It’s not often a holiday hotspot genuinely offers something for everyone – beautiful beaches, magical marine life, vivid festivals, bustling markets, unique cuisine and culture, wellness activities, and phenomenal resorts – but Mauritius manages to tick all the boxes.
Families, foodies, cultural enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, honeymooners, nature-lovers, eco- travellers, and those looking for some serious R&R will all find what they’re looking for on this genuine island paradise.
Here are 20 reasons to experience the sights, sounds and sunsets of Mauritius this year.
For those who seek action and adventure
1.World-class diving
Mauritius is home to more than 50 dive sites, ranging from beginner sites to advanced deep dives. From colourful corals and magical marine life to ancient shipwrecks, the Indian Ocean has plenty to offer and the island’s three LUX* Resorts & Hotels all boast in-house dive centres offering instruction, PADI certification, turtle snorkelling and more for those keen to explore.
2.Hike Le Morne Brabant
The majestic UNESCO-honoured Le Morne Brabant is home to an astonishing array of native flowers and wildlife en route to the summit. LUX* Le Morne Resort is the perfect base from which to set the pace with its in-house team of experienced hiking guides leading regular tailored treks up the mountain.
3.See the sights from the sky
For an utterly unique view of Mauritius, take a trip with LUX* Air, a light seaplane which takes off from the waters alongside the beach at LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas for a spectacular flight over the island’s coral reefs and coastline.
4.Get your adrenaline fix
The Domaine de l’Étoile, the island’s largest private natural reserve, can be explored on mountain bike, on horseback, or on a rugged quad bike. Other activities include zip lining through the rainforest and canyoning for thrill-seeking travellers.
5.Golf galore
Mauritius’ golfing scene is world-famous. Sought-after courses the Rodney Wright-designed Tamarina Golf Estate and Peter Matkovich’s Avalon Golf Estate, are both within swinging distance of the LUX* Le Morne Resort, which can organise kit hire, tee times and transport – plus a post-round cocktail at the 19th hole back at the resort bar. At LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas, guests benefit from a dedicated Golf Concierge who can coordinate golf packages, direct you to the hotel’s own driving range or whisk you to the nearby Mont Choisy Le Golf course for a round…or three.
6.Marvel at Chamarel’s coloured earth
The tiny village of Chamarel is home to one of Mauritius’ most spectacular sites – seven layers of coloured sand. Climb to the top of the observation deck for the best view of the striking colours – red, yellow, brown, purple, green, violet, blue. Guests of the nearby LUX* Le Morne Resort can organise day trips to Chamarel through the concierge.
For Families
1.Authentic experiences
LUX* Le Morne Resort’s new ‘learn from the local’ programme, gives the entire family an opportunity to spend time with local gardeners, chefs, carpenters and more. The programme is not just for hotel guests – local children from NGOs can also take advantage and learn about life as a hands-on hotelier.
2.Dive in with dolphins
Swimming with dolphins is a bucket-list experience in Mauritius. Hotel guests of LUX* Le Morne Resort can savour a once-in-a-lifetime experience with these friendly mammals in sublime style aboard the island’s only luxury floating lounge en route to the dolphins’ playground. Even better, your dolphin encounter is captured via Go-Pro and you will enjoy breakfast at sea on the way back to shore.
3.Epic kids’ clubs and action aplenty
Young travellers will fall as madly in love with Mauritius as their cocktail-sipping chaperones at LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas. Teens can enjoy the independence of exploring the neighbourhood by bike with a range of activities designed to immerse them in local island life that go beyond the beautiful beaches. Activities range from a tennis academy with floodlit courts for after-dark action, to paddle tennis, petanque played beneath an ancient banyan tree, and an extensive water-sports centre. Meanwhile, the PLAY club runs activities ranging from Cake Boss decorating to Junk Art Gallery classes.
For Wellness Travellers
1.Get healthy with your very own Wellness Concierge
Take advantage of the dedicated Wellness Concierge service at LUX* Resorts & Hotels to create a personalised regime to boost your vitality and ensure you head home feeling happier and healthier. From workouts on water, to beach yoga experiences and meditation classes, to tailored nutrition programmes, LUX* ME is your personal trainer, dietitian and life coach – all rolled into one.
2.Pamper yourself with a spa day
Spoil yourself at the LUX* Me Spa at LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas, a tranquil retreat boasting 11 treatment rooms, cold, ambient and hot spa bathing pools, a sauna, steam room, hair and nail salon, and more.
3.Join the plant-based eating revolution
Make the transition to plant-based eating in a spectacular setting with LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas’ ‘Garden Table’. The resort offers a five-level menu, ranging from an introduction to plant-based diets through to an entirely liquid menu for detoxification, consisting of smoothies, juices, soups, tonics and elixirs.
For Honeymooners & Couples
1.Get down and flirty in a beach bunker
For an entirely different romantic night on the beach, check into Flute, LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas’ spectacular sandbank bunker, where couples can sip exclusive champagnes and share tapas in a private dug-out beach lounge secluded from the rest of the resort. The perfect pick for a special occasion, celebration – or question!
2.Go island-hopping
Take a local ferry or book a catamaran ride to explore Mauritius’ surrounding islands, dropping anchor to snorkel, and find your own secluded sandy beach. Popular picks include Ile aux Cerfs, Ilot Gabriel, Ile au Ronde, Ile de deux Cocos and Flat Island, among others.
3.Tie the knot
Countless couples each year say ‘I Do’ on Mauritius’ blissful beaches – why not join them? With a choice of sandy spots and three five-star LUX* Resorts & Hotels to exchange your vows, there’s no shortage of romantic options.
For Foodies
1.Sample local delicacies
Famed for its diverse cuisine – stemming from its mix of French, Indian, African and Asian influences, gourmet travellers will be spoilt for choice. A must try is the national dish Dholl Puri, a flatbread cross between paratha and dal kachori. At LUX* Le Morne Resort, the guest experience manager dons his snorkel gear at sundown each evening to hunt sea urchins in the lagoon – a local delicacy – for fortunate guests who enjoy them with a glass of sparkling while watching the sunset from the beach – bliss.
2.Indulge your sweet tooth
Sugar cane is Mauritius’ major export and a key component in many dishes and beverages. Visit the island’s rum distilleries – Chamarel, St Aubin Rum Estate; sample local sugars at L’Aventure du Sucre; or join the LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas Chocolate Workshop with pastry chef extraordinaire Pascal Galette and dive into the delicious world of a Master Chocolatier. Specially created by The Lux Collective, ICI fat-free ice-cream is available at all three Mauritian resorts in custom flavour combinations such as Sicilian pistachio variegate, and magical Madagascan vanilla. ICI is served from old-school ice-cream parlours and mobile carts to make your indulgence all the more memorable. Bliss.
3.Visit a local farm
Farm with the locals at Aubergine Farm, just five minutes’ walk from LUX* Belle Mare Resort & Villas and the source of all the resort’s fresh salad and veggie dishes. All vegetables and herbs are grown without chemicals or pesticides and the visit includes a local guide, welcome drink, introduction to traditional farming techniques and the chance to join the seeding of new greens, planting herbs or harvesting – depending on the season.
For Culture Enthusiasts
1.Find a Festival
From the largest Hindu pilgrimage outside India, Maha Shivarati, each February, to the autumn festival of light, Diwali (November), to Ganesh Chathurthi (August), Ugadi (March) and Thaipusam (February) – each of Mauritius’ colourful festivals offers a fascinating insight into the island’s many colliding cultures.
2.Fill your basket at the local market
From a dizzying array of colourful fruit and veggies to spectacular spices, artisan handicrafts and hawker food stalls, a visit to a Mauritian market offers a real insight into the joys of island life. Popular markets include Port Louis, Curepipe, Vacoas, Quatre Bornes, Flacq and the seaside fish market favourite, Grand Baie.
.jpg){kind=tracking}