After a very long flight with Air Mauritius (12 hours and 15 minutes to be precise) we disembarked into the small air-conditioned airport of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam which is the main airport for the whole of the Mauritius Island. The flight, though long, was very comfortable with plentiful refreshments and two good cooked meals and as many movies as you could take, which kept even the non-sleepers amused. The flight was not full so therefore we were able to stretch out a little which was great for 'the bump'! Coming into land was one of the most spectacular views we had ever experienced as all you could see was turquoise blue waters and green land and lots of sunshine! We arrived at 1pm local time and our bags were through within record time! Our holiday could start now!!

Coming through arrivals, we were immediately met by a smiling Club Med representative who worked for 'MaurTours' and had been looking out for us. His name was Vincent and he was extremely welcoming and took our trolley and asked us if we needed any currency etc. and pointed out the banks before we found our car as Club Med, being on its own 23 hectare site, would not have access to cash points once there!! Vincent led us on a short walk to a very cool air-conditioned BMW 5 series, which had ice cold water inside for us and a very friendly and knowledgeable driver. He informed us that the ride to Plantation D' Albion would be around 45 minutes and to sit back and relax, which we did. After the said time, we arrived at our 'home' for the week and were immediately welcomed by our Public Relations representative for that time, called Thomas. He led us inside and to a waiting fruit cocktail and some very comfy chairs in the beautiful large reception area, complete with water features and fresh flowers and exquisite décor. After a brief welcome (Thomas was very conscious of the time as he did not want us to miss our first lunch at La Distillerie buffet) where we were given our room keys and our special Club Med bracelet (this years colour being light orange - consequently matching the GO's polo shirts of the day!!) After a very quick buggy ride to our room (about 7 blocks away from Reception in a quiet area), we changed and headed off for the buffet lunch joined by Thomas. The lunch, being nearly over, was still unbelievable and had as much choice as what it had at the start we are sure! The setting of La Distillerie is fantastic - either smoking or non-smoking and either overlooking tropical garden areas or the beach/sea. Quiet stunning whilst dining!

After our brief lunch, we hopped back in one of many buggies that go around the site (being quite necessary with the sheer size of the resort!) and Thomas gave us a very good personal tour of everything that Plantation D'Albion has to offer including the Cinque Mondes Spa, the two beaches, the two pools, the two restaurants and not forgetting the gym, games areas and the two bars! We were then left to our own devices to shower, unpack and explore more fully our stunning club room. For a standard room, it was of a very high standard being 40 square metres with terrace overlooking the gardens, huge claw-foot bath (the bathroom opening up into the bedroom), large separate shower cubicle with 'rain shower' head, double 'his n her's' sinks, enormous king-size bed, chaise longue, flat screen TV on the wall, wifi, minibar, safe and two large wardrobes - basically everything you could possibly want including easy to use air-conditioning, a hairdryer and iron/ironing board! It was a real pleasure to know this would be our 'home' for the next week! I then had a nap (the flight had really taken its toll on me and the bump by this point!) and Jamie decided to go for a full exploration of the resort. He ended up playing his first 5.30pm GO's Vs GM's football match (first of many!) and thoroughly enjoyed himself. That is the beauty of Club Med - a couple can do completely different things (sleeping and soccer in this case!!) and feel totally at ease with life!

It was then time for aperitifs at Le Banian Bar (the main bar near reception) and as we entered the area, we were met by Morgane, a GO who welcomed us and let us know what the evening held as regards entertainment (it happened to be an Irish show that night!) and I was thrilled to see that there were 4 non-alcoholic cocktails - or 'mocktails' as they are known - on the bar menu but the barmen are so fab that they will literally make you up a cocktail 'off menu' if you say what you like! Brilliant! Jamie had a glass of champagne (definitely de rigueur for aperitifs and all included in the price) so we were both happy! As we enjoyed our drinks and soaked up the atmosphere, we were entertained by Sammy on the piano. We then headed for La Distillerie and were greeted by both Marion (another GO) and the Chief de Village, Eric Lejeune, who was charming. We were shown to our table (a standard treat at Club Med) and enjoyed a starter of fresh red mullet and smoked salmon, followed by local Mauritian chicken curry, with local chilled Mauritian wine or sparkling water (for me!). Absolute gourmet treat!! We then headed back to the bar for a couple more drinks before the jet lag started to kick in. Our air-conditioned room with its enormous bed was calling! A perfect start to our holiday…

Nina