Much more than just another all-inclusive resort, this ultra luxurious property, that hugs the scenic western coast of Mauritius, deep south of the Indian Ocean, is imbued with all the right ingredients for that perfect island vacation.
Days before I descended upon my 65th visited country of Mauritius, my instructions to ensure I have a vacation of a lifetime were sitting pretty in my e-mail inbox. I was booked in for a three-night, three-day stay into the very exclusive and all-inclusive Club Med La Plantation d’Albion resort in Albion on the west coast of the island of Mauritius. The island is a paradise in and of itself, set in the deep south of the Indian Ocean, east of the much larger island of Madagascar, and off the east coast of mainland Africa.
Along with advice to pre-download the very helpful Club Med app – one that tells you your day to day itinerary, and helps in making various reservations etc – I was also given tips on what to pack to suit the various themed nights that the enthusiastic staff put on for guests on all nights of their stay at Club Med.
Once at the property, a single bracelet with an electronic fob attached to it was given to me. This was to be my room access ‘card’, my identity passport and one that would get me access to every facility and amenity that an all-inclusive resort like this one affords its guests.
Hotel
Set along a sprawling property where well-manicured gardens and lush foliage form a fecund backdrop and where the sounds of birdsong and of the ocean intermingle to result in a sonorous interlude to your stay, this resort has nature at the very forefront of its philosophy. The high ceiling of the main lobby building that houses the gift shop and an excursion office, among other facilities, are dramatic in their thatched rusticity. Drawing in architectural influences from mainland Africa, Asia and beyond.
Be it at one of the two restaurants, the three pools or by the beach, the colourful boho décor elements are unmissable with a nautical leitmotif running through almost everything here. Offering a unique gastronomic journey where Indian, African and European influences mix, the food is a highlight of the resort, as are the many included activities and sports, both in and out of the water.
Set out on the Indian Ocean on a paddle board or in a kayak or take part in a yoga session and prepare to be inspired by a sense of calmness that is omnipresent here. Your day ends here with a stunning sunset over the ocean that you can enjoy from the freshwater zen pool perched high above the rocks.
Room
Dotted across the property – with some housed in individual clusters, while others in three storied Dutch colonial style mansions – the accommodation options at Club Med La Plantation d’Albion are a nice mix of beachfront and garden facing rooms and suites.
Offering three room categories, the suites, deluxe rooms and superior rooms are each done up in plantation style with polished wooden furniture, slatted doors, double vanities and standalone claw-footed bathtubs. French and the aforementioned Dutch colonial influences show up once again in the spacious verandas and patios that are wonderful extensions of the spacious rooms and suites.
Food and drink
The advantage of staying at an all-inclusive resort means the freedom to chose when and where you dine. Conveniently located near the primary swimming pool, the non-smoking main restaurant called Distillerie is the perfect setting for a buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner. One gets to pick between the two terraces – open air or covered with a magnificent view over the sea or lagoon. The food here ranges from live stations, grills, Asian and Western fare and, of course, local Mauritian delicacies.
The Phare speciality a la carte restaurant, on the other hand, is the perfect place to indulge in a late breakfast or lunch. This restaurant specialises in local flavours and is located in a heavenly setting just a few yards from the ocean. As The Phare is shut on some nights, for dinners, here, one needs to make reservations in advance via the Club Med app. For those mid-meal time munchies or for a nice tipple, you can pick from the three bars scattered across the resort, including the beach shack bar called Mangrove, where the boozy rum punch and corn pudding are to die for.
Too lazy to step out? The limited, but wholesome in-room dining menu lets you pick from a range of quick sandwiches, soups and salads along with a few desserts. Though every meal delivered in room does come with a nominal (500 Mauritian Rupees) delivery charge.
Spa
Housed in its own thatched roof structure that also houses the gym, sauna and hammam rooms, the spa at the resort is an oasis of calm and tranquillity.
Staffed by well-trained, attentive masseuses and inspired by ancestral knowledge, beauty secrets from around the globe and traditional medicine, the Cinq Mondes spa takes you on a relaxing journey. Using natural active ingredients and biotechnology, the various locally-inspired and international treatments (at an additional cost) combine unique rituals for a holistic approach towards wellness.
To do
Club Med La Plantation d’Albion is situated on the west coast of Mauritius that is ideal for partaking in some great aquatic adventures, as it is close to most of the island’s top beaches and other attractions. Keeping that at the forefront, La Plantation d’Albion Club Med offers complimentary sailing lessons, snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding experiences.
Moving away from the ocean, with a multitude of activities within the resorts, guests can begin their day with yoga by the pool or get their adrenaline rush through a session of flying trapeze, aqua fitness or Pilates. The resorts also offer archery and tennis lessons for kids and adults alongside entertainment shows and parties every evening.
One can also make full use of the wide selection of excursions offered around the island of Mauritius. These include experiences like walking with the lions, visit to the Casela World of Adventures, underwater adventures in a submarine, Seakart or sea scooter and exploring the east coast and northern islands in a catamaran.
In addition to this, explore the Tamarin saltworks, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Brabant, the renowned Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens and the Sugar Museum to discover Mauritius through the history of sugar cane. They also have excursions to the Chamarel rum factory and a lovely boat ride along the coast to Port Louis showing the capital’s most important sites, followed by a visit to the bustling local market.
In a nutshell
Neatly tucked away on the western coast of Mauritius, among wild inlets and lush vegetation, this luxurious haven peacefully cultivates a feel of being at the ends of the earth. Here, nature surrounds you and invites you to enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle. An ideal place for families and couples alike, here one is guaranteed an end-to-end, all-inclusive experience that leaves you with memories that last for a lifetime.
Getting there
Flights to Mauritius are available from Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa on airlines like Air France, Emirates, Air Mauritius, Kenya Airways and Vistara, among others. The resort is one hour away by car from the Sir S. Ramgoolam International Airport (Plaisance) that entails a beautiful drive through the lush swaying sugar cane fields that line the expressway. The resort is happy to arrange airport transfers at an additional cost.
Factbox
Tariffs start from £875 all inclusive for three nights for two people. This includes accommodation in a superior category room, all three meals with unlimited cocktails and alcoholic beverages served in the two restaurants, the various bars and the beach bar-cum-snack shack. It also includes the use of all recreational facilities such as the three pools, sauna, hammam, gym, tennis courts, snorkelling, paddle boarding, flying trapeze, golf, and petanque (boules) among many other free-to-use facilities.
Address: Club Med La Plantation d’Albion , Avenue du Club Med, 742CU001, Mauritius.
Phone: 0008000404477
E-mail: askme.asia@clubmedcustomerservice.com
Website: clubmed.asia
Photography courtesy of Club Med La Plantation d’Albion
