Mauritius offers a blend of Indian, African and European influences, giving visitors everything from natural wonders, luxury hotels, pristine beaches and some of the best diving opportunities in the world.
Must sees for free
Le Caudan Waterfront is a modern shopping and entertainment complex in Port Louis. Featuring a wide array of shops, restaurants, a casino, movie theatres, a history museum, a craft market and a marina, it also hosts regular live street entertainment.
The Ile aux Cerfs Leisure Island lies off Trou d'Eau Douce in the largest lagoon of Mauritius.
It is home to beach restaurants, an adventure park, water sports and a golf course as well as untouched tranquil beaches that are truly spectacular. To reach the island takes 15 minutes by boat, and can be booked as part of a boat trip at most resorts.
Flic en Flac Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful on the island. With a long stretch of soft white sand, the shallow water then turns into a reef where you can swim with the fish and even the occasional dolphin. Palm trees and local food vendors line the shore against a mountainous skyline.
Top sees for a fee
Pro Dive Mauritius is a great day out for experiencing the deep blue sea. With expert teachers, who are able to guide all levels of divers, there are over 20 dive sites where you can see shipwrecks, sea life like turtles and tropical fish, and coral reefs.
From 1,800 Rupees (around £40) for one dive.
The Chamarel waterfall is the highest waterfall on Mauritius and plunges more than 100 meters down against a breathtaking backdrop of forests and mountains. The waterfall is part of the 7 Coloured Earth Geopark, entrance is 250 rupees (around £2.80) per person, and it includes access to all the natural attractions.
Big Foot Adventures’ Discovery tour 35km is a guided tour of some of the most unique sites on the island on the back of a quad bike.
Venture off the beaten track and enjoy a picnic by a waterfall, see crocodiles along the river and end the day with a rum tasting session.
From £134 per person.
Getting around
There is a good bus system on the island, and fares range from 15 rupees for a short trip to a maximum of 40 rupees for the run from Port Louis to Mahébourg. It is recommended to get the express buses which are air conditioned and stop less frequently. There are no published timetables so it’s best to ask at your hotel or one of the friendly locals.
By far the easiest and quickest way to get around Mauritius and Rodrigues is to hire a car, though this can be expensive. Also watch out for hidden potholes and speed bumps and avoid travelling at night.
Eating out/Going out
With influences from all over the world, including Portugal, France and Africa, Mauritian cuisine is varied and delicious.
A particularly fabulous restaurant is Le Barachois in Pointe de Flacq, situated on stilts in a lagoon, enjoy the seafood tasting menu paired perfectly with a selection of wines from their extensive cellar.
For a more cheap and cheerful option head to Sunshine Fusion in Poste Lafayette, where the platters are huge but the prices are small all accompanied by friendly service and fresh ingredients.
Don't leave the island without sampling Palm Hearts, the core of palm trunks are considered a delicacy in Mauritius, and are particularly delicious served with a fresh salad.
Nightlife in Mauritius varies from the tranquil beach bars where you can relax with a cocktail and watch the waves roll against the shore to the night clubs such as Banana Beach Club where everyday is happy hour and there is live music every night.
Hotels
Luxury:LUX Belle Mare promises a stylish contemporary spin on luxury hospitality.
Tucked away in beautifully landscaped tropical gardens near the sleepy village of Belle Mare, this modern Mauritius boutique resort offers everything from a spa, fine dining and all the elegant touches of a five-star hotel in a stunning location.
Coastal Road, Belle Mare, from £189 - £672
Mid-range:Salt of Palmar is in a beautiful location that gives you everything you need to discover Mauritius but also everything you need to relax, escape, and recharge.
With contemporary decor in the rooms and a wonderful beach front location, you’ll feel as though you’re in a luxury hotel for a fraction of the price.
Coastal Road Palmar, Palmar, Mauritius 41604, from £110 - £379
Budget:Pereybere Hotel & Spa is located next to one of the best beaches in Mauritius.
The hotel has beautiful luxurious rooms with LCD color satellite TV and fully furnished self-catering apartments.
The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool as well as a gym and spa.
Royal Road, Pereybere, Grand Baie, from £83 - £187.
Fact box
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (£1=45.13 Rupees)
Time zone: GMT +4 hours
Flight time: 12hrs 55mins (connecting), from £480 return.
Best time to visit: The weather is warm all year round but is hottest during the rainy season from December to April, tropical cyclones can sometimes hit the island in the months between January and March.
Visas/injections/precautions: Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.
