A day-trip to the northern islands situated off the tip of Mauritius is definitely worth venturing off the mainland for. Travel by catamaran to explore islands with white-sand beaches, enchanting wildlife and intriguing history, or make the most of some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in Mauritius in crystal-clear turquoise waters. We caught up with local vlogger Will Tevs to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about this unique destination.
Learn how to cook Mauritius’s well-loved dish: Mauritius biryani (briyani). Today, we’re with Madame Mansoorah Issany, an expert cook who holds the title for best Mauritius biryani maker on the island.
Chamarel Waterfall is fed by three streams that filter into Saint Denis River and it looks – and flows – at its best between December and April. Our tip? Pull on your hiking boots and make the three-hour trek to the base for a rewarding swim in the pool and the chance to experience the spray of the waterfalls up close. Hire an expert guide to lead you through the tropical rainforest and enlighten you on the birdlife, ‘falls and geology of the area en route.
You can watch the twin waterfalls tumble over the basalt cliff and drop around 100 metres into the oval pool below. While the water is what draws your eye, the volcanic rock shouldn’t be overlooked. These layers date back 8-10 million years!
Laze in a net above glistening waters as you whip across the ocean, gazing out at lush islands and white-sand beaches. Drop anchor at secluded spots to swim and snorkel, then jump back on board to tuck into a tropical lunch of fresh salads and juicy fruits.
We think a private catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to explore our coastline.
The icing on the cake? You might even see huge pods of dolphins.
Wake up before dawn and slide out of bed, pulling on your hiking boots and checking you have all the essentials for this morning’s adventure.
You’re about to climb Le Morne Brabant, a three-hour hike with an expert guide as the soft morning sunlight casts its rays over the ocean. The last stage feels more like a rocky climb to the summit and, as you make that final push, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of reefs and lagoons from the top of the mountain.
Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its poignant history. As you gaze down at the sea’s swirling shades of turquoise from way up high, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how the mountain provided shelter for escaped slaves during the 18th and early 19th Century. The mountain is a symbol of suffering, sacrifice and freedom; and a great guide will bring the story to life during your climb.
Back on terra firma, spend the afternoon on the beach doing very little or, if you still have some energy, book a kite-surfing session. This windy peninsula is one of the best spots on the island to catch a wave.
Wellness is a big part of life in Mauritius. Lots of our hotels offer group and one-to-one yoga sessions with friendly yoga teachers, in settings from overwater jetties to pavilions perched above lush hillside.
Come and find your perfect yoga spot.
With verdant forests, volcanic mountains and idyllic coastline, Mauritius is the ultimate destination for a wellness holiday to help you reconnect with nature, reset and recharge
The beauty of this magical island in the Indian Ocean is well documented, but it’s also the perfect destination to reconnect, reset and recuperate from the stresses of contemporary life. Nature, in the form of forests, oceans, beaches and mountains, is absolutely central to life here, making it the perfect spot to recharge. And as a volcanic island surrounded by water, it exists at the confluence of fire and water, two powerful elements that represent purification, light and rebirth.
During a wellness holiday in Mauritius, you can treat yourself to craniosacral therapy, massage and sound healing, while those seeking a more immersive experience can consult experienced specialists who can help you unblock energy, reconnect with your very essence, and leave you feeling like a new person. Whether you’re practising forest tai chi or beach yoga, Mauritius is the ultimate place to restore your relationship with nature and with yourself.
Family holidays in Mauritius can be full of adventure. The island’s highest peaks might be more suited to adults, but there are plenty of charming trails that even the youngest family members can do. We caught up with vlogger and Mauritian native, Will Tevs, to discover the 5 best family hikes in Mauritius.
Who else gets good vibes walking through the forest?
When the sunlight streams through the branches and you can hear the birds in the treetops, it can lift your mood and give you a sense of calm.
Endemic birds – including the Mauritius Paradise-flycatcher – reward hikers and mountain bikers in Bras d’Eau National Park. This wild place of beaches, lakes and native trees lies on the rocky remnants of a lava flow on our north-east coast.
Mauritius is renowned the world over for having some of the best beaches on the planet. Whether you’re looking to swim in crystal-clear waters, lounge under palm trees with a cocktail, or enjoy a romantic sunset for two, this idyllic island has something for everyone. We caught up with vlogger Will Tevs to reveal the top 5 best beaches in Mauritius for swimming, sunsets and nature.
The ravanne, also known as the ‘frame drum’ or ‘tambour’, is a percussion instrument played all around the world. It’s made from goat skin and string which are stretched around a round frame. The skin needs to be warmed before playing, and the echoing sounds are made by hitting the ravanne with different parts of the hand.
We know the best family activities in Mauritius to keep the kids entertained, from ziplining and parasailing to wildlife experiences and hikes. We also catch up with local vlogger Will Tevs to get the lowdown on fun for the kids while holidaying on the island.
Hobbies include leaping around in search of insects, eating overripe fruit, lapping up nectar from tree blossoms and finding smooth leaves to sunbathe on.
These cute little critters can only be found in Mauritius – they’re pretty shy, speedy and only 12cm long, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled if you hope to spot one during your stay on our island.
Your safety is our top priority, so we have been busy…
Vaccinating our tourism staff
Deep cleaning our hotels
Training on safety protocols
Learning how to keep you as safe as possible
We’ve missed you! The beaches and the pools have missed you. The island is ready and waiting for your arrival.
Come and discover why mountain biking in Mauritius is so good! We have incredible scenery and trails to explore on an eco-friendly cycling adventure. Here are our favourite mountain biking spots.
Want to get up close and personal with nature in Mauritius? Consider mountain biking. Pedal power is one of the best ways to explore this lush island, and there are tracks and trails for all abilities, whether you’re a novice or a more experienced rider. Cycle through stunning forests, wide-open plains, or along windswept clifftops and marvel at the natural beauty this island has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a wildlife adventure, a white sand beach, or simply want to get the blood pumping, Mauritius is a dream destination for cyclists. Plus, it’s also an eco-friendly way to travel, meaning you’ll keep this tropical paradise pristine for longer. Future generations will thank you for it.
Honeymoons in Mauritius are extra special and perfect for couples who want to combine beautiful beaches with adventure. You couldn’t ask for a more spectacular spot to toast to your new life together. From helicopter rides to horseback riding, we pick our top 10 things to do on a Mauritius honeymoon.
They were sighted off the west coast of the island and we caught them on camera, gracefully rising from the water, playfully intertwining, the youngster keen to stick by mum.
The ocean surrounding Mauritius is key whale-spotting territory, especially along the west coast. Sperm whales can be seen year-round, and humpback whales migrate through from July to November.
Who is loving the whale wellbeing today?
Your first holiday as a family should be special – and travelling with a baby doesn’t have to be hard work. We caught up with Amanda from Un Duvet Pour Deux travel blog to find out about their first family holiday in Mauritius.
These dishes are supposed to be shared. Just like our island!
Escale Créole is more than a local restaurant. It’s your chance to discover the heart and soul of Mauritius. Meet our people, taste locally-grown ingredients and learn about the joys of slow living.
Mum and daughter duo, Marie-Christine and Majo, are here to tell you more.
Soft white sands, sparkling lagoons and an unforgettable menu of island experiences, there’s no wonder that weddings in Mauritius are some of the dreamiest in the world. Couples can get married in Mauritius under fragrant flowers on a powder-soft beach, in a luxury resort surrounded by loved ones or while floating on a catamaran in the Indian Ocean. There are so many ways to say ‘I do’. Here’s our guide to planning your wedding in Mauritius.
This small islet is surrounded by a ring of coral and ebony forest covers its landscape.
In 1965, Île aux Aigrettes was declared a nature reserve and incredible conservation work has helped create a habitat for rare species that had long disappeared from the island.
You can enjoy a guided tour, keeping a lookout for rare plants, reptiles, tortoises and beautiful birds, including the pink pigeon, Mauritius fody and Mauritius olive white-eye.
Would you like to visit later this year?
Come under the water with us and let’s take a look at one fo the best dive sites in Mauritius…
The sheer drop off fuses with enormous boulders to create an exciting topography of caves and arches, where lobsters scuttle over the rock and reef fish zig-zag above you. You can dive down to nearly 30 metres in this area and explore the cathedral-like cavern, lit angelically by the sunlight beaming through the surface of the water.
This dive spot is located on the west coast of the island near Flic-en-Flac and is one of our favourites!
Would you like to dive here?
You might have seen spectacular images of our ‘underwater waterfall’ before, but we believe some of the best waterfalls in Mauritius can be found deep in our forests and spectacular national parks. We caught up with vlogger Will Tevs to reveal 5 of the best waterfalls in Mauritius. Let’s go!
Mauritius is more than just captivating beaches, turquoise lagoons and brilliant cultures colliding together. The island’s nature is incredible, so come and explore soaring peaks covered with forest, National Parks and astounding landscapes.
We caught up with vlogger Will Tevs to reveal the top 5 best hikes in Mauritius for adventure, waterfalls and, of course, amazing views.
Mauritius is paradise for stand-up paddleboarding – or SUP, for those in the know. 😉
The lagoons are as clear as glass and it’s one of the best ways (and most eco-friendly) to explore the island’s coastline.
But there’s more to explore inland, too. Push your paddle in the water to navigate a labyrinth of thick, green mangroves unreachable by foot; or glide down rivers to discover hidden waterfalls.
‘Nou ti Zil’ means ‘our little island’ and we used this song as an opening hymn, to welcome travellers back to Mauritius.
Three artists came together to write a song that captures what it means to be Mauritian: singer, songwriter and performer Annega, composer and performer Manu Desroches and songwriter and performer Jason Heerah.
We spoke to Annega and Manu about how they were inspired to write ‘Nou ti Zil’.
It’s no secret that Mauritius is full of different cultures, which means all the more occasions to celebrate! We have official public holidays for different religions including Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. We’re proud to come together and honour the different important days for our diverse people. Here are some of the most popular public holidays, celebrations and festivals in Mauritius.
Mauritius island has a wild side. We sent our drone up to capture the beauty of the island’s off-the-beaten track landscapes.
The bumpy roads you’ll traverse to reach this dramatic natural landscape are well worth the journey. Pont Naturel (or natural bridge) is a volcanic rock formation stretching two metres across swirling glacier blue and white waves. It might look like a man-made construction, but it’s entirely formed by natural processes. Water pours through tiny holes in the rock, making eerie whistling sounds known as “le souffler”, which means “a blower”. The sea here is strong and fierce, with waves smashing against the cliffs. For this reason, it’s not suitable for swimming, but it’s a magical spot to contemplate the power and beauty of nature. It’s also a great spot for photographs – just make sure you don’t veer too close to the edge…
Don’t let Cap Malheureux’s name put you off. These days, there’s nothing malheureux (‘unfortunate’) about this pretty fishing village on the island’s northern tip.
The simple little church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is one of the most photographed sights on the island – its bright red roof pops against the background of blue sky, turquoise waters and dramatic headland of Le Coin de Mire.
You’re welcome to pop into the church, either to join mass or take a peek at the holy water basin made from a giant clam shell.
Mauritius is one of the best destinations in the world for kitesurfing.
There are fantastic surf spots all around the island but it’s the south that is renowned for strong and consistent tradewinds, especially between April and November.
One Eye at Pointe du Morne or Cap Dal in Tamarin are the island’s most famous kitesurfing areas, so you can learn in the lagoon or refine your pro moves on the perfect barrel wave.
Mauritius has some of the world’s best golf courses. There are over a dozen golf courses to discover, some designed by the likes of Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els, where perfectly manicured greens lead to views of the ocean and mountains beyond. You can even hop on a boat over to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course to play on an offshore island – it is often voted one of the top 100 golf courses in the world. Who fancies a round?
Our 13 webcams in Mauritius will help you see sunrise, sunset and all the beautiful sunshine in between.
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