It’s just another Sunday in Tamarin Bay. The sunset is the village’s must-see attraction: families and friends come together to share this special moment when the sky is illuminated in bright orange. They invite each other, and the newcomers are welcomed by the community. The sporty ones are playing beach tennis, enjoying slacklining or surfing the wonderful waves of the Black Stone spot. Those who just want to relax are stretching out on the beach or in a hammock with a cold drink in their hands. Music enthusiasts join in for an impromptu jam session resonating with the sound of Mauritian instruments. And the children are making the most of this vast playground to express their creativity. Veranda Resorts wanted to preserve this spirit when they settled in Tamarin. The challenge has proved successful with a three-star hotel in harmony with the village’s lifestyle, flavours, culture and environment. Welcome to Veranda Tamarin.
Good vibes all around
After a twelve-hour flight and a one-hour drive from the airport, Marianne finally reached Tamarin Bay, where her family had already checked in at Veranda a few days before her. She felt enveloped by the friendly atmosphere from the moment she got out of the taxi. After sipping her welcome cocktail prepared with homemade tamarind juice, she followed the concierge to her room, which offers a breathtaking view of the clear blue lagoon. In the distance, she spotted a few pirogues returning from a day out fishing, loaded with bluefin tuna and honeycomb groupers. “Hmm, I’m looking forward to some fresh fish for dinner,” she said to herself. Come on, let’s go!” She got dressed to go and have a drink with her parents and little brother.
After slipping on a summer dress and the Dodo sandals offered by the hotel, Marianne met her family at the Crazy Fish Bar. She was charmed by everything, from the scent of solid wood to the sleek decor incorporating organic materials, the warm colours and the lively rhythms of the jazz band.
She noticed that her younger brother, Liam had already caught some rays of the Mauritian sun. A sports enthusiast, the 17-year-old had been taking advantage of the activities available at the hotel, such as surfing. He greeted Marianne enthusiastically, saying, “Mom and Dad have chosen a hotel that looks out onto the most popular surf spot on the island!” At that precise moment, their parents who were on the dance floor, advanced towards their daughter to greet her. After the hugging and kissing, they all headed out for a taste of the spicy flavours of Mauritian tapas and cocktails.
Retro cool
Marianne was already up at 5 am to go paddle boarding in Tamarin Bay. She took the opportunity to watch the sun rising from behind Rempart Mountain and catch a glimpse of passing dolphins. She had never felt like that before. She felt a little peckish after all these sensations. After effort comes comfort. She made her way to Kas Dal, a sheet metal hut serving a mouth-watering menu: onigiri, gourmet hot dogs with sauerkraut, cheese and a large choice of ingredients, topped with typical Mauritian sauces and detox beverages.
Each stop was an opportunity for them to marvel at the natural beauty of Tamarin and the nearby village of Black River.
She grabbed her beach kit offered by the hotel and walked down to the beach to get some shelter under a filao tree and enjoy her delightful snack while sitting with her toes in the sand. Her lazy afternoon allowed her to recharge her batteries ahead of the evening.
The family would be having dinner at Tribu Restaurant, designed with an ethnic decor and colourful, woody tones. The cooks use the flavours of the Mascarene Islands to prepare dishes that can be enjoyed among guests sharing the same table. At the restaurant, Marianne made acquaintance with Tim and Jasmine, a couple of globetrotters from Quebec who invited her to come and discover the village of Tamarin with them the next day.
Immersion in local life
Marianne was already up at 5 am to go paddle boarding in Tamarin Bay. She took the opportunity to watch the sun rising from behind Rempart Mountain and catch a glimpse of passing dolphins. She had never felt like that before. She felt a little peckish after all these sensations. After effort comes comfort. She made her way to Kas Dal, a sheet metal hut serving a mouth-watering menu: onigiri, gourmet hot dogs with sauerkraut, cheese and a large choice of ingredients, topped with typical Mauritian sauces and detox beverages.
A “principle-based” code
Marianne and her new friends had planned their walking route for the day with a local guide from the village recommended by the hotel. Their exploration began at the Tamarin Salt Pans, an excellent illustration of the handicraft heritage of Mauritius dating back to 1940. The route continued with a visit to the Martello Tower Museum, a Creole lunch at Mana’s and a hike in the Black River Gorges. Each stop was an opportunity for them to marvel at the natural beauty of Tamarin and the nearby village of Black River. In the late afternoon, the three explorers took a break in the bay area to watch the sunset while sipping the famous local beer. A few seconds before catching sight of the green ray, a group of young Mauritians invited them to come and attend the jam session that was to take place on the beach in the evening. Marianne accepted this invitation and whispered, “I feel like I’m having the best holidays of my life.”
