Mauritius Travel Guide 2023

MAURITIUS

M AU R I T I U S

The pear-shaped ‘pearl of the ocean’, Mauritius is an isle of sensory stimulation and a burgeoning green destination Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Alfie Wilson

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

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loating 1,200 miles off the coast of Madagascar lies the island of the Republic of Mauritius. Surrounded by cerulean waters and fringed with beaches coated in icing-sugar sand, this compact landmass of just 45 by 65 kilometres is an explosion of colour.

The island’s verdant interior hosts a kaleidoscopic array of birdlife, from parakeets to Mascarene paradise flycatchers, while its social fabric resembles a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of cultures from all around the world. This enriching diversity is best experienced through Mauritius’ renowned gastronomy, which represents a culinary mosaic of Indian, African, Chinese, Muslim and European heritage.

A fertile patch of Eden, Mauritius supports a thriving farm-to-table culinary scene best sampled through its restaurants and street vendors.

Blessed with the year-round sun of the sub-tropics, Mauritius has long been a haven for luxury resorts, however, look beyond the beaches and a cornucopia of delights lies in wait, including charming fishing villages, thriving local markets and tranquil tea estates.

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike amongst the three main mountain ranges surrounding the central plateau – Moka, Black River Chain and Grand Port – which host hiking trails ripe for adventure, while the multicoloured sand dunes of the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark are a natural wonder. Meanwhile, Mauritius’ submarine depths boast world-class diving and snorkelling sites, while above the surface, paddleboarding and exhilarating kitesurfing off the southwestern peninsula at Le Morne await.

The national emblem of Mauritius may be the long-extinct dodo, but the magnetic appeal of the pearl of the Indian Ocean continues to resound as strongly as ever. As the American author Mark Twain famously put it, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” Take our word for it, he may have a point.

Outlook Travel Issue 11 | 3

CRAFTING MEMORABLE JOURNEYS

inspired by nature

T. +230 260 5101 - E: booking@heritageresorts.mu heritageresorts.mu

PURE GOLFING DRAMA Introducing La Réserve Golf Links, the first and only links-style course in the Indian Ocean, opening December 2023.

An experience of pure golfing drama, this exhilarating new course offers far-reaching views over tropical bays, sandy beaches and the ocean.

T. +230 623 5600 - E: golf@heritagegolfclub.mu heritagegolfclub.mu

The authentic Mauritius experience starts here!

How committed is Attitude to sustainable tourism?

Attitude Hotels is committed to tourism with a positive impact. So much so, we created the Positive Impact movement in Mauritius. We have eight eco-committed hotels on the island, offering guests the chance to have an incredible holiday, while being a responsible traveller, too. Every day we seek to have a positive impact on the local environment, community and economy.

Why did Attitude bet on responsible and sustainable development 15 years ago?

The planet’s warning signals are flashing red. We can no longer move forward with a traditional model. Since Attitude was founded in 2008, sustainability has been at the heart of every decision the group makes. The strategy is not defined by single, disconnected measures, but a holistic approach that is embedded in every action and decision.

Post-pandemic, tourists have approached travel differently.

They are more aware and are looking for value-added, more responsible travel. Staying at an Attitude hotel gives meaning to a holiday. It means supporting the community that welcomes tourists, and it means supporting our local economy by giving local entrepreneurs, artists and craftspeople the opportunity to flourish.

It is also about preserving the environment, taking care of our island and our planet. It’s a whole ecosystem to consider. To take action, we had to rethink our operating model and dare to shake up the status quo.

How did Attitude take on the challenge to transform its business?

We have had to make bold decisions. By 2020, we achieved our goal of eliminating all single-use plastic in the guest experience. This represents the elimination of almost four million single-use plastic items from our hotel business per year. This decision meant that we had to rethink the way we operate in several departments.

We created a Bulk Shop in each Attitude hotel, where guests can help themselves to local tea, coffee, sugar and snacks in reusable glass jars. On arrival, they receive a reusable Dopper water bottle, a brand committed to the fight against plastic pollution like Attitude. Guests can fill-up at the water fountains available or at the bar.

What are Attitude’s main sustainability achievements and commitments to date?

Above all, our commitment to positive impact tourism is the purpose of the Attitude Group. In 2020, we have moved from a results-oriented business model to a purpose-oriented model. And that’s already a big achievement!

We have increased our sustainable tourism initiatives and included our customers. When guests arrive, they are invited to tie a string of fishing net collected from the beach to our ‘Miray Lespwar’, a wall display of our sustainable actions and future commitments. This tangible link allows customers to symbolise their commitment to the local economy, environment and community, too!

One of our suggestions is for customers to take a small blue net bag with them when going in the lagoon, sea or walking along the coast. It means they can look out for rubbish and help collect it while out and about. We also have reef-safe mineral sunscreen available to our customers, which helps protect the underwater life.

All of our suppliers and service providers are encouraged to improve their environmental footprint. We have a single-use plastic policy in our guest experience, but this is only made possible by working closely with our suppliers on packaging reduction projects.

At POZ Spa, only natural ingredients are used and these are all sourced locally or in the region. This includes ingredients such as moringa oil, pure coconut oil and Chamarel coffee beans. When guests buy any of the spa products, five percent is donated to the Green Attitude Foundation, which helps fund various sustainable development projects, such as scientific programmes at the Marine Discovery Centre. The centre is located at one of our hotels, Lagoon Attitude, and we are proud of the incredible efforts the centre makes to preserve the marine eco-systems. The Marine Discovery Centre team, including our marine biologist, educates local fishing people and school children, as well as our guests, and raises awareness of our coastal and marine environment.

We protect our environment

-3.6 million

single-use plastic objects per year

The centre is also the Mauritian base for several regional scientific programmes in collaboration with committed organisations. The centre recently took part in a scientific study on hawksbill turtles in the Indian Ocean in collaboration with Reunion Island.

We have also created an investment company – Otentik Investment – to support projects that are in line with our sustainable development objectives. Since June 2022, 50 percent of our food and beverage purchases have been from suppliers with the Made in Moris label. The label showcases companies that support the local economy, local jobs, creativity and know-how. In fact, we are the only hotel group to hold the Made in Moris label.

Attitude Hotels has also created a Gender Equality Committee to provide a more inclusive environment for our employees, and for our customers. We are implementing concrete measures such as extended paternity leave and gender-neutral job offers.

In 2022, Attitude was named overall top sustainability performer at the first sustainable tourism mauritius awards. How can this award serve to benefit the mauritian tourism industry?

The post-pandemic recovery of Mauritius is positive.

There are still many challenges to position Mauritius as a sustainable destination, but the common vision and commitment of players in the private and public tourism ecosystem will take the destination further in this direction. Fortunately, more and more responsible initiatives are flourishing, and not only in the tourism sector. However, hoteliers cannot act alone. Mauritius can become a reference for the Indian Ocean region if we adopt a collaborative national approach. Every Mauritian must know that by protecting the environment, he or she makes the destination more attractive.

The whole country will benefit.

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TO U R I S M AU T H O R I T Y

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perating under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Authority is the parastatal body overseeing Mauritius’ thriving tourism industry.

We interview the Authority’s Director, Lindsay Morvan, to delve further into the island’s sustainability efforts.

Outlook Travel (OT): What are the Tourism Authority’s key goals as an organisation?

Lindsay Morvan, Director (LM): Among the many objectives of the Authority, the promotion of sustainable development of the tourism industry and a green destination status for Mauritius are among our upmost priorities.

We foster and encourage the conduct of activities in the tourism industry in a responsible manner 10 | Outlook Travel Issue 11

Lindsay Morvan, Director

to preserve the integrity of the destination while preserving its environmental, cultural and social assets. This is done through enhanced coordination and cooperation between the public sector agencies and the private sector organisations involved in the tourism industry. Our functions are multi-fold, focusing on licensing, regulating, and monitoring of the tourist enterprises. As such, all operators who wish to engage in tourism activities need to be a full-fledged licensee from the Tourism Authority.

In addition, the Authority is also responsible for the cleaning and embellishment of official tourist sites of our main island. In line with the scope of the Tourism Authority, the Sustainable Island Mauritius (SIM) was born; a project co-financed by the European Union under the

Experience THE WHOLE YOU

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort is a luxury retreat with 172 lavishly appointed guest suites boasting idyllic views of the Indian Ocean. Situated on the southwestern side of the island, the resort is set against a backdrop of the majestic Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Surrounded by majestically protected coral reefs and lush vegetation, immerse yourself into the heart of authentic Mauritian culture and experiences while exploring the whole you.

Contact us on booking@jw-mauritius.com or +230 403 9000

SWITCH Africa Grant since 2018. The main goal of this initiative is to promote sustainable tourism in Mauritius by demonstrating and scaling up a self-sustaining mechanism for improving sustainability impacts along the value chain. It also targets the improvement of awareness and markets sustainable tourism products and services to new visitors.

OT: What kind of travellers does Mauritius appeal to most?

LM: Mauritius has always received visitors from around the world. Our island is blessed with wonderful weather almost all year round, and its offering is not limited to beautiful beaches and breath-taking seascapes; it’s packed with beautiful culture, history, exotic cuisines, astonishing biodiversity, and a lush environment.

The mix of visitors is wide ranging, from honeymooners, family travels, business, cultural, MICE, sports tourism and others. Europe remains our main source market while regional markets such as South Africa and Reunion Island are also very important to us.

With a broad perspective of our community, most visitors coming to the island are those who seek excellent service hospitality, enjoy coastal and outdoor recreational experiences like hiking and water activities, are looking for places to get to know about our local history and culture, and to experience the multicultural faceted nature of the island through the local cuisine, and cultural and religious festivals and events. It is also for those looking to see and explore our pristine beaches and other unique places.

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OT: Are there any new tourism initiatives or schemes on the island that you would like to highlight?

LM: Through SIM, our goal is to make Mauritius a certified green destination in the years to come. To achieve this, over 3,500 operators, including taxi drivers, tour operators, hoteliers, tour guides, artisans, local entrepreneurs, boat, and pleasure craft operators from Mauritius and our sister island Rodrigues have benefited from capacity building, coaching sessions, and co-creation ateliers to ensure a better understanding of sustainability, safety and protection of the environment and marine biodiversity, and extend business opportunities for all operators involved.

To engage the population as a whole and reach operators in the industry, a series of workshops, networking events, sensitisation and beach clean-up campaigns have also been organised. Moreover, in May 2022, we launched the first edition of the Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Awards 2022 (STMA), where the winners were rewarded for keeping sight of their aspirational, actionable sustainability goals in their offerings and operations while also being instrumental in COVID-19 crisis recovery. We’ve received over 115 applications across various categories including Hotel & Accommodation, Tour Operator & Tour Guide, Boat & Pleasure Craft Operator, Handicraft & Local Product, and Other Business for this event.

As a result of collective brainstorming facilitated by our external experts CSCP (Collaborating Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production), SIM produced

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

“ W E B E L I E V E T H AT B Y H AV I N G A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY R E C O G N I S E D G R E E N S U S TA I N A B L E S TA N D A R D O R C E R T I F I C AT I O N , T O U R I S M O P E R AT O R S C A N S H O W T H E W O R L D T H AT T H E I R B U S I N E S S E S TA K E E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N S I D E R AT I O N S S E R I O U S LY A N D I S TA K I N G P R A C T I C A L S T E P S T O TA C K L E I S S U E S S U C H A S E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N C Y, WAT E R S AV I N G A N D M I N D F U L WA S T E R E D U C T I O N ” – L I N D S AY M O R VA N , D I R E C T O R , T O U R I S M AUTHORITY

a policy recommendation report for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism, entitled ‘Low Carbon and Resilient Mauritius’, focusing on three policy factsheets under the following themes: • Transitioning towards electric in-lagoon boats • Sustainable Golf Management • Nature-based solutions in Mauritius In May 2022, SIM held a multisectoral policy dialogue with tourism specialists, giving them the opportunity to share their views, discuss the cross-sectoral implication on the proposed sustainable actions and join forces in generating ideas and innovations to the report.

The conclusions and recommendations adopted at the

meeting are intended to assist government, employers, and workers to harness the full potential of the tourism sector to support a sustainable and resilient recovery and transition to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future of work in tourism.

Moreover, SIM, together with the Mauritius Standard Bureau (MSB), launched the local eco-label certification, MS165 Blue Oasis, which is also recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). MS165 was developed to guide the sustainable development of the tourism industry in Mauritius. It is meant for any tourism business or any tourism-related activity to enhance its sustainability performance. We believe that through this local certification, stakeholders will take the best of advantages to level up their operations to meet best sustainability practices. To date, Mautourco, one of the largest Destination Management Companies (DMC) on the island, and Constance Belle Mare Plage, are the first tour operator and hotel respectively to obtain the certification.

OT: How does Mauritius cater to travellers looking for sustainable or eco-friendly travel experiences?

LM: Discerning travellers and corporate bookers are more and more looking for destinations, attractions, accommodations, and activities that can prove a level of eco-awareness and sustainability in their operations.

We believe that by having an internationally recognised green sustainable standard or certification, tourism operators can show to the world that their businesses take environmental considerations seriously and are taking practical steps to tackle issues such as energy efficiency, water saving and mindful waste reduction. Given the vast and complex nature of all the associated tourism Outlook Travel Issue 11 | 13

Mauritius Tourism Authority management team

value chain, one of our first initiatives is to encourage the certification of the accommodation sector, encompassing large hotels to the smallest of tourist residences.

Through the Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism in Mauritius recently became one of the first destination partners to join the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics. The programme focuses on fundamental sustainability criteria, developed by the industry for the industry, and is the minimum that all accommodation providers should meet, helping to raise the floor of sustainability in our sector and country. This will be the initial step for the accommodation sector to embark on this sustainable journey, and subsequently inspire to go through a certification afterwards.

Furthermore, we are developing the digital app for Mauritius Pro-handprint Innovation (MauPHI) toolkit; a tool developed to fit the purposes and needs of local tourism actors, supporting them to visualise sustainability trends and anticipate future risks and opportunities. The latter is expected to be launched by mid-2023. The app will be used by all operators in the industry who are willing to implement sustainable actions in their day-to-day operations and also share with all francophone destinations through L’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.

In terms of marketing initiatives, SIM together with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), developed two sustainable tourism videos: one with a focus on new emerging nature-based activities, and a second one on local gastronomy in both Mauritius and sister island, Rodrigues. These videos were broadcasted at international tourism travel fairs like WTM London, Top Resa Paris and TTG Travel Experience Rimini.

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OT: Is it important for Mauritius to offer socially responsible tourism experiences that benefit the local community?

LM: Definitely. As the main beneficiary of the SIM project, the local DMC Mautourco, was selected as the pilot company to develop the MauPHI. An in-depth selfdiagnosis of the DMC’s activities was conducted to design a mission and vision statement towards sustainable best practices in all sectors of operations through capacity building of their employees. Thereafter, a sustainable package including the whole value chain in collaboration with Der Touristik and Beachcomber Hotels as partners was developed. The ‘Wise Dodo’ package was introduced on sales in Germany by Dertour. You can view the video here.

Further to this, we believe that local SMEs, NGOs, associations, communities, and visitors themselves should take an active role towards sustainable, regenerative tourism and circular tourism products. In 2021 and 2022, SIM joined forces with Made in Moris, a Mauritian label for high quality, locally made products that have years of experience working with over 350 Mauritian brands in the handicraft sector and other fields, to deliver online webinar sessions over five weeks to around 15 local artisans or entrepreneurs to assist them in developing their sustainable brand.

Following this, hoteliers and tour operators were invited to embark on a series of guided discovery tours around the island where artisans unveiled their secrets about making goods, craftsmanship, and the history of their family heritage. They also enjoyed the storytelling aspect

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

“ W E B E L I E V E T H AT L O C A L S M E S , N G O S , A S S O C I AT I O N S , COMMUNITIES, AND VISITORS T H E M S E LV E S S H O U L D TA K E A N A C T I V E R O L E T O WA R D S S U S TA I N A B L E , R E G E N E R AT I V E TOURISM AND CIRCULAR TOURISM PRODUCTS”

found in this video.

During the training sessions with taxi drivers and tourist drivers working with DMCs and tour operators, the latter were encouraged to develop sustainable packages and discovery tours that would benefit the nearby communities from an accommodation point of view.

– L I N D S AY M O R VA N , D I R E C T O R , TO U R I S M AU T H O R I T Y

LM: After two years of battling the COVID-19 pandemic and easing restrictions, Mauritius is looking ahead to a bumper year for tourism in 2023.

Mauritius is worth visiting for its delicious food. Since the island is popular for its multicultural aspect, it is very easy to find food that everyone will enjoy, from Indian, Chinese, Arabic to authentic Creole cuisine, making it exceptionally convenient for families. There are also a lot of stunning places to visit that are usually not too busy to enjoy and explore the scenery. The island is filled with mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and unique natural phenomena.

Our little paradise island is great for every type of traveller. No matter how you like to travel, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Mauritius. The island has such a wide variety of things to do that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. We can guarantee that you are not going to get bored in Mauritius. Although we are progressing well on the path to recovery, we remain vigilant and forward minded for a sustainable business model.

of those encounters and listened to stories from the unique perspective of local entrepreneurs and custodians of traditions. The objective of these tours was to encourage operators to support local artisans by including them within specific tours and packages for tourists.

Procurement and sourcing for hotels were also on the agenda where artisans would be working closely with the requirements of the tourism actors to meet the demand.

The tour also included visits to local restaurants as potential future tourist attractions to discover the culinary diversity of Mauritius. Following these initiatives, local entrepreneurs and artisans sat down with the interested hoteliers and tour operators at a co-creation atelier for them to discuss further collaboration to create new sustainable and green offerings for the visitors. Out of these initiatives, nine co-creation partnerships have finalised their new sustainable products and services. More information on these successful collaborations can be

OT: Finally, in your opinion, what makes 2023 the year to visit Mauritius?

www.tourismauthority.mu/en/ Outlook Travel Issue 11 | 15

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS SLEEP: F OFROB AV LER RULDI G V IENT’ TLR IK EE ALLO CS A… L...

Attitude Hotels offers a beautiful selection of 3.5-star and 4-star hotels across the island. Whether adults-only, like Lagoon Attitude, or a family-friendly choice such as The Ravenala Attitude, all Attitude properties are united by the Group’s visionary ethos of living like a local. Authentically incorporating Mauritian culture, each hotel offers a host of local experiences and equips you with the Otentik Discovery app to explore hidden gems. The interior design across the hotels showcases traditional Mauritian decoration, while offering cuisine that celebrates the island’s culinary traditions and supports local farmers. Enjoy the gentle pace of life in harmony with your natural surroundings.

F O R A 5 - STA R STAY I N S E C LU D E D T U R T L E COV E . . .

Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Mauritius

F O R A FA M I LYF R I E N D LY G E TAWAY ON LE MORNE PENINSULA...

JW Marriott Mauritius is a luxury resort offering an endless array of recreational activities on one of the island’s most iconic beaches against the stunning backdrop of Le Morne Brabant Mountain.

Expect a host of supremely comfortable suites, finished with colonial-style décor that exudes a timeless luxury.

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F O R SAVO U R I N G T H E I S L A N D L I F E ST Y L E I N A PA R A D I S I C A L S E T T I N G . . .

Occupying an idyllic position in the quiet fishing village of Grand Gaube, the Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel & Spa promises to immerse you in the islander lifestyle. As an adults-only retreat with a ‘couples concept’, this romantic spot delivers an intimate cocoon to unwind and indulge in the beauty of the lagoon. Guests will never tire of the scenery of the crystal clear sea setting and breath-taking views across to the northern islands from a selection of indulgent ocean-facing rooms. Elsewhere, experience an enchanting culinary journey at the Veranda Resort’s primary restaurant, Isle de France, where expert chefs promise to captivate you with the flavours of Mauritian cuisine.

Beyond the resort, Veranda provides a host of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the island with a scenic bike ride, play a gentle game of pétanque or take a boat trip across the lagoon, setting sail in a traditional pirogue or taking a catamaran ride to Bernaches Islet. Those seeking to experience pure wellness should make use of the on-site Seven Colours Spa, where traditional oriental techniques combined with local know-how and natural essential oils are sure to help you unwind in ultimate romance. At Veranda, there is no better place to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

A HIDDEN JEWEL IN THE INDIAN OCEAN Nestled in a secluded cove in Turtle Bay on the picturesque north-west coast of the island of Mauritius, Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness is a tropical oasis where luxury blends seamlessly with stylish rustic elegance and wellbeing.

Featuring 54 stylish suites and an Imperial Villa, with private infinity pools and hammams, jet pools, an award-winning Spa & Wellness, delectable gourmet offers, worldclass conference facilities, exhilarating experiences on tranquil lagoon from water-skiing to kayaking, including beach yoga

and wellness retreats, you will find here the answer to your ultimate quest for a serene tropical lifestyle and a complete wellness immersion.

Blissfully intimate, timelessly elegant, inspiringly romantic, and reflecting a strong focus on thoughtful design as well as innovative green features, Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Mauritius, managed by the leading international hospitality operator Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, is paving the way for very unique experiences in Mauritius.

Turtle Bay, Balaclava 20108, Mauritius +230 204 1888 | reservations@lejadis.com Managed By Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts lejadis.com

www.hotels-

.com

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

PORT LOUIS FOUND IN THE northwest of Mauritius, Port Louis is the island’s often-overlooked capital. Although typically excluded from itineraries in favour of more picturesque beach destinations, a day in Port Louis will expose you to a vibrant and dynamic place where modernity rubs shoulders with tradition – a microcosm of the country itself. Indeed, this teeming city embodies the many varying contrasts at play in Mauritius, in particular the colourful cultural collision that defines the island. This is evidenced across the city’s architectural footprint, with candycoloured Hindu temples such as Kaylasson, and elegant sweeping Chinese pagodas such as the Tien Tan Chinese temple.

Traveller’s describe Port Louis as ‘the real’ Mauritius, showcasing an authentic flavour of local life. The bustling Caudan waterfront draws the majority of visitors to Port Louis, as an eclectic area showcasing some of the best places to shop, socialise, and seek nourishment. Although 18 | Outlook Travel Issue 11

few choose to spend the night here – there are just two hotels – a street food tour through Port Louis is an essential addition to any visit to Mauritius.

No other location on the island so extensively covers the diverse flavours and tastes of the local gastronomical landscape. Here you will discover a host of restaurants and street food vendors. The city’s street food scene is world-renowned, and best experienced with a visit to the enormous Central Market (Bazaar) where you will find Indian, West and North African, Creole and European cuisine. Some staples include the sweet drink of alouda – a local favourite – and the traditional afternoon snack of confi, best sampled from Chinatown (Port Louis).

For insight into Mauritius’ colonial history, pay a visit to The Blue Penny Museum and see the Champ de Mars racing track built by the French in the 19th century. Be sure not to miss Port Louis for authentic insight into island life beyond the resorts.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S LE MORNE Located on a peninsula at the island’s south-western tip, this is the signature postcard image of Mauritius.

The soaring mountain of Le Morne Brabant hosts popular hiking trails, while the beach below is blessed with serene turquoise waters, perfect for glass-bottomed boat tours, and the best kite-surfing in Mauritius. These idyllic shores were once a refuge for enslaved people during the heyday of the eastern slave trade route, when the island was an important stopover.

ÎLE AUX AIGRETTES This small coral islet off the southeastern coast is a conservation and ecotourism project that will transport you back to an era before man set foot on the island – a time when you can still imagine the dodo thriving. Officially protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), here you can sight pink pigeons, giant Aldabra tortoises, and a treasure trove of endemic flora and fauna.

EUREKA Visit here for a transporting encounter into the island’s rich colonial history. Situated within a lush plantation estate, Eureka is a perfectly preserved Creole mansion originally built in the 1830s. Visitors can tour the grounds and house as a masterpiece in tropical architecture, where shaded verandas and over 109 doors helped to keep it cool during punishing summers, and the original furniture imported by the French East India Company still sits in place.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND THE MAJORITY OF travellers will arrive by plane at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport, located in the island’s southeast. From here, you can also take daily flights across to the sister island of Rodrigues through Air Mauritius.

If you are keen on exploring the island, rather than just commuting between the airport and the resort, there are several different means of transport available. Typically, the most popular option for tourists is to arrange minibus excursions run by reputable tour companies which can be booked through your resort or hotel. These are generally offered as part of a group itinerary, but can also be arranged on a private, bespoke basis.

For those seeking greater independence, self-driving across Mauritius is becoming increasingly popular. Many Western tourists favour this option, since the majority of road signs are in English and you drive on the left hand side of the road. However, be aware that road travel can be slow. Don’t let the island’s compact size fool you – although just 45 by 65 kilometres, two hour drives from hotels to attractions can be expected. There are two major highways connecting the island, but beyond this, roads are winding, narrow and often without pavements.

Elsewhere, public bus routes are a cost-effective means of exploring Mauritius, but be sure to choose the express rather than standard buses, since these are equipped with air-conditioning and offer a much faster service. The main bus transport hubs are located in Port Louis, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes, Flacq and Mahébourg.

Finally, bike hire is not generally advised in Mauritius due to erratic traffic. However in quieter coastal locations, this can be a fantastic way to explore. This especially applies to the quieter south and east coasts, and Le Morne Peninsula, where bike rental is available from hotels and tour agencies to discover a cyclist’s paradise that is almost entirely free of traffic.

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Victoria House, Level 3, St Louis Street, Port Louis, Mauritius Ph: +230 203 1000 contactadmin@tourismauthority.mu www.tourismauthority.mu/en

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