Travel writer Hayley Hamilton shares her experience of Beachcomber resorts in Mauritius, with a spotlight on Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury—where personalisation and nature-led restoration reveal a new definition of luxury.
A volcanic island nestled in the Mascarene archipelago to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a tropical paradise long revered for its vivid landscapes and premium beaches. It’s a place where footprints in the sand lead to the beckoning hues of the Indian Ocean, and where wildlife finds sanctuary in lush rainforests and ancient banyan trees.
Beachcomber’s resorts excel against this backdrop. They offer a vision of luxury shaped by time spent in nature and the quiet art of personalised care. From bespoke service and thoughtfully crafted wellbeing retreats to the elevation of everyday experiences, every detail is designed to offer a gentle pathway to restoration.
The first port of call
We arrive at Dinarobin Beachcomber Resort & Spa in the early hours of the morning to a starlit sky and the hush of the ocean. Along the island’s western coast, the five-star resort unfurls beside the shore, its sea-facing suites framed with frangipani, coconut, and palm trees. I’ve scarcely spent an hour on-site before beginning to feel the first stirrings of the island’s enchantment. After a restful sleep and sunrise walk beneath the looming silhouette of Le Morne Brabant, I’m utterly under its spell.
Connection to nature is at the core of Beachcomber’s wellness ethos. Every detail, from spa treatments to the extensive dining options, reflects the island’s rich bounty.
“Mauritius offers a natural setting for wellbeing, with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and a culture that embraces balance and slow living,” says Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé, Chief Executive Officer of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels. “The island’s rhythm encourages mindfulness, connection with nature, and a holistic approach to health.”
Guests can also dine and use facilities at other Beachcomber properties, offering the opportunity to experience more of the island’s natural beauty and enjoy unique activities at each location.
On our second day, following a nourishing breakfast of homemade muesli topped with slivered almonds and mokavana honey, we take a short golf cart ride to adjacent resort, Paradis. This unlocks more than three miles of powder-sand beach, including the launch point for our catamaran cruise.
Sun hats and towels in-hand, we voyage across the shimmering waters of the protected azure lagoon, marvelling at the sheer beauty of the coastline. Thanks to a protective reef, Mauritius is ringed with shallow waters, and is excellent for exploring the underwater world. We spend the morning wild swimming with spinner dolphins and snorkelling above coral gardens teeming with trumpet fish.
Inside the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
The following day, we head to Mauritius’ northwest coast. Weaving through small villages, past pineapple fields and rubber trees, we arrive at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury. This hotel offers a different class of luxury, defined by personalised service.
“Personalisation creates an effortless experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in relaxation. Our staff anticipate guests’ needs and adapt services to ensure that every moment at Royal Palm feels seamless and deeply restorative.”
Patrice Landrein, General Manager, Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury.
In the room, every detail has been thought of. Name-embossed stationery rests on the desk, a curated pillow mist menu sits by the bed, and a gentle prompt to share my fruit preferences waits on a small table. As I explore the junior suite with a welcome drink in hand—the resort’s signature ‘Medicament’ made with Mauritian rum, honey, and lemon zest—I discover endless gestures of comfort and care.
From the plush dressing gown and slippers in the bathroom to the free-standing bathtub and exclusive Acqua di Parma toiletries, the space is designed for slowing down. Dark wood furnishings and soft down-cast lights, pre-chilled champagne on the approach to an ocean-view terrace—each detail an invitation to relax.
And I have to say, it works. I cast aside those all-too-familiar urges to rush and unpack, instead choosing to do nothing but experience comfort. It offers a feeling of being deeply welcome, and aptly sets the tone for the nights that follow.
Every evening after dinner, I find the room transformed. Toiletries and makeup neatly organised where they had been left in disarray, curtains drawn, lighting and room scent adjusted, clothing folded and water replenished. Even my slippers move to the floor by my bed, to the side that I slept in.
Luxury redefined
In an age where we find ourselves perpetually time-poor, the definition of luxury begins to shift. No longer measured merely by cost or even exclusivity, it appears instead in quiet quality, in experiences that soothe rather than stimulate, and in the ability to ease the mental load, even if only for a moment.
Simple gestures—a turndown service that truly prepares me for sleep, assigned sun loungers to avoid a morning rush, and services tailored to my needs, create the space to really slow down.
This is an art that Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury has mastered. The site boasts an incredible 60% repeat booking rate, with a significant percentage returning year after year.
General manager, Patrice Landrein, attributes this to unparalleled service and meticulous attention to detail. “Our team delivers personalisation through thoughtful gestures and knowing a guest’s preferences in advance,” he says. “This means remembering their favourite dishes, and curating experiences that align with their desires. It’s a hallmark of our service philosophy.”
Wellness at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
Personalisation is a key ingredient in the on-site, world-class spa too.
This boasts an exclusive partnership with Swiss skincare expert, Valmont, and offers six unique wellness retreats. The 5-7 day programs feature a holistic curriculum of treatments that draw upon the combined Indo-Asian and European influences of Mauritius’ layered identity, from Ayurveda and Reiki to advanced clinical skincare. Designed to renew and revitalise, the retreats include individual assessments, personalised micronutrition advice and bespoke fitness sessions, and can all be tailored to the needs of each guest.
I enjoy a full-body signature Beachcomber massage, using products made with local herbs, oils, and botanicals. It’s the perfect tonic after a day in the sun.
Laura Cangy-Bell, spa manager at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, emphasises the power of blending personalisation, expert-led programs and the serene surroundings of Mauritius. “Reports show that a huge percentage of travellers are looking for travel to address physical or mental wellness,” she explains. “We wanted to ensure we could offer this to our guests and cater to a variety of wellness needs.”
What we eat
Many of my favourite experiences at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury centre around dining. During our stay, we sample all three on-site restaurants: La Goélette, which blends French cuisine with Mauritian flavours; Asiya, which offers a journey through different regions of Asia; and Restaurant La Plage, a casual seafront spot serving up grills and local favorites.
“Each restaurant is designed with a unique vision, from showcasing refined Mauritian cuisine to celebrating fresh seafood and international flavours,” says Michelin-trained executive chef, William Girard. “Personalised service elevates every dining experience, whether through curated wine pairings or adapting dishes to a guest’s preferences. This attention to detail ensures every meal feels special and deeply satisfying.”
At no other time was the resort’s commitment to making every meal feel special better showcased than on my final evening. Feeling unwell, I decide to leave dinner early. But, to my surprise, my remaining courses are brought to my room, one-by-one, complete with white tablecloth, candle and flowers.
I enjoy beef carpaccio layered with pesto and a coconut palm heart salad with smoked Marlin. But the pièce de résistance? Grilled rock lobster bathed in white butter sauce. And all delivered with the greatest care.
The verdict
Beachcomber’s Dinarobin and Paradis resorts offer unparalleled access to nature and immersive experiences within Mauritius’ stunning Azure lagoon. They’re ideal hotels for both adventure lovers and guests with families. At Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, bespoke wellness journeys and intuitive service create the perfect environment for guests to fully unwind. Pure bliss.
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury from £752.00 per room per night based on 2 adults sharing on a half board basis. Dinarobin Beachcomber from £356.00, per room per night based on 2 adults sharing on a half board basis.
