Beach Resort Guide
Mauritius
Mauritius Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
With powder white beaches and turquoise sea, encircled by the world's third largest coral reef, this pear-shaped tropical volcanic island is known as the ‘jewel' of the Indian Ocean. A backbone of moody mountains rising 800m (2,624ft) from the sea cut through rolling sugar cane fields bleached by year-round sunshine with no poisonous snakes or insects and dangerous animals to disturb the tranquility. A lively mix of French, Indian, Chinese and Creole peoples infuse the island with genuine hospitality. Over 100 resort hotels fringe the coast, offering the best service in the Indian Ocean and world-class spas, championship golf courses and the whole gamut of watersports. Although just 45km (28 miles) wide and 65km (40 miles) long, there's plenty to do, from tax-free shopping to eco-adventures and cultural sites such as Hindu festivals and colonial mansions.
Who goes there?
Synonymous with exclusivity, Mauritius is traditionally a honeymoon favourite and winter sunspot. Most visitors are aged in their early to mid thirties and come from Europe (around half of the holidaymakers visiting the island are from France and a large number are from the UK). October to March are the busiest months. It's attracting more families now and some package tourism.
Where in the world?
2,000km (1,242 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius along with Rodrigues and Reunion, forms the Mascarene Islands. Isolated and uninhabited for thousands of years, it's a protected biodiversity hotspot. The main tourism area lies around Grand Baie, a wide plain in the northern tip, above the bustling capital, Port Louis.
When to go?
With a tropical maritime climate Mauritius' coastal resorts enjoy warm, sunny weather year round. Little seasonal variation occurs in terms of temperature, with daytime highs hovering around the mid to late 20s and the mercury rarely dipping below 20°C at night. June to November tend to be the driest months. Cyclones can occur between January and March.
Beach
With 330km (200 miles) of coastline, Mauritius' sandy beaches (perfect for swimming) are its key attraction. All are public, although the best have been subtly claimed by hotels. The greatest concentration (from long, shallow sweeping stretches of powder-white sand to little coves shaded by casuarina trees) are in the north, such as the silky La Cuvette, one of the island's finest. Grand Baie offers the greatest array of water-based excursions such as to Ile aux Cerfs (Trou d'Eau Douce) is a favourite nearby island with translucent water on a sandbar and activities, from underwater walks to parasailing.
The breezy east coast is ideal for windsurfing and Le Morne is popular with kitesurfers. Blue Bay offers the island's most stunning underwater scenery and the flat, shallow beaches of the west coast such as Flic en Flac, suit families with young children. In the wilder southwest, around Gris Gris, dramatic surf crashes against basalt cliffs and bursts through blowholes.
The breezy east coast is ideal for windsurfing and Le Morne is popular with kitesurfers. Blue Bay offers the island's most stunning underwater scenery and the flat, shallow beaches of the west coast such as Flic en Flac, suit families with young children. In the wilder southwest, around Gris Gris, dramatic surf crashes against basalt cliffs and bursts through blowholes.
Beyond the beach
Head inland to Black River Gorges National Park with the Hindu sacred lake, Grand Bassin, and a view over forest to the coast. Nearby are Chamarel coloured earths. Mahebourg, the old capital, is the most interesting city and for the active, eco-adventures such as quad biking, 4-wheel safaris and trekking can be found at Domaines or ex-sugar estates such as Valriche Nature Reserve (Bel Ombre). Catamaran excursions explore the northern islands or dolphins playing in Tamarin Bay.
Family fun
Mauritius' benign west coast beaches are safe for toddlers and an increasing number of kids' clubs make the island family-friendly. Excursions range from Domaine Les Pailles (Pailles) with active adventure for all ages and family attractions include the Mauritius Aquarium (Pointe aux Piments), the new Dolphinarium (Belle Mare), crocodiles and tortoises at La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes (Rivière des Anguilles) and Casela Bird Park (Cascavelle). For teenagers, Ile aux Cerfs is always a hit and eco-adventure such as ziplining at Les Cerfs Volants (Saint Felix Sugar Estate).
Retail therapy
Shopping malls with tax-free outlets are increasing all over the island, but the main centres are the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis (and bargains at the bustling market nearby) and Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. Along with Green Island Rum, good buys include cashmere knitwear, designer labels and Indian textiles, colourful baskets and unique model ships. Hawkers sell sarongs (pareos) and jewellery on the beaches.
A night on the town
The nightlife on the island is centred on Grand Baie, where the weekend starts early. Of a host of bars, one of the most popular is the laid-back Banana Café (Coastal Road), with live music and a dance floor. Another relaxed venue is Zanzibar (Royal Road) where comfortable sofas, African artefacts and funky music ease you through the night. Casinos such as the one at Domaine Les Pailles, are also popular.
Eating out
Mauritius is known for its delicious multi-ethnic cuisine and hotels for their great menus. Eating out can range from an Indian fried snack at one of the gajak stalls along the beach to dinner devised by a celebrity chef - such as Alain Ducasse's Spoon des Iles restaurant (One&Only Le Sanint Geran Hotel, Belle Mare Plage) (www.oneandonlyresorts.com). Lunch favourites are wild game with a stunning view at Le Panoramour, Domaine du Chasseur (Anse Jonchée) or the Creole French fusion at the colonial mansion, Le St Aubin (Riviere des Anguilles). For inexpensive Chinese food in romantic gazebos in the midst of a lake, visit Domaine Anna (Médine, Flic en Flac).
Getting around
As driving is erratic, car hire expensive and signposts few and far between, most visitors take minibus excursions from hotels or private hire taxis to get around. Plentiful buses ply the island, but travelling this way tends to be crowded and time-consuming.
Exploring further afield
Take a 90-minute domestic flight to Rodrigues (www.rodrigues-island.org), a sleepy, rustic ‘anti-stress' island with secluded beaches where Creole women in straw hats spear octopus in the lagoon and fishermen still set sail in their wooden pirogues.
Splashing out
Take an exclusive day trip to the private island Ile des Deux Cocos (www.naiaderesorts.com). From here a glass bottom boat visits Blue Bay Marine Park, which is renowned for its snorkelling. Alternatively spoil yourself at one of the world's leading spas such as the Six Senses Spa (Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Bel Ombre) (www.letelfair.com).
Flying in
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)
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