Get a room: Victoria For 2, Victoria Beachcomber

When it comes to living on water, we say move over Kevin Costner, the only Waterworld we’ve got eyes for is Victoria Beachcomber’s Victoria For 2 swim-up rooms, the most recent addition to South Africa’s favourite Mauritian resort.

Situated northwest, on a stretch of beach midway between capital Port Louis and party town Grand Baie, the resort is the only one of eight Beachcomber properties on the island to have swim-up rooms. And if you’re (ahem) wet behind the ears when it comes to such indulgences, we’ll let you in on this secret – it’s a tropical holiday gamechanger.

The vibe

Located at the southern end of the expansive property, separated from the rest of the resort by two restaurants, so private and peaceful, Victoria For 2 is Victoria Beachcomber’s adults-only enclave. That’s right, not a kid in sight. Its 40 sea-view rooms offer tranquillity (think little noise beyond birdsong and the gentle lapping of waves along the shore) and an escape from the bustle elsewhere in the resort.

Seventeen of these rooms are swim-up, their individual terraces stepping down into a pool complete with semi-submerged loungers guaranteed to keep you cool on hot and humid days. Roll off one such lounger, or out of bed, and you’re in the refreshing blue waters of a snaking wading pool that runs the length of the building, and encompasses its own swim-up bar, Nautilus Café.

Your stay

Like the rest of Victoria Beachcomber, with its whopping 255 rooms, suites and apartments (it’s in all of these that children are welcome), the look and feel of Victoria For 2’s rooms is light and airy, with views across palm gardens to the ocean and golden sunsets. The rooms have been refurbed in pale woods, contemporary lines and bursts of colour resulting in a relaxed but luxe mood. It’s about barefoot living, after all.

The swim-up rooms are generous in scale, with freestanding bathtubs and twin showers that – wait for it – offer views towards the beach (surely a rarity on the island). Forget, for a moment, the resort’s four-star ranking; it’s details like these that make for a pampered five-star experience.

Drink and dine

With its own indoor-out steakhouse, Morris Beef, which doubles as a breakfast and lunch spot exclusively for Victoria For 2 guests, there’s little need to venture beyond the intimacy of the adults-only enclave. But dining at Victoria Beachcomber’s other restaurants is worthwhile, as is clinking glasses at any of the resort’s six bars.

Closest to Victoria For 2 is beachside La Casa Italian restaurant, with not only sophisticated cuisine, but cinematic views of Port Louis’s skyline. Save dinner here for after dark, when the capital’s twinkling lights add to the ambience. Or venture to the resort’s opposite end, where L’Horizon seafood restaurant boasts a feet-in-the-sand dining experience that’s otherwise elevated in every way.  

We really like

Beaches in Mauritius are in no short supply, and favourites are a matter of preference. The east coast’s windier shoreline is ideal for wind- and kitesurfing, while the south coast has more rugged terrain.

Victoria Beachcomber spills over onto one of the west coast’s deepest beaches, the soft white sands of its generous stretch providing ample space to unwind and enjoy sunsets without concern of others invading your space. It’s here that you’ll find us. But thank us later for the recommendation – for now, it’s daiquiris in hand (cocktail umbrellas optional).

_{Pictures: Courtesy of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels.}