Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers review, Mauritius: Facelift sees this Club Med age gracefully

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Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers review, Mauritius: Facelift sees this Club Med age gracefully

By Steve McKenna
Updated
Holiday groove: Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers.

Holiday groove: Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers.Credit:

THE PLACE

Launched in 1973, this is the oldest of two all-inclusive Club Med resorts in Mauritius, but a pre-pandemic refurbishment has given it a fresh, vibrant look ahead of its 50th birthday. In typical Club Med style, there's a beautiful natural setting, gourmet cuisine infused with local and global flavours, international staff (though mostly Mauritian), an open bar and free entertainment, from children's clubs and late-night discos to chill-out zones and pulse-raising classes and activities. Enjoy everything from tennis, yoga and archery to stand-up paddleboarding, water-skiing and sailing, plus snorkelling and diving by the nearby coral reef.

THE LOCATION

With interconnecting options for families and groups, the 394 air-conditioned rooms and suites span blocks named after the island's districts.

With interconnecting options for families and groups, the 394 air-conditioned rooms and suites span blocks named after the island's districts.

A 75-minute drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, it's tucked away on a peninsula in the north of this lush, subtropical Indian Ocean island-nation, next to the sedate village of Pointe aux Canonniers and 5 kilometres from Grand Baie, one of Mauritius' main tourist hubs.

THE SPACE

You're quickly in the holiday groove at a hideaway that hugs a slim, white-sand beach lapped by a warm, bathing-friendly turquoise lagoon. Footpaths weave past manicured lawns and scented gardens peppered with banyan, casuarina and coconut trees, exotic plants and colourful, chirping birds. Design-wise, expect a blend of traditional, palm-thatched Mauritian and woody British-French colonial-inspired architecture with a dash of contemporary Mediterranean cool. The main lobby-side bar and pool has the air of an Ibiza beach club (with dance tunes to match and a gym beside it). The revamp added two new pools - a family one with slides and water jets, and the adults-only Zen infinity pool, which boasts its own bar (linger here with a Mauritian Phoenix lager or local rum-fuelled cocktail). The resort now has a branch of Parisian spa Cinq Mondes.

THE ROOM

With interconnecting options for families and groups, the 394 air-conditioned rooms and suites span blocks named after the island's districts. We're in "Pamplemousses" in a 43-square-metre deluxe double (sleeps up to four people) and we love the ocean and sunset views from both our king bed and balcony. Folding cane latticed doors divide the sleeping and lounge area from the blue-walled bathroom, which has twin vanity sinks, separate toilet and walk-in shower with refillable body products (single-use plastics are increasingly scarce at this resort). There's ample built-in wardrobe space for a week's stay (incidentally, guests can use a self-service laundry). Our room comes with turn-down service and infusions from renowned Mauritian tea plantation, Bois Cheri.

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THE FOOD

It's oh-so-easy to over-indulge at The Belle Creole, the smartly-refashioned main restaurant, which has bountiful buffet and cooked-to-order choices and airy covered and alfresco dining areas with eye-catching art and lampshades - some shaped like the dodo, the extinct flightless bird of Mauritius. We're big fans of the spicy Mauritian Creole curries, and the abundant fish and seafood - from grilled tuna and king prawns to smoked marlin, sashimi and octopus stew. There's always fresh fruit, juices, salads, pasta, pizza, French cheeses and delicious patisserie. The all-day Alma Beach Lounge offers late breakfast and lunches and table-service for dinner (best book in advance via the Club Med app as capacity is limited). Your all-inclusive package includes various soft and alcoholic drinks, including house wine - which, for our stay, is South African and pretty ordinary. Premium wines and spirits are available at an extra cost.

STEPPING OUT

There are some gorgeous wild coves within walking distance of the resort, but wheels are needed to go further. Taxis are available 24/7, while Club Med arranges - for a fee - rounds on 18-hole golf courses and guided excursions to the likes of Port Louis (the multicultural Mauritian capital), Pamplemousses botanical gardens and postcard-perfect isles like Deer Island.

THE VERDICT

This Club Med has aged gracefully - boosted by its recent facelift - and offers a fun, yet relaxing Mauritian getaway. Good food, too.

ESSENTIALS

Rates from $1440 per person, all-inclusive for 7 nights, based on double occupancy (flights and transfers can also be arranged). Wi-Fi is free; Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers, Mauritius. See clubmed.com.au and mymauritius.travel

HIGHLIGHT

Monday evenings, when Mauritian dishes, rum, live music and dance take centre stage.

LOWLIGHT

Some of the resort's furniture is a bit worn-out, but staff tell me that's due an upgrade soon.

OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE

★★★★

Steve McKenna was a guest of Club Med

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