TRAVEL
Treasure
Island Olivia Sharpe discovers that Mauritius is so much more than a paradisiacal island, with its rich culture, diverse cuisine and abundant wildlife
With roughly 100,000 British visitors every year, Mauritius’ appeal as a beautiful island with unrivalled beaches and hotels is so apparent that it has become almost clichéd to talk about it. However, one myth that continues to be held by some is that it is simply a place for affluent holidaymakers to go and soak up the sun when, in fact, there is a wealth of culture on this luscious island. First discovered by Arab sailors in the medieval period, it has since become a fusion of different cultures and nationalities, having been inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and the British, before eventually becoming a republic in 1992. While tourist boards promote Mauritius as an all-year round destination, I would (personally) suggest going in December. Although this isn’t typically the driest period (this being from May to September), it is when the island comes alive with special events and concerts to celebrate the island’s Creole culture. My guest and I checked into the Outrigger Hotel, situated on the south of the island next to the beach village of Bel Ombre, approximately a 40-minute drive from the SSR International Airport. After a long flight, there aren’t many things that will lift my mood, except of course if I’m being greeted by the sight of the Indian Ocean plainly visible through the temple-like arches of the hotel’s open-air lobby, followed by a refreshing glass of iced tea and a scented wet towel that was immediately handed to us by the obliging staff. The expansive resort is set out across 10 hectares and comes complete with 181 rooms, all of which have sea views. The majority of the suites have been purposefully designed to cater for families; large in size, they are kitted out either with twin
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