‘Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius’ – Mark Twain

A girl with African curls, Indian features, and a French accent dances the Sega. Her sandy stage lies on Mauritius Island; a place where ancestral cultures thrive and diversity is celebrated. Long known for luscious land and white sands, this volcanic island erupts with reasons to visit. Having blossomed into Africa’s Crown Jewel, guests are enchanted with its endless rocky mountains, valiant views, and of course, its exceptionally warm people.

Located in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Southeast Africa, Mauritius Island has established itself as one of the continent’s greatest success stories. Its exotic wildlife, sensational sunsets, and crystal waters have consistently won the hearts of travelers for obvious reasons; except these qualities constitute to just a fraction of what this idyllic island has to offer. With a spirited population of 1.3 million, the island is a cultural melting pot of people living and thriving in racial harmony. The average Mauritian speaks three languages; English, French and Mauritian Creole, and its rich history has led to a cosmopolitan culture.   

Having faced over two centuries of European colonialism, the island finally became independent in 1968. Prior to this, the British took over from the French and introduced the ‘Great Experiment’; an ‘alternative’ to slavery. Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO world heritage site well worth a visit. The museum pays homage to the ‘indentured immigrants’ who were transported to Mauritius from India and forced to work on the sugar cane plantations. Based in Port Louis, the islands capital, a visit here can be coupled with exploring the markets and even a tasting tour.

WHERE TO STAY In Mauritius Island ?

Maradivas Resort and Spa

For those seeking somewhere with absolute privacy, Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa offers a villa- only experience, a concept in Mauritius that is exclusive to this resort. Large gates open into luscious gardens and a path that guides you to the tranquil hotel reception. Here you are met with friendly faces, luggage is taken to rooms, and after a smooth check in you are too. The resort is a beautiful embodiment of its Mauritian home, adorning local traditional materials against far-travelled woods of India and Madagascar.

You know you’re in a place of luxury when even the most modest accommodation boasts 163 square metres of living space consisting of a tiled plunge pool, king size bed, and an elegant rainforest shower. Each of the 65 villas are equipped with these features and guests can choose between four options. Beachfront suits offer the best views, encompassed by crystal waters stroking sandy shores, where blue skies blend into vast turquoise sea. The two Presidential Suites are ideal for families or larger groups, both treating guests with direct access to the beach. Enjoy every inch of the 56 square metered infinity pool as you look out onto the endless Indian Ocean.  

Architect Maurice Giraud designed the resort to complement its natural landscape, featuring warm timbers and a soft colour scheme that expertly merges into the sunlit environment. Black basalt rocks can be seen along the coast of Mauritius, and the design of Maradivas humbly makes use of the island’s time-honored materials. Owner Sanjiv Ramdanee shared the intention to leave guests with a want for nothing and his aim is undoubtedly realised. 

A typical day at Maradivas is brimming with the simple luxury of choice. Wake up and enjoy the gentle sunlight as you stretch out in the comfy queen size bed. Waiting in your patio is a spectacular spread of fresh fruits, hot pastries, oriental dishes, and any thinkable morning favourites. As the day’s warmth evolves, a dip in the plunge pool coupled with an iced coffee is the perfect routine wake up. Legs are stretched on a short stroll to the beach, where sun loungers lay with waited service. Savour a refreshing cocktail to the live soundtrack of waves as you embrace the pure bliss that is Maradivas.  

Sands Suites Resort & Spa

For a more laid-back and social atmosphere, the partner hotel Sands Suites Resort & Spa is just a stone’s throw away from Maradivas. Walking into Sands emulates the same awe in adults as Christmas morning does for children. Light wooden beams frame an archway of views so phenomenal it is easy to spend your days glued to one of the overlooking sun loungers. The iconic image of Sand’s infinity pool stretching out into a canvas of ocean is a treasure gifted to all that visit.  Rooms feature ocean views from balconies, with large bathrooms and luxurious beds. A stretch of white sand frames the front of the resort, behind it sits Dolphin Bar and three mouthwatering restaurants. Evenings can be spent drinking cocktails to relaxing music as the sky turns from blue to pink to red.   

RESORT ACTIVITIES

Complimentary water skiing will spark the interest of any adrenaline junkies. Or for those seeking something equally rewarding but perhaps less exerting, a range of activities are waiting on the beach of both resorts. Test your balance on a paddleboard, or make friends with the fish as you snorkel.

After tasting Mauritian cuisine it’s only natural to want more, and this can be facilitated far past a stay on the island. Maradivas offers personal cooking classes, held at Karo du Chef organic garden or one of the four lavish restaurants. Here guests may immerse themselves in island flavours, or a further choice of Thai, Indian, and Japanese cuisines.  

LUXURY SPA EXPERIENCE

A trip to these resorts that doesn’t include a spa experience is absolutely an opportunity wasted. Both Maradivas and Sands offer havens ‘of peace and tranquility’, with endless relaxation treatments that are sure to eliminate any pre-holiday stresses. Maradivas specialises in Ayurvedic treatments, an ancient medicine system rooted in India. A consultation with Doctor Praveen Nair is the perfect way to unpack any anxieties, and holistic treatments such as the oil massage promises upmost serenity. Fluffy robed guests can be found pre and post treatment, enjoying soothing drinks in the relaxation area; equipped with a gentle pool and jacuzzi. Facilities include saunas, steam rooms and a beauty parlour, alongside multiple treatment rooms all infused with soul centering incense.   

The nature of these resorts award peace to even the most frazzled minds, thus it is wholly unsurprising that guests choose to spend their days here. Mauritius, however, is an island full of surprises and is fully deserving of some time spent exploring. 

WHERE TO EXPLORE?

EUREKA HOUSE

Eureka House is a time capsule of historic architecture and offers a firm eyeshot of the past. Now owner, Jacky de Maroussem, welcomes visitors into the well-preserved home in which grand original décor dazzles and bygone stories live on through the walls. Lunch can be enjoyed from the terrace with views of the gardens where colourful birds dance amongst hot red ‘flamboyant’ trees. Just a short walk away lies a spectacular waterfall for those adventure seeking visitors.    

CASELA NATURE PARK

Casela Nature Park affords several new bucket list opportunities, including breakfast with the giraffes, allowing guests to feed these majestic animals as they too enjoy a delicious buffet of treats.  

LE MOURNE LE MORNE BRABANT WORLD HERITAGE SITE

For panoramic views of the island, a hike up Le Morne World Heritage Site rewards its partakers with arguably the best spot in Mauritius’s southwest coast. Whilst not for the faint hearted, the experience is a one of a kind and certainly worth the hours spent trekking. Adventure company ‘Local Spirit’ provides expert guides who share tales of this now spiritual sanctuary. In the 18th and early 19th century the mountain was used as retreat for escaping slaves, and today exists as a symbol of resistance; a stark reminder of the island’s harrowing history and the unyielding strength of Mauritian people.

So whatever your holiday needs are, the island that inspired heaven will certainly fulfil them. Mauritius is rich with history, culture, and beauty, and should therefore be impossible to pass by.