Belle Rivière Estate ★★★★★

For this year’s annual company holiday, we were lucky enough to go to Mauritius. Joined by three of my colleagues and their partners, we were ready for the holiday of a lifetime. Our accommodation was a massive four-bedroom villa on a lush estate within walking distance of the beach. With the stunning Morne Brabant mountain as a backdrop, and beaches that rival the world’s very best, our stay in Mauritius promised to be a special one. And the best part of all was our super private setting, the Belle Rivière Estate.

The natural beauty of Mauritius is second-to-none. Yet it’s also home to a melting pot of Indian, African, Asian, and European cultures. This charming mix means you’ll find churches alongside temples, modern nightclubs, performances of the traditional African-inspired séga dance, and a blend of cuisines to satisfy whatever your appetite might fancy. Here you’ll hear English, Creole, and Cantonese. And the landscape is just as varied, with lakes, a rainforest with magnificent waterfalls, and volcanic territory to make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.

Our group was happy to find that this diversity extended to our villa. We had our choice of properties, including the luxurious 5-star Sofitel Resort and Spa, which was also on the premises. The Sofitel was tempting, boasting award-winning design, a vast beach with a turquoise lagoon and lush vegetation, and what was sure to be the pinnacle of service. But we opted for a 3-bedroom villa so we could enjoy the privacy of our very own property. There was always time to hit the hotel’s spa and French restaurant later!

We had to leave the car behind, as only golf carts are allowed on the estate. Once we opened the door to our villa, we knew we had made the right choice. A massive space engulfed and enticed us; a full 241 square metres unfolded before us, featuring a glistening infinity pool and the expansive verranda through which we accessed our private suites and the rest of the living quarters.The living space was decorated with style and charm - it was impossible not to feel at home in such comfort. Various patios and covered terraces were perfect for drinks together where we talked about everything – except work!

The beaches on Mauritius are unbeatable, and the food is not to be missed. Local fruits and curries make for dishes that tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more. When you’re ready to get out and enjoy yourself, there’s a championship golf course directly on the estate and nearby you can enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking through the rainforest or canyoning down its waterfalls. At the beach, you can go deep-sea fishing or scuba diving to discover some of the lagoon’s magical marine life. Further inland, there are wildlife reserves with crocodiles, giant tortoises, and lions to complete the whole experience.

While it’s easy to keep busy on Mauritius, some of our best moments were those spent in the villa. Having it all to ourselves meant we could do as we pleased, whether it was lounging by the pool, relaxing on the terrace, or unwinding in the living room. It felt like being at home, except this home was a heavenly island with gentle ocean breezes and sunsets you never want to end. The Belle Rivière Estate has set the standard high, and even if we don’t get to come back on the company holiday, I wouldn’t be surprised if I found the time to return next year.