Mauritius, an idyllic island off Madagascar surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean, is constantly growing in popularity as a getaway for travellers looking for unique, rich culture as well as sun, sea and sand, and it’s easy to see why.
Holidaymakers can enjoy a wonderfully diverse range of excursions and activities – almost too many to choose from! So, in order to help you find a place to start, Destination2 has put together a selection of ideas to get you started when planning your first trip to Mauritius!
From cultural centres to exotic natural beauty to elegant dining experiences, there’s bound to be something to please any traveller.
Crystal Rock
Witness a piece of prehistoric history with a boat trip out to the amazing crystal rock. An incredibly old section of fossilized coral reef, the rock, jutting majestically from the surface of the clear blue-green lagoon, offers superb views of the Le Morne Brabant mountain.
Le Morne Brabant Mountain
Not far away towers the impressive monolith that is the most recognisable feature of the Le Morne Brabant peninsula. If you’re up for a physical challenge, you can choose to tackle the gruelling climb to the top. It is incredibly rewarding, however, as the view from the summit is something you will never forget.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
There are numerous opportunities to take scuba diving and snorkelling trips in Mauritius, and it’s one of the most thrilling things you can do there. Witness first-hand the thriving sea life that exists within the many coral reefs that surround the island nation, and prepare to be awe-struck at the gigantic spectrum of colours there. You may even encounter a dolphin or two as you sail out to the location of your dive!
L’Aventure du Sucre
You’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to enjoy this fascinating museum dedicated to the history of sugar. Not only will you be guided through the process of refined sugar production, including a look at some of the original machinery, but you will also get the chance to explore some of the infamous history attached to the sugar trade, including the effects of slavery upon the island of Mauritius. You’ll be able to taste some of the fifteen varieties of refined sugar that would have been processed there.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
The hugely popular restaurant and distillery in the village of Chamarel – a stunning beauty spot that also boasts the incredible Seven Coloured Earths – features a mouth-watering selection of rums created in-house from local sugar cane. The richly decorated eatery, L’Alchimiste, serves up exquisite dishes created with locally-sourced ingredients, and can host exclusive dinners on request.
Le Caudan Waterfront
If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, Port Louis’ Le Caudan Waterfront plays host to scores of shops, (tax-free for tourists), as well as a cinema, a five-star hotel (Le Labourdonnais) and a museum. Located right by the marina, stepping out onto the plaza in at the front will guarantee you fantastic views out to sea. Wear your comfy shoes, as you’ll be very tempted to shop until you drop!
