Beachcomber Tours hosted an event for key supporters and friends to connect them with the GMs of the group’s Mauritius resorts.
Welcoming attendees, Gary Mulder, MD of Beachcomber Tours, said: “Last year was a great year for Beachcomber as a group. In South Africa, it was our best year ever and this year is even better. I follow the industry statistics and while international travel is slightly down and the BSP has been trending down for the last couple of months, our sales are going up. That’s not only in room keys, but in passengers travelling, which is very exciting for us from both a groups and FIT perspective.
“You know our model is about the agents. We don’t go direct – we support the agencies and that’s what works. And we love the fact that our GMs embrace that,” added Mulder.
Each of the GMs then shared the latest news from their respective properties.
Patrice Landrein, GM of Royal Palm Beachcomber:
- As of October 1, a butler service was introduced at the Royal Villa (Butler services were already offered at the Presidential Suite, Penthouse and Ocean Villa).
- The resort will celebrate its 40th anniversary on October 17 with a series of events, including a drone show and a 10-Hand Gourmet Dinner, with current chefs William Girard and Stéphane Baptiste, joined by three former chefs – Richard Ekkebus, Michel de Matteis and Chef L’Étang.
Stephan Lagesse, GM of Paradis & Dinarobin Beachcomber:
At Dinarobin:
- The renovation of the three villas will begin in the second quarter of 2027. The redesign will introduce a contemporary, lighter aesthetic.
- Gin ‘haute couture’ is now on offer at the main bar, customised with different flavours and specially designed glasses.
- Rangoli, a new Indian restaurant will open this month. Led by Chef Rajiv Dhama, it will offer a modern dining experience in an elegant setting inspired by traditional rangoli art.
- A stand-up paddle by night experience is now available, with lit-up boards offering guests the chance to see the tortoises and stingrays in the lagoon after dark.
- A PADI-certified diving centre has been added.
Theo Fleurie, GM of Trou aux Biches:
- A new four-person restaurant will be opening in the wine cellar.
- Next year, the hotel will close for renovations. This will include all the rooms, L’Oasis Restaurant and Bar, wine cellar, a new boutique, as well as a restoration of the beach.
- Padel courts have already been added, while the fitness room has new equipment as well as a CrossFit facilities. The spa has also already been upgraded.
Rico Paoletti, GM of Shandrani:
- Shandrani is currently under renovation and will reopen on October 16.
- The renovation has included the introduction of ‘Shandrani for 2’ – an adults-only offering that includes dedicated rooms, along with a dedicated restaurant – Serendipity as well as a bar.
- All rooms have been refurbished, while a new category has been added – Rooftop Rooms with panoramic ocean views of Blue Bay Marine Park.
- The Teak Elephant, Shandrani’s Thai restaurant, has been moved to a new location.
- Restaurants and bars have also been refreshed, along with the addition of a new conference facility.
- Sport facilities will include both padel and pickleball.
Kervyn Rayeroux, GM of Victoria:
- All rooms have been refurbished, while a new selection of two-bedroom family apartments has been added ranging from standard, to superior and deluxe (which includes four double beds sleeping a maximum of six people).
- South African plug outlets have been added to every room, along with new air-conditioning systems that control humidity levels.
- A tuk-tuk bar has been added by the pool.
- A padel court has been added and fitness centre equipment has been upgraded to Technogym.
- Restaurants and bars have been refurbished, with new lighting added.
- Wi-Fi has been extended to the beach.
- A photographic station has been added, with a professional photographer available for photoshoots.
Lothar Gross, GM of Mauricia and Canonnier:
At Canonnier:
- The main restaurant, Frangipanier, was refurbished last year, while Navigator Restaurant recently completed an upgrade. The main bar has a new wooden deck to accommodate more guests.
- Mini-golf facilities were added last year.
- Two weeks ago, Canonnier opened a food truck concept serving casual food like hotdogs, tacos, focaccias and burgers, with the menu changing daily.
At Mauricia:
- The food truck concept will also be introduced at Mauricia early next year.
- The hotel was recently closed for two weeks for a refurbishment of the arrival area, which features new lighting, seating and reception counters. The aquarium has been removed, providing easier access to the boutique.
