Mauritius: Discover the paradise beyond the Beaches
When we flew to Mauritius, we only knew the island as a dream destination for honeymoons. Friends raved about the beautiful hotel complexes on paradisiacal beaches with views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. But the question of whether Mauritius has something to offer beyond its beaches remained unanswered. During a honeymoon, sightseeing is usually not a priority. However, with two small children and an almost eleven-hour flight, we wanted to experience more than just the sea.
"Mauritius was made first, and then heaven and heaven was copied after Mauritius"
Already on the way from the airport to our hotel in Le Morne (Family Hotel: RIU TURQUOISE, opening summer 2024, Adults Only: RIU PALACE MAURITIUS), it became clear to us: Mauritius is different! Lush green landscapes with colorful villages shape the island instead of arid and endless uninhabited areas. The south coast impresses with miles of beaches that are not developed due to dangerous ocean currents and are freely accessible. In the south, gaps in the coral reef only allow limited safe swimming, while other beaches with gently sloping shores and pleasant water temperatures are particularly child-friendly. The east, with its windy climate, attracts mainly surfers. The Indian Ocean offers numerous water sports opportunities, and the mountains of Mauritius, such as Le Morne Brabant in the southwest, invite you to exciting explorations. Curepipe, the highest town, impresses with the extinct volcanic crater Trou aux Cerfs, while Chamarel is known for its seven-colored earth, a natural wonder.
Our 6 Highlights on the Dream Island
1.) Flora & Fauna of Mauritius - A Colorful Diversity:
Mauritius captivated us immediately with its colorful flora, with an estimated 700 different plant species. The island is green, blooming, and fragrant. The Flamboyant from Madagascar enchants with its beautiful red flowers, and the Banyan Tree looks like an enchanted creature stretching its rooted arms in all directions. The national flower Trochetia Boutoniana is also a special feature, as it only grows on the slopes of Morne Brabant. With its orange nectar in bright red flowers, it attracts birds, bees, and geckos. There are many plants in Mauritius that you have never seen before and that seem to come from a fairy tale book. The vegetation offers not only something for the eyes but also for the palate. Our girls enjoyed the many local fruits like papayas, guavas, lychees, starfruit, and bananas every day. And of course, fresh coconut, served on the beach with a view of the Indian Ocean.
2.) Snorkeling with Dolphins - An Unforgettable Experience:
We fulfilled our older daughter’s wish to snorkel with wild dolphins. For an affordable price (about 49€ per person), we took a small motorboat directly from the beach in Le Morne to the dolphins. Although the trip was quite exhausting, especially for our daughter (dolphins spotted – jump from the boat – dolphins too far away again – back on the boat – dolphins spotted…), it was still a unique and recommendable experience.
3.) Port Louis – Mauritius' Cultural Hotspot:
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a major center for trade, economy, and culture. Located on the northwest coast, the city impresses with a fascinating mix of colonial architecture and modern facilities. The Le Caudan Waterfront offers a perfect mix of Caribbean flair, shopping, and entertainment. The Blue Penny Museum offers a journey through the fascinating history of Mauritius. Markets like the Central Market provide insight into local life, while temples, mosques, churches, and synagogues reflect the cultural diversity. Port Louis is not only a bustling trading hub but also a vibrant cultural hotspot.
4.) The Most Expensive Stamp in the World:
In the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis, we admired the “Blue Mauritius,” which, with an estimated value of about 1 million euros, is considered the most expensive stamp in the world. To protect it, it is only shown in its original form for about 10 minutes per hour and unfortunately cannot be photographed. But it is exciting to see such a small stamp with such a great value.
5.) La Vanille Nature Park - Giant Tortoises Up Close:
Even if the park is not spectacular, there is one attraction that makes a visit to La Vanille worthwhile. On a huge area, you have the opportunity to experience over 100 giant tortoises up close. They are not caged, so you can touch them and feed them at certain times. The restaurant also offers something unusual. Here you have the opportunity to try crocodile meat, cooked in many different dishes.
6.) The Magic of the Dodo - Mauritius' Extinct Icon:
The wildlife on Mauritius reveals a fascinating diversity. Besides encountering dolphins, giant tortoises, and a variety of bird species, fish, monkeys, and geckos, we also saw the Mascarene flying foxes in the wild. But one creature particularly captured our children’s hearts: the Dodo. This chubby, strange-looking, flightless bird is not only the symbol of Mauritius but also a coveted souvenir. The Dodo, which once lived exclusively on this island and even adorns the coat of arms, is unfortunately extinct. Its good-natured and trusting nature made it easy prey for humans.
The friendliness of the island inhabitants particularly impressed us on Mauritius. Despite different religions and backgrounds, people live here peacefully together. The culinary diversity reflects this as well. Mauritius offers travel for every budget, from exclusive hotel complexes to affordable guesthouses and local food courts.
What is your highlight on Mauritius? Share it with us!
Julia & Clemens from traveldisco.shop
P.S. Our Travelfolio passport holder with the palm tree design is the perfect accessory for your dream vacation in Mauritius.
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