OK!’s travel editor Laura Mulley discovered the perfect babymoon destination for a pre-baby break on this stunning tropical island
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Searching for a holiday spot for one final getaway as a couple before our little one’s arrival, we discovered our choices were remarkably restricted. We didn’t fancy risking potentially bad weather in Europe during the off-season, and with the threat of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus – which poses particular dangers to expectant mothers – eliminating most Caribbean and Asian destinations, there was an obvious winner that met all our requirements: Mauritius.
Emirates proved to be the best airline to fly with from our closest airport – Manchester – with the most flight routes available. The staff were exceptionally helpful at making this six-months-pregnant woman feel as comfortable as possible during the journey.
Our goal was straightforward: to savour all the experiences we’d likely find challenging once our baby was born, during what could potentially be our final peaceful break for some time. And it absolutely exceeded expectations.
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Le Méridien Ile Maurice
Our first stop was the big, airy, colourful Le Méridien Ile Maurice situated on the island’s northwest shoreline. As one of Mauritius’s top family-friendly hotels (ideal for giving us a glimpse of what our future getaways might entail), its best-kept secret is the grown-ups-only zone, Nirvana, positioned at the far end of the kilometre-long coastline, with its own accommodation, reception area, dining venue, beach space and infinity pool dotted with comfy floating bean bags.
Our Hideaway Suite was genuinely one of the biggest we’d ever seen, with an enormous distance stretching from the patio doors at the front all the way to the heated plunge pool at the rear. Visitors get access from a ‘butler’ through WhatsApp, and countless considerate gestures from the welcoming team make a stay here feel particularly special, from the complimentary cocktails (or mocktails) poolside at sunset to the petal-scattered bath awaiting us after one evening meal, reports the Mirror. On one occasion, there was even a pregnancy pillow arranged on the bed, something we hadn’t asked for but which enhanced our comfort considerably.
The food at Le Méridien
Le Méridien has four restaurants, and it’s definitely worthwhile sampling them all: Nomad’s buffet proves a hit with families, Waves offers Mediterranean-inspired seafood and barbecued fare, Kumin provides visitors with a flavour of Mauritius’s strong Indian heritage, and – our personal favourite – Nirvana’s Jade delivers outstanding Asian dishes, featuring sushi and teppanyaki (opt for breakfast here as well if you wish to relish the child-free time for as long as you can). All are covered by the half-board and all-inclusive deals, though reservations are advised for the à la carte restaurants.
What to do at Le Méridien
Eager to savour as many grown-up pursuits as we could, we participated in beachside sunset yoga, ventured out onto the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters with kayaks and pedalos, and indulged in treatments at Le Méridien’s spa, including a blissful head massage using warmed coconut oil, alongside the perfect prenatal full body massage. The therapists here are so good – you’ll genuinely feel the difference.
St. Regis Le Morne
The latter portion of our trip was enjoyed at sister hotel St. Regis Le Morne, previously known as the JW Marriott, which became part of the prestigious St. Regis hotel collection – established by American industrialist and Titanic victim John Jacob Astor IV – after undergoing substantial refurbishment last year.
Located on the island’s southwestern tip, this is a more tranquil, sheltered corner of the country, with St. Regis nestled beneath Mauritius’ famous Le Morne mountain surrounded by long stretches of stunning coastline and shallow seas.
While we saw numerous multigenerational families here as well, St. Regis undoubtedly has a more refined and opulent vibe. Featuring colonial-inspired architecture and sophisticated accommodation positioned amongst lush greenery and calming water features, it gives off a slight ‘White Lotus season three’ air.
There’s a huge swimming pool, though we discovered most couples preferred spending their days on sun loungers beneath palm-frond parasols dotting the shoreline, which are quiet, always available, and attended by bar personnel at the press of a button.
The food at St. Regis Le Morne
Among St. Regis’s five restaurants, we particularly enjoyed INDYA, which offers contemporary Indian fare with friendly service, and Japanese venue Atkuso, where the chef deviated from the standard menu to create some of the finest vegetarian maki rolls we’d ever tried. Every restaurant also features its own bespoke cocktails and ‘mindful mocktails’ with certain wellness properties.
What do to at St. Regis Le Morne
St. Regis takes pride in its legacy and traditions, with a notable highlight being its trio of ‘rituals’, found across all its establishments around the world, and all – satisfyingly for our intentions – decidedly inappropriate for youngsters: Bloody Marys, sabrage and afternoon tea.
Paying tribute to the original spicy tomato-based cocktail as we recognise it, allegedly created at the St. Regis New York during the 1920s, our charismatic mixologist Vymal showed us how to make this property’s own variation, the L’Île Mary, featuring Mauritian rum steeped with curry leaves and crowned with turmeric foam. The self-proclaimed Bloody Mary aficionado out of the two of us proclaimed it amongst the finest he’d ever tried.
Following this was mastering sabrage – the technique of uncorking champagne with the flourish of a sabre, and supposedly Napoleon’s preferred method of celebrating his triumphs. Despite initial hesitation, after skilled guidance we were delighted to skilfully slice off the crown of our sparkling bottle in one fluid motion.
Afternoon tea proved a more refined experience, paying homage to Lady Astor’s cherished daily ritual of bringing together family and friends during the afternoon hours to share wisdom. At this resort, it features Mauritian tea and freshly baked pastries from the hotel’s kitchen, enjoyed beneath gently swaying palm trees on the shoreline – utterly blissful, and the ideal final moments of tranquillity before our family expanded to three.
How much does it cost?
Rooms at Le Méridien Ile Maurice start from £220 per night on a B&B basis based on double occupancy. Rooms at St. Regis Le Morne start from £585 per night based on double occupancy (two night minimum stay required). Flights from Manchester to Mauritius were with Emirates.
