Mauritius travel guide

The American author Mark Twain once said “heaven was copied after Mauritius” — and he wasn’t the only one captivated. With pristine white-sand beaches, azure waters, lush greenery and year-round sunshine, Mauritius does seem to have the makings of nirvana. That it also has world-class diving, championship golf courses and destination spas in abundance does little to quell the fantasy.
However, what sets this island apart from many of its seemingly paradisiacal Indian Ocean neighbours is its breadth of society. Despite a difficult past under Dutch, French and British colonial forces, the Republic of Mauritius declared its independence in 1992, embracing its religious diversity to create a uniquely harmonious culture with Indian, African and European influence.
Whether it’s a stomping sega beat (the national music that’s woven into the fabric of Mauritian identity), trips to tranquil tea estates and independent rum distilleries, or spotting rare birds in the country’s towering casuarina trees, there’s plenty to experience. That is, when you’re not propping up one of the island’s many beach bars; Mauritius has some of the most affordable luxury hotels in the Indian Ocean. Heaven indeed.
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No one will judge you if you decide, upon arrival in Mauritius, that you just want to lie on the beach and order rum punch to your lounger — the rich and glamorous often choose hotels on the soft, white sands of the east coast for that very reason. If you plan to be more active, though, there’s plenty on offer.
Book a glass-bottomed boat or snorkelling gear if you want to explore Blue Bay marine park*, but do it during the week — you’ll get close to the area’s colourful sealife, without the crowds. Don’t miss the striking onyx sands at Tamarin beach; split in two by a river, the strand’s powerful current and lack of reef protection make it a surf haven, and early risers can spot wild dolphins swimming in the bay.
Holidays here generally aren’t complete without a day trip to Le Morne; the mountain is the most iconic sight on Mauritius and its pristine beach is an enduring favourite of kitesurfers, who rate the stronger winds on the southwest coast. Foodies should prioritise a visit to the sleek Chamarel rum distillery for a tour, then lunch for excellent Mauritian food; you can visit the famed Seven Coloured Earths on the way. You’re spoilt for choice with restaurants, though — from street food to upscale eateries, there are excellent Indian, west and north African, Creole and European options all over the island.
When it comes to accommodation, Mauritius has it all — private islands, trendy glamping pods and everything in between. Private islands are commonplace at swanky beach resorts that occupy the east coast of the island; in places like Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce, cool breezes, white sands and clear, flat waters make for prime real estate. One & Only Le Saint Geran* and Le Touessrok* (now a Shangri-La hotel) have been pulling in island visitors since they opened in the 1970s, as two of the most enduringly popular resorts in the Indian Ocean, but relative newcomers such as Maradiva*, Constance Prince Maurice* and Four Seasons Anahita* just pip them in the luxury stakes.
Boutique outfit LUX* is the last word in modern luxury hotels on Mauritius; with chic properties in pristine Belle Mare, striking Le Morne and Grand Gaube — which overlooks the spectacular north islets — the company still does well to minimise its environmental impact. New outfits, SALT of Palmar*, Lakaz Chamarel* and Bubble Lodges — semi-transparent bio domes on Ile aux Cerfs and in the leafy surrounds of Bois Cheri — show the island moving to a more sustainable model in harnessing its abundant environmental and cultural reserves.
Le Morne is revered among visitors for its spectacular mountain hikes* and watersports in the bay but it’s also a cultural hub for the island. Try to catch a concert, dance show or art exhibition there, if you can, and you shouldn’t pass up a trip to the mountain itself. Now an official Unesco heritage site, as a former refuge and shelter for enslaved people it’s considered the most important historical site on Mauritius.
The street food* in Mauritius is some of the best — there are tents and trucks all over the island, serving lip-smacking Indian, Chinese and Creole dishes. Some of the best are in the markets at Port Louis and at Mahébourg (Mauritius’s former capital); we love the Dholl Puri (a lentil pancake-flatbread hybrid, with vegetable curry inside) and Gateau Piment (chilli cake).
It’s not exactly a secret, but people recommend sundowners at The Bay in Tamarin for good reason; it’s one of the most romantic spots on the island.
The best time to visit Mauritius is September-November, for reliable sunshine and the driest climate, but Mauritius is subtropical and has year-round sun. Even the winter months (June-August) are beautiful; it’s sugarcane season and the sea is tinged silver. If surfing or sailing is top of the agenda, visit during May to September when trade winds are highest. Most people tend to avoid January-February, though; it’s humid and there’s a risk of cyclones.
How expensive is Mauritius?It can certainly be pricey if you’re holed up at a swanky resort. But you don’t need to break the bank to eat or sleep well, so make sure you get out and about. It’s also about timing: a trip over New Year will be twice the price of visiting in April and May (when it’s still warm).
Is Mauritius safe to walk around?It’s safe to wander around markets or towns, but you won’t want to walk long distances due to the heat. Hire a car, by all means, but don’t take a weekly deal if you anticipate spending days by the pool (one-day rentals are easy to organise). There’s a bus network, too, but it’s slow and finishes early.
What do I need to know before going to Mauritius?Mauritians are naturally warm and welcoming (it’s considered polite to accept food or drink that’s offered), but are quietly conservative. Dress modestly when out and about — particularly at places of worship — and keep in mind that it’s allowed, but highly frowned upon, to sunbathe topless in public.
Currency Mauritian Rupee
Inspired to visit Mauritius but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from British Airways* and Virgin Holidays*.
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