> > by Rhonda Bannister
After 60 years of bringing all-inclusive holiday happiness to the world, Club Med has introduced five-star luxury with its sparkling new villas ensconced in 12 hectares next to the La Plantation d’Albion Resort, Mauritius. Although privately owned, the villas can be rented by couples or families who enjoy the Club Med experience but would like to holiday together under one roof.
THE ROOMSIf you have a special occasion looming and want to celebrate with a select group of friends in high style, then I can highly recommend The Albion Villas as a place to party in spectacular fashion. Choose from two, three or four bedroom villas depending on the size of your group and enjoy sophisticated facilities, your own butler, a private swimming pool and outdoor cabana. Designers Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet have created a cool, contemporary tropical escape in the villa’s interior spaces with the judicious use of the colourful multicultural influences of the region. A touch of Africa here, a nod to Asia there; a smattering of Indian panache, a dollop of French style and a strong Mauritian spirit of joyous island charm all combine to deliver a holiday atmosphere of cultured relaxation.
TASTE TEMPTATIONS
Because the Villas are part of the five-trident La Plantation d’Albion Resort you and your friends enjoy complete access to the resort’s restaurants and bars where everything is included – all meals, snacks, alcohol, soft drinks coffee, tea and water. At the buffet style La Distillerie enjoy an amazing array of epicurian delights from around the world and for a ‘fine dining’ breakfast, lunch or dinner, the superb menu at La Phare restaurant and the sound of crashing waves on the rocks below will be an experience to be savoured. The food is so good you have no choice but to over-indulge but luckily Club Med also offers a superb exercise program to counteract the indulgence. For your special occasion, in-villa dinner party, let your butler organise a private chef and serving staff, entertainment, decorations – in fact whatever your heart desires, it can be achieved.
COUPLES WILL LOVE
Golfers will love the new training centre and golf sports academy; free access to the 18-hole Par 72 Tamarina Golf Course. The all-inclusive range of sports activities including the gym programs, the exquisite Cinq Mondes Day Spa (at extra cost) and, if there are children in the group, free access to the Mini Club. But most of all, and especially if Club Med has been a favourite holiday destination in the past, they will love the exclusive, inclusive luxury of staying in what feels like their own private holiday home but with all the benefits of staying at Club Med.
VENTURING OUT
Explore the markets and chaotic streets of the busy capital of Port Louis and discover the heart of this vibrant island nation. Hire a car and drive around the island to discover the many and varied sides of island life from the beautiful white sands of Flic en Flac Beach to the cosmopolitan village of Grand Baie and the wild, dramatic landscape of the Black River Gorges.
Club Med has two resorts on the island so don’t miss the boat excursion to the four- trident La Pointe Aux Canonniers Resort near Grand Baie where you can enjoy a day of white-sand beaches, clear blue waters and myriad water sports.
GETTING THERE
From July Air Mauritius will have a direct flight to Perth and a direct flight to Melbourne/ Sydney which is a 100% increase in flights. Flights from Sydney/Melbourne will leave on Wednesdays and from Perth on Mondays. Mauritius is a great stop-off point if travelling to Reunion, Rodrigues, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa and Europe with Air Mauritius. Connections from all states on Virgin Blue to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
USEFUL INFO
Accommodation and all inclusive food, beverage and sports as per Club Med holidays but not including club membership or airfares.
Two bedroom - from $3313 per night
Three bedroom - from $4971 per night
Four bedroom - from $7363 per night
Five-night stay at the Albion villas
Two bedroom - from $16565
Three bedroom - from $24855
Four bedroom - from $36815