Inside Veranda Grand Baie, an authentic Mauritian retreat

Take a trip to the northern tip of Mauritius and you’ll find the former sleepy fishing village of Grand Baie, the home to this Veranda Resort – one of the first boutique hotels on the island. First opened in the 1980s, Veranda Grand Baie has undergone a recent transformation in celebration of its 40^th anniversary, reopening to guests on 1 July 2023. The careful refurbishment has stayed true to its Mauritian roots, with authenticity remaining at the core of the hotel's character.

How does it do it? ‘Creole chic’ has been the concept behind the hotel design. The white-washed, beautifully crafted woodwork reflects colonial architecture of the past. This is paired with touches you’d find in a true Mauritian guesthouse, such as corrugated metal sheet roofs. Some of its furniture is antique, while other pieces are crafted by locals, again assisting with the seamless blend of historic and contemporary design.

There are just 95 rooms here, ranging from Apartments to Privilege Rooms, that offer guests views of either the tropical gardens or the luxurious infinity pool. Some rooms are based on the ground floor, allowing those with reduced mobility easy access around their rooms as well as the hotel facilities, including the on-site hotel spa, Seven Colours. 

Its beachfront location just adds to this hotel’s desirability. Grand Baie perches above a lagoon of the same name, where azure waters meet glistening sand beaches lined with coconut trees – a true paradise. Although a setting you’ll never want to leave – especially during sunset – a stay at the Veranda Grand Baie shouldn’t finish here.

Staying here offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the island’s true identity, as the hotel provides guided tours to experience the bustling village of Grand Baie. The tour takes you to meet local producers and craftspeople, test out candied pineapple and other local specialities, and get stuck into the frenzied bazaar where plenty of handmade and handwoven souvenirs can be savoured. It’s also worth venturing a little further to soak up urban life in the capital Port Louis, and also visit nearby Le Domaine de Labourdonnais, a former plantation that has now transformed into one of the island’s most interesting cultural destinations.

Back at the resort, the hotel’s restaurants pride themselves on their interactive and authentic dining experiences. At the main eatery, Food Comptoir, guests can dine around the same table, family-style, while the beach restaurant is for ocean lovers wanting to tuck into fresh seafood specialities. Ingredients are locally sourced with each dish honouring Mauritian flavours. 

Booking information: Doubles from £113pn. veranda-resorts.com

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