Nestled in the Indian Ocean lies the enchanting island nation of Mauritius, a true hidden gem for travelers seeking natural beauty, cultural discovery, and warm hospitality. Vibrant coral reefs and rainforests filled with exotic flora and fauna give the landscape a magical quality that has completely captivated visitors to this area in the past.
Moreover, it is blessed with idyllic white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that offer respite from the relentless pace of modern life. In this post, you will discover the best places to stay, eat, and enjoy that allow you to experience everything this magical island offers.
By the end of the post, you should be ready to book your ticket and jet to one of the world’s few remaining treasures.
Where To Stay
To get started, it’s worth taking a brief look at a few of the most popular destinations that the island offers. Fortunately, because of its longstanding tourism industry, you won’t find it too difficult to find Mauritius Hotels that meet your particular budget or circumstances. However, the trick to the perfect vacation lies in heading to the perfect location.
Grand Baie
Grand Baie is the ideal base for exploring Mauritius. It is situated on the northwestern coast with a long sandy beach providing breathtaking ocean vistas for those so inclined to such views. It also happens to be the island’s premier resort destination, meaning you will find various options, with most erring on the side of luxury accommodations.
However, you need to understand that what you gain in convenience and opulence, you will lose in solitude. So, if you are looking for something a little less “touristic,” you may want to look at other options.
Flic En Flac
Much further south down the West coast from Grand Baie lies the interestingly named Flic en Flac. This location offers a far more tranquil resort than other beach towns, and with its long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, it provides the ideal setting for relaxing and letting nature wash away your stresses and strains!
Belle Mare
Now, we move over to the east coast of Mauritius, wherein lies the charming village of Belle Mare. With its quiet beaches and slow pace of life, it differs significantly from other places by offering peaceful retreats surrounded by the magnificence of nature. Coral reefs and lagoons provide opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking just offshore.
Several uncrowded beaches span the coastline, perfect for relaxing in seclusion, creating a stark contrast to the far busier Grand Baie. It is perfect for those seeking a low-key, family-friendly atmosphere to while away their time together in paradise.
Balaclava
Swinging back to the West Coast again, Balaclava offers a fascinating blend of culture that you might not experience in other tourist towns. Historic architecture lines colorful streets in this authentic Creole community. Moreover, several small hotels and guesthouses are providing comfortable and relatively affordable lodging, which also act as great places to begin your exportation of the rest of town.
What To Eat
As you might imagine, from a nation with such a varied history and that also happens to be surrounded by oceans, Mauritius is home to a vast array of tasty dishes to sample while here. While it is based chiefly on Indian fare (due to proximity), plenty of options can sate even the pickiest eaters.
Boulettes
This is a beloved Martian street food consisting of small meatballs and is often lovingly referred to as Martiaun Dim Sum! Found at stalls and shops island-wide, they make for a delicious, budget-friendly snack.
Briyani
As the name suggests, this rice dish originated from India but has a few touches that make Mauritian biryani slightly unique compared with its subcontinental cousin.
Found at small family-run restaurants and food stalls, partaking of this flavorful specialty allows one to experience local culture and flavors without straying too far from a dish that you most likely already know and love.
Sept Cari
Even though Sept Cari (7 curries) has special meaning for some islanders, it is enjoyed by people of different backgrounds and cultures. Though it is available in restaurants, this vegetarian dish is more commonly seen at Hindu weddings and other special celebrations.
Nevertheless, if you get the chance to indulge in this delight, you should grab the opportunity with both hands!
Things To Do
As an island nation, many activities revolve around its abundance of nature and coastline. This means days lazing around on the plentiful beaches or head of hiking through the lush rainforests that adorn the inland areas.
Explore Port Louis
Because of its status as the nation’s capital, this city offers a plethora of attractions. The city rewards visitors with its fascinating blend of history, culture, and overall beauty. Colorful markets and streets showcase its Creole heritage. Museums and monuments, such as the UNESCO-designated Aapravasi Ghat, shed light on the island’s colonial past.
In addition to the buildings and markets, there are plenty of parks to provide a respite from the heat and that are also replete with fantastic harbor views.
Unwind On The Beach
With around 25 beaches scattered around the coastline, you will almost definitely need to make time to unwind on the warm, white sands. Many of the busier beaches also offer opportunities to engage in various watersports, with a keen focus on scuba diving and snorkeling in particular.
Book A Whale-Watching Cruise
From June to September, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters surrounding the island to breed and give birth. This gives intrepid tourists the chance to see these majestic creatures up close and experience something that not many in the world will ever get the opportunity to do.
Hike In Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park offers diverse landscapes and scenic trails ideal for hiking and replenishing your soul in nature. Waterfalls, deep ravines, tropical rainforests, and volcanic peaks await discovery along its well-marked network of footpaths.
Wildlife, such as birds and monkeys, can often be spotted. Day hikes provide panoramic coastal views and encounters with lush vegetation. Just remember that hiking in the hot, steamy environments of the jungle will require plenty of preparation and lots and lots of water.
As you have read, Mauritius is an intriguing and beguiling island that offers plenty of options for various voyagers with varying interests.
As long as you have the budget to spend on plentiful activities, accommodations, and cuisine, you will have a fantastic time.
