Picture a romantic tale where two main characters are divided by social class. A love affair that is destined to fail and tragically concludes.
The renowned French novel “Paul et Virginie” by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre explores this concept against the backdrop of late 18th-century Mauritius, a setting depicted as a harmonious place where all coexist peacefully. Fast forward to the present day, and these themes are embodied by the Veranda MC’s Paul et Virginie hotel and spa in Grand Gaube, a charming fishing village.
Our journey from the airport to the hotel is a magical experience. Lush green hills and swaying palm trees provide a picturesque backdrop, while locals dressed in vibrant attire stroll along the roads.
Among them, two men carry a plinth resembling a Hindu deity on their shoulders. This coincides with our arrival during the Maha Shivratri festival, an annual celebration honoring the deity Shiva, as locals make their way to the sacred crater lake, Grand Bassin, situated 550m above sea level in the island’s southern region. It is a captivating sight.
Upon reaching the adults-only four-star hotel, we are impressed by the remarkable transformation overseen by interior designer Ophelia Merle.
The lobby exudes elegance and warmth with bamboo chairs and sofas. The exquisite Poudre d’Or bar offers direct views of the Grand Gaube Lagoon.
Outside, parasols and bar stools seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings, complemented by two sea-view pools, one featuring an infinity edge.
I am enamored with my superior room, adorned in soothing green hues with hints of orange, wooden accents, and mirrors, offering a breathtaking view of the sparkling sea and picturesque palm trees.
Dining at the hotel is a sophisticated affair. Le Saint Geran, located under a thatched roof at the end of a pier, provides a delightful setting for enjoying seafood dishes over the water.
Additionally, the Isle de France buffet restaurant, part of the half-board package, boasts a diverse selection of international cuisine and overlooks the pool area.
For a rejuvenating experience, I highly recommend indulging in treatments at The Seven Colours spa, where each color signifies specific therapies.
Opting for the “purple” treatment, I received a relaxing neck, shoulder, and upper back massage. The session was so tranquil that I found myself drifting off to sleep!
The spa also offers private wellness sessions, including a 15-minute chakra assessment to identify the balance of your energy centers and the opportunity to learn massage techniques.
To immerse yourself in the local culture, the hotel provides Creole lessons, a language spoken by the majority of Mauritians alongside English and French. During the lessons, we learned basic greetings like “Bonzour. Mo apel…, kouma ou apele?” meaning “Hello, my name is… what is your name?”
Creole bears resemblance to French, with interesting tidbits such as the Creole slang term for girlfriend being “transink” … 35!
After relaxing by the pools or on the beach, a day trip to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden in Pamplemousses town is highly recommended (ssrbg.govmu.org). Spanning 33 hectares, the garden showcases a variety of tropical plants, including giant lily pads, a medicinal spice garden, and wildlife like deer, tortoises, and bats roaming the lush landscape.
We also explored Grand Baie on the northwest coast near Pereybère, accessible via the hotel’s biweekly bus service. The picturesque Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux, a Catholic church with a striking red roof against the turquoise waters, made for a captivating photo opportunity.
The vibrant market, shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, with approximately 50 establishments lining the bay and coastal road to Pereybere, offer a bustling