Veranda Grand Baie Mauritius is located at the north of Mauritius which is pleasant during the summers and not very windy during the winters. Grand Baie area is popular with tourists because of its liveliness and innumerable activities that it offers. It is full of restaurants, shops, tour planners which certainly promises lots of action. This stretch is perfect for people who would want some good food, shopping and adventure sports on their vacation. If you want to sky dive, Austral is an hour’s drive away; if you want to dive or do sea-walk, under water scooter diving, etc. it is at Mont Choicy beach, 10 minutes’ drive away from Grand Baie area. (Driving distance is important because the taxi fares are exorbitant.) Shopping mall, banks, tour operators (island tours) are located at a walking distance. So this area is convenient from all aspects. (Always get exchange done at a bank. They give the best rates.) Veranda Grand Baie is away from the main road, therefore it is away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
The entrance of the hotel is anything but attractive. You feel that you are driving into your porch. But you are warmly received by the staff at the reception and you feel at home instantly. Akash, was our contact point for this entire trip and he has been very helpful. We were greeted with an excellent welcome drink and ushered into our room which was surprisingly an upgrade. Veranda Grand Baie check-in time is 2 pm and check-out is at 12 noon.
The room was large, well equipped with basic facilities like a locker, beach towel cards, fridge, tv, AC, intercom, etc. It had a hair dryer too. There was a balcony with garden furniture, perfect to sip a coffee early morning. The hotel rooms have either garden view or pool view. There are no rooms with beach view or ocean view. Though, once you are at the reception, you get a clear view of the beautiful azure waters of the Grand Baie area speckled with catamarans and speed boats.
The hotel beach has a few sun decks and there is a boat room which manages beach towels, snorkeling equipment, paddle boats, kayaks, and a glass bottom boat. You have to inform in advance in case you want to avail any of these facilities. The beach next to the hotel is very small, but you can always walk down to the Grand Baie beach which is a 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel beach. (Though, Grand Baie beach is unfit for swimming.) It is also a short-cut to the market area but at night, it is best to walk back to the hotel from the main road. After 10 pm, Grand Baie market looks empty and secluded. Restaurants like Boteghitta and Luigis are at a walking distance from the hotel at the main road. There are many tour operators in this area who can arrange island tours and other tours at a competitive rate.
We had taken hotel package on half-board basis. It doesn’t include water. We were advised to buy a pack of 6, 2lt water bottles from the super market which cost us MUR 99. The hotel charges MUR 160 for one bottled water. The breakfast in the hotel was good and had a lot of variety. It was served at the hotel restaurant. The dinner was included as well. There was a new theme every evening. There were cultural programmes every evening, followed by the DJ playing the popular tunes. They did try to bring in a lot of variety in food but they couldn’t get the desired taste. There was a lot of food, but tasteless and not properly cooked which was a waste. If they replace their cook, I am sure they would get 5 out of 5 ratings in everything. The ambience is with a tropical setting. It is full of palm trees and well-maintained shrubs and flower garden. The property has two swimming pools (not very deep). It also has entertainment area which includes tennis court, table tennis board, play area for children, gaming zone as well as their famous Seven Colours spa. The entire feel of the place is warm and friendly.
I would recommend Veranda Grand Baie Mauritius for everything, except food. But who is complaining when you have such good restaurants in the vicinity. Go for the package which includes only breakfast.