As befits a hotel perhaps best suited to couples, even the hotel’s name has a romantic story behind it! The Paul and Virginie in the hotel’s name are characters from a famous Mauritian love story based on authentic events in the island’s history. In August 1744 a ship called the St. Géran was shipwrecked in the vicinity of lle d’Ambre, on the north coast opposite Paul & Virginie – the event was immortalised in the famous novel by Bernardin de St. Pierre which ends tragically for the young fictional heroes of the story with Paul managing to swim to safety from the wreck but his young lover Virginie tragically drowning as she refuses for the sake of her modesty to remove her dress in order to be able to swim more freely to the shore. Nestling next to the picturesque village of Grand Gaube and overlooking the northern islets offshore, this charming hotel pays tribute to the mythical youths of this great but tragic love story – in fact there’s even a museum room with pictures of the St Géran as well as old editions of the novel.

The style of the hotel also has a colonial flavour, with cane rattan furniture and thatched roofs with exposed wooden beams the order of the day. The Paul & Virginie has just 81 bedrooms nestled in the lush tropical gardens that open onto the panoramic view of the magnificent lagoon and the northern islands beyond – these rooms are divided into three categories with 12 Comforts (32 m²), 57 Superiors (38 m²) and 12 Privileges (42 m²) - the Privileges also offer a bath and shower whilst the others only have a shower. Whilst the rooms are clean and solid enough, it’s probably also true to say that they are starting to show their age (the hotel was built in 2000 after all) and could do with a modernising update to bring the décor more in line with fresh contemporary design trends.

The Paul & Virginie offers two restaurants – the main restaurant Isle De France offering an innovative Mauritian dining experience under thatch or if you prefer something a little more relaxed and romantic why not try La Trinquette, a lovely and intimate little seafood restaurant with its stunning location out on a sand floored pier surrounded by the waters of the cove. Of course no hotel would be complete without a bar and Le St Geran (named after the famous shipwreck as opposed to the famous hotel!) is the perfect place to relax with a cocktail in hand whilst you chat with your better half or fellow guests (they also serve delicious pancakes here come tea time in the afternoon!)

The sandy cove is really lovely albeit on the small side and the water is usually pretty clear and inviting. In keeping with the couples-orientated approach of the Paul & Virginie, gorgeous and very romantic little “love nest” couches and 4 poster daybeds are scattered amongst the tropical gardens and overlooking the beach whilst there are also gorgeous sun loungers designed for 2 people – perfect for some cuddling up together whilst on honeymoon! Our guess is that your major focus if you’re staying at the Paul & Virginie is unlikely to be on the activities offered – however you may be interested to know that the usual line-up of land and watersports is indeed available: there are 2 pools, floodlit tennis courts, windsurfing, glass bottom boat, kayaking, pedal boats, snorkelling, a fitness room, boules, beach volley, table tennis and indoor games (note however that water-skiing is at extra cost here, not complimentary as is the case with many other resorts)

We feel that the emphasis at Paul & Virginie is very much adults only. The good news is that if it all gets a bit too quiet and chilled out for you, it’s just a 15-20 minute drive to the bustling village of Grand Baie with its shops, restaurants and lively nightlife. But frankly why travel thousands of kilometres to go shopping? Rather embrace the peace and tranquillity of the Paul & Virginie and drag yourself off to the resort’s Seven Colours Spa for a blissful massage (if you can summon the energy of course!)