In 2022, Veranda Resorts celebrated its 40 years of existence, all dedicated to savoir-faire, service, Mauritian culture and identity. Here are some snapshots that bear witness to the success story of this subsidiary of Rogers – which currently owns five boutique hotels – and has significantly contributed to the development of small luxury hotels in Mauritius.
Veranda Bungalow Village opened in October 1982 in the heart of Grand Baie, a seaside village in the North of the island. Renamed Veranda Grand Baie in 2002, it comprised 29 bungalows built in Creole-style architecture, typifying the charms of this period. Each room had a picturesque veranda – hence the name of the hotel – adjacent to beautiful gardens overlooking the famous turquoise lagoon of Grand Baie. The founders’ ambition (Guy Hugnin and Michel Pitot, two Mauritian hoteliers) was to compensate for the lack of 3-star hotels in Mauritius. When it opened, the business was one of the first managed by a woman, Sybille Manuel. This resort has since been embellished to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the North of the island. The 4-star Veranda Grand Baie is undergoing a significant renovation, with a re-opening scheduled for July 2023.
Expansion
Veranda Resorts opened its second resort in 2000: the 4-star Veranda Paul & Virginie in Grand Gaube. The establishment was named as a tribute to Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s eponymous novel, inspired by the sinking of Le Saint-Géran in 1744 off Île d’Ambre (located not very far from the hotel). The inauguration of Veranda Palmar Beach in 2001 then led to the opening of Veranda Pointe-aux-Biches, in 2004. Nestled in the North-East of the island, this 4-star hotel became the fourth destination of Veranda Resorts. Unveiled following refurbishment works in 2015, its “barefoot” concept became very popular, while its adults-only wing appeals to couples. In 2016, Veranda Resorts acquired Tamarin Hotel, a 66-room 3-star hotel facing the iconic Tamarin Bay. Now known as Veranda Tamarin, this fifth establishment of Veranda Resorts was refurbished and extended in 2018.
Ecoresponsibility
Veranda Resorts explores various eco-responsible ways to integrate the ecological dimension into its activities. In 2022, Veranda Tamarin was awarded The PLEDGE TM on Food Waste certification. The new working methods have helped reduce food waste, cut unnecessary costs, and favour local producers with whom the resort shares common values. Other resorts of the Group follow the same trend and are currently implementing best practices to reduce food waste. And there’s even more: Veranda Resorts was awarded the Green Key certification, the hospitality industry’s sustainable certification program, for all its establishments in recognition of its sustainable development commitment. It is the only small luxury hotel brand on the island to have achieved this milestone. What an eventful – and innovative – year 2022 has been for Veranda Resorts!
Cultural immersion
Capitalising on the local lifestyle, surf, music and environmental protection, Veranda Tamarin, which now has an inventory of 116 rooms, has hosted a new events concept under the brand name Awanam since 2021. Every week, from Thursday to Sunday, a varied entertainment programme is proposed with after-work parties, concerts and DJ sessions.
The hotel also makes the most of its “Explorer Program” to encourage visitors to immerse themselves in Mauritian culture. Guests learn about the regional specialities, whether gastronomic or geographical, as well as fauna and flora, thanks to a bouquet of authentic experiences. A cultural immersion that celebrates Mauritian culture.
