A destination full of beautiful surprises — “Mauritius”
Isabelle Bouvier, General Manager of Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
Isabelle Bouvier, General Manager of Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, is the first woman to take the reins of the member of The Leading Hotels of the World and the flagship of the country’s luxury hotel industry. She holds an MBA from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce International de Fontainebleau, an international business school in Paris, and a degree in International Business. She has 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector and has worked at some of the most prestigious hotel brands in the French capital, including The Peninsula Paris and the Lutetia Paris.
What made you make the move from Paris to Mauritius?
Coming to Mauritius was a great challenge after the pandemic and I viewed it as an opportunity that should not be missed to help reborn this legendary palace. Being known as a luxury destination, I was excited to be part of the team at Royal Palm and explore this island which blends authenticity, luxury and tradition.
When is the best time to visit the island?
We can say that Mauritius offers an exquisite subtropical climate that usually brings sun, warmth, and blue skies all year round, but if you want that perfect summer weather with low chance of rainfall, the best time is usually between October to April. Not only can you enjoy the warm climate, but you can also enjoy the festive season atmosphere. However, if you are more into inland activities, from May to September is ideal to enjoy sports activities, trails with breathtaking views and whale watching.
What makes your property so special?
Member of ‘’ The Leading Hotels of the World ‘’, the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury creates tailor-made experiences to make a lasting impression on its clientele. At the helm of our 3 restaurants, our Executive Chef William Girard ensures that connoisseurs go through a culinary voyage full of refinement and sophistication. Another highlight is our Wellness and Fitness center consisting of a range of signature and ayurvedic treatments, reflexology, and reiki, perfect for reconnecting with yourself. Every detail is designed to make any stay a waking dream.
What is your favorite place to have coffee in the morning on property?
The greatest way of starting off a day is by sipping a coffee while watching nature unfolding its first ray of sunrise on the terrace of La Goelette, overlooking the turquoise lagoon.
Do you have any secret spots around the hotel?
A tropical escape awaits you at Flat Island, the perfect setting to take a sunbath and offering you the opportunity to discover marine life. Located in the North Coast of Mauritius, you can benefit of our helicopter transfer service to lead you to this world of ultimate seclusion.
Where is the postcard shot on property?
Nothing equals to our picturesque beach which promises sugar-white sands, soft rhythm of waves and sunrays caressing your skin, announcing endless summer.
What’s the one treatment not to miss at the spa?
A signature treatment has been designed as part of the exclusive collaboration between Royal Palm and Valmont to provide guests with an exclusive treatment menu that highlights the savoir-faire of our team. Undergo a complete head-to-toe rejuvenating experience with the Royal Valmont 80 mins wholeness ritual. It involves a rejuvenating face and body treatment, incorporating reviving massage techniques along with Valmont’s range of products to achieve invigorating and detoxifying results.
What’s the cuisine like at La Goélette and La Brezza and which dishes shouldn’t be missed?
For gastronomic delights, La Goelette’s cuisine is a fusion of international flavors with local produce. The Mahi-Mahi ceviche with coconut milk, lime and peanuts will surely please your palates. La Brezza being our Italian trattoria, specializes in authentic traditional Italian dishes. Savour our dried linguine with spicy cherry tomatoes and rock lobster, an absolute must-try! To perfect your gourmet experience, Cyril Lignac, French Chef, will temporarily take over this trattoria for you to taste his culinary delicacies.
How do you interact with the local community?
I have been a strong supporter of PAWS that is an association led by fantastic people that care for too many street dogs in Mauritius. They save them, treat them and sterilize the pets and their mothers in refugees. I have adopted my first dog ever on Mauritius and am thankful for this every day.
What do you want Four Hundred members to know about the resort?
That Mauritius is an idyllic island offering lush greenery, wild waterfalls, rare fauna, craggy mountains, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons, making it the perfect destination for adventurers seeking different experiences. Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury focuses on delivering a personalized guest experience adapted to your needs promising indoor and outdoor activities to add on to the discovery of Mauritius. From your carefully crafted suites to the epicurean adventures awaiting and the various treatments offered by our experts, you are sure to embark on a memorable stay.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design