Mark Twain once famously said, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius." And no wonder. All it takes is one glimpse at the postcards to be lulled into a dreamy longing to step foot on this island paradise.
Here are 8 ways Mauritius is calling you to this ‘heaven’ on earth.
1. It’s ‘island time’
No rushing and no stress. The best part about Mauritius is that once you step foot off the plane and smell the salt lingering in the air, you’ll feel island time take over. Travelling here is easy and enjoyable. The hours just feel longer.
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2. The world’s most luxurious spas
Does spa-time sound like heaven to you? Sit back, relax and be pampered from head to perfectly pedicured toe. Some of the world’s largest and most luxurious spas can be found in Mauritius. From Nira Spa at Shanti Maurice, with its four distinct spa stations, to the Outrigger Resort & Spa's Moroccan-themed style – complete with Koi carp-filled ponds connected to its treatment rooms – uninterrupted bliss is all yours to find.
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3. Luxury and extravagance
Your home away from home won’t disappoint. Mauritius flaunts no lack of resorts and villas touting infinity pools poised for sunset viewings, onsite dining with sand underfoot and so many all-inclusive conveniences – including two stunning Club Med resorts. You could be laying in a giant four-poster bed peering out at ocean views beyond your toes in no time.
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Discover what a dream holiday with Club Med looks like. Luxury Holidays in Mauritius Made Easy.
Hop over to the Maldives. Luxe in the Maldives.
4. White sands, blue seas
There’s a reason Mauritius has a reputation that precedes itself. The beauty is real! With perfectly white sands lapped at by the azure blues of the Indian Ocean, and palm trees dotting the background, these beaches ooze wow factor. Whether you join the crowds at Ile Aux Cerfs, duck off to a private island or roll out a towel at your own resort beach, it doesn’t take long to see why Mauritius and luxury holidays go together like scones and butter.
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5. Taste sensations in every mouthful
Having been under Dutch, British and French rule at different points in time, but also with Indian, Creole and Chinese influences, Mauritius presents a fascinating, ethnically diverse array of flavours. From the best masala dosa of your life at a simple waterfront kiosk to locally-caught seafood at a fine dining establishment, by far one of the best ways to explore Mauritius is by taste.
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6. A world of green
It’s not all about the beach; green escapes abound too in the volcanic mountain heart of this tropical island. Swim in endless deep ponds, search out tumbling waterfalls and hike through leafy jungle and over clifftops. A world of green awaits – and for those with a penchant for heart-pumping fun, it can also open a portal to new adventures like canyoning, ziplining and mountain biking.
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7. Golf with mesmerising views
Certainly one of the biggest surprises in Mauritius is the golf. It flaunts some of the most picturesque courses on the planet and in a short period, has taken its game to pro. The European Tour is visiting annually, and as a visitor you could find yourself hitting balls on a course designed by European golfing legend Bernhard Langer – or else on a former sugar plantation or, often, within mere metres of sultry beaches.
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8. Underwater treasures
Almost entirely encircled by a coral reef, rewarding snorkelling spots are a dime a dozen here. Dive in to aquamarine lagoons for a close-up and find yourself surrounded by technicolour marine life: blue-tarred parrotfish, clownfish, white-spotted boxfish and more hiding out in sea-grass beds. Travellers wax lyrical about these underwater panoramas – and sea turtles and dolphins make regular appearances too.
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