Enjoy the outdoor attractions
With its glorious sunny weather and beautiful scenery, there’s no excuse not to get out and about when you’re visiting Mauritius. There are a host of activities you can try, so there should be something suitable for every taste.
Below are a few of the top pursuits to have a go at.
Scuba diving
Thanks to its Indian Ocean location, Mauritius is a wonderful place for scuba diving. There are plenty of shallow, calm sites where beginners can get to grips with their underwater skills, while those with experience can explore wrecks and colourful reef walls. There are many dive centres on the island where you can book a course if this is something you’re interested in.
Kite surfing
Another water-based pursuit that’s popular in Mauritius is kite surfing, with the island’s windier stretches of coastline ideally suited to the sport. Le Morne (in the west), Belle Mar (in the east) and Anse la Raie (in the north) are just a few of the spots where you can learn the basics and zip around on the sea.
Golf
Mauritius is a great place to visit if you enjoy playing a round of golf, with the isle home to eight 18-hole and five nine-hole courses. Heritage Golf Club is one of the most famous courses in the World. All the greens are surrounded by amazing scenery, so you’ll hopefully enjoy your game no matter how you perform.
Cycling
If you’re keen to explore the area surrounding your hotel, getting out on two wheels is one of the best ways to do so. Many resorts will provide bikes for hire by the hour, so you can pedal off whenever you fancy it. There are also dedicated cycling paths in Mauritius, with routes through the Maccabee Forest and the Black River Gorges among your options.
Relax and unwind after an active day
Of course, you should allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation during your trip to Mauritius, otherwise you’ll miss out on some of the island’s other great attractions, namely its beaches and spas.
If you’re after a particular atmosphere while you’re soaking up the sun, think carefully about which hotel you book (you’ll find an excellent selection of accommodation here), as its location on the island will affect what kind of beaches you have easy access to.
For example, the north is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and is generally pretty lively thanks to the bars, clubs and restaurants that are close to the sea. If you’re after something a bit wilder, head to the east (places like Belle Mar and Palmar), as this area is a little less developed and has a wonderfully secluded feel. The west coast, meanwhile, is perfect if you enjoy lounging on the sand watching spectacular sunsets.
In addition to allowing plenty of time to chill out on the beach, make sure you also book a spa treatment or two during your trip. There are some outstanding wellness centres on the island offering everything from Ayurvedic massages to treatments inspired by the ocean. Many of the top
luxury hotels in Mauritius will have their own spas, but if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t have such facilities, don’t worry, as most of the spas are happy to help non-guests relax and unwind.