Do you dream of a unique distant destination that makes your heart beat faster? Where you can lose yourself in nature, culture and luxury? Mauritius is such a place! It is an island that has everything for the perfect tropical destination: from white sandy beaches to breathtaking nature and from culinary delights to unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else. I recently visited this beautiful island, undertook some exclusive activities and can tell from my own experiences why they are or are not worth it. Let's travel together and discover why Mauritius is the perfect destination for your next adventure. These are my personal reasons and tips for Mauritius!
Why Mauritius?
1. It's the perfect (honeymoon) destination
Let's start with romance. If you've ever dreamed of a trip to a place where romance is in the air, Mauritius is the place for you. Whether you have been together with your partner for a short time or for some time, the island offers everything you need for an unforgettable time together. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, enjoying a private breakfast on the beach, taking a helicopter flight over the island and ending the day with a romantic candlelight dinner.
My experience is that the hotels in Mauritius understand what makes a romantic and/or honeymoon special. They often offer luxury suites, often with private pools and butler service.
But of course it's not just about luxury. It's the personal attention, the intimate dinners and the opportunity to experience new adventures together. Together a helicopter flight over the Underwater Waterfall or experience a cooking workshop with locals. Mauritius makes your (honey) trip not only romantic, but also unforgettable. The #1 tip I can give you is to take this trip with your partner!
2. Jetprime ensures an exclusive start to your trip
Your holiday starts the moment you arrive at the airport. At least, that's how it is when you Jetprime switches on. Jetprime Mauritius offers an exclusive VIP experience that will instantly make you feel special. No long queues at the airport and no hassle with luggage. You will be met immediately at the plane and taken to a luxurious lounge by a personal assistant. While you enjoy a drink, all paperwork and luggage will be taken care of for you, including the necessary immigration stamps.
But it is more than just luxury. Above all, it is a stress-free experience. Once you sit in the lounge, with a glass of champagne in your hand and a luxurious drinks board in front of you, you forget all the worries of traveling. It's the perfect start to your Mauritius adventure!
In the article below I explain exactly how it works, what it costs, where you book it and what it looks like.
Also read: Jetprime Mauritius | An exclusive VIP experience at the airport
3. Fantastic Hotels & Resorts
Mauritius is home to some of the most luxurious and unique hotels in the world. I visited a number of different luxury hotels to compare them. Four of the best options I can recommend are: Zilwa Attitude, LUX* Grand Gaube Resort, LUX* Belle Mare Resort en Heritage Le Telfair.
Zilwa Attitude: This is the most budget-friendly of the four and a hotel that captures the true spirit of Mauritius. It is designed with the local culture in mind and offers an authentic experience. Located on the north coast of the island, the hotel offers beautiful views of the surrounding islands. It is the perfect place for couples looking for affordable rest and relaxation, as well as for families who want to enjoy the many activities the hotel has to offer.
Zilwa Attitude is a beautiful and affordable 4* resort in Mauritius. Zilwa Attitude is best known for its beautiful beaches, excellent price/quality ratio and has both adult-only zones and child-friendly areas.
Cheap deals including flights and transfers can be found online from 1377 euros.
Also read: Zilwa Attitude | A luxurious but affordable resort in Mauritius
LUX* Grand Gaube Resort: Are you looking for an oasis of luxury and relaxation? Then LUX* Grand Gaube Resort the place to be. The hotel is located on a quiet bay, surrounded by tropical gardens. The layout of this resort is designed so that you can see the ocean from almost every room.
What really makes this hotel special is that the highest rated restaurant of all of Mauritius is located in this resort. The Peruvian INTI restaurant is called INTI and I can tell you from my own experience that it is very good and therefore worth eating here.
In terms of design, the resort is a combination of modern with a touch of retro. Many natural materials are used, there is a lot of greenery around you and the rooms are very spacious and elegantly furnished. The hotel also offers a range of activities, from water sports to yoga and spa treatments. It is an ideal choice for couples looking for luxury and comfort.
Also read: LUX Grand Gaube Resort | A (partly) adults-only paradise in Mauritius
From the moment you step in here, you will feel like you are in paradise. No overcrowded swimming pools and busy restaurants and perhaps the most spacious standard room I have ever seen. LUX Grand Gaube is the perfect resort for a romantic trip or a trip where you really want to be pampered.
Tip:: LUX Grand Gaube does not present itself as a cheap resort, but every now and then there are great deals and offers on D-Reizen. Click on the blue button to see availability and prices.
- Adult-only sharing
- Rated with a 9.8 (!).
- Beautifully decorated
- Taken care of down to the last detail
LUX* Belle Mare Resort: Another LUX* resort is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Belle Mare Beach. This resort combines modern elegance with tropical charm and also has a beautifully designed swimming pool.
The bright, spacious rooms and suites offer beautiful views of the ocean or green gardens. Some rooms even have a private pool for extra luxury. What I found particularly special is that there were 10 bottles of spirits in my room, including all the necessities to make your own cocktails.
Similar to the aforementioned LUX* hotel, design and furnishing are an important part of the resort. It looks neat in every respect and nothing is left to chance here. From retro food trucks to beautiful courtyards and colorful interiors, everything looks great.
Whether you relax on the beach, attend a sunrise yoga class, or enjoy a treatment at the award-winning spa, LUX* Belle Mare offers a luxurious experience that is both relaxing and refreshing.
This beautiful resort, located on the east coast of Mauritius, offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. As soon as you enter the resort you know: this is a resort where nothing is left to chance.
If you are looking for the perfect combination of luxury, comfort and tropical beauty, then LUX* Belle Mare Resort the place where you should be.
- Top class Hotel Resort
- Rated 9+
- Unprecedented Luxury
Heritage Le Telfair: Heritage Le Telfair is a special hotel that combines luxury with history. Located on the south coast of Mauritius, this hotel offers an elegant experience that you won't find anywhere else. The hotel is almost entirely inspired by French colonial architecture and is therefore unique in its kind.
The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and its extensive golf courses and award-winning spa are known worldwide. It is a perfect choice for those looking for a luxurious escape with a touch of history and authenticity. I'm not really into Instagram hotspots myself, but if you're looking for a place to take beautiful photos, you can really enjoy yourself here.
The spacious resort never feels crowded. There is a lot of space between the buildings with many beautiful trees and plants in between. The long, white sandy beach and turquoise water complete the tropical experience.
Heritage Le Telfair is a special hotel that combines luxury with history. Located on the south coast of Mauritius, this hotel offers an elegant experience that you won't find anywhere else.
The hotel is almost entirely inspired by French colonial architecture and is therefore unique in its kind.
Tip:: Travel provider TUI sometimes wants to stunt with trips to this special resort.
Also read: Heritage Le Telfair Mauritius | Everything about our luxury experience
4. Beautiful Beaches
Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches and it's easy to understand why. With miles of white sand, crystal clear water and swaying palm trees, the beaches here look straight out of a postcard. Whether you want to relax in the sun, snorkel in the coral reef, or take a romantic sunset stroll, there is a perfect beach for you.
Beautiful Mare is a beautiful beach on the east coast, which is slightly quieter than the beaches on the west coast. This beach is ideal for those looking for a quieter, less touristy spot. The water here is slightly wilder, which makes it perfect for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Flic en Flac is one of the most popular beaches on the island. This long, white sandy beach on the west coast is perfect for a day of relaxation. The water is calm and ideal for swimming, and the sunsets are breathtaking.
Trou aux Biches is another beach not to be missed. This beach on the northwest coast of Mauritius is often considered one of the most beautiful on the island. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for families and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its proximity to restaurants and shops also makes it a convenient location for a day out.
Unique tips things to do
5. Helicopter flight over the Underwater Waterfall
One of the most spectacular sights of Mauritius is the Underwater Waterfall. If you're looking for a unique and/or romantic getaway during your Mauritius trip, this is a must-do. Located on the southwest coast of the island, this natural phenomenon resembles a huge waterfall flowing underwater. In reality, it is an optical illusion caused by sand and silt flowing down from an underwater plateau. However, this does not make it any less special!
The best way to see this breathtaking spectacle is from the air. A helicopter flight offers you a unique perspective. From the air you can see the colors of the water change, from clear blue to deep turquoise, as the 'waterfall' unfolds. It is an experience you will never forget. Below you can watch the video I made during the flight, so you have a good impression of what to expect.
Tip:: To the Underground Waterfall you can choose either a helicopter or a seaplane! Use the buttons in the display below to see the most current prices.
Take a scenic flight and admire the Underground Waterfall from Mauritius. Do you choose a helicopter or a seaplane? Whatever your choice, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
- Admire the Underground Waterfall
- Unforgettable experience
- Helicopter 🚁 or seaplane 🛩️
6. Catamaran Day Trip to Gabriel Island
If you're looking for an adventure at sea, then one catamaran day trip to Gabriel Island something you shouldn't miss. Gabriel Island, located north of Mauritius, is an unspoilt paradise with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
During the day trip you sail to the island on a luxury catamaran, enjoying the sun, the sea and the beautiful coastline along the way. Once you arrive on Gabriel Island, you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. The coral reefs surrounding the island are a snorkelers paradise, with an abundance of fish and other marine life. Some special birds also fly here that you will not see anywhere else in the world.
It's a perfect way to spend a day in the sun and experience the natural beauty of Mauritius. Day tours to this special island can be booked via this link.
7. Culinary Experiences
Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in the cuisine. The culinary experiences on this island are an adventure in themselves. You can go here for delicious street dishes to refined dinners in top restaurants.
Food tour with street food: Street food is a great way to sample the local flavors of Mauritius. Try the Dholl puri, a kind of pancake filled with lentils and chutney, or the teriyaki noodles with dumplings, a small dish perfect for on the go. If you want to discover more, you can also choose to do a food tour, just like me. Below are some images from the street food tour I attended.
Tip:: The street food tours of Mauritus are here to book.
Also read: Eat safe street food during your World Trip | 11 Tips
Le Chamarel Restaurant: For a more refined experience, dine at one of the many top restaurants on the island. You can find something suitable for every budget. However, if you are looking for a restaurant with a fantastic view, definitely go to Le Chamarel Restaurant. At this restaurant you can enjoy a special Creole culinary experience and authentic local dishes. However, the breathtaking location and stunning views truly make it an unforgettable experience. They have created a viewing platform in the restaurant where you can really look around.
Cooking workshop at Locals: This is not only a fun activity but also a great way to learn more about traditional Mauritian cuisine. You visit a local house, where you prepare dishes with fresh, local ingredients together with the host or hostess. Below is a small impression of the house and kitchen where we were guests.
It's great to work together in the kitchen. In addition to learning, we also laughed a lot. As real Dutch people, we did everything wrong and the hostess, Marie Michelle, couldn't contain her laughter.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, a cooking workshop with locals is a must. During the workshop you will not only learn how to prepare local dishes, but you will also gain insight into the food culture of Mauritius. It's an experience you won't soon forget and a delicious way to bring the flavors of the island home with you.
Tip:: You can book local cooking workshops via this website.
8. Chamarel Waterfall
If you are in Mauritius, a visit to the Chamarel Waterfall not missing. This waterfall, with a height of about 100 meters, is one of the highest and most impressive on the island. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful nature and therefore definitely worth a visit.
It is a place where you can experience the nature of Mauritius. You don't have to walk long to get there, because there is a parking lot a stone's throw from the waterfall with a viewpoint. Do you want a different perspective? Then walk up for 10 minutes through the paths that wind through the rainforest. Once you get there, you can better see the power of the waterfall and enjoy the beautiful view.
Tip:: For those who are a bit more adventurous, there is the opportunity to swim in the refreshing water at the base of the waterfall. For this you will have to take a brisk walk down and up again for 45 minutes.
9. Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark
It is another unique attraction of Mauritius Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark. This is an area with striking dunes in seven different colors, ranging from red and brown to purple and blue. It is a natural phenomenon caused by the cooling of volcanic rocks at different temperatures.
A visit to this geopark is a must during your stay in Mauritius. It is a place where you can walk, admire the colors and learn more about the geology of the island.
10. Château de Labourdonnais
For history and architecture lovers, a visit is recommended Labourdonnais Castle an absolute must. Built in 1859, this beautifully restored colonial mansion is surrounded by manicured gardens and offers a glimpse into the lives of Mauritius' 19th-century colonial elite.
During a tour of the mansion you can admire the elegant rooms, antique furniture and historical items. Watch the two short videos below to get an impression of the atmosphere.
The estate also has its own distillery where you can taste the famous Mauritian rum. Don't forget to take a walk through the orchard, where you can taste tropical fruits grown on the estate.
11. Central Market in Port Louis
No visit to Mauritius is complete without a stop at the Central market in Port Louis. Located in the heart of the capital, this market is a lively place where you can experience local culture and daily life up close.
At the market you will find a huge amount of products, from fresh fruit and vegetables to exotic herbs and spices. The smells and colors may be overwhelming at first, but it's the perfect place to pick up some snacks and souvenirs. In addition to food, you can also find handmade clothing, bags and jewelry. It's a nice place to bargain and take home a unique piece of authentic Mauritius.
12. Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux
One of the most iconic sights of Mauritius is the Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux, a picturesque church with a bright red roof, located on the north coast of the island. Built in 1938, the church is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike due to its beautiful location overlooking the sea.
The church is not only beautiful from the outside, but also from the inside. The simple interior exudes a serene tranquility and the view from the church over the bay is beautiful. It's a perfect place to take a short break and just look around.
Good to Know
I made this trip in collaboration with Interface Tourism en Mauritius Tourism. I was able to discover this special island together with a great group of travel blogging colleagues. Although I was traveling here by invitation, everything you read in this article is my personal opinion/experience/
As a group we quickly agreed: Mauritius is more than just a tropical paradise; it is a destination that you must see once in your life. From the beautiful beaches and luxury hotels to the rich culture and unique experiences, this island has a unique atmosphere that you can't experience anywhere else in the world. Whether you are going on your honeymoon, looking for adventure or just want to relax, Mauritius will surprise you in a positive way.
With so many special activities to discover, you will always return with wonderful memories. Mauritius is a destination that must be on your list and once you've been there, you'll definitely want to go back.
Take it from us!
One of the most beautiful islands in the world: Mauritius! This luxury beach destination is located east of Africa in the Indian Ocean and can rightly be considered a true paradise.
Think of the whitest beaches, a clear blue sea, flora and fauna that are found nowhere else and a sun that almost always shines. Reason enough to travel to Mauritius!
