In the run-up to Mother's Day, I was invited to join a bunch of South African celebs and influencers — and moms too — on a four-day momcation to Club Med La Plantation d’Albion in Mauritius. It felt like a cheesy movie: totally captivating while you’re in it, followed by a “WTF just happened? Is it already over?” feeling afterwards.
THE CAST:
For newspaper loyalists who may not know, a content creator is someone who produces writing, photos, video or sound for audiences, often for websites, social media or other digital platforms. When content creators reach a big enough audience on their own platforms — their “following” — they can be considered “influencers”. And boy, were my fellow moms all women who work hard for their influence — all were ready to take a much-deserved break in the magical Indian Ocean island. Here's a bit more about them:
Our stunning host Brendah Nyakudya is Club Med SA’s marketing guru, plus a content creator, life coach and advocate for women. But Brendah in Mauritius was also just one of the moms, effortlessly pulling the group together in the most humble, gracious way.
Devi “Catch-the-Crooks” Govender is an investigative journalist and TV presenter, whom you will know from The Devi Show on e.tv, where she holds criminals accountable. Don’t mess with Devi — as we saw at the “hot and humoured” airport incident when some “uncle” who was going golfing up north mistakenly took her suitcase. Big mistake. @devi_hq
The “I-work-hard-for-this-body” blonde bombshell is authentically unashamed of her magnificence — inside and out. Her mission? To be real, and to inspire women to be the best version of themselves. Instead of feeling intimidated by her beauty, I felt inspired, confident and ready to dive in, without my swim shorts.
This radio personality is cocky, courageous, confident — the one and only Philicity Reeken, whom you can hear on Jacaranda's breakfast show (@jacabreakfast) (Mon—Fri, 6am — 9am). She is loud and proud about everything: her body, her daughters, her work and her fight for freedom of self-expression. @philicityreeken
Oozing style and pizazz, the glamorous Aisha Baker can whip up an outfit in a flash, share her innermost thoughts with humour, and host her podcast (Baked The Podcast) with creativity and flare. She inspires women everywhere (and she can shake that booty too).
Siba Mtongana
This South African celebrity chef and television presenter first found fame as the host of the Cooking Channel show Siba's Table. Now she is also an entrepreneur, author, restaurateur and mother of four — a shining light sparkling bright. @sibamtongana
Cherise Roberts
It’s no wonder this mom-fluencer wins awards. She’s beautiful, funny and has a musical theatre background that makes her stage-ready every day. She’s proud of her Botox, hair extensions and anything else that helps her feel glam while she single-handedly raises her son. @singlejoburgmomblog
And me?
Sunday Times Lifestyle's art director: a middle-aged mom making life boats out of the paper I work on — softly melting into an ocean of bliss.
THE SET:
Club Med La Plantation d’Albion couldn’t be more perfect for content creators. Think romantic comedy — in our case, without the romance. Beautiful beaches, white sand. Lush vegetation. Infinity pools. Cocktails on tap. Authentic, elegant décor. And NO men (or kids) — just women loving themselves.
What happens when you put a bunch of women together on a momcation? Magic! There is a connection like no other, and time to indulge in conversation, admiration, aspiration. Also tears and fears and deep, deep emotion. The endless poolside Aperols help.
We arrived at night and, even though the lighting was spectacular, we couldn’t see much, but could feel that the vibe was alive with fun, family and friends.
We were handed wristbands with paper-thin smart discs. These were our room keys and access passes to the Club Med all-inclusive system. Here, you don’t spend a cent — everything is “free” (unless you visit the boutique, book a premium dinner, or venture out on an excursion or into the spa). The rooms are brightly decorated with an island feel: old-school clawfoot tubs, balconies for morning espressos and minibars restocked daily.
THE CATERING:
The main restaurant offers a buffet with French and Creole cuisine (ceviche, my fave), Asian, Italian, burgers, and desserts. If you prefer a kid-free zone, the Zen Pool opens for breakfast at 10am — perfect for the gym crowd, party animals and late sleepers. You will never go hungry (or thirsty) at Club Med. When one restaurant closes, another opens. For a special treat, you can book a candlelit dinner on the beach. Our group chose lobster over Wagyu beef and topped it off with one-on-one twerking lessons. As one does.
THE SCRIPT:
Best part of this momcation? There was no script (and the “marketing guru award” goes to @brendah_nyakudya.) So what happens when you give influencers free rein? The content created is magically authentic. Our mom-cation was all about freedom, doing what we wanted, when we wanted, no rules, no rush, no work, no plans and NO KIDS!
THE PLOT:
Every day, Club Med has a line-up of activities. Each one is a perfect backdrop for an outfit change: yoga gear for body-toning-beach sessions; bikinis for snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking; resort wear for cocktails at the kid-free Zen Pool; sportswear for archery, tennis, golf, trapeze and volleyball. There’s truly something for every outfit.
Me? I did... um, nothing.
THE TWIST:
Only three excursions — and no-one bailed.
1. The Spa
My French-speaking massage therapist barely spoke English. Perfect. All I heard was soft music and birds singing. If its wave sounds you're after, you'll have to use your meditation app as the Indian Ocean here is like a warm swimming pool, calm and soothing, the ultimate backdrop for letting go.
2. The Submarine
Tour operator Blue Safari offers underwater experiences as well as other water activities. Down, down, down we went, 25m into a meditative dream: soft music, French accents, total serenity. We saw turtles, fish, coral... but the real star was the silence.
3. The Catamaran Cruise
I missed the wardrobe call! Hey wait, I'm still wearing my breakfast gear and its 4pm. No-one told me about the wardrobe change. I watched in wonder as each mom posed on the deck, linen blowing in the wind. I took videos and snapped photos — so many photos. Of them. Of me. And somehow, I fit in. Even as just a mere extra.
The rum punch flowed. And mocktails too. It drizzled. We danced. We sang. Our skipper looked on in bored amazement. Even binocular guy on the balcony couldn’t stop watching. Surely this wasn’t the first time a group of gorgeous women fully embraced the moment?
THE WRAP PARTY:
I couldn’t leave Mauritius without dancing — OK, maybe twice. The Rum Road Beach Party was a real hit, especially after sampling the different island flavours. The multitalented staff entertained the guests in the traditional Mauritius way, fire dancers and belly shakers mingling with the audience as the DJ cranked it up, barefoot, under the stars, young and old, we all came together as a community.
It was the Glow Party that stole the show. When a few of us mamas hit the dance floor, the party came alive. Giving it our best shot, we jumped around, shook our bootees and got the party started all over again.
GETAWAY AT A GLANCE:
THE RESORT: La Plantation d’Albion Club Med is a luxurious, all-inclusive resort on the west coast of Mauritius, near Albion, about 55km from the airport. Surrounded by lush gardens and pristine beaches, this five-star retreat offers a mix of deluxe rooms, club rooms and suites, all featuring terraces or balconies with stunning ocean or garden views. For those seeking ultimate indulgence, private villas with pools provide an elevated experience. Guests can enjoy a blend of Mauritian, Indian, and European cuisine, unwind at the Zen Pool, or explore the island’s natural beauty.
RATES: From R22,638 per person sharing. Includes accommodation, food and drink, land and water activities — sailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, snorkelling, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding — and entertainment. For those who do want to bring them along, kids under 12 stay free. Excludes flights. T&Cs apply.
MORE INFORMATION: See clubmed.co.za.
*Wilensky was a guest of Club Med.
