[Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2016, unless otherwise credited.]

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“Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” 
– Mark Twain

Famed as an idyllic honeymoon destination, the cluster of shimmering islets that make up Mauritius will be quick to put your stereotype to rest. These glossy gems are a treasure trove of countryside adventures, underwater discoveries, and the odd cultural treat; and they want you to know that collectively they are just as ideal a destination for solo travellers, families, gap years – or even the occasional boisterous party hangout.

Expect astounding beach-blessed shorelines, powdery white sands, crystalline waters, and a whole smattering of islands to hop around if the beaches aren’t enough for you. This slice of heaven is routinely lauded as one of the most blissful islands in the world for plenty of good reasons; and it’s not hard to see why. Exemplifying the perfect combination of pampering luxury and understated elegance, Mauritius gives you all the trappings of an ultimate beach holiday without the seedy rowdiness that typically accompanies; with an utterly beguiling charm that makes even the most discerning of us fall head over heels in love.

Know Before You Go

– For a decent experience, you’ll need at least 6-7 days on the itinerary.

– Mauritius has only two seasons: Summer (November-April) and Winter (May-October). Thankfully, the drop in temperature is not what you’d imagine and it’s never real winter-cold. The island is also very prone to hurricanes, which typically happens during the hottest months of the year (December-February).

– Tap water is safe to drink in Mauritius, which will actually take a load off your travel wallet.

– Mauritian power sockets are made to accept three-pin plugs.

– Don’t worry, everyone speaks English here. French and English are compulsory languages at school in Mauritius, but the colloquial speak that most locals turn to is still Creole, which I was told was kind of like a French dialect.

– The island’s national currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) – which is not interchangeable with the Indian Rupee. USDs and credit cards are also widely accepted; although, for smaller transactions, you’ll probably want to stick to MURs.

Helpful Hints

– I hate to shade Google because I love Google, but; ditch it in Mauritius. Google Maps is the worst possible guide you can have in Mauritius just not optimized for Mauritius quite yet; so try asking around with locals instead because they are generally very friendly people and very willing to help you on your way.

– There is something about being on a holiday that makes us all think we can bargain everything down to an indecent low. The Mauritians don’t appreciate this and they do not have that kind of retail climate – so don’t do it excessively.

– Unless you’re familiar with a taxi driver, do not take them up on their offer when they over-hype places and beaches (especially if you’ve never come across any of these names during your research) and want to take you there. This is a huge tourist trap and these places are usually unpopular and not-touristy; and not only will they charge you exorbitant fares to get you there, they get paid for referral on the other side too. Think The Hills Have Eyes, capitalism version.

– Traveling on a shoestring budget? Look up the East Coast (Belle Mare, the Flacq district, and the likes) as it caters to travelers working on a budget.

– Glad tidings, newlyweds. Many establishments in Mauritius offer extra perks to honeymooners so if you’re looking for a freebie, bring some sort of verification which certifies your vows were exchanged within the last six months. (I don’t know, a card? A certificate? What legal documents do newlyweds get?)

Getting Around

For obvious reasons, taxis will be the most likely choice of transport for most things when you’re in Mauritius, especially for your inaugural airport-to-accommodation route. But taxis are also notoriously expensive in Mauritius. If you’re in the Pereybere area (which is also where Grand Baie is), this will take you close to an hour to get to and set you back about €45 a way.

If you’re up for an adventure, I highly recommend the bus and your own two feet once you’re settled in. There are no trains in Mauritius, but there is a local bus system that’s quite fun to explore if you’re not in a real rush to get anywhere*; and for shorter distances, well, your feet can take you there. The term barefoot luxury is bandied around a lot at the moment, but in Mauritius, I can’t help but feel it is one of the few places in the world where the term can be used entirely accurately. So many hidden treasures, so many cinematic views, so many open-air pursuits – all sequestered in one humble island resembling a tiny slice of heaven.

* Most buses stop service after 6pm so please time your return trip well or you’ll be left with no choice but to hail a cab back. 

Sleep (For The Rich)

Affluence runs deep through the hotel spaces of Mauritius. If you’ve got some serious change to spare, check out these picks. I’ve left out chains because I’m pretty sure those can be easily sussed out on your own.

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
– Located on one of the best stretches of sheltered sandy beaches in Northwest Mauritius, this all-suites hotel is a mix of natural woods, cream and tropical colours, with water everywhere – waterfalls, fountains, water channels and 102 whopping pools. Pavilions are arranged in six horseshoe-style crescents around a pool, so at times you’ll have it to yourself. Modern eco principles include recycled water, solar-powered heating and a desalination plant to conserve drinking water.
https://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/en/hotel/trou-aux-biches-golf-resort-spa

Constance Prince Maurice
– This spacious yet intimate six-star hideaway is named after Prince Maurice Van Nassau, pioneer of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean; and true to its homage, the rich, warm character of regional flavours and spices permeates the hotel’s cool, colonial architecture, as well as its fusion cuisine.
https://www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/mauritius/prince-maurice/

Bubble Lodge
–  Bubble Lodge takes glamping up a whole notch, with a collection of cosy, semi-transparent eco-domes on a southern tea plantation, offering a good night’s sleep cocooned in nature. Impressively high-tech and luxurious, it provides an intimate experience of nature – drifting clouds, the night sky, animal sounds and the dawn chorus – all while perched atop a hill and covered in tropical foliage.
http://www.bubble-lodge.com/

Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa
– Owned by a fifth-generation Mauritian family, this award-winning hotel is the only all-villa hotel on the island. Spread over a generous 27 acres of lush tropical gardens, it is also one of the island’s most private; with a focus on romance, gastronomy and wellness. Originally a Taj hotel, Maradiva’s architecture now reflects the island’s mixed heritage. It’s luxury without the overshowy-ness; with cathedral ceilings, earthy yellow and ochre walls complete with polished Madagascan Rosewood floors.
https://www.maradiva.com/en/

Sleep (On A Shoestring)

You don’t have to be cash-strapped to find Mauritius’ accommodation choices painful for the pocket. Property here is one of the most expensive even if you’re earning a comfortable keep, and it shows even in temporary lodging – and yet, as with all things, there are two ends to a stick. Here’s the other end:

La Palmeraie Hotel
– With rooms starting at USD80 per night, La Palmeraie is a charming and intimate retreat that gives luxury boutique hotels a real run for their money.
http://www.hotel-palmeraie.com/en/

Cocotiers Seaside Boutik Hotel
– Cocotiers is one of the most popular budget choices in Mauritius; and is famously known for its vibrant and friendly atmosphere. For as low as USD60 a night, you can score yourself a pretty airy and spacious room – most highly likely overlooking the ocean.
http://www.cocotiers-hotel-mauritius.com/ 

AirBNB
– And who can forget? Wherever you are in the world, AirBNB doesn’t just offer up cheaper options for lodging, but possibly Better options too (all things considered) – and Mauritius is no exception. Don’t forget to hit up AirBNB if you’re in a accommodation research ditch; I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to snag something you like.

Choice Islands

Ile aux Cerfs
This gem is the most famous and most accessible of them all – but still remains breathtaking in every sense of the word. Its elegant coastal style has all the nostalgia of traditional seaside holidays teamed with a healthy dash of heaven-like flair.

Ile des Deux Cocos
A 5-minute boat ride from Blue Bay, this idyllic islet is lapped by azure waters and edged with the kind of white-sand beaches that make sun seekers sink to their weak knees.

Ilot Gabriel
Like a figment of your imagination, Ilot Gabriel is but a tiny dot thrown on the open sea that most people overlook. But God is it glorious. Ilot Gabriel possesses a different visage – wild and savage, and is still in a sort of primitive state with lots of  lush green vegetation and indigenous fauna and flora – but the experience is still as (if not more) visceral; and promises to be a quilt of peace and tranquility.

Île Plate
Almost like a mini nature reserve, this low-lying islet is actually just a stone’s throw from Ilot Gabriel; and boasts sugar-white sands, briliant waters, and the opportunity to spot dolphins on your way there.

Choice Beaches

Don’t worry, Mauritius’ beach-blessed shoreline means that shimmering blue seas doesn’t always have to be a boat ride away. If you’re not looking to island-hop, these amazing public beaches are available right at the mainland’s doorstep – and all still very worth the visit.

Pereybere
It’s not the cleanest, but definitely the most vibrant. Brimming with locals who are there to swim, hang, and make merry, Pereybere is the perfect embodiment of Mauritius’ playful island spirit; and great for some short haul sunshine and a full-on immersion into the flavours of daily local rituals.

Mont Choisy
The longest beach in the north of Mauritius, Mont Choisy is the number one closest alternative you’d want to head for if you’re missing the islands. It’s a glorious stretch of coastline with equally pristine aquamarine waters – and the same peaceful, exclusive atmosphere to match.

La Cuvette
La Cuvette is where you’d go if you want a piece of turquoise paradise in solitude. At just 80m in length, it is the shortest beach on the island, which means a lot less people who make the effort to go there.  Don’t write it off though, this secret little gem has some hidden coves, boulders and cliffs that will still surprise.

Flic en Flac
What you’ll love about Flic en Flac (besides the name) is the fact that it’s a cozy seaside town with all the wonderful trimmings to match. It’s also where most of the major luxury chains are located, so expect the full tourist treatment which, in this context, is actually rather atmospheric and nice.

La Cambuse
If you’re a strong swimmer (i.e not me), La Cambuse is the beach for you. Located just only a stone’s throw away from the airport, it’s not hard to imagine why it’s one of the least frequented beaches in Mauritius- in that it’s likely too out of the way for most itineraries). But this also means vast swathes of white sands, crystal clear waters, and privacy, just for you.

I feel like I must reiterate that the currents here are very strong, and is not a beach meant for casual invigorating dips unless you’re a competent swimmer –  or resolved not to go into the waters at all.

No Waters Here… But Don’t Miss It

Port Louis
You can’t go to a country without visiting the capital. Port Louis is truly a sensory overload, well-known for its strong colonial architecture and lively Waterfront shopping and dining district. Don’t miss out Chinatown when you’re there; as well as Aapravasi Ghat, a key UNESCO site for it was once the immigration depot to receive indentured slaves from the rest of the world.

Casela Wildlife Park
I don’t usually encourage zoos anywhere, but there’s something about the staff here that leaves you utterly convinced that they love the animals more than they love you – which is exactly the way it should be. The crazy scenic nature and landscaping aside, you get to go behind the cage with the white tigers, lions, and a whole series of other wild cats and animals – but take note that the tamers are highly protective of the animals, and you will be chided if you try anything funny. That aside, Casela is truly impressive in that many a time, you almost forget you’re in a zoo and not, say, a safari.

Market Flacq
Market Flacq is THE BEST (and biggest) open-air market on the island. It’s the centre of local life and such a visual  feast for the eyes; saturated with lots of local fresh products, small bites, sundries, and the likes. Don’t forget your cameras if you’re headed there or you’ll be so sorry.

Balaclava & Dutch Ruins
Mauritius has one of the most colourful and unexpected histories as far as micro nations go. Hailed as one of the world’s most famous palm-fringed playgrounds, few are aware that this idyllic, sun-soaked spot was actually once a haunt for pirates – real pirates – and that it later went on to become a major patron of the slave trade for 500 years.

But it’s easy to overlook Mauritius’ somber history given its azure waters and huge expanses of undulating terrain, including the fact that it weathered three colonial rules under those 500 years – one of which largely contributed to the extinction of the Dodo bird .

Both historical sites are now open-air museums and a ghostly presence of Mauritius’ colonial heyday; and is sure to show you a side of the island you never knew existed.

Charamel 
Thought to be the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash, Charamel is geological phenomenon featuring seven-coloured soil that rises 283m above sea level, with a luxurious tropical forest surrounding its vicinity and which lends an extremely scenic view en route. It’s one of the most famous geological oddities and has often been cited as the eighth wonder of the world, so yes, don’t miss it if you’re already there.

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Enjoy Mauritius. I know I truly, utterly did.