Where have the years gone?
Turning back the clock to 1994, we had just begun our travel business, Traveltime World. Never one to miss an opportunity to explore somewhere new, we decided to tie the knot on the stunning Grand Baie beach on the northwest coast of Mauritius.
Our wedding was arranged by one of our favourite tour operators, Beachcomber Tours, and it’s wonderful to say that our working relationship remains just as strong today. Beachcomber boasts a beautiful collection of hotels across the island, ranging from lively family-friendly resorts to secluded romantic hideaways and the pinnacle of refined luxury—the Royal Palm.
Having direct connections with the hoteliers is invaluable, as it allows us to personally guarantee special requests and ensure our clients have unforgettable experiences.
With our 30th wedding anniversary approaching, we found the perfect excuse to return to Mauritius. When I casually mentioned the idea to the family, there was no hesitation—everyone was eager to join! We chose two stunning Beachcomber properties: five nights at Le Paradis, set against the dramatic backdrop of Le Morne on the southwest coast, followed by another five nights at Le Trou Aux Biches, our original wedding hotel.

David in Business Class on Air Mauritius
Next came the decision on flights. Only British Airways and Air Mauritius currently offer direct services to the island. While other airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and the Middle Eastern carriers provide indirect routes, my personal favourite being Emirates, the additional hours of travel made a direct flight the obvious choice. British Airways still operates its older aircraft from Gatwick, so I opted for Air Mauritius, which flies the sleek Airbus A350 and A330.
Initially, we booked economy but then came the exciting gamble—bidding for an upgrade to business class. Many airlines now offer this option, where you submit what you’re willing to pay and, a few days before departure, find out if your bid has been successful. £4000 later, we secured our business class seats, and I have to say, it was worth every penny. The service was impeccable, the cuisine exquisite, and the luxury of a full flat-bed seat made the long-haul journey feel effortless.
Upon arrival, we were whisked through the airport and into our private transfer for the 75-minute journey to Le Paradis. As we drove, I was struck by how much Mauritius had evolved. Gone were the days of narrow, winding roads—now, a network of motorways crisscrossed the island.
Arriving at Le Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa felt like stepping into a dream. A pristine white sandy beach stretched before us, framed by the majestic Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The resort itself was a paradise within paradise, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, an indulgent spa, and a variety of accommodation options, from stylish Bay View Rooms to oceanfront suites and even private villas.
We opted for a Junior Suite for the ‘kids’ while we stayed in an ocean-front Ground Floor Room. There is something magical about waking up, sliding open the patio doors, and stepping straight onto the soft sand and into the turquoise ocean—absolute heaven.
Le Paradis sits next to its elegant sister property, Dinarobin, another stunning Beachcomber resort. A touch more refined and serene, Dinarobin is perfect for couples, honeymooners, and discerning travellers looking for understated luxury. While each resort has its own watersports facilities, spa, and gym, they share some dining options, with a total of eight restaurants between them. From themed buffets and fine Italian dining to the freshest seafood and fragrant Creole cuisine, every meal was an experience to savour.
Our days at Le Paradis were filled with adventure and relaxation in equal measure. We water-skied, snorkelled, paddle-boarded, and sailed on a Hobie Cat. I even joined a yoga class, while David found his perfect spot under a palm tree, cocktail in hand, lost in a good book.