On a mission to visit all the beautiful islands in the world, I am surprised it took me this long to get to Mauritius! But I am so glad we finally did. Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island nation known for its stunning beaches, lagoons, and reefs, is a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a touch of cultural exploration. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to this tropical paradise.

Why Mauritius ?

Mauritius offers a unique blend of cultures, activities, and landscapes, making it a captivating destination for all types of travelers. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious beach holiday, an adventurous trek, or a deep dive into local culture and cuisine, Mauritius promises an unforgettable experience and is a great choice for many kinds of travelers.

Things to know before you go :

Best Time to Visit: 

May to December when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. We went in march, which is shoulder season and had good weather for the most part, but the humidity was really high!

How long to stay :

Minimum 1 week so that you can get a glimpse of the highlights.

Visa Requirements: 

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but it’s best to check the latest requirements for your specific country.

Language: 

English and French are widely spoken, along with Creole and other languages.

Currency: 

Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s advisable to carry some cash.

Getting around :

The island is really big so its recommended to rent a car if you want to explore. We rented a car with a drive on the days we wanted to explore.

Things to do : 

Port Louis

The capital city, known for its French colonial architecture and the Champs de Mars horse track. The Caudan Waterfront offers shopping and entertainment, while the Central Market is a place to taste the local flavors.

Beaches

Some of my favorite beaches in Mauritius on the main island – Le Morne, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Pereybere, Trou aux biches.

Le Morne Brabant

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain offers breathtaking views and a tragic history related to the island’s slaves. You can choose to hike it, take a helicopter tour to view it from the sky or do a Le Morne lagoon tour, which we loved doing with Vitamin Sea Mauritius.

Outer Islands

In my opinion the prettiest beaches are on the outer islands of Mauritius, some of the best ones include – Île Aux Cerfs, Ilot Mangénie, Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate.

Chamarel

Home to the Seven Coloured Earths and the Chamarel Waterfalls, this area showcases the natural beauty and geological diversity of Mauritius.

Black River Gorges National Park

Perfect for hiking and witnessing the island’s endemic flora and fauna.

Water Sports 

Snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, and sea kayaking are popular due to the island’s clear waters and rich marine life.

Explore Nature

Hike in the national parks, visit the botanical gardens, or go on a dolphin-watching tour. Vitamin Sea Mauritius has the best dolphin tour where you can even snorkel with them!

Cultural Tours

Discover the island’s history and culture by visiting its museums, temples, and attending cultural events.

 

 

Where to stay :

We spent a week on the island across 3 different locations and love that we got to experience three different areas.

Shangri-la Le Touessrok, Mauritius

First up we stayed at the beautiful Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort, Mauritius – one of the most luxurious and renowned resorts in the Indian Ocean. Nestled on the east coast of Mauritius in the tranquil Trou d’ Eau Douce Bay, this resort offers an exclusive sanctuary of privacy and personalization in an atmosphere of refined island luxury. Read more in my blog post here.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

Our second stop on our Mauritius trip was the incredible Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. As a die hard fan of the Four Seasons brand, I have had this property on my list forever. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is a luxurious retreat that epitomizes tropical paradise, blending unparalleled comfort with exceptional service in a stunning natural setting. Located on the east coast of Mauritius, this resort stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Read more in my blog post here.

The Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius

Our third and final stop on our Mauritius trip was the stunning Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius. The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius, is a luxurious hotel situated in the Indian Ocean, on the island’s west coast. This resort is known for its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and beautiful, tranquil setting, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a high-end, peaceful getaway. Read more in my blog post here.

Things to Eat :

Mauritian cuisine is a delicious blend of Creole, French, Chinese, and Indian influences. We mostly ate at the hotels we stayed at , but here are some must try local foods :

Dholl puri: A type of flatbread filled with ground yellow split peas, served with bean curry and chutney.
Rougaille: A popular Creole tomato-based stew, often served with meat or seafood.
Mine frites: Stir-fried noodles with a Mauritian twist.
Mauritian curry: Served with rice, farata (flatbread), and achard (pickled vegetables).

 

What to pack for Mauritius :

Mauritius is warm and can be humid depending on the time of year you go. Here is a link to some of my favorite items I am loving so far, I also included many things that I packed for this trip. Some of the outfit options I packed :

• day time : loose airy dresses, tops + denim shorts, swimsuits & coverups, beach hat, a beach bag, a waterproof bag (helpful for excursions), water shoes, sandals, sunglasses.
• evening : a few dressy options. I noticed people weren’t over the top dressed for dinner. Some evening resort style dresses for women and printed shirts with linen pants for men would be perfect.

Thanks for stopping by! xo

Jyo