Nirvana's gentle smile

Nirvana greeted me with a soft hello as I boarded the bus from Plaisance International airport to Club Med’s luxury resort La Plantation D’Albion, on the Island of Mauritius.

Jet-lagged after the seven-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, I was relieved when my Mauritian host came to my aid with a sweet smile. 

I would meet Nirvana again several times that week with other Club Med staff, known as GOs or Gentils Organisateurs (Gracious Organisers).

I was taken to my room in 21-hectare resort located between majestic mountains and the Indian Ocean, by Suka, a Japanese GO. The bubbly Suka explained that Club Med employs thousands of Gos of different nationalities in their resorts all over the world, and that La Plantation had over 200, with the majority of them Mauritian.

My room, a deluxe, was very modern but rustic and came with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the garden.

Suka bade goodbye, reminding me of the dinner that was being prepared for us that night at the Le Phare Restaurant and the party afterwards.

That evening, the GOs put on a show at the “Theatre”, as they do every evening, featuring dance and comedy, each time with a particular theme. Almost every night we were asked to dress to theme, though this was not compulsory.

It was always fun when a theme was unveiled. I particularly enjoyed the Mauritian theme, where we were encouraged to wear something bright and colourful. I brightened up by outfit with a red-and-white flower from the garden.

Club Med is renowned for offering “all inclusive” resorts for families but for me, their best point was the personalised service.

Everyone was exceptionally friendly. I befriended many of the staff, from the polite gentleman who served me breakfast in bed to the sweet-natured Reshma who never failed to place a flower and chocolates when she made my bed each day.

Food is an important part of the Club Med experience, and dining at the La Plantation is a delight for both the palate and senses. Gourmet dining is available at two restaurants. La Distillerie, the main restaurant, serves a wide selection of international cuisine both indoor and alfresco. Le Phare, meanwhile, is more romantic and intimate, offering an a la carte menu for late breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The first night, I dined on Linguine Pasta with Lobster, Fillet of “Sacrechien” Fish with Thyme, Warm Brie in Phyllo Pastry, honey and walnuts, and Apple Tatin and Vanilla Sauce.

After dinner, some guests chose to carry on with cocktails and wines. I preferred to sip hot chocolate, either at the Le Banian Bar overlooking the ocean, the elegant L’Alouda with a view of the rocky coast, or at the poolside Zen area with its magnificent view of the sea.

During the day, children between the ages of four and 10 can have fun in their own space at the Mini Club Med, designed as a cluster of Mauritian-style bungalows with shady canopies and an outdoor pool.

Adults meanwhile can enjoy a wide range of sports activities including golf, tennis, archery, sailing, diving, kayaking and scuba diving.

More sedentary by nature, I opted for the spa. The Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes is divine through very pricey. However, I was able to enjoy a relaxing 50-minute massage that was absolutely heavenly.

I spent my last two days taking in the sights and sounds of the island with Club Med’s Discovery Centre. I enjoyed a cruise on a luxury catamaran to catch the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and visited the Eureka Colonial House as well the Ganga Talaab, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

I also caught a glimpse of the Chamarel Falls at the village of Charamel and admired the Land of the Seven Colours where the earth is a multihued marvel.

It was a pleasure to come back to my room after the excursions to find Reshma's little gifts on the bed and to sink into an enticing bubble bath and relax with the sea breeze wafting in through the curtains. At moments like these, I knew I had found my Nirvana.

 

      If you go

Mauritius is a small, multicultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southeast of the Seychelles. Emirates flies from Bangkok to Mauritius with a layover in Dubai.