The drive takes around an hour from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on the island of Mauritius, passing verdant landscape with mountains looking on in the distance, to the recently refurbished Veranda Paul et Virginie resort northeast of the island.
This four-star, adult-only hotel, with its thatched roofs and palm trees, is just on the outskirts of the quaint fishing village of Grande Gaube. It snuggles up to the edge of the Indian Ocean, looking out towards the northern islands.
Paul et Virginie statue by the Banyan tree
It’s a romantic scene so I wasn’t surprised to learn that its name pays homage to the 18th century novel Paul et Virginie, by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, written during French rule. There’s an interesting statue of the lovebirds on the grounds by a mature banyan tree. In essence, this is a Romeo and Juliet style story of romantic love cut short by mishap.
Reception at Veranda Paul et Virginie
There was no sign of mishap here though. We were greeted with a hearty “bonzour” and “ki manier?” (how are you?) by the Creole speaking staff. My luggage was whisked away to room 401 while I checked in beneath high V-shaped wood ceilings surrounded by calm pastel colours, pretty chandeliers overhead, and wood and rattan furniture. Overall, the decor speaks of Mauritian arts and crafts, including local pottery, weaving, painting and engraving.
Days later, after a Creole speaking class on the hotel’s private beach, I was chuffed to be able to respond “Mo bien” whenever I was greeted.
Everyone of course speaks English and French, too, courtesy of periods under British and French rule, and the Creole touch is part of the “Feel Mauritius and Feel Mauritian” philosophy of this newly renovated resort.
Who for
Without a doubt, the romance and calm of this relaxed adult-only hotel is ideal for honeymooners and couples looking to enjoy a peaceful holiday, perhaps to reignite passions, in lovely surroundings.
Accommodation
There are 81 sea-facing rooms in three categories – Comfort, Superior or Privilege – that come with either a terrace or a balcony. Mine was Superior room 401 on the ground floor. Floor to ceiling glass doors open directly out towards the beach and steps away from the pools. It’s a lovely scene to wake up to.
Inside decor is elegant, with muted colours, floral themes. Amenities include blackout curtains, air con, a mini bar stocked with free soft drinks as well as beers, a kettle, a large screen tv, among other mod cons.
Food & Drink
Every day there is a buffet breakfast and dinner at Ile de France restaurant where we dined while enjoyed sea views. The best food is at Le Saint Géran restaurant at the end of the pier by the beach. One night we enjoyed an incredibly romantic dinner of cod and mash Mauritian style. on the beach itself.
The Poudre d’Or bar is ideal for enjoying a coffee while looking out towards the sea, an after-dinner drink or a cocktail (the rum based Planters cocktail is particularly good) at the bar. During the day, it’s casual dining of sandwiches, pizzas, snacks and crêpes, while in the evening there’s live music by the bar offering toe-tapping jazz or crooner music
Live music at Paul et Virginie hotel Mauritius.
Facilities
The warm waters of the infinity pool are so inviting that some couples spent much of the afternoon canoodling in it, or floating on top or leaning over the edge to enjoy the never-ending sea views. Or just sipping cocktails on the sunbeds by it. There is also a marvellously sculpted pool adorned with palm trees with plenty of sunbeds and parasols.
To one side of that is a small arc-shaped beach where fishermen manually trawl for their catch, while sunbathers relax on sunbeds shaded by thatched parasols, look on.
Beach at Veranda Paul et Virginie, Mauritius
The resort has a small Seven Colours Wellness Spa offering great treatments, especially a sensational massage, a sauna, and elsewhere there is a small but well-equipped gym.
Activities
Veranda Paul et Virginie offers several cultural experiences designed to inspire your inner Mauritian. There are seafront Sega dancing classes, a sexy Mauritian dance where all the magic is in the hips. Later there is an evening show of professional Sega dancers showing how it’s done.
One afternoon we learned to make farata – a Mauritian roti – and a coconut chutney as the filling. On another, we learned the art of flavouring rum with Rohit, who oversees the production of their own brand Gekko.
Both of these activities were fun and we got to devour our creations and taste several runs until we were so heady, we had no choice to relax by the pool.
There is a notice board with a list of the day’s activities for those who want a little action, such as yoga, a day out on a catamaran. a bike ride or a game of pétanque, tennis and so on. We hopped on a shuttle into Grand Baie for a change of scene and a visit to the market.
What’s nearby?
We took a taxi to the centre of Grand Baie, a lively area of restaurants and bars, and enjoyed a little shopping in the Bazar de Grande Baie, then frolics and cocktails on the beach there, looked on by casuarina and coconut trees.
There’s also the Pamplemousses district in the northwest where there are three amazing venues, including the beautiful Botanical gardens and L’aventure de Sucre. The latter talks of how sugar has changed Mauritius and offers insights into the island’s amazing history and rum industry.
How much
Rates start at £134/night for 2 people in a Comfort Sea View Room on a B&B basis, £161 on a half board basis and £225 on an all-inclusive basis, based on a stay in June.
Verdict: Its location on the seafront, a well stocked bar, a romantic gastronomic restaurant at the end of the pier and a convenient shuttle service for those change of scene moments make Veranda Paul et Virginie a great choice.