Magnificent Mauritius

We travelled to the Indian Ocean to visit the island of Mauritius, where the sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture and warm hospitality beckon the discerning traveller. Here’s a glimpse at an 8-day itinerary...

A direct flight from London to Mauritius is around 12-hours and there are numerous carriers available, including; Air Mauritius, British Airways and Emirates. Upon landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, you will recognise that Mauritius’s international airport is a modern hub that is also appropriately sized for the footfall of holidaymakers this gem in the Indian Ocean receives.

We wanted to explore the island at our own leisure for the first few days, so we opted to rent a car with a local provider, Pingouin Car Rental*. The car rental kiosk is metres from the airports exit…it’s therefore impossible not to find! We had researched car rentals thoroughly before leaving and opted for Pingouin Car Rental due to its affordability and reviews. We were not disappointed! We were greeted by the cheery proprietor, Mr. Iqbal (whose name is heavily featured amongst prominent online reviewing systems). He helped us complete our paperwork and then escorted to our Suzuki S-Presso, which was more than capable when navigating Mauritius’s sound infrastructure. Within 45-miuntes of disembarking the plane, we were on the road.

(*‘Pingouin Car Rental’ picked up our car 3 days later, when we were in-resort, saving us the effort of having to drive to one of their local depots. Well worth the additional cost of around £15-20, which included petrol.)

Prior to our arrival, Mauritius had experienced its second cyclone of the year. During these periods, which tend to last a week, the island practically goes into lockdown. Upon arriving, we were greeted by some overcast weather, but the temperatures remained within the high twenties. The weather forecast suggested that we would have a week of intermittent showers and pockets of good weather, however this was not the case. Most mornings it rained from 04:00 to 06:00, but after that we were greeted by a full day of glorious sunshine (a minimum of factor 30 sun cream is therefore advised). It is always worth noting that the sun's rays are strongest the closer you get to the equator. This is due to the sun being directly overhead and as a result, UV rays travel shorter distances through the atmosphere. We always like to make it known that the weather in the Indian Ocean is unpredictable - it could be the middle of peak season (e.g. January and February) and you could still experience heavy rainfall.

Our journey started in Tamarin, named after the Tamarind trees which use to grow in abundance amongst this village. Today, Tamarin is noted by surfers as an unpredictable wave protected bay on the west side of the island, so it doesn't break too often (ideal for beginner surfers who are in need of a gentle lesson). Watching on from the beach, you can enjoy surfers catching waves well into the evening and even during the sunset. Our first full day saw us take to the ocean on a Catamaran Tour - the allure of Mauritius extends far beyond its azure waters, beckoning us to explore its hidden treasures during our expedition. Here, amidst the rhythmic sway of the boat and the melody of the ocean, we embarked on a voyage of discovery, swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat and basking in the splendour of Crystal Rock and Ile Aux Benitier, where marketers sell local trinkets and drinks served out of freshly carved coconuts. As we anchored at this pristine isle, we are greeted by a symphony of colours – the emerald green of the lush vegetation, the sapphire blue of the sky and the pristine white of the sandy beaches. All of this created a tableau of unmatched beauty that secured the feeling of being in paradise.

During our second full day, we woke at the crack of dawn and drove down to La Balise Marina and were met by Antoine & Wilson of Ocean Brothers Mauritius. Within minutes of setting off on a powerboat, with 8 other explorers, it wasn’t long before our Skipper and Whale Expert had plunged a hydrophone into the water in an attempt to detect some gentle seafaring giants. With a set of ‘thumbs up’ and a sense of enchantment, it was really then that we set sail on this whale watching and swimming tour. After several attempts to locate a resting family and over an hour riding deeper into choppier waters, we had our first mesmerising encounter with a Sperm Whale. With bated breath, we watched on in awe as the majestic whale breached the surface, their slow & graceful movements painting a picture of pure grace against the backdrop of the endless sea. And when the time was ripe, we plunged into the crystalline waters, embracing the thrill of swimming alongside these beautiful creatures. Over 3-hours at sea and we we managed three dives alongside different pods.

(During the experience, we were equipped with masks, snorkels and fins – all of which are completely necessary as you are fighting off 6-foot waves and creature that moves surprisingly fast considering its size. Our experts were enthusiastic about animal welfare and stressed the importance of keeping our distance and applying to their strict rules.)

During the next days, when we had returned to land, we delved into the heart of Mauritius, exploring its vibrant cities and charming villages. In Grand Baie, we lost ourselves in the bustling markets and chic boutiques, indulging in a shopping spree that found us brushing shoulders with the friendly locals. In Port Louis, we immersed ourselves in the rich tapestry of Mauritian culture, wandering through the historic streets and savouring the tantalising flavours of the local street cuisine. And in Flic en Flac, we surrendered to the allure of the sun-drenched beaches, where time stands still and worries fade away in the gentle embrace of the ocean breeze.

Throughout our break in Mauritius, we found solace and sanctuary at the exquisite Victoria Beachcomber, a 4-star resort noted for its refinement and cheerful staff. Nestled along the pristine shores of Pointe aux Piments, this idyllic retreat offers a combination of comforts and conveniences, from elegant accommodations adorned with plush furnishings and modern amenities to a wealth of facilities designed to pamper and rejuvenate the body and soul. Here, amidst the lush gardens and swaying palm trees, we surrendered to the rhythm of island life, indulging in sumptuous dining experiences, rejuvenating spa treatments and a selection of recreational activities that promise to delight and fulfil your every day.

Toward the end of our stay, we embarked on a scuba diving excursion with a PADI qualified school, attached to the beach of the Victoria Beachcomber resort. We were asked for our PADI certification number and debriefed on some of the key points of diving and found the instructors to be very helpful. We hopped on a powerboat and it wasn’t long before we descended into the depths, where a kaleidoscope of marine life unfolded before our eyes. Majestic octopuses gracefully glided past, their movements captivating our senses. We encountered Scorpion Fish camouflaged among the coral, their intricate patterns blending seamlessly with their surroundings. Stealthy Stonefish lurked in the shadows, a testament to nature's camouflage mastery. The vibrant hues of Lionfish added a pop of colour to the underwater landscape, their flowing fins a sight to behold. And then, a moment of serenity as a gentle turtle awoke from its slumber and glided by, its ancient wisdom evident in its tranquil demeanour. Each encounter is a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of the underwater world, leaving an indelible imprint on our hearts and minds.

We found that Victoria Beachcomber was the perfect base for recuperation during our 8-days of activities and adventure. Victoria has everything you need to truly relax, including swimming pools, water sports, tennis courts, a gym, gym classes and multiple bars & restaurants. But perhaps the true magic of Victoria Beachcomber is not its pristine beaches or airily comfortable rooms & suites, but in the warmth and hospitality of its people. Throughout our stay, we were embraced by the genuine kindness and generosity of the Mauritian staff, who welcomed us with open arms and open hearts, inviting us to share in the beauty and bounty of their island home.

(The resort will shortly be commencing a minor refurbishment, which should be finished by October 2024.)

Upon departure, as we bid farewell to Mauritius, we were reminded that true luxury lies not in the extravagance of material possessions, but in the richness of experiences shared and connections forged, in the moments of wonder and awe that remind us of the boundless beauty and possibility of the world around us. And in Mauritius, we have found all this and more – a paradise of luxury, a sanctuary for the soul and a treasure trove of memories waiting to be discovered.

(Matt visited Mauritius in March 2024, courtesy of our partners at Beachcomber Tours.)