A chill Mauritian holiday to soothe your soul
Adapted from Source: @david_of_reunionisland
Countless photos of vast beaches and clear blue waters on our Instagram Explore feeds have got us wanderlusting over the tranquil vacay spot of Mauritius. And while Airasia may have introduced budget flights to Mauritius only to suspend them recently, we aren’t gonna stop dreaming of sipping pina coladas at a Mauritian beach.
Twice the size of Hong Kong, this Indian Ocean escape has no lack of hiking trails, coral reefs, and landscapes for some serious R&R – all worth it despite the $1200 flight via Air Mauritius.
Fingers crossed that Airasia’s cheap flights to Mauritius from SG will soon come back into our lives. In the meantime, here are some activity ideas to help you start planning your escape.
1. Get a bird’s eye view of an “underwater waterfall” from a helicopter
Source: @camelliah777
While not an actual waterfall, this wonder is created by sand being sucked down by ocean currents. A bird’s eye view of this is insane, so buckle down with a helicopter ride by Mauritius Attractions, and get ready for that epic Nat Geo photo moment.
Each ride starts at 790 euros for two persons and departs from Mauritius International Airport. Book your tickets here.
2. Get chummy with giant tortoises
Source: @christina_pft
Take a short boat ride to Ile aux Aigrettes and Mauritius gets a little wilder than what you’ve seen so far. This islet has a myriad of tropical wildlife, and is home to mega Aldabra tortoises. Free-roaming and happy, these tortoises are a chummy bunch and are slow enough to catch up with for a photo op!
Keep your eye out for other critters like geckos and starfish too. Source: @oecherin
The island is protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, so all visits are accompanied by guides and need to be pre-booked here. Prices start from Rs 800.
Guided tour timings: Mon – Sat: 9:30AM, 10:00AM, 10:30AM, 1:30PM, 2PM, 2:30PM | Sun: 9:30AM, 10:00AM, 10:30AM
3. Pig out on lobster drenched in cheese
Source: @bengali_halal_foodie
Lobster is something most of us have only on #treatyoself days, but at Zub Express Restaurant, you can pig out on lobsters to your heart’s content for just Rs 950 (approximately S$38) – in various sauces like curry, cheese, cream or garlic butter and lemon!
Other dishes at this eatery along Flic en Flac beach includes the freshest squid curry and grilled prawns – so go all out and indulge in a seafood feast!
Address: Coastal Road, 286 Coastal Road, Flic en Flac, Mauritius
Opening Hours: 10AM-3:30PM, 5:15PM-9PM. Closed on Thursday.
4. Snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park
This lagoon is a snorkeling fanatic’s dream come true. Coral reefs are a just short distance from the shore, so you can just snorkel off the Blue Bay public beach FOC, along with schools of multicoloured fish.
Source: @traveler_kat
Venture further out and the undersea life gets even more variegated with larger creatures like trumpet fish, turtles, and even enormous brain corals!
Book a snorkeling trip with Klook here, at 12 euros including snorkeling gear. The boats depart from Blue Bay public beach at 10AM daily.
5. Ride on horseback up the slopes of Le Morne Mountain
When it comes to rugged mountain landscapes, Mauritius has loads, and Le Morne Mountain is your best bet for sublime views of the lagoon. Instead of hiking which takes about four hours, opt for a horse ride to get to the top faster!
Klook offers horseback riding tours up Le Morne Mountain from 105 euros – pre-book your session here.
6. Walk on the seabed of Long Beach
So you’ve done the snorkeling and diving bit. Now, go one step further and walk on the seabed of a lagoon at Long Beach! A transparent helmet is placed over your head so you won’t need to lose your glasses or contact lenses.
The best part? You don’t have to know how to swim to walk underwater! Divers will be there to take you through the 20-minute session.
Aquaventure offers underwater walking tours from 35 euros, at 10:30AM and 11:30AM daily. Book your session here.
7. Sleep in a treehouse surrounded by nature
Fulfill your childhood dream of living in a treehouse at this real-life cabin perched 4m high in a tree! Tree Lodge Mauritius has just one treehouse cabin – an eco-friendly oasis that sleeps up to two persons. No air-con, no television. Just you, bae, and the sound of rustling leaves to take you through the night.
Wake up to a homemade breakfast lovingly prepared by your friendly hosts, Yannick and Ben. And while you’re living amongst nature, you don’t need to worry about being shut out from the outside world – there’s access to wifi in the treehouse!
Prices start from 76 euros per night, with breakfast included. Book your stay here.
8. Climb up a thumb-shaped mountain for panoramic views
Source: @marsyparsy
The hike up Mauritius’ thumb-shaped mountain Le Pouce – literally “The Thumb” – may be 2h long, but the jaw-dropping view of Port Louis and Moka range up there is totally worth it. The route starts off with wandering paths through sugar cane fields, followed by more challenging rocky terrain nearer the top.
The hiking trail starts at Chateau D’Eau Street at Port Louis.
Source: @bentos_03
9. Trip out on rainbow sand at Chamarel
Source: @david_of_reunionisland
We’ve all heard of kinetic sand, but sand that changes colour? Yep, the hues of the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel change as each hour goes by, with the most vibrant at sunrise. At the break of dawn, these sand dunes turn into a psychedelic rainbow display – truly mind-blowing!
You’re not allowed on the sands, but it’s still a great view behind the fence!
Source: @trouvaille_travellers
Address: Plaine Champagne Road, Chamarel, Mauritius
Opening Hours: 8AM – 11PM
Admission Fees: Rs 125
10. Sunbathe at the secluded sands of Iles Aux Cerfs
Source: @natgeo
For a session under the sun, take a 15-minute boat ride to the neighbouring island of Iles Aux Cerfs, a paradise of white, soft sands against azure waters. Take a hike further down the beach past the swarms of tourists, and you’ll find more secluded spots to set up camp.
Mauritius Attractions offers day trips to Iles Aux Cerfs from 29 euros, including lunch at La Chaumière Masala Restaurant.
Bliss out at tropical Mauritius
Skip the usual island trips to Bali and Phuket for once, and head to Mauritius, a gem of an island in the Indian Ocean. Feast on seafood, take on the great outdoors, and be one with nature – it’ll be a relaxing respite as you detach yourself from the hecticness of life back home.
Note: Mauritius still retains the glory of a rural island, and the lack of a transport system means having a car around will be handy. Numerous car rentals services are available at Mauritius International Airport.