Set in the Indian Ocean: Mauritius from the air
Mauritius is situated east of Madagascar, and is truly the gem of the Indian Ocean. Its coastline is one of archetypal beauty – soft sand, and palm-tree line beaches protected by coral reefs which team with tropical fishes. Perhaps its biggest draw, however, is its people – the warm and friendly melting pot of Mauritian people – who will welcome you wherever you go.
Be adventurous and take a seakart ride through the waves
Getting the balance right on your dream holiday is a must. Sure, you’ll want to explore the beaches. In the north the stretches around Grand Baie resort are most popular, and have plenty of nearby bars shops and restaurants but Flic en Flac, on the dry west coast, and Blue Bay, surrounded by the hiking trails of the south west region, are also worth a visit. Go shopping in Port-Louis at Le Caudal centre, and when the heat gets too much, sail into the breeze on a chartered yacht.
Go underwater in whatever way suits you – from snorkelling to glass-bottomed boating, you can even take an underwater scooter ride.
Sands Suites Resort & Spa on the west coast of the island
Mauritius is all about luxury, and four and five star hotels abound.
Situated on the west coast of Mauritius, Sands Suites Resort & Spa is a hideaway for those seeking tranquility, comfort and personalised service in an elegant setting.
Enjoy the comfort and the view in a suite at The Royal Palm
Celebrate your most special occasions at the Royal Palm, where staff wait on the occupants of its 84 villas hand and foot. Here, you can have superlative food at the Captain’s Table, watersports tuition at the click of your fingers, or charter a crew to take you on a James Bond-style speedboat adventure.
Or be nearer the action at Grand Baie, where tourists and yachties collide. Trou aux Biches hotel, 8km from the main drag, is all about laid back days by the infinity pools, or relaxing in 35 acres of gardens. A word of warning: the cost of living on Mauritius can be high so self catering is not the most cost effective option.
Flaming bananas Chez Rosy
The island’s fusion of cultures – with Indian and Creole at the fore – is there on your plate, from delicious Asian-infused spices and delectable seafood. Get octopus curry from Chez Rosy near Gris Gris and as far as street food goes, gazak, Dhal Roti and chapattis, as well as mini peeled pineapples, are delicious and cheap. You will search out Mauritius cuisine – whether it’s in a restaurant or a cookbook – as soon as you’re back home.
Roads in Mauritius are getting better and they do drive on the left side of the road but be careful. If you’re taking a taxi agree the price beforehand, or you can travel by bus (‘tiptops’) like the locals. Fancy a secluded hotel? You’ll want to hire a car because evening rates for taxi transfers can be surprisingly high.
Hot all year round, Mauritius is a good option for winter sun though there is the risk of cyclones January to March. The island’s winter, from May to September, is warm and dry, with fewer mosquitoes and rates that drop by 30-50 per cent.
The traffic congestion in the Mauritian capital Port Louis, and in Quarte Bournes, is severe. Be aware if you’re trying to cross the island to make specific travel departure times.
Bright lights at Le Cauden Waterfront, Port Louis
Getting to know the locals. The hotchpotch of Mauritian culture – with people drawn from the British, Dutch and French heritage of its colonisers as well as a wide range of Asian roots and religions – is a lesson for all in melting pot culture. Hidden away in your hotel can create a them-and-us culture; you may never realise that the people are the best kept secret in this place.
Mauritians LOVE kids and make children of all ages very welcome, especially in restaurants, and they’ll stop and say hello on the street when you’re out and about. For that reason, the hotel kids clubs’ staff are very warm and welcoming, and since travel is mostly resort-based, you should choose a hotel that really caters for their needs. Pirogue resort on Flic en Flac beach has mini golf and water sports tuition. Don’t let that stop you getting out and about though. Out West, the kids will love swimming with dolphins in Tamarin Bay and meeting turtles and monkeys at Casela Park nature reserve too.
A view out to sea from the pool at The Royal Palm