If you are looking for luxury holidays in Mauritius, then you cannot go very wrong with the Paradis Beachcomber golf resort & spa. The Paradis Resort Mauritius is managed by Mr Stephan Lagesse and his fantastic team of artisans on the south western coast of the island.
Most recently I was fortunate enough to personally enjoy their fantastic hospitality during my 7 nights Paradis Resort and Spa vacation.
During my stay at the Paradis Beachcomber golf resort & spa, I was again lucky enough to secure some time with the very amenable General Manager, Mr Stephan Lagesse and chat with him.
RJZ: Why do you think overseas visitors should visit this part of the world to enjoy luxury holidays in Mauritius?
SL: I strongly believe Mauritius has got a lot to offer culturally. There are a lot of properties, a lot of beaches and all of that, but more than that, the beautiful scenery and culture. Whether its food culture, religion, places of interest I think there is quite a lot that can be done at a single Beachcomber property, whilst enjoying a beautiful part of the island, during your stay.
RJZ: What problems do you think that you solve at the Paradis Resort Mauritius for the tourist? What are you giving them?
SL: I think it is more than solving a problem. I think most tourists that go on holiday, it is time for them to reconnect, whether it is being with family, friends or as a couple, Paradis Resort Mauritius has it all. Mauritius is a very safe destination and I think the service levels that you receive in Mauritius, whether it be in a 4* property or 5* property, our people have service at their heart, ensuring that our customers have a very memorable time here. So, by giving this type of service, what is very, very nice is that the people are reconnecting.
RJZ: You must have travelled? Please tell me what is your favourite destination?
SL: Absolutely, and to be quite honest, Cape Town is our go-to-place, yes, we really love Cape Town. It is a little bit like Mauritius, I would say because it is a melting pot of cultures, it is very cosmopolitan. There is a lot of culture, mix of many things and a lot of expatriates as well. So, we very much enjoy diversity and I think that Cape Town ticks all the boxes for my family & I.
RJZ: How do you see the tourism sector continuing to develop in the next five to ten years?
SL: Well, in Mauritius we have had more than 110% growth in the five-star market. Firstly, because this nation is far from the feeding markets which is Europe, so it is a long flight.
So, people who come to Mauritius need to be able to afford the flight. So, we segmented the island as a five-star holiday destination, and I do not see that there will be a lot more development in terms of rooms on the island. I think most of the best spots are already taken so it will not make a lot of sense to have more hotels in spots that are not very suitable for tourism.
We are very lucky in that respect because Beachcomber was the first hotel company in Mauritius, so 8 of our hotels have been purposely built in the best spots of the island. As we say “West is best” because we have such great sunsets. I think the tourism in Mauritius will go more towards the “greener” initiative and Beachcomber as an entity, is very much committed to the environment. We certainly understand the impact on our environment and as such we have published a 52-commitment document that we have.
RJZ: Please give me a fun fact about something that has happened here while you have been GM at Paradis and Dinarobin
SL: Hahaha, there are quite a few but one that jumps to mind is when the President of France, whose wedding ring got lost one night after having dinner. Of course, we really needed to find this ring and had to rummage through all the bins! We really had to turn the restaurant upside down for President Chirac.
We have had some very funny requests in the past too. Someone in the past requested “special water” for bathing because they were unsure how well the islands sanitation was and believed they were going to some remote island with no infrastructure. In fact, Mauritius’s infrastructure is very well developed.
RJZ: Just tell me who you are, where you have come from, and how you have achieved your personal growth up to today?
SL: So, funny fact about myself, is that I was born here at Paradis Resort Mauritius.
My father worked here from 1979 for about 18 years. My uncle was a GM here for 37 years.
So, I started work at 16 and my dream was to come here and be the GM of this property. This dream was realized last year since I took responsibility here as the GM at Paradis Beachcomber golf resort & spa from June of 2023. However, I started from the age of 16, and my first job was in the kitchen washing dishes.
I think that is what is great about the Beachcomber hospitality group. Although you need some good business skills and to understand every single aspect of what the workers or artisans do. I think that makes someone a very good all-rounder and allows them to understand what difficulties and opportunities there are available.
Thank you so much for your time, Stephan, my family truly loved their 7 nights Paradis Resort and Spa time. It would not be fair if I did not mention 2 particular artisans of yours that really stood out with their service and care. Youane at the Blue Marlin restaurant (an incredible young man) and Stephanos who works around the pool. Both should be commended for their service
My Ratings and Conclusion:
| Topic | Rating: | Comments |
| Service | X X X X X | Fantastic |
| Rooms | X X X XX | Every possible amenity |
| Food | X X X X X | I need to go on diet 😉😂 |
| Amenities / Clubs | X X X X X | Superb, my kids where constantly entertained |
| Practicality | X X X X X | Everything as it should be and interchanging with Dinarobin adds an extra plus |
| Cleanliness | X X X X X | Incredible |
| Politeness | X X X X X | The staff were amazing!👍 |
Interested in finding out more about great deals to Mauritius, please feel free to email me: rael@wildsunsets.travel or check out some of our specials at www.wildsunsets.travel