Mauritius Guide 2022

mauritius IT'S TIME TO DISCOVER

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Ile aux Serpents

Ile Ronde

Ile Plate TOP COUNTRY

Ilot Gabriel

Mauritius

Coin de Mire Red Church

CAP MALHEUREUX

Africa

GRAND GAUBE

Mont Choisy Le Golf

MAURITIUS

GRAND BAIE

TROUX AUX BICHES

Maheswarnath Shiv Mandir temple

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Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club

QUATRE BORNES

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ILE AUX CERFS

FLIC EN FLAC A10

Casela Nature & Leisure Park Tamarina Championship Course

CUREPIPE La Vallée de Ferney Adventure Park

Swim with dolphins Tamarind Falls

BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK

Ile aux Bénitiers Paradise Golf Club

MAHEBOURG

Avalon Golf Estate

La Rhumerie de Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths La Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park

Le Morne UNESCO Heritage Site

Heritage Golf Club

BEL OMBRE

Ile aux Aigrettes

Grand Bassin

Rochester Falls

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

La Vanille Nature Park

Blue Bay Marine Park

BLUE BAY

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elebrating 30 years as a Republic, this safe tropical island’s readiness to welcome visitors, one-of-a-kind experiences and commitment to sustainable tourism, earned it third place in Lonely Planet’s top ten countries to visit in 2022.

Magical Mauritius can offer the ‘wow’ factor, which makes it a must-visit bucket list destination.

Created by a gigantic underwater eruption, eight million years ago, this good-looking island has beautiful beaches sloping down to a cerulean lagoon almost seamlessly enclosed by a coral reef, and pristine islands where white-tailed tropic birds shoot the breeze.

A ring of miniature mountains encircle a central forested plateau, with tumbling waterfalls, which shelter rare wildlife among its endemic ebony trees.

So much more than a beach destination, the far-flung land of the iconic but now extinct dodo is a biodiversity hotspot, with endemic birds breeding in the wild, giant tortoise centenarians, and sea turtles in its sparkling lagoons.

It’s the ideal setting for fabulous luxury hotels, now refreshed, reimagined and reenergised, with lures of private pool villas, holistic spas and Championship golf - plus Masterchef-worthy Mauritian gastronomy.

There is an incredible range of activities in and out of the water, from parasailing, electrobiking and island-hopping to visiting botanical gardens, heritage homes and riotous Indian temples.

A planned new cruise terminal is due to open soon, making Mauritius an ideal port of call for cruises in the Indian Ocean’s Vanilla Islands

© Alexandre Lassemillante

WELCOME TO

mauritius

WELCOME TO MAURITIUS

Sustainable travel experiences include exploring nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries – and you’ll leave only footprints trekking through the national park or climbing a mountain.

Vast stretches on the island are occupied by private domaines (estates) with ecotourism activities from hiking to four-wheel drive safaris.

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contents 6 WOW FACTOR

Ten reasons why Mauritius should be top of any bucket list holiday

8 CUISINE

Fusion cuisine, hole-in-the-wall eateries, beachside stalls, food tours, local brews

10 CULTURE

Island traditions, UNESCO World Heritage sites, artisans and artists, festivals

12 GOING GREEN

Sustainable practices, eco-adventures

14 NATURE EXPERIENCES Biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries

16 OCEANS

Beaches, watersports, dolphin watching

20 ADVENTURE

Hikes, adventures, helicopter rides

24 CULTURAL TOURS

Island skills and immersive experiences

25 SPA & WELLNESS

World-class remedies for body, soul and mind

28 ROMANCE

Weddings, honeymoons, time for two

30 WHERE TO STAY

Hotels, resorts, villas, eco-lodges

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WELCOME TO MAURITIUS

Pocket-sized Mauritius is small enough to go whale watching in the morning, zipline over the forest canopy in the afternoon and be back in time for a rum sundowner.

Voted the Indian Ocean's Leading Airline – Economy Class in the World Travel Awards in 2021, Air Mauritius has five flights from Heathrow during high season

The island's intriguing cultural mélange – with islanders hailing from India, China, Africa and France (think nobles and swashbuckling corsairs) – gives it depth of character and scope for immersive cultural experiences.

Tickle your taste buds with street food in colourful markets, learn traditional crafts from village artisans or have lunch at a family home.

Easy to reach on a 12-hour overnight flight from the UK and with minimal jet lag, you can be on a sun lounger by the sea a couple of hours after touchdown.

Magnetic Grand Baie, on the Mauritius Riviera, is a rising star, with a hot new five-star resort, and a flurry of new openings. Go for sandy coves and après-sol entertainment, championship golf and a boat trip to the northern islands.

The sugar trail leads to interactive museum L’Aventure du Sucre, which tells the island’s story, and plantation homes such as Château de Labourdonnais, for Mauritian gastronomy and artisanal rum tasting.

Follow the spice route in world-class Pamplemousses botanical gardens, planted by the famous 18th century naturalist Pierre Poivre, with nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, and inhale the aroma of Indian spices on a street food tour of Port Louis.

The largest oceanarium in the Indian Ocean, Odysseo, is a new reason to visit the capital.

© Jacques Rocca-Serra

The exclusive but still traditional east coast has fishing villages strung along a natural, unspoilt coastline, with leading hotels, beautiful white-sand beaches and the picture-perfect island playground of Île aux Cerfs, stretching its sandy tendrils into the sapphire lagoon, with watersports, golf and new ecolodges.

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In the sultry southeast, home to the airport, the Creole-flavoured original port capital of Mahébourg affords views over Lion Mountain from its waterfront promenade, while Blue Bay Marine Park offers glass bottom

boat trips and the islands’ best snorkelling.

Visitors can take an electrobike ride through four centuries of island history, explore tiny nature reserve Île aux Aigrettes and spot the Mauritius Kestrel at La Vallée de Ferney, and take the slow route, sailing by traditional pirogue to the historic southeast islands.

The sheltered west coast, centred around Flic en Flac, has spectacular tropical sunsets and calm family-friendly beaches.

Nautical activities include diving at Wolmar, dolphin-watching in Tamarin Bay and game fishing at Black River. The island's leading animal park, Casela, offers encounters with African animals and manmade thrills. The park spans over 350 hectares and is divided into five zones, each with its own unique characteristic: Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Pangia Birds and Rides and World of Events.

In the green southwest, those hiking the trails in the Black River Gorges Nature Park are rewarded with panoramic views of crater lake Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), flanked by statues of Hindu gods.

The lunar-like rainbow-coloured sand dunes at Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark is the main draw in the highlands, while profits from eco-tours in Ebony Forest, a refuge for the island’s threatened wildlife, go into restoring native flora and fauna.

The last 15 years or so has seen Bel Ombre (‘beautiful shadows’) develop into a model of responsible tourism, with 2500 hectares of protected forested reserve, accommodation, gastronomic experiences and leisure activities.

Reinvented as ‘Bel Ombre Territory’ in 2022, and branded as Lamer. Later. Lavi. (Sea.Land.Life), its aims to be a leading ecotourism destination.

Beyond lies the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Peninsula with top-notch kitesurfing, a scenic mountain hike and an illusory waterfall offshore.

Sega blasts from houses in the fishing villages of the sleepy ‘wild south’, with deserted beaches and a lobster curry lunch at Chez Rosy on the surfpounded cliffs at Gris Gris. La Vanille Nature Park, with an expansion in the pipeline, breeds Aldabra tortoises, brought to the island by Charles Darwin.

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The Art of Beautiful Welcome to our haven, where the beauty of the place inspires the beauty of the heart.

Our artisans create the Art of Beautiful in every moment and around every turn.

#Mauritius

#BeachcomberExperience

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© Alexandre Lassemillante

Take a spectacular helicopter ride to an illusory ‘underwater waterfall’, which appears to tumble over a cliff into shades of blue created by the formation of sand and silt on the Ocean floor, off Le Morne Peninsula

factors WOW

1 GO FOR GOLF

With 10 top-notch scenic golf courses designed by the game’s greats in a space just the size of Surrey, tropical Mauritius offers the best golf experience of any long-haul island destination.

It has clement weather year round, greatvalue courses with varied play and caters to pro and amateur golfers alike. Mauritius is host to prestigious tournaments including the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open held at Heritage Golf Club - awarded the Indian Ocean's Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards 2021 - and the MCB Golf Tour at Constance Belle Mare Plage. For foodies, Sun Resorts host the ‘Golf & Gourmet Trophy’ played on three courses, with a Michelin-starred chef.

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2 SPOT A CETACEAN

Mauritius is a hotspot for marine mammals, with playful dolphins and whales found off the west coast. Spot sperm whales playing in the mornings (year-round), admire humpback whales as they breach between July and October and look out for the occasional pilot and beaked whale, on an eco-friendly whalewatching trip, with a marine biologist aboard.

3 CLIMB A MOUNTAIN

Take a hike up one of Mauritius’ miniature, wind-sculpted mountains. There’s a peak suitable for everyone, from the family-friendly Le Pouce (‘The Thumb’), overlooking the capital, to a popular climb up UNESCO-listed

1 rocky monolith, Le Morne Brabant, which once sheltered fugitive slaves, with a panorama of lush forests, islands and coral gardens from the top. Get technical on Pieter Both; its distinctive boulder is seemingly balanced on top.

4 EAT LIKE A MAURITIAN

Masterchef 2020 showcased Mauritius' fabulous fusion cuisine, from its rustic street food to island gastronomy. Take a street food walking tour of Port Louis, Mahébourg or Grand Baie to sample popular gato pima (chilli cakes), boulettes (steamed dumplings) and dholl puri (flatbreads rolled around spicy fillings). For Mauritian fine dining, treat yourself to a gourmet tasting menu at a leading island restaurant.

5 TASTE THE ISLANDS TIPPLE

Taste artisanal Mauritian rums, flavoured with the likes of lychee or vanilla, at elegant plantation homes. Château Labourdonnais has a rum tasting bar while Saint Aubin features a traditional distillery. Learn how sugar cane is crushed, fermented and distilled to make doubledistilled amber nectar at Rhumerie de Chamarel, or swill and inhale like a pro on an exclusive barrel tasting of award-winning New Grove rum at Grays Distillery. Go local with homemade rum arrangé, steeped in fruits and spices.

6 VISIT THE MAURITIUS RIVIERA

Horseshoe-shaped milky blue Grand Baie in the north is Mauritius’ Riviera, with designer

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© SAR Production

WOW FACTOR

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boutiques and beaucoup nightlife. By day, there’s sandy coves for swimming, and excursions - from a submarine trip to a tandem sky-dive - and a flurry of openings with new beach clubs, rooftop bars and cool eateries.

7 EXPLORE BY ELECTRIC BIKE

An electrobike ride with Explore Nou Zil (‘Our Island’), offers a slice of authentic island life, without breaking a sweat. A highlight of a trip to Souillac, is lunch at roti-maker Mala’s village home, a circular ride of Grand Port, takes in four centuries of island history and Pop, a pirogue maker, while a day in the Chamarel highlands visits a coffee plantation, the 7 Coloured Earth Geopark and the rum distillery.

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8 GO ISLAND-HOPPING BY BOAT

Explore Mauritius’ offshore islands by catamaran, speedboat or traditional pirogue. Île aux Cerfs in the eastern lagoon is the favourite tropical island playground with watersports, scenic golf and eco-lodges. The far-flung northern islands offer snorkelling and talcum-white beaches, while white-tailed tropic birds soar over the romantic ruin of a lighthouse on Île aux Fouquets, in the southeast.

9 TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Mauritius’ forests shelter some of the rarest birds on earth. Keep your eyes peeled on a stroll among ancient ebony trees at Black River Gorges National Park, spot the Paradise Flycatcher on

the raised walkway at Ebony Forest Chamarel and the Mauritius Kestrel on a guided nature walk among ancient ebony trees at La Vallée de Ferney. Pretty pink pigeons and echo parakeets are the star attractions on a ranger-led tour on island nature reserve, Île aux Aigrettes.

10 RELAX ON RODRIGUES

Only a 90-minute plane hop from Mauritius, tiny Rodrigues is one of the best kept secrets in the Indian Ocean. Known locally as the ‘anti-stress’ island, this authentic African-flavoured outpost offers eco-hikes, secluded coves, charming Creole table d’hotes and top-notch diving. Other activitis include game fishing and kitesurfing in its vast cerulean lagoon.

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Also open to non-residents, new Asian Fusion restaurant Ai Kisu at LUX* Grand Baie has Warayaki straw fire cooking, sushi and a soy sauce sommelier

cuisine FUSION

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n showcasing its street food to gastronomy, Masterchef 2020 put this small island firmly on the map for foodies.

Tasty and varied, Mauritian cuisine is a fusion of flavours from four continents.

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CUISINE

Islanders mix and match when it comes to food, with fried noodles, biryanis, faratas and pain au chocolat all popular. The Masterchef contestants learned to make the spicy wrap dholl puri (the nation's favourite street food) and gato pima (chilli cakes) – which Mauritian schoolchildren have in a baguette for breakfast. Both are found at hole-inthe-wall eateries, beachside stalls and markets islandwide. For authentic, family-rooted menus, seek out traditional restaurants that give a true taste of the island in humble surrounds. Local delicacies are palm heart with smoked marlin, crevettes – a minuscule river shrimp (pricier than lobster) – and vension and wild boar, found at gourmet restaurants and plantation homes.

FOOD TOURS

Take a food tour with Taste Buddies who weave in tales and fun facts, while tickling your taste buds. Most popular is their street food tour of the capital, Port Louis. Newer regional tours include Mahébourg village which includes a boat trip along the River Chaux for lunch at Nativ Lodge, while a Grand Baie homemade food tour offers a tasting platter and ‘grandmas’s dessert’ washed down with a rum arrangé.

The southern ‘Tea Route’ to Bois Chéri tea plantation includes a tasting of Mauritian tea, flavoured with vanilla to coconut, and lunch at Saint Aubin, while Chamarel is famed for its Table d’Hotes. A new immersive experience at L’Aventure du Sucre features a museum visit,

cane cutting in the sugar fields and crushing it, making rum cocktails and tasting speciality sugars, and a gourmet lunch at Le Fangourin. For a unique island offering, go lychee wine tasting at Takamaka Boutique Winery at Plaine Champagne.

Cooking classes at island hotels help guests master typical Mauritian dishes such as cari poule (chicken curry) or octopus rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce). For an authentic island experience, My Moris’ cooking class with Rosemonde includes a visit to the local market, before grinding fresh spices on a granite ‘curry rock’ for lunch in a Mauritian Creole home. DMC's can arrange tours to local families such as to the Bhowany family home in Mon Desir village, where visitors can learn to prepare gajaks (snacks) and

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Cuisine

Sugar Beach craft beer brewery

Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort

Cooking classes at island hotels help guests master typical Mauritian dishes such as cari poule (chicken curry) or octopus rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce)

Top five places for Mauritian Gastronomy Enjoy freshly-caught shrimp on a Taste Buddies tour

A new cooking demonstration in the traditional outdoor kitchen at Eureka, a pretty plantation home in the Moka mountains, features past times Mauritian classics. The Sunday buffet lunch at Otentic Eco Tent in the southeast offers traditional Mauritian specialities such as breadfruit gratin, octopus and green papaya curry, and jackfruit with smoked pork.

Heritage Le Telfair offer farm-to-fork dining, and locally-sourced, organic and healthy food, with increased plant-based options on menus. The Social House, at the new Sunrise Attitude offers a

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Keen on Green - grilled vegetable pizza

vegan tapas platter. The Coco concept at Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa features traditional coconut pastries, a coconut body scrub, a coconut cocktail and chicken cooked in coconut.

LOCAL BREWS

Attitude hotels have a new Tea Baz - tea bar – with local brews flavoured with vanilla and cardamom, produced by the local Corson tea estate. Sugar Beach Mauritius’ new local Thirsty Fox craft beer brewery has tasting workshops from a Master Brewer, while a new Mauritian rum adventure at LUX* Grand Gaube includes a cycle through the sugar fields to a behindthe-scenes tour, spiced rum making and a rum pairing dinner in the Rum Tree House.

1 The gourmet menu at L’Escale Creole, a family-run restaurant in Moka, features the four flavours of Mauritian Creole cuisine: rougaille, curry, vindaye and salmi.

2S avour palm heart tartare, crab mousse and seafood jelly, and wild boar braised with Chamarel rum at L’Alchimiste, at the Chamarel rum distillery.

3C reative local cuisine at La Table du Château at Château de Labourdonnais, comes with homemade pickles from the orchard and a rum bar.

4E njoy fresh seafood by the seaside at recently-renovated Le Pescatore restaurant, a fine dining institution in Trou aux Biches.

© Michael Freeman

tuck into a Mauritian lunch from a (compostable) banana leaf plate, the traditional way - with their hands, or scooped up with roti.

Mauritian rum adventure

LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences

5T he gourmet menu at Yuzu in the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, is designed by Chef Nizam Peroo who tutored the Masterchef 2020 contestants.

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Mauritians believe that ‘taking time is not wasting time and they always take time for visitors to the island. In fact their genuine friendliness is part of this small tropical island's charm.

The island was ruled by the Dutch, French and British - and visited by legendary corsairs and pirates – who all left their legacy.

Shimmering fields of sugar cane surround plantation houses and domaines (estates), offering Mauritian gastronomy and award-winning artisanal rums, flavoured with island spices.

Learn how sugar shaped the islands history, at interactive museum L’Aventure du Sucre and wander through UNESCO World- Heritage listed atmospheric Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis Harbour where indentured labourers arrived from India.

Stroll palm-lined avenues in the planet’s third oldest botanical gardens at Pamplemousses then explore the historic southeast, where the first Europeans landed: it has a ruined fort and famous naval battle, a story told in the National History Museum in Mahébourg.

The Made in Moris label highlights island products, often made by local artisans, from coconut oil from Kokodezil to upcycled clothing from The Kreol Republic

Mahebourg's traditional market

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Traditional Mauritian life today is evident in brightly-painted temples (red and white are Hindu, multicoloured are Tamil), mosques and churches, colourful markets piled high with produce and the UNESCO-listed traditional séga music and sashaying dance performances, seen at island hotels.

Awanam at Veranda Tamarin Hotel brings local musicians and DJs to the Crazy Fish bar’s live stage from Thursday to Sunday, while boho chic beach club NJOY at La Cuvette beach, which opened in December 2021, has open mic sessions and plans for a music label to showcase local

© Jacques Rocca-Serra

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auritius is a pot pourri of cultures with peoples of Indian, African, French and Chinese heritage and Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists - living peacefully side by side, united by their Creole language.

VIVID

culture

CULTURE

Mahébourg regatta

Salt Pans

musical talent. An art gallery opened at Sands Suites Resort & Spa in November 2021 while the new LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences has a Patrick Mavros gallery, offering one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the islands’ nature and wildlife.

During the island's closure, Attitude invited talented Mauritian artists to create individual identities for their hotels. Gaël Froget repainted the Taba-J street food truck at Zilwa Attitude, in his brightly-coloured graphic style, while fashion designer Gabrielle Dalais used terracotta and mustard gold, leaf green and marine blue inspired by the natural surrounds at the new Sunrise Attitude. Mauritius even has street art, seen in the capital, Port Louis.

FESTIVALS

Mauritians like to celebrate, with festivals or events held throughout the year.

Pirogues with colourful sails fill the bay at the Mahébourg regatta in November, while lion and dragon dancers parade through Port Louis Chinatown during the Chinese Spring Festival.

Villagers throw lurid coloured powder over each other at Holi, the Hindu festival of joy. For Maha Shivaratree, pilgrims walk in white to Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) crater lake to honour the god Shiva, and fairy lights twinkle islandwide at Diwali, to mark the triumph of good over evil.

Tamil islanders parade through the streets with pierced bodies for Thaipoosam Cavadee, and climb hundreds of steps to picturesque Kovil Montagne, on Corps de Garde mountain. Food stalls and séga concerts feature at the International Kreol Festival, celebrating the island's African roots.

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An adults-only eco-committed hotel 0 single-use plastic in the guest experience Natural cosmetics in the rooms and spa

Holidays with a positive impact Savour minutes of relaxation and reconnect with nature by the rhythm of sunrises and full moons that make the lagoon look magical. Take a break at POZ Spa. Eat healthily, explore new flavours or have dinner at a local’s house for a total immersion in the Mauritian way of life.

Discover the island and meet its people with the Otentik Discovery app. And your stay at Sunrise Attitude will leave a positive impact!

www.attitude-hotels.com

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TOP COUNTRY

Mauritius

green GOING

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ccording to the Global Wellness Trends Report 2021, tentative travel will become the new buzzword, with travellers striving to leave a place better than they found it. Mauritius is committed to sustainable tourism, with green zones, protected lagoons and eco-experiences ranging from electric bike trips to whale watching.

WILD AND FREE

The bird that most people associate with Mauritius is the dodo, but the rescue of the Mauritius Kestrel is one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories.

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dining. Environmental projects underway are mangrove rehabilitation, sea turtle protection and reef conservation.

SUSTAINABLE ISLAND MAURITIUS

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Mauritius in March 2022, it has been declared the island's’ national bird.

Sustainable practices at Mauritius' hotels and resorts have earned them prestigious and internationally recognised certification.

Under the branding ‘Sustainable Island Mauritius’, the tourism authorities launched a campaign to eliminate single-use plastics, while Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recognition is helping to drive eco changes islandwide.

Sands Suites Resort & Spa is the latest to achieve Green Globe Certification; Green Key certified Heritage Le Telfair has been added to Small Luxury Hotels’ The Considerate Collection; and Travelife Gold certified Attitude Hotels launched a Positive Impact movement in 2020, which guests can join.

Green initiatives from hotels and resorts range from beekeeping and farm-to-fork

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Only 2% of native forest remains on Mauritius. Leave a legacy by planting an endemic tree on the island, at Ebony Forest in Chamarel

Attitude is the first island group to eliminate single use plastics – by providing refillable water bottles to guests and inroom supplies in reusable glass jars.

From June 2022, half of all purchases will be from ‘Made in Moris’ suppliers. New generation ‘eco-committed’ hotel Sunrise Attitude even has a Rejuice Bar, which turns ugly fruit – often thrown away – into delicious juices for guests, and donates 50% of the profits to Foodwise, while kids at Tamassa can join a Happiness Bell Ritual in support of the local community.

Mauritius Conscious creates sustainable travel itineraries in Mauritius, with or without accommodation, which are carbon

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GOING GREEN

Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort

© Jacques de Spéville

Île Des Deux Cocos

TOP FIVE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES Mauritius Kestrel

compensated, and with locally-led, curated experiences that support the community.

in its Now for Tomorrow initiative include sourcing 100% food locally or regionally.

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

Green additions at Heritage Le Telfair range from biodegradable room amenities and a new solarpowered glass bottom boat to a partnership with silicone-free and biodegradable Avène Suncare.

Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ list 2022, emphasises sustainable travel experiences, which benefit the environment and empower local people. Rogers Hospitality is the first island group to put a sustainability officer in each Heritage and Veranda Resort.

Heritage Resorts in Bel Ombre has launched carbon neutral stays, using carbon credits to offset CO2 emissions, and carbon compensation projects from the reforestation of spare land to a solar farm, to reduce the islands dependence on fossil fuels. Sustainability commitments

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Westin Turtle Bay & Spa resort

The bird that most associate with Mauritius is the dodo, but the rescue of the Mauritius Kestrel is one of the world’s greatest conservation success stories

Innovative projects under Green Globe certified LUX* Resorts & Hotels green initiative, ‘Tread Lightly’, range from carbon free stays to climate action, with solar-power on Île Des Deux Cocos.

Artisanal ice cream and sorbets made from locally-sourced seasonal products, from Royal Pineapple with pepper to local Tamarind is new at Heritage Le Telfair. Eco-conscious SALT of Palmar, is recognised by Positive Luxury.

E-Bike

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok now has an electric luxury car, BMW1X – the islands first. Sun Resorts’ Île aux Cerfs has refillable glass bottles at the restaurant and electric boats in the pipeline.

The LUX* Collective owns three out of the four VeganWelcome certified hotels in Mauritius features plant-based ‘Keen on Green’ items.

The new Coco concept at Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa pays homage to the coconut by featuring traditional coconut pastries, a coconut body scrub and more.

A new collectable experience at LUX* Grand Gaube, ‘Hug Me Honey’, includes learning about beekeeping at the hives, making a honey scrub and an à la carte honey pairing dinner.

1 A ‘Conservationist for the Day’ on Île aux Aigrettes with leading NGO, Mauritius Wildlife Foundation features feeding baby tortoises, bird watching and examining a skink 2 A new 30 minute Green Loop at Ebony Forest in Chamarel, features a museum visit, squeezing through invasive guava, visiting restored native forest and the endemic nursery 3 Learn to weave bamboo baskets, braid vacoas palm or create terracotta lamps for Divali, from village artisans on a cultural immersion tour from My Moris, run by an anthropologist 4 Go whale watching with eco-conscious operator Blue Water Diving Center accompanied by underwater photographer, Hugh Vitry, and a marine biologist 5 An electrobike ride with Explore Nou Zil to Souillac includes lunch at roti-maker Mala’s village home, which supports a local family

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he remote land of the dodo is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with rare birds and plants in its forest-clad mountains, and nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries ripe for exploring Eco-lodge on Île aux Cerfs

Rare birds

Mauritius is heaven for twitchers, with nine of the worlds’ rarest bird species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation offers ranger-led bird spotting in the Black River Gorges National Park. Ebony Forest in Chamarel offers nature hiking, guided bird-watching along a raised walkway in endemic forest and a specialist bird-watching tour with a conservationist, includes the aviaries.

Mauritius Kestrel feeding at noon is a highlight of a guided nature walk through endemic forest at La Vallèe de Ferney in the Bambous Mountains.

Southeast islands named after birds include rewilded nature reserve Île aux Aigrettes (Egret Island), where a ranger-led tour reveals pink pigeons, echo parakeets, ornate geckos and grumpy centenarian, Big Daddy, a giant Aldabra tortoise which Darwin first brought to Mauritius.

New specialist VIP tours from Mauritian Wildlife Foundation range from a southeast islets nature adventure, with lunch at Le Case du Pecheur, to spotting seabirds in the northern islands.

Look out for the Mauritian Flying Fox, a giant bat with a metrewide wing-span that swoops to feast on fruit trees at sundown

Wildlife © Bigstock

Nature

Experiences

NATURE EXPERIENCES

Monkeys at the Gorges

Private domaines (estates) turned ecoparks offer family-friendly encounters with Java deer, monkeys (and the odd wild boar) among indigenous forest.

Take a safari or ranger-led hike through the Jurassic-like UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bel Ombre Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes

Vallèe de Ferney

peeled during a four-wheel drive safari in La Vallèe de Ferney in the southeast – or better still on a ‘The Deer Slab tour’ during mating season in July and August. Or, try an offroad nature ride by electric bike with Explore Nou Zil in the Wolmar estate in the west.

Cradled by the west coast mountains, Casela Nature Parks offers interactions with cheetahs, breakfast with the giraffes – including Ngla and Kamaria, born in 2021 - and feeding the rhinos. Ground handlers are promoting tours to explore Ebony Forest for 2022, which can include planting an endemic tree and hikes up UNESCO-listed Le Morne mountain, a symbol of resistance to slavery.

A trip to wild South Eden from newly-reopened The Residence Mauritius takes in mountains, islands and rugged shorelines ,with stops at pirate site, Ilot Sancho, Rivière des Galets pebble beach and La Vanille Nature Park, with a new dodo museum and baby Aldabra tortoises.

New at Heritage Resorts is a family-friendly lunch in a picnic pod at Frédérica Falls.

Reconnect in nature

Luxury eco-stays are a hot new trend.

Romantic new lakeside tubular-shaped eco hideaway nicknamed ‘the cigar’ on Île aux Cerfs, come with butler service and bespoke dining (four more, with two beachside, are due in 2022). The exclusive four-bedroom Ferney Nature Lodge, nestled in the 2000-hectare La Vallée de Ferney estate, offers Champagne sundowners and gourmet picnics, while Ferney Bubble Lodges will arrive by 2023.

Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa Wolmar | Flic en Flac | Mauritius T: +230 403 1500 | maradiva.com

Sands Suites Resort & Spa Wolmar | Flic en Flac | Mauritius T: +230 403 1200 | sands.mu

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Grand Baie in the north has idyllic sandy coves, with sheltered white-sand stretches for swimming at nearby Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Wolmar in the west. The longest stretch of white sand is Belle Mare Plage on the east coast, with ocean breezes for watersports in summer, and offshore from Trou D’Eau Douce, the island playground of Île aux Cerfs. Blue Bay Marine Park, in the southeast, is the islands famed snorkelling spot.

Feed stingrays, snorkel with sharks (not from Mauritius!) and be a ‘biologist for a day’ at Odysseo, the Indian Ocean’s largest oceanarium which opened in Port Louis harbour on September 2021.

Most hotels and resorts offer glass-bottom boat and snorkelling trips in the lagoon, with over 1,700 marine species. 20 Degrees South has a twice-weekly snorkelling trip to the deep clear waters around Coin de Mire, while in a playful twist the recently-opened C Mauritius snorkelling trip is accompanied by the sommelier.

With 8,000 specimens, World of Seashells at Heritage Bel Ombre is the largest collection in Africa and explores their aesthetic appeal, cultural significance and conservation

Kitesurfing in Rodrigues

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Pedal boating, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and often unlimited waterskiing, are complimentary at most hotels. Maritim Resort & Spa has a new sailing centre, with certified courses. Kitesurfing courses with ION Club Mauritius at the newly-rebranded JW Marriot Mauritius includes a ‘Combo’ course for beginners, Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort offers private, group and family lessons with Kite Globing, while Preskil Island Resort’s new Kiteschool has kitesurfing and kitefoiling.

Mauritius and Rodrigues claim the Indian Ocean’s best diving, and dive centres cater for all levels and offer PADI courses.

© Lokal Adventure

W

ith over 100 beaches, with palm trees and eye-popping sapphire lagoons protected by a near seamless coral reef, active beach holidays are this island's forte, with eco-marine experiences ranging from kitesurfing to whale watching

RIDE THE

oceans

RIDE THE OCEANS

Free diving

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort

Lokal Adventure offers an initiation into freediving - an island first – with a certified instructor, using yoga and meditation, with a 10-metre dive in Tamarin (40 metres, if experienced). For keen divers, a seven- to ten-day scuba diving cruise (for up to eight) on liveaboard luxury catamaran Sea Spirit circumnavigates the island.

LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVES

Mauritius is a hotspot for marine mammals, with 16 cetaceans living in its coastal waters.

Playful bottlenose and spinner dolphins are often seen on an early-morning catamaran cruise or speedboat ride in Tamarin Bay. Eco-responsible Lokal Adventure offers a dolphin watching trip by sea kayak.

Pa

Exp alo lag UN Mo aw one mu

The Indian Ocean is a sanctuary for whales, with resident sperm whales, migrating humpback whales (July to October) – and the occasional pilot and beaked whale – spotted along the west coast. Go on a whale watching adventure with established ecooperators Blue Water Diving Center, with a marine biologist aboard, and Dolswim, for a combined dolphin and whale watching trip.

River kayaking and dolphin watching with Lokal Adventure and a Catamaran cruise and sports fishing with the ‘Fish Whisperer’ feature in Veranda Tamarin’s new Explorer Program, while a dolphin encounter or fishing trip are complimentary experiences for Familymoons at Paradis Beachcomber.

For on +23

Best known for blue marlin, Mauritius is on the game fishing map. Fly-fishing, in search of the Giant Trevally, is a new island offering.

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Rejuvenate and Reconnect Within its pristine location on the edge of one of the oldest marine park and environment, strategically located in historic Turtle Bay, the resort bestows to its guests, moments of pure indulgence and an immediate air of belonging. Nestled in a lush tropical garden, and an intimate white sandy beach skirting the turquoise Indian Ocean at the front, the resort is designed with a romantic and typically Mauritian feel.

For more information or booking, kindly contact us on reservations@westinresortmauritius.com or call us on +230 204 1400.

Paradise with a Mindful Touch

No Ordinary Relaunch

Experience JW Marriott Mauritius Resort stretched along 800 meters of soft white sand, its turquoise lagoon and the stunning backdrop of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne Brabant Mountain. This island sanctuary will transport you to a world of culinary delights, an award-winning spa, one of the most exhilarating kite-surfing spots and multiple activities for everyone.

Le Meridien Ile Maurice – Pointe aux Piments – Ile Maurice is now open.

For more information or booking, kindly contact us on reservations@jw-mauritius.com or call us on +230 403 9000.

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Discover our newly refurbished hotel and explore Mauritius with authentic and thought provoking experiences at every turn. Le Méridien Ile Maurice is located on the sheltered bay of Pointeaux-Piments, on the north west coast of Mauritius. It’s prime location offers unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and its magnificent sunsets.

For more information or booking, kindly contact us on reservations@meridienmauritius.com or call us on +230 204 3333.

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Celebrate life

Our hotels in Mauritius are in dreamlike settings.

But at LUX* LUX we like to go an extra step... Rest reassured we have what it takes to surprise you, over and over again, so you’ll keep wondering what’s next?

LUX* LE MORNE A mindful tropical resort on the wild west coast of Mauritius.

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LUX* BELLE MARE A vibrant, forwardthinking luxury hotel that truly captures the best of island living.

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luxresorts.com

LUX* GRAND GAUBE A totally reimagined retro-chic tropical resort in Grand Gaube, on the north coast of Mauritius.

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LUX* GRAND BAIE A serene tropical hotel at the heart of Grand Baie, where sophisticated, laid-back beachside living is taken to new heights.

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adventure SENSE OF

T

he Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Destination for the third year running at the World Travel Awards 2021, Mauritius is on the bucket-list for adventure travellers.

Created by a volcanic eruption around eight million years ago, the island's rugged interior is ripe for exploring.

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With forested mini-mountains and canyons with tumbling waterfalls to surf-sculpted cliffs – and all packed into an area just the size of Surrey – Mauritius' wild side is never far away.

The beautiful Black River Gorges National Park is the lungs of the island, crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails, and offer the chance to spot rare birds.

TERRA FIRMA/YOUR FEET ON THE GROUND Guided eco-hikes with Yanature, the island's original trekking company, have the ‘wow’ factor. Tamarin Falls, with seven waterfalls tumbling through jungle- like scenery' is one of the destination's most stunning while their newest, ‘Trails and Waves – The Wild South’

takes in scenic waterfalls, cliffs, deserted beaches and ends with a dip in a rock pool.

Lokal Adventures' original ‘Moris, Out Of The Box’ activities include river trekking in the turquoise waters of Eau Bleu, featuring waterfalls and caves and an underground hike to explore lava tubes at Roches Noires (‘Black Rocks’).

On a visit to the island, American writer Mark Twain observed its ‘picturesque groups of toy peaks’and Mauritius’ characterful miniature mountains can all be climbed'.

Family-friendly hikes include Le Pouce (‘The Thumb’), where monkeys play, with a view over Port Louis and Ebony Forest’s guided hike up Chamarel’s Piton Canot mountain, with a museum

Mauritius is small, safe and easy to get around. For a DIY adventure, rent an electric bike, electric scooter or mini moke to explore it

visit and refreshments at Sublime Point. Those taking ‘The Slave Route’ up Le Morne Brabant with Yanature are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the lagoon and islands.

For a challenge, Trois Mamelles mountain with Explorers Mauritius weaves and winds along the razor's edge of a ridge, while Lokal Adventure offer a unique technical sunset climb up Piton Jacob (Pieter Both’s little brother).

Yanature, originators of trail running in Mauritius, has a trail to Black River Peak, the island's highest while Lokal Adventure offers ‘Anou Galope’, a 10- day trail run through diverse landscapes.

For awe-inspiring views of Mauritius'’ volcanic nature, take a helicopter trip into the

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ADVENTURE

highlands. Aerial thrills range from parasailing to a tandem skydive from 10,000 feet.

The newest adrenalin-pumping craze is Flyboarding, described as ‘Fly like Iron Man n’ Dive like a Dolphin’ with FLYn’Dive in Grand Baie.

BIKE ADVENTURES

Discover authentic island life on an electro-bike ride with Explore Nou Zil, tasting local food and interacting with islanders and artisans in Souillac, Grand Port, Pamplemousses and Chamarel. Their scenic Le Morne ride takes in fishing villages, Macondé viewpoint, and the poignant monument to slavery. A new coastal ride from Yemaya Adventures is a 20-kilometre circular mountain bike trip along

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Eau bleu river trek

sandy trails from Belle Mare beach, guided by former cycling champion Patrick Haberland, with stops at a sugar mill ruin and a lake.

A 30-kilometre cultural bike tour in the east with Lokal Adventure (pedal power or electric) visits a Hindu temple by the sea, sugar fields and farms, with a locally-made picnic.

SPILLS AND THRILLS

Island eco-parks offer nature-based thrills.

Activitis at the newest, Lavilleon Adventure Park in Chamarel, include ziplining, a Nepalese bridge and a via ferrata, with horse-riding and a riverside hike coming soon. The largest adventure playground, Casela Nature Parks, has a Predator Kingdom that offers visitors encounters with

© Lokal Adventure

© Lokal Adventure

Snorkelling in Pirogue South

© Lokal Adventure

© Lokal Adventure

Kayaking

Sunset 3 Mamelles

Located in the southeast of the island near, Mahebourg, Blue Bay is a marine park renowned for its remarkable coral garden, with hundreds of varieties of corals including a 1,000-yearold brain coral

Electric bike ride in Grand Port

big cats, including cheetahs, and feeding the white rhinos to rides on Thrill Mountain.

Try a Segway safari and the island's biggest zipline park with a ‘zip and splash’ into the river. Or drive an eco-buggy on rugged offroad trails in Heritage Nature Reserve, ride a quad through the wild south with Big Foot Adventure or take a mountain bike along 20kms of open track in La Vallée de Ferney.

SPORTS AND ADRENALINE

Veranda Tamarin’s new Explorer Program includes a sunset hike up Trois Mamelles mountain with Lokal Adventure, a discovery tour by electrobike with Explore Nou Zil and hiking in the Black River Gorges or Le Morne

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Wild South Trekking

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One of those is SALT, whose first hotel, SALT of Palmar in Mauritius, was even awarded Brand of the Year by the know-their-eco-stuff judges of the Positive Luxury Awards.

Being a Positive Luxury brand is a sign that you’re doing right by the world while you offer it a high-quality product. It means the brand has met

to-take-them-allhome toiletries in your bathroom. It’s just that they are not made of, or packaged in, plastic.

You still get your ice-cold water to stay hydrated under the tropical sun. It’s just that it didn’t arrive in singleuse plastic. It’s the island’s water, purified by Nordaq Fresh filters (which makes the world’s best tasting water, according to chefs with 161 Michelin stars between them).

This deliciousness is served in pretty reusable bottles.

The upshot is zero contribution to the 8 million pieces of plastic pollution that hit the ocean every day. That’s right, no single-use plastic here.

You still get want-

You still get tips on what’s good in the area. It’s just that those tips lead you not only to local places but to local people and the authentic experiences and skills they share with you.

Complimentary adventures for honeymooners are mountain biking, horse riding or hiking Le Morne Brabant mountain at Dinarobin Beachcomber and Paradis Beachcomber to a walk on the wild south coast at Shandrani Beachcomber.

Radisson’s Blu Passport gives access to hiking in Bras d’Eau, a cycle trip and mangrove trail at Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa and a kayak safari, cave exploration and mangrove eco track at Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa.

You still get to eat from a global menu of incredible food made by seriously gifted chefs. It’s just that the ingredients haven’t been flown in.

AQUA FUN

The Splash N Fun Leisure Park (formerly Belle Mare Waterpark) on the east coast has an adult and wave pool and three thrilling rides as well as fairground-style attractions.

SALT of Palmar’s chefs get more creative than that. They take whatever’s in season on the island and run with it.

the highest standards of innovation and environmental performance. And that it’s a star of the global culture shift towards a sustainable economy. Winning one of these awards is something of which to be next-level proud. And SALT is proud plus some. It’s on a mission to operate hotels differently and help people take more positive travel actions, and this award proves it’s no pipedream.

At a time when the biosphere is in crisis, it’s a brand that’s able to help people have a happy, guilt-free time. From-theheart service meets on-point actions.

It has answered the needs of some, broadened the horizons of others, and panned for the lifestyle gold that is transformational travel. And it’s the result of living by the values of being simple, local, curious, and human.

Luxury doesn’t have to mean that you have to go without. Eco can be beautiful.

Thoughtful can be stunning. And responsible has never been so desirable.

They’ve demonstrated real change.

And they’ve created an alternative.

It’s an attitude, not a platitude. It’s a bit David and Goliath. It’s a lot higher consciousness. And it’s the future of hospitality.

So, it’s a well-deserved well done to all the good folk at SALT.

Brabant mountain with Yanature. Attitude hotels’ guests can take a scooter to secret beaches, hidden villages or along trails through sugar cane fields to discover a spectacular view using the self-guided Otentik app.

Want a taste of SALT?

Watery island adventures include sea karting at Black River and parasailing in Grand Baie and Trou D’Eau Douce.

Island-hopping is an unmissable nautical adventure. Catamaran and speedboat cruises to the northern and southeast islands are offered as complimentary experiences to honeymooners and familymooners at selected Beachcomber resorts.

New collectable island experiences from LUX* Resorts range from swimming with dolphins and a barefoot breakfast at pretty © Bigstock

There’s a lot of lip service in the hospitality industry. A lot of ‘we endeavour’ to do this. And ‘we aim’ to do that. But there’s also a lot of good, and game-changing going on. And it’s happening in remote places in the hands of small brands who are showing the rest of us how it’s done.

Here’s how SALT does it:

SALT of Palmar

Horse rising by the ocean

Starting from € 850 for a 5-night stay Call 230 698 9800 or visit saltresorts.com

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ADVENTURE

Île aux Benitiers (Clam Island) at LUX* Le Morne to a pirogue trip with a local fisherman to Îlot Bernaches at LUX* Grand Gaube, with fishing and snorkelling, ceviche-making, and a nature walk to plant a mangrove stem.

A speedboat trip to Île Plate (Flat Island) at newly-opened LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences, includes s a trek to the 19th century lighthouse ruin and a plantbased breakfast on a secret beach.

Located in the south-east of the island near, Mahebourg, Blue Bay was declared a national park in 1997 before being designated as a wetland site. The marine park is renowned for its remarkable coral garden, which harbours hundreds of varieties of corals – including a 1,000-year-old brain coral – and its abundant fauna. Close to the coastline, it offers ideal conditions for snorkelling with a rich biodiversity as well as calm and shallow sea-water.

Local company EnezGreen offers glassbottom boat trips and those looking to get closer to the undrwater scene can embark on a boat and snorkel the site.

© Casarsa

At an average depth of 5.5 meters, with crystal clear waters offering great visibility, the snorkeling conditions are ideal!

© Alexandre Lassemillante

New at SALT of Palmar is an insider tour with a Mahébourg local, taking in the National History Museum, sailing by pirogue for an eco-tour of Île aux Aigrettes, and a fourcourse dinner with southern products.

Take a speedboat ride

TOP FIVE ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURES 1 Take a catamaran or speedboat to Île aux Cerfs, the ultimate tropical island playground in the eastern lagoon, with watersports, scenic golf and ecolodges for a night to remember 2 Enjoy a lobster lunch on the terrace of romantic ruin, Governors House, on Île Plate, with snorkelling, and white-tailed tropic birds overhead 3 Take a short boat hop for a rangerled hike around tiny nature reserve Île aux Aigrettes spotting endemic birds, ornate geckos and giant tortoises 4 Sail to four southeast islands by traditional pirogue with Lokal Adventure, including historic Île de la Passe and Îlot Vacoas, for a fish BBQ

Swimming with dolphins

5 Take a family-friendly paddle through the mangroves by sea kayak to Île d’Ambre (Amber Island) with Yemaya Adventures, which includes visiting the ruins and forest

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tours

CULTURAL TOURS

I

CULTURAL

mmerse yourself in communitybased experiences to delve deeper into the island’s ancestral origins.

With a multi-cultural history, diverse religions and village artisans who still practice traditional crafts, Mauritius has plenty to offer the culturally curious

Mahébourg village food tour

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A Taste Buddies tour

Learn to weave bamboo baskets at the foot of Pieter Both, try the African tradition of braiding the vacoas palm into products in Vieux Grand Port or sculpt diyas, small terracotta oil lamps for Divali, the Hindu festival of light, with cultural specialists, My Moris.

Brabant and Old Grand Port, on the UNWTO’s list of the world’s ‘Best Tourism Villages of 2021’.

‘The Route to Chocolate’ is a stroll through Mr Cangy’s cacao farm (July to December) while visiting Selva’s vanilla farm in St Julien offers an insight into the valuable ‘black gold’.

Walk up UNESCO cultural landscape, Le Morne Brabant, listening to stories from their resident anthropologist. Visitors are invited to explore Port Louis to visit UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat, where indentured Indian immigrants first landed, and the Photography Museum with scenes of village life.

Revamped LUX* Le Morne created Vik’s Place, a rustic shack named after a popular team member who invites guests on a fishing trip by traditional pirogue, collecting sea urchins and octopus, savoured with sunset rum cocktails.

Designed to help guests experience the ‘real Mauritius’, Attitude Hotels’ Otentik (authentic) experiences range from dinner at a staff member's home to learning to play a traditional musical instrument, and the Otentik Discovery app. ‘Deep Into Mauritius’ experiences at Veranda hotels include street food tours, cooking classes and meeting local artisans.

Support the community by taking tours in the ancient capital Mahébourg, whose proud fishing industry is celebrated in a colourful pirogue regatta each November

Sailing in Maheborg

Veranda Tamarin’s new Explorer Program features a street food tour with Taste Buddies, an exclusive interactive cooking class at Case Noyale and a local coffee roasting tour. Heritage Resorts guests can now meet local artisans such as Franceska Speville, who creates ecological plates from palm leaves. Shanti Moments at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa include wood carving with local character, Pem to Creole lessons.

New cultural immersive activities from adultonly eco-hotel, SALT of Palmar includes visiting food producers. Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort has new tailormade tours to Le Morne

An exclusive behind the scenes tour of the Patrick Mavros atelier with a Champagne high tea is a new collectable experience at the newlyopened LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences.

Complimentary cultural tours for honeymooners at Beachcomber Resorts range from a ‘Bike tour around Mahébourg’ at Shandrani Beachcomber to ‘Exploring the Folklore of Port Louis’ by private chauffeured car at Mauricia Beachcomber.

SPOTLIGHT ON MAHÉBOURG

A southeast islands sail by traditional pirogue with Mahébourg Eco Adventures, visits Île aux Aigrettes, with a BBQ on Île aux Phares (Lighthouse Island).

A Mahébourg village food tour with Taste Buddies includes the town’s speciality, merveilles (marvels), a deep-fried cracker with sweet and sour sauce, while a circular electro-bike ride with Explore Nou Zil visits pirogue-maker pop.

Book with local DMC's to tour the Lavoir, where local women washed French soldiers’ uniforms during the famous battle of Grand-Port.

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SPA & WELLNESS

The island's first rooftop wellness experience at LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences features Olympic-sized running tracks and a My Beast machine to ‘Muscle up on the Roof’

wellness SPA &

T

he Global Wellness Trends Report 2021 heralded a new era of wellness travel, with travellers seeking slower, more mindful experiences.

Wellness has always been a strong offering at Mauritius' holistic, lifestyleoriented, spas, which embrace global trends

ANCESTORAL HEALING

In Mauritius wellbeing, like cuisine, religion and culture, is a meeting between east and west.

Many Mauritians hail from Asia, and brought their indigenous healing traditions with them – and island spas have drawn on this ancestoral knowledge to create authentic island treatments.

Signature massages at Attitude’s POZ (‘pause’) spas are ‘Gran Mama’,with Moringa oil, geranium and neem leaves, and ‘Ti balad dan Chamarel’, a body scrub combining local muscovado sugar with Chamarel coffee beans.

Eco-conscious SALT of Palmar’s SALT Equilibrium spa also focuses on homegrown products, Heritage Le Telfair’s new locally-made ecological

body products contain natural island ingredients such as Fair Trade sugar cane, banana flowers and coconut water. Constance Prince Maurice has added a sugar scrub in the spa – and children can now create their own in the kids club.

FLOWER POWER

Maritim Resort & Spa’s upgraded Tropical Flower Spa features Mauritian rituals with essential oils from Frangipani, Aloe Vera and Bougainvillea.

A honeymoon ritual at the phytotherapy spa at C Mauritius starts with a coconut oil foot massage and ends with an al fresco flower petal bath. New beauty treatments include Carita’s gold-infused firming facial at The Residence Mauritius’ revamped Sanctuary Spa.

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SPA & WELLNESS

Mauritius has world-class resorts and spas, located in beautiful and peaceful environments to bring solace to the body, mind and soul

Tamassa Bel Ombre Spa Pool

SELF-CARE Self-care is understandably one of this year's hottest trends.

‘In Pursuit of Wellness’ at adults-only SALT of Palmar features forest therapy at breakfast, introduction to raw cuisine, a nourishing ‘keen on green’ lunch, afternoon yoga and a treatment at the SALT Equilibrium spa.

Veranda Tamarin’s new Explorer Program features aerial, paddle and ashtanga yoga sessions. LUX* Grande Gaube’s new Habits Wellness Routine includes outdoor training experience ‘Vitality Parcours’, a raw food cooking class, sunrise stretch on the beach, nature walk and relaxing massage at the spa. Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa offers

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WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa offers Japanese Makko Ho stretching, Mindfulness Meditation, Respirology and Tibetan Rites at the foot of Le Morne Mountain. The Santosha Mindful Wellness spa at Tamassa, offers twilight sessions for a date night to remember, and post-party rejuvenation treatments, while SALT of Palmar’s new immersive wellness experiences for couples include an energy recharge meditation at the Vortex in Riambel, a sleep equilibrium ritual and emotional release through art therapy.

The eastern-flavoured spa at Dinarobin

Recently renovated romantic favourite, Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, offers tandem massages in an open-sided clifftop treatment hut, while glampsite, Otentic Eco Tent, has sports massage in a spa cabin beside the river.

365-day yoga retreats and a new Wellness Chef to create tailormade meal plans for guests on full board. Newly-opened LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences has a hydrothermal spa, with a Turkish hammam, Kneipp walk and Tepidarium soaks, below sea level, while the energy bathing space at the new Explore Spa at Le Méridien Ile Maurice to stimulate, engage and invigorate the senses, includes the islands first snow room.

A new Positivity Ritual at LUX* Grande Gaube, has guided meditation at the mindfulness maze while setting your intention, barefoot walking, breath work and relaxing vibrations from a singing bowl.

WELLNESS PACKAGES

Three- to seven-day wellness packages in tropical Mauritius can deliver lasting benefits.

Daily guided forest walks, cultural tours and snorkelling in Blue Bay marine park feature alongside yoga, meditation and tai chi in new tailor-made spa programmes at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas.

‘Detox’ and ‘Reenergise Regenerate', are new personalised ayurvedic wellness retreats at Long Beach Mauritius’ Cinq Mondes spa.

Lokal Adventure’s ‘Nou Dan Bien’ wellbeing packages offer hiking, snorkelling or paddling in the lagoon, cultural activities, vegetarian food and beach or forest yoga, meditation and pilates.

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Mauritiu

Veranda’s new

explorer programme

ADVertorial

L

ocated on the west coast of Mauritius, Veranda Tamarin Hotel has introduced a new “Explorer Programme” for visitors looking for original experiences.

Aimed at intrepid travellers looking for adventure and to learn about the local culture, the hotel gives each guest staying more than 4 nights an ‘experience credit’ as part of their room booking. The credits can be used to undertake various unique experiences, created by the hotel and guided by local professionals for a discovery of Mauritius.

Credits Given for Experiences For a 7-night stay guests receive a Rs 5,600 experience credit and for a 10-night stay: Rs 8,000 experience credit.

Some of the culture and discovery options include a street food tour, a discovery of the local coffee torrefaction process, and taking part in an interactive kitchen. Or for the more active there

are plenty of options including trekking to Le Morne or to Case Noyale at sunset, sport fishing, a catamaran cruise, kayaking and dolphin watching or an electro bike tour.

To get around guests can rent a mini moke, try a scooter, ride a bike, or use the shuttle service, all redeemable against the experience credits.

Veranda Tamarin with its Surf Vibe The iconic hotel on Tamarin Bay in the west of Mauritius is quickly gaining a reputation as the place to be with its relaxed surf vibe, and panoramic roof top infinity pool and bar, in the heart of a vibrant and arty community. It has a very distinctive and eclectic music concept that attracts locals and visitors to its Crazy Fish Restaurant on a weekly basis.

Rates start from £120 per night / 2 adults For more information visit: veranda-resorts.com/en/mauritius-hotel-tamarin

romance FEEL THE

W

ith everyone ready to celebrate again, romance travel is hotting up, with couples prepared to splurge a little more on a getaway. Love is all around on this romantic island, with new and revamped luxury resorts, increased adults-only options and fresh bonding experiences.

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It's time to discover ...

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Heavenly Mauritius was voted the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination’ at the World Travel Awards 2021, and Weddings Abroad Guide ranked it as the most affordable place to wed on the planet.

Elopements and micro-weddings are on the increase, and open-air weddings with meaningful and fun experiences are a new trend.

Couples can tie the knot anywhere on the island: aboard a luxury yacht, on an idyllic private island or among ancient ebony trees in the Black River Gorges National Park. Most choose to marry at island hotels, where one ceremony a day guarantees exclusivity. Favourite venues are the beach, jetty or gazebo in tropical

gardens. Marriott’s wedding planners can help arrange a beach wedding with the majestic backdrop of Le Morne Brabant mountain at JW Marriott Mauritius Resort or exchange vows at sunset with a reception on the waterfront at the reimagined Le Méridien Ile Maurice.

Imaginative alternatives include saying ‘I do’ on a floating platform in the sea overlooking Coin de Mire at LUX* Grand Gaube or beside a waterfall, under a century-old Banyan tree or colonial-style Chateau Mon Désir at Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius.

Villas are popular with honeymooners and wedding parties. New choices are Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita’s revamped one

A ‘Love Tree Tour’ at Ebony Forest in Chamarel includes a museum visit, bird-watching and refreshments at the viewpoint, and love notes planted with an endemic tree

bedroom pool villas, Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas modern two to four bedroom pool villas and LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences’ lavish two-storey pool villas near the beach, designed by Kelly Hoppen.

JUST THE TWO OF US

Adults-only options are increasing islandwide.

Le Méridien Ile Maurice’s new Nirvana wing has plunge pool suites, an infinity pool and Italian restaurant and bar. Romance at new adults-only four star Sunrise Attitude is swim up rooms or a villa with private plunge pool and The Social House, featuring a DJ and tapas at sunset, while Sea Resorts’ adults-only boutique retreat Chalets Chamarel has individual

mauritiusnow.com

06/05/2022 07:37

ROMANCE

LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences

private chalets on a peaceful mountain ridge and stunning views of Le Morne. Recently renovated plantation-style Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel has four-poster beds, thatched dining kiosks beside the water and a cliff-top infinity pool overlooking the northern islands.

THE WAY TO A HEART…

Lovebirds at Constance Prince Maurice can enjoy breakfast on a floating platform in the lagoon and homemade chocolates and a wine-pairing dinner in the cellar, while bespoke experiences at Preskil Island Resort include breakfast on a traditional pirogue. An exclusive cruise on newly-renovated vintage Lady Lisbeth at 20 Degrees South has an upgraded five-course dinner with wine

mauritiusnow.com

Mauritius_2022_V34.indd 29

Le Meridien Ile Maurice

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort

Constance Prince Maurice

Private dining at Le Saint Géran

pairing, while dining experiences at JW Marriott Mauritius Resort include ‘Seas the Day’, a seafood platter or local lunch at a table in the lagoon.

Private pop-up picnics can be arranged at beauty spots on Île aux Cerfs, while Heritage Resorts has new gourmet picnic lunches in the grounds of wedding favourite, Heritage LeChâteau.

Champagne sundowner in the hills, a BBQ on a deserted island, and a sunrise hike and breakfast at Trou d'Argent are new experiences at Tekoma Boutik Hotel on Rodrigues. Romantic experiences at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, range from dolphin watching to a nostalgic open-air movie night. For a memorable marriage proposal, take One&Only Le Saint Géran’s helicopter for a picnic on a deserted island, with ‘Will

Couples can tie the knot anywhere on the island: aboard a luxury yacht, on an idyllic private island or among ancient ebony trees in the Black River Gorges National Park

You Marry Me?’ etched in the sand dunes.

Adult-only rooftop bars are a hot new trend, with one at SALT of Palmar and Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa on the east coast, Veranda Tamarin in the west and the newest, highest and coolest at LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences, with cosy cabanas for tapas and sunset cocktails.

ECO-ROMANCE

Immersive experiences at adults-only eco-hotel, SALT of Palmar include The Divine Morning, with meditation and breakfast on the beach.

A Sublime Sundowner at Ebony Forest in Chamarel features bird-watching, sundowners and a forest night safari.

Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette roof top bar

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The first stage of the new Metro, from Port Louis to Rosehill, has been completed and will reach Curepipe by the end of 2022

stay

WHERE TO

M

auritius' hotels and resorts have reemerged from the island's closure refreshed, reimagined and reenergised, with new lifestyle offerings, more private pool residences and new sustainable initiatives including eco-lodges nestled in nature.

MAKING EACH MOMENT MATTER

The LUX* Collective has four high-end LUX* Resorts and a SALT and Tamassa branded hotel in Mauritius. The LUX* Collective’s brand new flagship, five-star LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences opened in December 2021. It has a rooftop restaurant and infinity pool, underground nightclub and spa, lavish two-storey beach villas and residences from Spring 2022.

Revamped LUX* Le Morne has a new beach bar with sushi elegant café, a seaside treehouse and Vik’s place.

Award-winning eco-conscious SALT of Palmar is now adults-only. All-inclusive Tamassa, on the south coast, has a karaoke kiosk, family-style sharing platters and meet your ‘neighbours’.

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THE ART OF BEAUTIFUL

Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts has eight beachfront hotels and resorts on prime white- sand beaches. Their perfectly-formed flagship Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury in Grand Baie, is a Leading Hotel of the World.

The first resort on the island, five star allsuite resort Trou aux Biches Beachcomber in the northwest, celebrates its 50th birthday with events throughout 2022, and has a new beach restaurant, La Plage.

Southern family-friendly four-star allinclusive Shandrani Beachcomber has new seafood restaurant Le Boucanier, a nightclub, water-ski academy and a toddlers and baby club. On Le Morne Peninsula, sporty

Paradis Beachcomber has indulgent threebedroom villas with a home cinema.

TIMELESS MEMORIES

Sun Resorts has four properties on beautiful beachfront locations in the east and west, and Île aux Cerfs island. A £10 million makeover of plantation-style five-star Sugar Beach Mauritius at Flic en Flac has added a new lobby and welcome tea ritual, wine cellar and craft beer brewery.

PROUDLY MAURITIAN

Awarded the World's Leading Luxury Villa Beach Resort at the World Travel Awards 2021, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in Tamarin Bay, has sumptuous pool villas and an award-

mauritiusnow.com

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WHERE TO STAY

Sakoa Boutik Hotel

winning ayurvedic spa. A secluded haven for couples, Sands Suites Resort & Spa in Tamarin has a new art gallery and a suite refurbishment in 2022. Southern Cross Hotels’ include the boho chic Preskil Island Resort.

TRUE BY NATURE

Constance Hotels & Resorts has three authentic hotels for gourmands on the east coast. Seductive and secluded, the ‘six star’ Constance Prince Maurice, won ‘Best Scenic Environment’ in the World Luxury Awards in 2021, and has a new floating platform.

Five-star Constance Belle Mare Plage hosted Masterchef 2020 and offers private dining in the Blue Penny Cellar. The tasteful four-star

mauritiusnow.com

Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

Sugar Beach premium suite

Ō Beach bar at Ravenala Attitude

Heritage The Villas

all-inclusive C Mauritius at Palmar, its first property under the new C brand, opened in 2020, with generous-sized rooms and four restaurants. Playful touches include the trampoline in the sea, wine tasting in the pool, and a giant jellyfish musical shower.

AUTHENTIC ATTITUDE

The only hotel group under the ‘Made in Moris’ label, Attitude's eight revamped three- and four--star eco-committed hotels on Mauritius have a new look created by local artists. Creolestyle adults-only Tropical Attitude has added villas and a rooftop lounge overlooking Trou d'Eau Douce. Friday Attitude has revamped its WE Beach Lounge Bar with sea-facing swings,

while Ravenala Attitude has a new departure lounge with cabins. The adults-only four star Sunrise Attitude (incorporating Emeraude Attitude) at Belle Mare opened in October 2021, with swim-up rooms, villas with plunge pools and three restaurants including The Social House with tapas and a DJ at sunset.

EXCEPTIONAL ‘MAUMENTS’

Rogers Hospitality invites guests to experience Mauritius through exceptional ‘Mauments’. Its two five-star Heritage Resorts’ at Bel Ombre range from plantation-style all-suite, Heritage Le Telfair, with golf and wellness experiences to African-style family-friendly all-inclusive Heritage Awali plus Heritage the Villas with

Veranda Resorts' five hotels range from the family-friendly three-star oasis Veranda Palmar to the four-star serene adults-only romantic hideaway Veranda Paul et Virginie, overlooking the northern islands

butler service. Heritage C Beach Club, open to non-residents, has a new gin bar and Rosé wine cellar. Guesthouse, Kaz’alala Hosted B&B offers rooms in shared traditional houses.

Veranda Resorts' five charming hotels offer good value and island experiences. They range from the family-friendly three-star oasis Veranda Palmar to the four-star serene adults-only romantic hideaway Veranda Paul et Virginie, overlooking the northern islands.

The community-spirited three-star plus Veranda Tamarin Hotel on the west coast has a new explorer program, where guests earn credits per nights’ stay to exchange for diverse activities such as sport fishing with Fish Whisperer. 

31

WHERE TO STAY

INTERNATIONAL BRANDS Marriott’s three five-star Mauritius properties include French barefoot chic Le Méridien Ile Maurice at Pointe aux Piments, reopening in Spring 2022 after an impressive makeover, with an adultsonly boutique Nirvana wing with pool suites, fresh dining concepts and a reimagined spa.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort

Five star all-inclusive JW Marriot Mauritius (previously St. Regis Mauritius Resort) on Le Morne Peninsula, offers kitesurfing packages and new stargazing sessions.

Wellness-oriented Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Mauritius on the marine park, has generous-sized rooms and a heavenly spa.

On the natural north east coast, Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa, has added Italian restaurant, Café Gioia and adult-only Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa has a new snorkelling trail. From Summer 2022, Radisson resorts’ guests can practice their swing on a brand new 9-hole Par-3 golf course.

Nirvana Plunge Pool Suite at Le Meridien Ile Maurice

Maritim’s newly-renovated sporty five-star all-inclusive Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius in Turtle Bay has 60 brand-new riverside suites with an infinity pool with wet bar and mini golf, a new Rum Bar and brasserie-style restaurant in the Balaclava ruins, and a sailing centre.

The east coast family-friendly four-star Maritim Crystals Beach has added Aqualand waterpark, with five waterslides, three pools and an ice cream parlour.

Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa

A romantic retreat in Turtle Bay, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius offers legendary service, and alfresco dinners in the herb garden. The family-friendly Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa on the west has four restaurants offering Thai to tapas, personalised spa treatments and a kids' pool and lagoon.

The Residence Mauritius at Belle Mare reopens in Spring 2022 with refurbished rooms and a new alfresco seaside dining experience.

The Distillery, Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius

32

Tekoma Boutik Hotel

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has revamped its one-bedroom pool villas and added BluBar, an Asian Restaurant and poolside cabanas at Bambou Restaurant , while Anantara IKO Mauritius Resort & Villas near historic Mahébourg, has added modern pool villas.

New at One&Only Le Saint Geran is renowned visiting mixologists, DJs and chefs, exclusive rejuvenating facials from Biologique Recherche, and a resort helicopter to whisk guests to gourmet picnics on a deserted island.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok will welcome Michelin starred chefs in 2022, and will add a threekilometre hiking track around Ilot Mangénie.

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

The recently renovated member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the five-star Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, has plantation-style rooms, four sea-facing restaurants and a clifftop infinity pool overlooking the northern islands.

Southern Belle, the wellness-focussed Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa, was voted Mauritius Leading Boutique Hotel in the World Travel Awards 2021. It offers the islands largest dine-around experience, with 14 dining options, and 365 day yoga retreat.

The original boutique five-star, Relais and Chateaux member 20 Degrees South at Pointe aux Cannoniers has renovated its vintage cruiser Lady Lisbeth, while Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge has four new family rooms, with an outdoor bathtub.

Hidden gem, La Maison d’Été in Poste Lafayette, now welcomes young families.

Trimety’s Hotels’ recently renovated four-star Sakoa Boutik Hotel, under thatch on Trou aux Biches, has a beachfront Honeymoon Room with egg-shaped bath, and a fresh Cobb grill experience and gin bar.

The newly-renovated four-star deluxe Tekoma Boutik Hotel on Rodrigue, has five brand new beachfront rooms with outdoor bathtub, a panoramic restaurant, beach club and gin bar, and a new spa.

A SLICE OF PARADISE

Five-star Anantara IKO Mauritius Resort & Villas near historic Mahébourg, has added modern pool villas, with butler service and a private chef.

The trend for private homes at hotels, means pool villa rentals islandwide including 22 residences and three-bedroom penthouses at LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences from Spring 2022.

It's time to discover ...

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Untitled

WHO IS SEGA Tours?

Our B2B platform

Founded in 2010, Sega Tours Indian Ocean pride themselves as being the ONLY boutique DMC in Mauritius.

An experienced small team with over 150 years of combined experience in the Tourism industry and extensive knowledge and contacts, we are well placed to be able to offer specialist services from bespoke to high end products on the beautiful island of Mauritius and surrounding islands.

We are fortunate to be partnered up with our BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS (B2B) ON-LINE BOOKING SYSTEM allowing our clients to save time by having a streamlined process, enabling both parties access to quotes at any time. Bookings can also be made via this online booking system.

TOP REASONS TO WORK WITH SEGA Tours!

Access to unique services and products, in addition to a personalised service from our team of experts helping to create the booking most suitable to you.

We have an established working relationship with all the hotels and can negotiate great deals for all our clients.

We pride ourselves on offering a high level of customer service ensuring all our clients have the best experience.

Product knowledge is of utmost importance and therefore we can advise and guide you on your clients’ choices.

You will have access to our exclusive “newsletter” distribution list, giving you access to the most up to date news at Sega Tours and in Mauritius.

We have a strong presence on social media platforms and our marketing team regularly post updates and photos.

With over 30 years of experience in the tourism field, our General Manager, Isla de Casanove, has acquired great experience in dealing with international partners to a high standard and the respect of our local suppliers. Multi-skilled and an exemplary team leader, she is passionate about the travel and tourism industry.

Our management team are very hands on and accessible via all forms of communication.

Experience working with a team full of creativity, ensuring the client journey is successful everytime!

New products launched monthly

SOME OF OUR SERVICES: Private Airport transfers / Private Sightseeing Tours / Individual Assistance at the airport / Amenities based on Local Products / Individual In-Resort Assistance Accommodation in Various Types of Properties – from ecological tents to luxury resorts.

Private transfers Golf – SEGA Tours is the most active member of IAGTO in Mauritius Private excursions Fly N Drive Programmes for the adventurous travellers Weddings – Legal, Renewal of Vows, Mock and Religious Groups, MICE & Cruise Ships Handling (ground turnaround services and shore excursions) Car hire Concierge Service Island Hopping

We are proud of our reputation and have unbeatable experiences in the region. Much of our business comes from referrals and business network recommendations. 99% satisfaction rate! 60% of our business is repeat business in addition to new clients.

Visit our new website www.segatoursindianocean.com or send us an email at idecasanove@segatoursindianocean.com.

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African Pride

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34

Barrhead Travel

Looking to secure a place in the Mauritius sun? Look no further - these UK operators are standing by

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Advert_MTCO_2022.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2022 10:35 Page 1 Please note that this is not a complete list of Mauritius selling tour operators but a selection. For the latest news from the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and travel information, visit mauritiusnow.com.

Lisa Darchambaud UK REPRESENTATIVE

P: +44 207 078 4896 • M: +44 7802 581377 E: lisad@mautourco.com 84, Gustave Colin Street • Forest Side 74514 • Mauritius

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Fly Direct to Paradise Mauritius

Made in

Mauritius

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