BeSeeingYou At: Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Location: Mauritius
Number of rooms and suites: 172 suites + 3 villas
Date of stay: September 2023
Sparkling pools and white sand beaches are yours to explore at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
Why book at Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa?
The flicker of candles illuminated the golden Buddha sitting before me in what seemed to be a temple of relaxation: still, quiet, calm. I was sitting on one of those rugs you equate with home, the traditional swirly patterned type, usually placed in front of the fireplace. It was my rectangle of comfort edged with tea lights that cast soft shadows while I listened intently to the instruction of my new fitness regime, the Five Tibetan Rites, a method still practised today by Tibetan monks.
This is one of the classes offered at the Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa in Mauritius, a holiday escape infused with wellness and relaxation on a tropical Indian Ocean island that offers much more than vanilla powder beaches.
Is there a do-not-miss resort activity?
Absolutely! The Five Tibetan Rites is also known as the “Fountain of Youth”. Tibetan monks adapted the ancient ritual from India’s Hatha yoga practice in the 11th or 12th century, before introducing it to Western society. They claimed the sequence helped them to experience vibrant health, rejuvenation and youthfulness. Best of all, it’s quite easy to learn with just a sequence of five exercises repeated daily, aiming for the magic number of 21 repetitions. These exercises stretch and strengthen the main muscles of the body and help improve balance.
Take part in a healing ancient Tibetan ritual at the resort’s soothing spa
What’s the spa and sport like?
The Dinorobin Resort’s spa has that wow factor —a spiritual sanctuary and haven of tranquillity. A choice of wellness experiences awaits over water pathways flowing under stepping stones to relaxing corners shaded under thatched crowns. The spa is set apart from the active area of the fitness centre, which is equipped with the latest exercise machines. There is also a tennis area looking out to the 18-hole golf course. Natural water sports, pedal boats and group classes are also available to guests.
Is Mauritius as dreamy as it looks?
Yes! Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa is ensconced in frangipani and coconut trees on the southwestern tip of Mauritius on Le Morne Peninsula where the spectacular Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a UNESCO world heritage site, provides a dramatic backdrop. The drive to the resort journeys through sugarcane fields before the iron-laced gates open to laid-back luxury, Mauritian style. Swirls of water pools glint in the sunshine, and polished wood, pillars and palms, and sink-in chairs create the relaxed, island-chic vibe of the resort, set on the edge of a glorious white sand beach beach and amongst 48 acres of lush gardens.
Rooms & Suites
The sublime all-suite accommodations are in low-rise buildings and divided into six crescents that blend harmoniously with the setting. All look out to the mesmerising turquoise hues of the Indian Ocean and, consequently, uninterrupted views of perfect sunsets are guaranteed. For families or groups of friends who want a little privacy, the luxurious 4-bedroom villas sit on the most stunning part of the peninsula. There, guests can enjoy their own heated pools and beaches. They’ll also have access to a private club car and bicycles for easy exploration.
If you’re traveling with a significant other and just want some grown-up time, the exclusive Zen Crescent is an adults-only made up of 24 spacious yet intimate Zen Suites, a handful of which are beachfront. Guests staying here will enjoy pool service as well as a dedicated beach kiosk with sun loungers. There is also WiFi on the beach if you must connect to the real world from time to time.
Spill the tea: how’s the food and drink?
Dining out is a culinary journey at the hotel, from creative Japanese-inspired cuisine at Umami, to a bistronomy concept of local dishes at Dina’s, or a feet-in-sand lunch restaurant called La Plage. The international buffet at L’Harmonie is enjoyed outdoors under covered decked terraces, while the Mahogany Bar is the central hub for socialising and cultural entertainment overlooking the beach and pool. The Crescent 6 area has its own casual beach bar, called Butik, too. The resort’s beehives also provide the honey you’ll find on the table.
Guests of Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa are also invited to dine at the four restaurants of Paradis Beachcomber, located just down the sand.
There’s much to do beyond the resort including visiting museums, temples and a national park
What if I want to explore beyond the resort?
Then you’ve come to the right place! Mauritius is an all-year-round destination. June and July are winter months with fresher temperatures and shorter days, while summer months are November through March. Even though Mauritius is renowned for its silky soft beaches and azure lagoons, it’s an island of plenty, with much more to discover than meets the eye. From museums, nature reserves, and a national park to plantations of tea, sugar and vanilla, a rum distillery, and a cashmere factory, there’s a lot to do off the resort. Here are some of my favourite suggestions:
The Capital, Port Louis
Head to the northwest of the island to Port Louis to see its French colonial architecture and 19th century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. For great panoramic views, visit the 19th-century fortress which features a walled courtyard. Life buzzes at the Caudan Waterfront with dining, shopping, and a marina. Don’t miss Umbrella Square for the colourful atmosphere and shopping for designer labels or locally produced crafts. The Blue Penny Museum details the island’s colonial and maritime history with exhibits of the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, while nearby in a 200-year-old building is the Postal Museum. Take a deep breath and venture to the older centre for a taste of everyday life with its crowded indoor and outdoor markets and narrow streets selling everything from handmade crafts and CDs to spices and sculptures. The central market of Port Louis (also known as the Port Louis bazaar) is well-frequented, with street food vendors on every corner, where you can witness and taste the confluence of French, Indian, African and Chinese flavours that create Mauritian cuisine.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
This attraction is also known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and is located in the north. It was established in 1767 and named after the first prime minister of Mauritius. It’s famous for over 85 varieties of palm trees but check out the giant water lilies and the national red flower of Mauritius, (boucle d’oreille) within its 81 acres.
Black River Gorges National Park
This 16,680-acre national park in the southwest of the island has been left as nature intended. A place where endangered native plants and animals still manage to survive. Here there are around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius. There are 37 miles of hiking trails.
Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth
As a natural phenomenon and an emblem of the island, this unique site reveals 600 million years of history – a natural wonder of this volcanic island. The land of 7 colours contains dunes up to 15 metres thick and contains traces of ancient geo-climatic activities. Within the park is the Chamarel waterfall which is the tallest single-drop waterfall at 100m high on the island.
Hindu temples
Hinduism is the main religion in Mauritius and the island is decorated with temples such as the Lord Shiva statue, 33-metres high, and the enormous statue of Durga Mata. Visit Grand Bassin, a sacred lake that lies in the crater of an extinct volcano, situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne in the heart of Mauritius. It sits about 550 metres above sea level.
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Reviewed by Jane Wilson, The Wellness Traveller
Photos courtesy of Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
