Lifestyle
Club Med La Plantation d’Albion: The Perfect All-Inclusive Resort
Club Med La Plantation d’Albion hugs the scenic western coast of Mauritius, deep south of the Indian Ocean. It’s a perfect vacation resort.
By Raul Dias | Opening Doorz Editorial | August 29, 2023
As the flagbearer of the all-inclusive holiday resort concept, Club Med has been the pioneer in this space since 1950, when it was founded by Gérard Blitz. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med seeks out exceptional destinations and sites with a plethora of resorts that follow the same philosophy of providing upscale, all-inclusive holiday packages with a decidedly French je ne sais quoi.
Club Med La Plantation d’Albion hugs the scenic western coast of Mauritius, deep south of the Indian Ocean making it a perfect island vacation destination.
Here are 10 reasons why this ultra-luxurious property should feature on your list for your next family vacation.
A Confluence of Cultures
Set along a sprawling property where well-manicured gardens and lush foliage form a fecund backdrop and where the sounds of birdsong and the ocean intermingle to result in a sonorous interlude to your stay, this resort has nature at the very forefront of its philosophy. The high ceiling of the main lobby building that houses the gift shop and an excursion office among other facilities are dramatic in their thatched rusticity. It has architectural influences from mainland Africa, Asia, and beyond.
One Point Access
A few days before your stay commences, one is sent an email with instructions on how to pre-download the very helpful Club Med App. This App tells you your day-to-day itinerary, helps in making various reservations, etc. You are also given tips on what to pack to suit the various themed nights and parties that the staff put on for guests on all nights of their stay. Once at the property, a single bracelet with an electronic fob attached to it is given to all guests. This serves as your room access ‘card’, your identity passport, and one that will get you access to every facility and amenity that is on offer.
Aesthetic Appeal
Be it at one of the two restaurants, the three pools, or by the beach, the colorful boho decor elements are unmissable with a nautical leitmotif running through almost everything. Speaking of which, don’t miss out on admiring the well-crafted model ships displayed in a vast glass case that is made in a local Mauritian town called Curepipe which is famous for this very beautiful craft.
View With A Room
Scattered across the vast property—with some housed in individual clusters, while others in three-storied Dutch colonial-style mansions—the accommodation options at Club Med La Plantation d’Albion are a nice mix of beachfront and garden-facing rooms and suites. On offer are three room categories—suites, deluxe rooms, and superior rooms. Each is done up in plantation style with polished wooden furniture, slatted doors, double vanities, and standalone claw-footed bathtubs. French and the aforementioned Dutch colonial influences show up once again in the spacious verandas and patios that are wonderful extensions of the spacious rooms and suites.
Thought for Food
The advantage of staying at an all-inclusive resort is the freedom to choose when, where, and yes, how much you dine! Conveniently located near the primary swimming pool, the non-smoking main restaurant called ‘Distillerie’ is the perfect setting for a buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner. One gets to pick between the two terraces—open air or covered with a magnificent view over the sea or lagoon. The food here ranges from ‘live stations’, grills, Asian and Western fare, and of course, local Mauritian delicacies.
Stylish Dining
Exclusive and stylish in appearance, ‘The Phare’, a specialty a la carte restaurant, is perfect to indulge in late breakfast or lunch. This restaurant specializes in local flavors and is located in a heavenly setting just a few yards from the ocean. As ‘The Phare’ is shut on some nights, for dinners, here, one needs to make reservations in advance via the Club Med app.
And Then Some More
For those mid-meal time munchies or a nice tipple (do try the divine rum punch!), you can pick from the three bars scattered across the resort. Including the beach shack bar called ‘Mangrove’ where the boozy tiki-style cocktails, poke bowls, and corn pudding are to die for! Don’t worry if you feel too lazy to step out. The limited, but wholesome in-room dining menu lets you pick from a range of quick sandwiches, soups, and salads along with a few desserts.
Indulge and Pamper
Housed in its thatched roof structure that also houses the gym, sauna, and hammam rooms, the spa at the resort is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. Staffed by well-trained, attentive masseuses and inspired by ancestral knowledge, beauty secrets from around the globe, and traditional medicine, the CinqMondes spa takes you on a relaxing journey. Using natural active ingredients and biotechnology, the various locally-inspired and international treatments (at an additional cost) combine unique rituals for a holistic approach towards wellness.
Activities Galore
Undoubtedly, water sports and other aquatic activities are a huge draw in Mauritius. Keeping that at the forefront, La Plantation d’Albion Club Med offers complimentary sailing lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding experiences. Moving away from the ocean, with a multitude of activities within the resorts, guests can begin their day with yoga by the pool or get their adrenaline rush through a session of flying trapeze, aqua fitness, or Pilates. The resorts also offer archery and tennis lessons for kids and adults alongside entertainment shows and parties every evening.
Beyond Discoveries
One can also make full use of the wide selection of excursions offered around the island of Mauritius. These include experiences like walking with the lions, visiting the Casela World of Adventures, underwater adventures in a submarine, Seakart, or sea scooter, and exploring the east coast and northern islands in a catamaran. In addition to this, explore the Tamarin salt works, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Brabant, the renowned Pample mousse Botanical Gardens, and the Sugar Museum to discover Mauritius through the history of sugar cane. They also have excursions to the Chamarel rum factory and a lovely boat ride along the coast to Port Louis showing the capital’s most important sites followed by a visit to the bustling local market.
R A T I N G
FOOD * * * *
AMBIENCE * * * * *
SERVICE * * *
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES * * * * *
ACCOMODATION * * * *
Tariffs start from Rs 92,000/-(approx.) all inclusive for three nights for two people. This includes accommodation in a superior category room, all three meals with unlimited cocktails and alcoholic beverages served in the two restaurants, the various bars, and the beach bar-cum-snack shack.
It also includes the use of all recreational facilities such as the three pools, sauna, hammam, gym, tennis courts, snorkeling, paddle boarding, flying trapeze, golf, and petanque (boules) among many other free-to-use facilities.
The resort is one hour away by car from the Sir S. Ramgoolam International Airport (Plaisance) which entails a beautiful drive through the lush swaying sugar cane fields that line the expressway to get to. The resort is happy to arrange airport transfers at an additional cost.
Address: Club Med La Plantation d’Albion, Avenue du Club Med, 742CU001, Mauritius.
(Raul Dias is a Food and Travel writer. He has over 18 years of media experience and has visited 64 countries. Raul writes for a number of Indian and International publications).
Pic Credits: Club Med La Plantation d’Albion
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