Mauritius
Powered by
Beautiful lagoons, radically shaped volcanic mountains, and a cultural cocktail of Euro-Asian inhabitants make Mauritius—a small nation some 2,000 km (1,242 miles) east of the African continent—more than just a swanky resort getaway. Although you can relax on some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, you’ll also find grand plantation mansions that evoke the island’s colonial past, Hindu shrines adorned with marigolds, national parks abundant with exotic animals and plants, and delicious cuisine that fuses Creole and French flavors.
Top Destinations
Grand Baie and the North
With the turquoise sea adjacent to the road, this village is a top Mauritius destination. The Dutch called Grand Baie "De Bogt Zonder Eynt," which means "the bay without end." It's a busy place with plenty of water sports, including big-game fishing, windsurfing, under-sea walks, snorkeling, and diving. Cruise ships call to and from the islands nearby, and the area has seen the arrival of a number of luxury resorts. Although the center of Grand Baie is showing signs of overdevelopment, the North region is known for its untouched seaside. White-sand paradises, where you can have a more local Mauritian experience while sipping on a freshly picked coconut, include La Cuvette, Pointe aux Cannoniers, and Cap Malheureux.
Grand Bassin and the Southwest
No visit to Mauritius should exclude a visit to the rugged and beautiful southwestern region. You can explore on your own by car, but if you go on a private tour or hire a taxi driver to show you around, you'll benefit from a local's knowledge of the region. The top sights are the Grand Bassin or Ganga Taloa, a sacred lake and pilgrimage spot for the island's Hindus. At 550 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level, this crater lake is edged by several temples dedicated to Shiva as well as little shrines and statues. Be sure to also visit the seven-colored earth at Chamarel, a geographical curiosity with sands in various shades of red, gray, brown, and purple, and the nearby Chamarel waterfall. Other notable attractions include the huge volcanic mountain Le Morne at the southwestern tip of the island, and the Black River Gorges and Alexandra Waterfall a bit inland. For another stunning view, visit the Trou aux Cerfs (Deer Crater), an extinct volcano that visitors can descend into. From the crater rim, the view to the western shore takes in the amazing mountain formations of Trois Mamelles and Mont du Rempart. Base yourself in this part of the island, either at Lux Le Morne or the Heritage Le Telfair Resort & Spa, for easier access to this stunning region. A long-standing tour operator is Mautourco (www.mautorco.com).
Port Louis
Many visitors miss the capital city of Port Louis; it's easy to do as the resorts collect guests from the airport and drive them straight to their seaside lodgings, where they relax for most of their stay. However, a visit to the capital is a must to see the local Mauritians at work and play. Start with a trip to the highest point, the British-built Moorish-style fort—known as La Citadelle or Fort Adelaide—for great views of the city, the horse-racing track at the Champs Mars (the second oldest in the world—built in 1812), and the ocean. Port Louis's waterfront is a shopper's dream with some 150 retail outlets at Le Caudan, and the UNESCO-designated fruit and vegetable market is a colorful spectacle not to be missed. Port Louis is accessible via many buses from around the island. Also worth a look is the parliament building, and a ramble through old town's 300-year-old streets (near the market) is a must for history buffs.
Souillac and the Southeast
Until recently, the Southeast part of Mauritius has managed to go unnoticed by developers, but now the region has a few of the most renowned hotels on the island. The main attraction here is the historical village of Mahébourg, named for Bertrand François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, one of the most successful governors during French rule. Mahébourg still bears the mark of both the French and Dutch settlers, and today it's a bustling waterfront neighborhood, attracting visitors who seek a more remote getaway than villages in the north and west.
The East Coast
Mostly known for its beautiful lagoons, virgin beaches, and green scenery, Mauritius's eastern coast harbors interesting sites such as the Eureka House and the Ylang Ylang Distillery. Driving along the coast is highly recommended to discover lush, green valleys covered with acres of sugarcane fields, rocky mountains, and impressive cliffs. Explore the lovely village of Trou d’Eau Douce, where time seems to have stopped. The villagers here are quite friendly. The East Coast also has one of the island's largest villages, Centre de Flacq. It's a bustling town with thousands of people coming and going, and although it lacks the idyllic beauty of much of the island, it's a fascinating glimpse into the lives of resident Mauritians.
The West Coast
On the West Coast you'll discover the town of Flic-en-Flac, formerly known as "Fried Landt Flaak" (free and flat land) during the Dutch colonization. It's one of the most popular villages on the West coast thanks to its sun-drenched beaches and blue lagoon. The latter, protected by a large coral barrier about a quarter mile offshore, attracts snorkelers and divers who want to view the underwater caves and shipwrecks. The fishing village of Grande Rivière Noire is great for anglers looking for sharks, tuna, bonito, and barracuda. Several competitions are organized from October to March each year. Le Morne Peninsula, which now features on the World Heritage site list, is a cultural destination as well as a windsurfer’s paradise. In fact, the wind blows all year long along the miles of white-sand beaches.
