The Best Tropical Islands: Mauritius

Mauritius is a fascinating slice of paradise. Its very name conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation, as well as breathtaking beaches. Add in the joys of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the rousing beat of séga music, and a party spirit, and know why Mauritius really is paradise on earth.

Quick Facts About Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis
Population: 1,250,000
Size: 2040 sq km
Power Outlets:
Official Languages: English
Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4
Religion:
Calling Code: +230

When to go: Mauritius enjoys a typically tropical climate with year-round heat. The summer months are from December to April, when it can be extremely humid, and the winter runs from May to November. The best months to visit Mauritius are May to early December. Apart from the Christmas-New Year peak, Mauritius doesn’t really have high and low tourist seasons.

Cost and Budgeting on Mauritius
As far as a daily budget is concerned, backpackers staying in the cheapest guesthouses and eating meals at street stands can expect to spend €25 to €30 per day. Opting for a mid-range hotel and a few restaurants will push it up to at least €50. As soon as you jump to four- and five-star accommodation and fancy restaurants, you’re looking at €175 per person at the very minimum.

But Mauritius is one of those places, where if you can afford to, it’s well worth splashing out a bit on your accommodation. Because when you get down to it, the selection of luxury hotels in Mauritius is genuinely amongst the very best in the world.

They may not come cheap, but luxury hotels in Mauritius like The Oberoi resort in North West Mauritius, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Flic en Flac, or the six star One & Only Le Saint Geran, offer some of the best restaurants, the most relaxing spas and exclusive access to some of the most idyllic beaches.

Things to See and Do in Mauritius
Grand Bay- Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out
Balaclava Ruins- A few meters away from Baie aux Tortues, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais. It’s one of few historic sites on the island.
The Triolet Shivala- Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
Climb Le Pouce- It is an easy 2-hour climb from the village of Petit Verger (near St. Pierre), and takes another 2 hours to walk into Port Louis. Tour the Moka mountains by quad bike, horse or 4-wheel drive at the Domaine Les Pailles national park.
Watersports- Head to Grand Bay for water sports such as parasailing, an underwater walk, semi-submersible scooters, or to La Cuvette, a long silky beach with clear water between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing.
Scuba Dive- Diving on the west coast around Flic-en-Flac or in the north, at Trou aux Biches or the Northern Islands from November to April. The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) can provide further information
Hike in the Black River Gorges National Park- See indigenous plants, birds and wildlife. Black River Peak trail goes to Mauritius’ highest mountain, while the Maccabee Trail starts nearby and plunges into the gorge to Black River.
Visit Tamarind Falls- In the interior portion of the island, this is an incredible string of 7 waterfalls surrounded by green mountains. Bring something to swim in as the are numerous pools beneath certain falls to take a dip in. First time visitors would be advised not to go alone.
Tour the Moka Mountains- You can tour the mountains by quad bike, horse or 4-wheel drive at nature park of Domaine Les Pailles.
Go for a Swim - Go for a swim at the northern beaches such as Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, Mont Choisy, is a narrow white stretch of sand.
Cable Rides - Looking for a truly unique experience? Enjoy spectacular views of banana plantations, waterfalls and lush forest as you and glide along steel zip cables thirty meters above the forest floor!

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