A true islander at heart, Canonnier Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa in Mauritius has always had an easy warmth and charm that families find impossible to resist.
So when there are whispers of some stunning transformations, you can’t help but be intrigued.
The secret’s out and the redesigned resort is welcoming guests once again, but has it improved on perfection? Have a look.
Inspired by soft sand beaches and the enormous Indian Ocean, with a hint of the resort’s dense, blossomy gardens, and more than a trace of Mauritian serenity, Canonnier’s new interior’s are exquisite.
All family rooms and apartments have been decorated in clean, natural colours, the lighting’s subtle and there’s an effortless balance between the beautiful world outside and a sense of luxurious decadence in your own, personal cocoon.
Kids might not fully appreciate the aesthetics, but they’ll love all the new space, and big sea or garden views from the balcony are always an endless source of fascination.
The resort’s thoughtfully reimagined family apartments have the added advantage of two large bedrooms and a private terrace with even more potential for child-like gazing over the gorgeous grounds.
Mauritius is known for stunning lagoons, so it’s no surprise to find these remarkable natural features referenced in the resort’s imaginative new pool.
It’s designed to flow gently around the pretty, thatched Le Planteur Bar, and tiled with thousands of tesserae to create a gleaming underwater mosaic which shimmers in the light to create the lagoon-like effect.
Swimming in the blue-green waters feels almost as magical as the real thing, although kids will probably prefer the constant temperature and instant access to handy poolside snacks.
Beachcomber has a bit of a reputation for brilliantly creative kids clubs, and Canonnier is no exception. Fully qualified, professional staff run the show here for three to 12 year olds, and create a warm, friendly environment where young guests can be as busy or quiet as they want, when they want.
Water sports and land sports are all part of fun. Carefully thought out meals are designed to tempt, but keep the focus on fresh and healthy.
There are heaps of indoor games, the colourful playground is an adventure in itself, and a calendar of entertainment keeps all ages happy.
But Canonnier also understand spending time together is what family holidays are all about. So their new 2017/2018 kids club programme is flexibly designed to let children dip in and out of activities during the day. Giving you all the freedom you want, without missing out on any of the fun.
Balancing strange complexity and sheer strength, few trees have quite the same enigmatic appeal as exotic banyan. So you can’t help but admire Canonnier’s inspired decision to create an aerial wellness centre in the branches of their 100 year old tree.
The new centre literally raises soothing to another level, lets you escape all cares completely, brings a whole new perspective to the concept of well-being, and gives you the sneaky treat of a grown-up treehouse too.
The views from the banyan branches are almost as wonderful as the treatments, but you’ll find just as much of a haven in the ground level spa, tucked around the intricate trunk.
Newly designed to incorporate a deliciously relaxing sauna and hammam, as well as a sleek fitness room, it’s just about perfect, whether you want to work on your stress levels or simply work-out for a bit.
There are heaps of indoor games, the colourful playground is an adventure in itself, and a calendar of entertainment keeps all ages happy.
The secret to great design, is knowing where to stop, and for Canonnier the cut off point was clear; after all how do you make the north west coast of Mauritius any more spectacular?
So you’ll be pleased to know that all is unchanged on the resort’s idyllic beaches. The Indian Ocean is as blue, balmy and beautiful as ever.
You can still enjoy enchanting views of the North Islands, and nearby Grand Baie is all the lively good fun families know and love.
Canonnier haven’t changed their policy of packing as many activities as possible into your stay either.
Imagine almost any water sport from windsurfing and sea kayaking to water skiing or sailing and, not only is it available, it’s free as part of your all-inclusive family holiday.
A huge range of land sports are included too, so you can play tennis in the morning, brush up on archery in the afternoon or spend an entire day mountain biking, and it costs you nothing more than time and some sun-stoked energy.
Guests also have preferential tee-time and reduced green fees at Mont Choisy Le Golf, the new 18-hole championship course opening in November 2017, just 700m from Canonnier.