical charm. Over the course of six nights, we enjoyed dolphin watching, gourmet dinners, and the company of our fantastic hostess — the lovely Sarah Archer from Beachcomber UK.
We spent our time between all the hotels in the Beachcomber portfolio — a mix of 4- and 5-star properties, each one a delight. Luxurious, immaculate, and beautifully located, they all offered something different. The jewel in the crown was the Royal Palm, which was simply stunning. Every hotel had exceptional beaches and a variety of room types, from suites to villas — perfect for everyone from those wanting to relax and unwind, to golfers, adventurers, and multi-generational families.
It's always difficult to choose your favourite Beachcombers hotel, however if I had to say my top 3 hotels they were the Paradis, Royal Palm and the Cannonier. The reason why I chose these were the locations of them all and the layout of them. All the Beachcombers are not overly huge but these 3 were cute and quaint and have a very charming atmosphere about them. All are positioned in idyllic spots and are truly perfect nobody would be disappointed in staying.
The island really has something for everyone — it’s picture-postcard perfect and full of energy. The best way to experience Mauritius is to get out on the water. Thanks to the reef protecting the beaches, there are no big waves, making it brilliant for swimming and snorkelling. There’s also kite surfing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing — all included at most of the hotels. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swim with dolphins.
Port Louis, the capital, is full of charm. The market is a must-see — full of vibrant colours, chatter, and bartering. There’s a real buzz, and the fresh fruit stalls were amazing. Some vendors even shaped their pineapples for you!
As you drive around the island, you’ll see fields of sugar cane — Mauritius is famous for its rum production, and there are many local distilleries where you can pick up a bottle (and maybe enjoy a sneaky tasting). My cocktail of choice was a ‘Dark & Stormy’ — dark rum and ginger beer — a true delight.
All of the Beachcomber hotels are beautiful and cater to everyone. The beaches are spectacular, the locations brilliant, and the hospitality unforgettable.
Visiting Mauritius is an experience I’ll never forget. I fell completely in love with the island, and here are my top tips for anyone visiting:
💡 Always watch the sun go down with a cocktail — the sunsets are incredible.
💡 Visit Port Louis for its vibrant market, the Slavery Museum, and a stroll along the harbour front with shops galore.
💡 Take a trip to the zoo — there’s a conservation project to protect the giant tortoises, which you can feed,they are surprisingly fast when there is food involved ( just like my dog at home)
💡 I’d also recommend a twin-centre stay — start at the Paradis Beachcomber where you can relax and watch the world go by, then head to Grand Baie and stay at the Royal Palm or the Mauricia to explore local life beyond the hotel.
💡 Sit back and watch nature unfold — the island is full of life, with birds flying everywhere. My favourite moment was seeing a fruit bat fly overhead; I was so excited! I loved every minute and spent the rest of my trip gazing into the trees hoping to spot another.
Mauritius is an island for everyone. It offers and delivers everything — a beautiful emerald gem with palm-fringed beaches and an exotic mix of cultures and cuisine. Thank you to Mauritius and Beachcomber for a truly magical stay. It will stay with me forever.
P.S. If you’re looking for something extra special, check out Mautourco — a fantastic company for transfers and unique experiences. From boat trips to seaplane flights, they’ll organise everything for you. Thank you, Jessica — you were fantastic!
— Nick
