Eat. Sleep. Beach. Repeat. It's easy to travel to Mauritius and never leave your resort. After all, can life get any better than lying on the beach in paradise, cocktail in hand, without a care in the world? Believe it or not, it can. With an abundance of natural wonders and a deeply infused mix of cultures from east and west, Mauritius offers plenty of attractions beyond the resort too.
The country may be small – the island has a width of 45 kilometres and a length of 65 kilometres – but what it lacks in size it makes up for in biodiversity. Mauritius is home to some of the world's rarest fauna and flora, and also lays claim to the ocean’s third-largest coral reef. These same coral reefs have made Mauritius a water-lover’s delight and are famous for diving, surfing and kiteboarding. But you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the tropical waters; just jump in and cool off.
Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, a volcanic chain that extends east of the Seychelles all the way down to 800-kilomtres east of Madagascar. This island has year-long sunshine, more than 150-kilometres of beaches, and native forests that grow over the cooler central plateau. Since it was isolated and uninhabited for thousands of years, the island has cultivated species you won’t find anywhere else – the most famous is the now-extinct dodo bird, as well as the Mauritius flying fox.
While the beaches get all the glory, Mauritius is peppered with incredible mountains that form a ring around the island. Three main mountain ranges surround the central plateau and are the result of 13 million years of volcanic activity: Moka, Black River Chain and Grand Port. The longest mountain range, Moka, is conveniently located in Port Louis while on the west coast lies Rempart Mountain, where you will also find Casela – World of Adventures. This adventure park spreads out over 250 hectares and is home to a variety of animals, including white rhino and pygmy hippos. There's plenty to do, from quad biking to camel rides, and zip-lining through canyons and over tropical forests.
For diving, snorkelling and relaxation, head to the coast. The world’s third largest coral reef surrounds most of the island and has sustained fishing villages such as the Anglo-French Petite Julie and Queen Victoria. This is the most probable place you’ll hear séga, the traditional music of Mauritians – sung in the islanders’ native Creole.
The north and western regions are geared towards international luxury travellers – Mauritius is the backdrop for some of the best hotels, spas, nightlife, championship golf courses and gourmet restaurants in the Indian Ocean.
An important historical attraction in the southwest is Le Morne mountain – a Unesco World Heritage Site. Le Morne was used as a hideout by runaway slaves and became a symbol of their suffering, sacrifice and freedom. This relevance reaches far beyond its geographical location, to the countries from which the slaves came – the African mainland, Madagascar, India and Southeast Asia. Protected by the mountain’s isolated, forested and almost inaccessible cliffs, escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. The mountain became known in the 18th and early 19th centuries as the “Maroon republic”.
Last, but certainly not least, you haven’t truly experienced Mauritius until you’ve literally tasted it. A foodies delight, the island boasts four distinct culinary influences: French, Creole, Indian and Chinese.
Shangrila in Curepipe is famous for its traditional Chinese seafood, while Le Palais De Barbizon serves legendary Mauritian creole fare. Or mix it up with some piping hot street food, like Dhal puri – a flour-based paratha mixed with dhal and served with either a spicy sauce or a potato curry, or boulettes, similar to dim sum.
So, go to Mauritius for the Instagram-worthy beaches and easy snorkelling. Go for the cocktails, too. With great package deals, short flights and zero visa requirements, why wouldn't you? But while you're there, make sure to explore beyond the resort to experience all the magic Mauritius has to offer.
Beach Bums; Couples/Honeymooners; Families; Luxury Travellers; Nature Lovers; History Buffs
