This November, I was extremely fortunate to set foot on a slice of heaven on Earth: the island of Mauritius. Nestled in the heart of the Indian ocean, this jewel of a destination unfurls with golden beaches, sunny days, waters so clear they seem otherworldly, and a lush, mountainous landscape that feels like it belongs in a dream. Mauritius is an island of eternal summer, where temperatures never dip below a balmy 20 degrees Celsius, even in the heart of winter. The seas invite you year-round with their warm temperatures, and many resorts ensure their pools are heated during the "cooler" months. This makes Mauritius an ideal destination not just for winter escapes, but for travellers yearning for sunshine outside the crowded European holiday season during the Northern Hemisphere summer.
The journey began effortlessly, thanks to Air Mauritius, which offers a direct overnight flight from London Gatwick to the island's sole airport, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International. This gateway, named after Mauritius’ first Prime Minister and the grandfather of its new and current leader, Pravind Jugnauth, welcomed us with a punch of humidity and a promise of adventure. A delightful business-class upgrade (thank you, Air Mauritius!) ensured we arrived well-rested and ready to embrace the magic awaiting us.
We started our trip with a visit to Casela Nature Park. This well-manicured park offers several experiences fit for the whole family. It's immaculately maintained, and its open grounds are home to zebras, antelopes, and giraffes (just to name a few) that roam freely. We hopped onto EcoRiders—seated, four-wheeled scooters—to explore the park and had up close and personal by encounters with a number of animals, including a 110-year-old tortoise and a baby zebra just a day old! For the more adventurous, there is the Tulawaka Roller Coaster, along with a big cats exhibit, gift shops and restaurants.
Later that day, we were treated to a serene beachfront lunch hosted by Suns Resort and Spa, a stunning location to be in whilst we were all covered in mud and probably dung from the Nature Park - but it was hard to care after the amazing morning we had just had :). After a quick inspection of the lovely Hilton Mauritius Hotel and Spa, the day ended in pure bliss with live music and sunset drinks at Buddha-Bar at Sugar Beach Resort where the sky ignites every night in hues of amber and gold.
We spent most of our time along the western coastline which, due to shielding by the mountains, boasts arguably the island's best weather and unrivalled sunsets. The West Coast is also home to vibrant nightlife, beaches, and shopping. This is also the best area to catch dolphins at sunrise. We stayed in Grand Baie on the North West part of the island, which had no shortage of lively bars, restaurants, and markets to keep us busy.
The next morning, the East beckoned. Where the West Coast is more lively, the East Coast is a haven for relaxation and adventure. After a 45 min transfer, we got to the coast and boarded a private speedboat to the breath-taking Île aux Cerfs, a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Its powdery white sands, live bongos and calm waters invite relaxation, while water sports like snorkelling and parasailing satisfy the more adventurous spirit. For those who prefer land-based activities, the island even features its own golf course. A visit to the stunning Beau Champ Waterfall revealed a troupe of playful macaques, before we made our way to Île aux Mangenie for a beachfront BBQ lunch. There, we full well discovered the locals’ pride in their homemade rums, infused with creative flavours like coconut, ginger, and cinnamon. A sun-kissed and laughter-filled day ended in an evening out in Grand Baie, where we had an incredible Italian feast at Botteghita Café (with more endless shots of homemade rum) and danced the night away at Banana Beach Bar.
The following day, the rhythm of life led us to Port Louis, the bustling capital. We wandered through the Sunday Market, soaking in its energy and colours. That evening, the Westin Turtle Bay hosted us with rum cocktails, canapés, and a sumptuous seafood dinner by a crackling bonfire, serenaded by live acoustic music. Each hotel along the western coast left us spellbound, not only by the picturesque grounds, but paralleled by their hospitality and culinary excellence, which was second to none.
Mauritian cuisine, a delectable tapestry woven from Indian, French, British, and Creole influences, was an adventure in itself. Freshly caught seafood graced our plates each and every day — lobster, sea bass, king prawns, and tuna— alongside curries, chutneys, and fruit-based desserts. Arguably the most important part of Mauritian cuisine, as you may have picked up on by now, was that every meal started and ended with a shot (or 5) of the venues homemade rums, a tradition as warm as the people who offered it.
While we split our time between the North/West and the East, each region of the island offers its own charms. The South (Chamarel, Black River Gorges, and Le Morne) is best for nature, hiking, and history, showcasing the island’s less polished and more rugged beauty, with lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in cultural significance.
The island’s diversity is mirrored in its culture and language. Some "Good-To-Know" fast facts:
Most Mauritians are fluent in French, English, and Creole from a young age, and many prefer to speak in French.
Almost all of the signage is in English, so you wont encounter any issues if you decide to rent a car. They drive on the left side of the road, and there is an absolute zero drink/drive tolerance with frequent police stops (so no funny business!)
A blend of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim traditions fosters a harmonious, welcoming atmosphere.
ATMs are readily available, with 1GBP exchanging for 50MRU at the time of writing this blog.
Our penultimate day featured an inspection and beachfront à la carte lunch at the stunning Oberoi Hotel. Later, we returned to what had quickly become our favourite spot, Buddha-Bar, to witness yet another unforgettable sunset. It’s in these moments you can really take in the true essence of life in Mauritius - standing barefoot on a golden beach, the salty sea air filling your lungs. The gentle strum of a live guitar mixing with the soothing sound of soft waves crashing at the shore. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of pinks, purples, and oranges, casting a warm afterglow. Time seemed to pause, allowing you to soak in the unspoiled beauty and serenity of this magical island, a moment of pure, unhurried peace that stays with you long after the sun has set.
On our final day, we were wine and dined at the lovely Intercontinental Resort Mauritius, and after some free beach time, we reluctantly headed to the airport - feeling a bittersweet mix of sadness to leave, and gratitude for the unforgettable moments we had just shared. It’s not every day you visit a place so breath-taking that it makes you pause in awe. From the warm-hearted locals and mouth-watering cuisine, to the endless natural beauty and abundant wildlife - Mauritius is a destination everyone should get to experience at least once in their lifetime.
A heartfelt thank you to Air Mauritius and Jetset for making this trip to Mauritius truly unforgettable. From the seamless flight and exceptional service with Air Mauritius, to the perfectly crafted itinerary by Jetset, every detail was taken care of and exceeded our expectations. Being back in the UK, with grey skies and the sound of raindrops against my window, I can’t help but miss the warmth of Mauritius. But the island’s beauty and sunshine are etched in my mind, and I carry them with me, knowing that one day, I’ll return to those shores and feel that magic once more.
Teaghan
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