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Mauritius

WELCOME TO OUR MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Despite its small size, it is a place of great beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. Mauritius is a popular tourist destination because of its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and tropical climate. However, there is much more to Mauritius than its natural beauty.

Things to See and Do in Mauritius

Take a boat tour around the island to see its beautiful coastline and nearby islands, such as Île aux Cerfs
Explore the underwater world - it's known for its stunning coral reefs
Visit Port Louis - The capital city of Mauritius offers a glimpse into the island's history and culture
ry local cuisine - Mauritius has a rich culinary scene, with influences from Indian, Chinese, and Creole cuisine. Try dishes like dholl puri, gateau piment, and rougaille.
Go shopping - Mauritius is a great destination for shopping, with markets selling local crafts and souvenirs
Visit Chamarel - This small village is famous for its seven-colored earth, a natural phenomenon where the earth appears in seven different colors

”Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches”

“Île aux Cerfs is a famous island off Mauritius”

What to know

Mauritius is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of hotels and accommodation options to choose from. Whether you are looking for a luxurious five-star resort, a charming boutique hotel, or a budget-friendly guesthouse, there are plenty of options available to suit different budgets and preferences.

Some of the most popular areas for tourists to stay in Mauritius include Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Belle Mare, all of which offer a range of hotels and resorts.

Luxury hotels in Mauritius typically offer world-class amenities such as private beaches, infinity pools, gourmet restaurants, spa services, and golf courses. Some of the top luxury hotels in Mauritius include Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita and One&Only Le Saint Géran.

For those on a tighter budget, there are also many mid-range and budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses available, particularly in the towns and villages outside of the main tourist areas. These hotels may offer fewer amenities than the luxury resorts but are still comfortable and clean.

Overall, Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, with something for everyone from luxury seekers to budget-conscious travelers.

Mauritius has a range of transportation options available to visitors, including public transportation, taxis, rental cars, and tour operators.

The buses are the most commonly used form of public transportation and are relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. The buses operate on a set schedule, and routes cover most of the island.

Taxis are also available in Mauritius, with fixed rates set by the government. Taxis are a convenient way to get around, particularly for short trips or when visiting remote areas of the island.

Rental cars are also available in Mauritius, with several international car rental companies operating on the island. This can be a convenient option for those who want to explore the island independently and at their own pace.

For those who prefer to join organized tours, there are many tour operators in Mauritius offering a variety of guided tours and excursions. These tours may include transportation to and from the attractions, making them a convenient option for visitors.

Overall, there are many transportation options available in Mauritius, and visitors should choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.

Mauritius is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich culinary heritage influenced by Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European cuisines. There are a wide range of dining options available on the island, from street food vendors and casual beachside cafes to elegant fine-dining restaurants.

Some of the most popular local dishes to try in Mauritius include dholl puri (a type of flatbread filled with split peas), samosas, gateau piment (chili cakes), and rougaille (a tomato-based sauce served with rice or bread). Seafood is also a specialty in Mauritius, with a range of fresh fish and seafood available at local restaurants and markets.

Many of the high-end resorts on the island also offer world-class dining options, with gourmet restaurants featuring international cuisines and Michelin-starred chefs, such as the Four Seasons. These restaurants often feature locally sourced ingredients and highlight the flavors and spices of the island’s unique cuisine.

In addition to traditional Mauritian cuisine, there are also many international restaurants and cafes available in the larger towns and tourist areas. These include Italian, French, and Asian restaurants, as well as fast food chains and coffee shops. One of our favorite restaurants on the island is Kushi at the Shangri-La.

From local markets and handicrafts to high-end fashion boutiques and shopping malls, there is something for everyone.

One of the most popular shopping destinations in Mauritius is Port Louis, the capital city, where you can find local markets such as the Central Market and the Caudan Waterfront. The Central Market is a bustling, colorful market that offers a range of goods, including fresh produce, spices, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The Caudan Waterfront is a modern shopping center with international brand stores, restaurants, and cinemas.

Other popular shopping areas in Mauritius include Grand Baie, which is known for its shopping centers and designer boutiques, and Flic en Flac, which has a range of beachside stalls and shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products.

Mauritius is also known for its local handicrafts, such as model ships, embroidered linens, and handmade jewelry. These can be found in local markets and specialty shops throughout the island.

Mauritian culture is a fusion of different cultures from around the world. The island was first inhabited by the Dutch in the 16th century, followed by the French and then the British. As a result, the culture of Mauritius is a blend of African, Asian, European, and Creole cultures. The official language is English, but French and Creole are also widely spoken.

Mauritian cuisine is also a reflection of the island’s diverse culture. It is a fusion of Indian, Chinese, Creole, and European cuisine. The most popular dishes include curry, biryani, rougaille, and dholl puri. Mauritian food is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients.

Music and dance are also an essential part of Mauritian culture. Sega, a traditional Mauritian dance, is the most popular dance on the island. It originated from the African slaves who were brought to the island in the 18th century. Sega music is a fusion of African rhythms, Indian melodies, and European instruments.

shangri-la mauritius

Articles to read

Hotel Review: Shangri-La Le Touessrok

Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a stunning luxury resort with an immense history in Mauritius. As one of the first properties on the island, the location, architecture and even long-time employees give Shangri-La an unmistakable edge.

Typical costs

The cost of travel in Mauritius can vary depending on a range of factors, including the type of accommodation, activities, and dining options chosen, as well as the time of year and length of stay. However, here are some typical costs to give you an idea of what to expect:

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Mauritius can vary widely depending on the type of property and location. Budget guesthouses can start at around USD 20-30 per night, while mid-range hotels and resorts typically cost between USD 70-150 per night. Luxury resorts can cost USD 500 or more per night.

Food and Drink: Local street food and casual restaurants can be found for around USD 5-10 per meal, while mid-range restaurants typically cost between USD 15-30 per meal. Fine-dining restaurants can cost USD 50 or more per person. Alcoholic drinks can also add to the cost, with beer and wine starting at around USD 15-30 per drink.

Transportation: Public transportation is relatively inexpensive, with bus fares starting at around USD 0.50-1 per trip. Taxis and rental cars can be more expensive, with taxi fares starting at around USD 20 for a short trip and car rentals starting at around USD 40-50 per day.

Activities: The cost of activities in Mauritius can vary widely, depending on the type of activity and location. Popular activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking can cost between USD 20-100 per person, while luxury activities such as private yacht charters and helicopter tours can cost USD 500 or more per person.

Overall, the cost of travel in Mauritius can range from budget-friendly to quite expensive, depending on the traveler’s preferences and budget. However, visitors can still find affordable options for accommodation, dining, and activities while enjoying the natural beauty and cultural experiences that Mauritius has to offer.

Suggested daily budget – If you’re looking to stay in a 4 star hotel, we recommend budget at least $250 USD per night for lodging and $600+ for a 5 star hotel. Food costs, if you are staying conservative, will be around $150 per day. Taxis are about $25-50 USD per ride.

When to Travel
Mauritius Seasons

The best time to travel to Mauritius is from May to December, which is the cooler and drier season. During this time, temperatures are generally pleasant, with average highs in the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit), and there is less humidity and rainfall compared to the summer months. The peak tourist season in Mauritius is from October to April, which is the hotter and more humid season. While the temperatures can be higher, with average highs in the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit), this is also the time when the island experiences more rainfall and tropical cyclones, particularly from January to March. Visitors traveling to Mauritius for outdoor activities, such as hiking and water sports, may prefer to visit during the cooler and drier season, while those looking for beach vacations and outdoor relaxation may prefer to visit during the warmer and more humid season. It's worth noting that prices for flights and accommodation may be higher during the peak season, so visitors looking to save money may want to consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of May to September, which offer lower prices and fewer crowds.

Travel Tips

1
Stay in shoulder season Book a stay during early May to September for incredible deals at luxury properties.
2
Try the local food Mauritius has a rich culinary tradition, with a mix of Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences. Try the local street food, as well as seafood and traditional dishes such as curries and biryanis.
3
Plan for transportation While public transportation is available in Mauritius, visitors may want to consider renting a car or hiring a taxi to explore the island.
4
Learn some French or Creole While English is widely spoken in Mauritius, French and Creole are also commonly spoken. Learning some basic French or Creole phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.

Luxury Hotel Reviews

Check out some of our recent hotel reviews.

How to plan your trip

First establish your travel time frame: quick trip to Mauritius? a week on the island? From there, break down where you want to stay and the activities you want to take part in.

Consider the following:

  1. Look at trivago.com to scan for the best rates at luxury hotels (we often find the best benefits when booking direct)
  2. If you have AmEx Platinum, be sure to check their Fine Hotels & Resorts options: you can often gain great inclusions like free breakfast, upgrades and hotel credit for the same rates as booking elsewhere
  3. When reviewing your activities, be sure to check their website for mobile passes – this can save you hours of time

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