Reviews

Are you looking for a villa holiday with a little va va voom? Something a bit different, special but not ostentatious? This year, after a break of nearly six years I decided to head off back to Mauritius with a stay en-route in Dubai. Having spent six nights in Dubai I headed off for the airport in eager anticipation of the seven nights I had booked at The Albion Villas or Villa's d Albion to give them their official name. I landed in Mauritius to a pleasant enough evening which offered a warm rather than baking hot temperatures. The welcome at Albion could not have been warmer or more genuine. The Manager of the resort's villas - Laura had contacted me in Dubai to check to see if there were any special dietary requirements and to see how the team could best make 'us' feel at home (the us comprised of myself and my husband). Our lovely transfer driver drove us straight to the villa and we were greeted by our very own personal butler (the lovely Clarin) who has pre-prepared a light salad for us which was presented sitting right next to a bottle of chilled champagne. At first glance it was hard to take in the overall size and beauty of the villa. It seemed rude to ignore the food (and impossible to by past the chilled champagne) but we made the ultimate in sacrifice's and head off on a quick tour -three bedrooms, three bathrooms, huge living space inside and out - I'll tell you more about the garden later, left us feeling elated but ready to demolish the salad, unpack (politely declining the offer of assistance) and ready to say “goodnight” having agreed to an approximate time and menu for breakfast. Sweet dreams all round ...... we were convinced that we had discovered paradise! After a great night’s sleep we woke up to the warm sunshine of the Indian Ocean and set out to discover our daylight surroundings. Clairin was there to welcome us again, this time with a breakfast feast all served up in our very own perfectly manicured gardens. The garden was home to a private swimming pool – not a plunge pool – a pool big enough to swim in. There was a wooden structure with an enormous swinging bed where you could lounge, swing gentle and read your favourite book and then there was a casual seating area and a dining area with table to seat eight. The garden was full of bird life and to top it all there was also a view of the sea – I really am not sure that anyone could ask for more!!! The breakfast experience at Les Albion suited us to a tee….. Whilst we could have enjoyed a cooked breakfast daily instead we chose to stick to a lighter option of fruit, pastries and on some occasion’s pancakes. Clairin was keen to point out that the choice for breakfast, along with when it was served, was very much up to us. It’s hard to image a less stressful, more energising way to start any “holi” day. It’s hard to extoll all the virtues of the villas at Albion – you could choose from the amazing space available, the wonderful butlers, the attention to detail with flowers and fruit in abundance or you could cite the pool, outdoor area and gardens as the ‘peace de la resistance’. These villas are perfect (I know I have used this word a few times but when something is just “perfect” (no other word seem to fit the bill) on so many fronts – for couples travelling together looking for the ultimate in luxury whilst enjoying both shared living areas but beautifully appointed bedrooms. Perfect for honeymooners, families with children (the pool can be screen off on request for those with smaller party members). This is an exclusive spot and whilst I am tempted to keep it a closely guarded secret I know that really isn't fair! And what of the resort? Let me explain. The villas are part of Club Med's Albion Resort - a 5 Trident resort, which offers everything you would expect from a Club Med haven - there are sporting activities aplenty, a daily activity programme and so much more. The resort has two restaurants, ideal when you fancy a break from having meals prepared for you in the villa. I preferred using the restaurants to eating "in", it created more memories and enhanced our overall experience. Let me tell you a bit more about the Club Med Resort..... It was hard to tear ourselves away from our idyllic surroundings but we did….. We ate at both of the resort’s restaurants. The Restaurant principal – or principal restaurant offers a wide range of fayre, which is sure to suit most palettes. Guests can wander down to dinner and enjoy a pre-dinner drink whilst enjoying the range of canapes on offer. The multiple food stations offer freshly prepared options ranging from local produce and local dishes to Italian, Chinese and French cuisine. You can select your bread accompaniment, enjoy a variety of desserts and make yourself a coffee – and as an all-inclusive resort you can accompany it all with a drink from the bar or enjoy a perfectly chilled white or classic glass of red. The restaurant is well set out and you can choose to be right in the hub of things or find a quieter spot to reflect on your day in paradise. One experience at Restaurant principal (and the surrounding area)  that was totally new and original for me was the way the guest relations team and the staff at Club Med interact with their guests. They mingle freely but are unobtrusive and attentive all at the same time. They are interested in your day, and help to create a relaxed but elegant ambiance where you can’t help but feel like you are one of the family. The evening entertainment is diverse and popular and the team are keen for guests to enjoy a show or two……it’s fun but not pushy or in the least bit ‘holiday camp’ like. The Restaurant de specialities – Restaurant with specialities is Club Med’s a la carte option. You need to pre-book and the time slots are very limited but the setting and food is amazing. Perfect for couples, honeymooners or groups of adults who want to enjoy that fine dining experience under the stars. The restaurant is sea-facing and the setting is just perfect after a lazy day at the beach or pool. The resorts recreational facilities are exceptional. We loved the archery, something we could learn together. The instructor was superb, from holding the bows to shooting the arrows, from safety instructions to building that competitive edge – it was fun and strangely addictive. We had three archery sessions and would have enjoyed more had there not been so many other things to do….. We played tennis; my husband attended the Pilates and stretching sessions and took up the offer of golf lessons. On the pampering side I managed to fit in a visit to the Cinq Mondes Spa – the products were excellent and the therapist did a great job – I left feeling rejuvenated and ready for anything! We visited the onsite boutique, booked a day’s excursion to explore the island but we didn't have time to try out the trapeze – although we did marvel at the sights of other guests being inducted into this unusual form of sporting entertainment (as much for on-lookers as the participants!) We visited the beaches and admired the adults only and family pool – we didn't get to dive (not a big fan of underwater antics I have to say), never tried it but never say never….maybe next time. Guests travelling with children can take advantage of the programme for kids of all ages at the Mini Club whilst the teenagers will love all of the sport facilities including the football pitch. What a great place to make friends from around the world whilst keeping fit into the process. Club Med’s La Plantation d’Albion is a resort that seems so far to have been overlooked by the British market. Due to our relative inexperience of being in a Club Med resort it’s hard to say that British guests are a rarity, however it is fair to say that the majority of guests during our visit seemed to come from the Far East and other parts of Europe. You couldn't help but feel strangely at home from the time you arrived in resort. The bi-lingual team at Club Med float efficiently from one language to another banishing the problems that you can sometimes encounter as a minority. I am a Club Med convert, and whilst my husband has the tee-shirt to prove it I left Mauritius with no merchandise but a very heavy heart. I can honestly say I was reluctant to leave behind this little slice of paradise that would have remained forever a mystery, without of course, a little help from Club Med.... As Club Med first time members you can rest assured that we will be back soon. If I can help you to plan your next trip to this beautiful island please get in touch......