How to plan your holiday.
First time visitor to Mauritius? Time to turn vacation mode on. Holidays are precious and can become even more nourishing when some forethought is applied. While things might get hectic before you embark on this beautiful journey, the preparations can be an exciting project that will iron out most of the kinks and get everyone primed for some scenic R’n’R. We call it planning at leisure.
Is it your first time to Mauritius? Wondering where go to, which activities to do – while the list goes on endlessly? There is no need to feel overwhelmed with “fear of missing out”. Sit back, relax and enjoy exploring World Leisure Holiday’s road map to the island havens.
With years of experience, World Leisure Holidays caters for your flight, transfer and accommodation. Here are your options…
Mauritius
Mauritius’s location on the world map sets for ideal weather conditions and breathtaking natural sceneries. At the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius despite being a small island nevertheless dwells on a significant pluricultural heritage. It is filled with history, fusion gastronomy and distinct magic. As your escape on the rainbow island flows – the landscape changes: from urban life, to mountains, to the coastlines’ mind-boggling shores.
While you enjoy “farniente” and wellness in your chosen resort, the real-life in Mauritius happens outside the hotel – where you will make beautiful encounters with the locals and blend into the Mauritian décor. The native language in Mauritius is the Mauritian creole. However, Mauritians are bilingual, trilingual even – with a mixture of French and English. Get prepared to live the Islander’ life.
Leisure Resorts
Leisure resorts in Mauritius provide you with sumptuous accommodation during your stay in amazing places. Most of the hotels in Mauritius are located close to the expansive sea offset by sandy beaches, natural flora and fauna.
Among the most prestigious hotels in Mauritius feature the Sun Resorts hotels, namely: Ambre, Sugar Beach, Long Beach & La Pirogue. Scattered in various regions, from east to west, these hotels provide both half-board and all-inclusive packages with World Leisure Holiday Specials.
Strategically located, the hotels are close to different attraction sites and amenities for an integral blossoming island experience under the cool shade coconut trees and warm vibrant sunshine.
The best time to travel to Mauritius is… anytime of the year!
With two distinct seasons, summer and winter – Mauritius does not face severe weather conditions to the exception of cyclones in January. The winters in Mauritius are somewhat warm and you can still get that perfect tan under the sun during this period.
The Mauritian Beaches
Iconic, mesmerizing and priceless. With all the curves and contours of the island, the beaches in Mauritius are numerous and varied. You are sure to find “your beach cove or stretch” in any region of the island.
West Coast
The most praised beaches in the west are namely Flic-en-Flac, Wolmar and Tamarin – not far from the reputed Le Morne in the south-west area.
The west coast beaches offer astonishing sunsets while the sky and the sea transform into a live artwork, painted by the hands of nature. The west region is close to the main centre towns like Quatre-Bornes and Curepipe where you can enjoy shopping and recreational activities. Quatre-Bornes is known for its authentic “bazar” (market) which sells fruits and vegetables on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Thursdays and Sundays, you will find local crafts, souvenirs and clothes on display.
Nearby shopping malls in the region include Cascavelle Shopping Mall and Spar Flic-en-Flac; where one can enjoy food, leisure, and shopping under the same roof. Both sites have bars and pubs with live music for mellow escapades during the night and the weekends.
If you fancy the memorable adventure of swimming with dolphins in the turquoise lagoons of Tamarin, early mornings are best!
East Coast
The east coast of the country is mainly surrounded by beaches and the sea with nearby rural life. The main beaches are found in Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce and Ile aux Cerfs – a little leisure island, which is accessible through speedboat some kilometres away from the east shore, offering magnificent views on the azure and crystalline waters.
Savour the sunrise on the East Coast, and gear-up for bike rides as well as watersports activities such as kayaking, SUP’ing and parasailing during the day.
Compared to the other regions of the country, the east is more tranquil and does not necessarily cater for nightlife outside of the hotels.
You can enjoy sightseeing along the sugar cane fields on the way to the closest trade market centre Flacq. Flacq is a bustling village where you can find almost anything you want! Bounded by shops and food outlets; it is most convenient for shopping and street food tasting.
The North
Up north in the Riviera region, the most upmarket beach area – is Grand Baie. This is where you will find a selection of luxury fashion brands as well as world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Party People are sure to enjoy the Grand Baie vibes in the bars and night clubs like Banana Beach Club, Insomnia, Les Enfants Terribles, Landshark & Grill, Le Bar et Vous, to name a few. Seafood Lovers are advised to experience Le Capitaine and La Rougaille Creole for authentic local Cajun food.
The northern beaches offer extraordinary sites, while Pereybère beach is fancied for its awesome clear waters for swimming. While you ride along the way, you can visit other beaches namely Grand-Gaube, Mon Choisy, Trou aux Biches, and Cap Malheureux, among others.
The South
The Southern region of Mauritius caters well to Nature Lovers and those with a palette for outdoor adventures; activities include sight-seeing via hiking, quad bikes, or car.
The South region is probably one of the bests spots to gather sensational pictures, while grounding peacefully with nature. The forests and waterfalls in the south should also feature on your bucket list with the amazing view up from Alexandra Falls or guava quest into the woods at Plaine Champagne.
The beaches, namely Gris Gris and La Roche qui Pleure offer magnificent sceneries with huge waves crashing across the rocks and cliffs. Snorkelling Enthusiasts can enjoy the preserved marine park of Blue Bay.
Mauritian Food
Mauritius, due to its history, has several culinary influences. The assortment of flavours is a fusion of Mauritian (creole), Indian, Chinese, and Cajun influences, among others.
Mauritians are fond of spices and unusual recipes- the results are just yummy!
We recommend that you try typical Mauritian food such as: the “dholl puri” which is a wheat pancake stuffed with ground peas, an assortment of veggies and is typically served with curry.
As you walk around in the streets or at the central market in Port Louis (capital city of Mauritius) for instance, you may also try the famous “alouda” at Pillay. Inspired by the famous Falooda drink, the alouda is a milk-based drink, refreshing and tasty for a hot summer day! It is served deliciously creamy topped with a good spoonful of ice-cream, comes in different colours, and is mixed with basil seeds, vermicelli, sweetened milk and any syrup of your choice.
Other must do’s: fish vindaye – curried fried fresh fish with mustard, garlic, ginger and onion, accompanied with rice and salad, with lemon juice squeezed over it. It is often paired with a tropical Mauritian rum.
Do not miss on the tropical fresh fruits available in November and December: litchis, papayas, mangoes, and the delicious Chinese guava. Wander in the central market of Port Louis, or any other town, to discover more and taste them on the spot.
Explore the street food available in most corners of the country and savour the haute gastronomy provided in resorts.
Events and Festivals in Mauritius
If you are lucky enough to be in Mauritius during one of its festivals, make sure you embrace every moment of it! The Mauritian community is a mix of faiths (Hindu, Muslim, Tamil, Buddhist, and Christian) and festivals occur throughout the year.
In March, you might come across a group of merry people together, throwing bright colourful powders, lighting bonfires and singing folk songs to mark Holi – the Hindu festival that traditionally marks the arrival of spring. By end of September, you might join the Eid-Ul-Fitre festival feast which celebrates the end of Ramadan.
The annual Festival International Kreol happens in November and showcases Creole culture with local live music, crafts and cuisine. One can attend the art exhibitions at Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis, jazz concerts, live music gigs and dance the Séga with the locals on the beach around a barbeque.
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