Mauritius is a unique holiday destination, seamlessly blending different cultures into a rich melting pot of beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and exciting tourist attractions. Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Mauritius, though there are many more!
Reasons Why You Should Visit Mauritius
This island in the Indian Ocean has over 330 kilometers of coastline, surrounded by coral reef. It’s known for its friendly locals, great food and natural attractions.
1. Mauritian Beaches
Mauritius is famous for its crystal clear water and sandy beaches. The East coast where we stayed is less developed than the North coast and the beaches tend to be less crowded. There’s usually a pleasant breeze, and therefore it doesn’t feel too hot.
The Ile aux Cerfs is located inside the East coast lagoon, so the water is very calm and the views towards Black River Peak are impressive. The North coast beaches are also very popular and there are lots of water sports on offer including water skiing and windsurfing.
2. Le Piton
Le Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, also known as Black River Peak, is the highest mountain in Mauritius. The peak is 828 meters high and the hike up is of average difficulty, though its best to use a guide as it’s steep at the top.
We didn’t have time to climb it but admired the views from a distance. Apparently you get a 360 degree panoramic view of the whole island so it’s well worth the effort.
3. Chamarel Waterfall
Situated very close to Black River Peak, Chamarel is a village with two natural wonders. The first of these is the highest waterfall in Mauritius, at 83 meters high.
The lush vegetation makes a stunning backdrop and you might even spot some monkeys scampering around. The second phenomenon is the Seven Coloured Earths, of which more later.
4. Ganga Talao
This holy crater lake is also called Grand Bassin, and is considered the most sacred Hindu place in the whole of Mauritius. During the Shivaratri festival, pilgrims walk barefoot to the lake from their homes.
At any time of year, you will see people leaving offerings to the Gods, and you can admire the many statues of the deities including the huge 33 meter high statue of the god Shiva.
5. Luxury Hotels in Mauritius
Mauritius has some fantastic hotels and we stayed in two of them – firstly the world renowned Le Touessrok, now known as Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa. Located on stunning Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, it overlooks the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean.
Guests can explore the resort’s two islands, Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs, with its 18-hole championship golf course.
The St Regis Resort is another great place to stay in Mauritius. This five star spa hotel has a very chic vibe.
Located on the Morne Peninsula, it has a lot of free water sports activities and crystal clear water.
6. Mauritian Culture
One of the things that makes Mauritius so great is its culture – there’s no official religion here and Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists all live in harmony. The cuisine is a tantalizing combination of Indian, French, African and Chinese influences, with many dishes that are specific to Mauritius.
There isn’t an official language either, but Mauritian Creole is a French based language which borrows a number of words from English, African and Asian languages. In the hotels and restaurants, everyone speaks English fluently.
7. Seven Coloured Earths
This particular attraction really has to be seen to be believed! A geological formation with seven different shades of earth, it’s thought that the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel resulted from molten volcanic rock cooling at different external temperatures.
Visitors can observe blue, brown, green, purple, red and yellow shades. It’s not possible to walk directly on them but you get a great view from the observation points.
8. Trou aux Cerfs
Thankfully the Trou aux Cerfs volcano is dormant, although it could become active again one day. The name means “Hole of the Deers” in English and it’s 80 meters deep and between 300 and 350 meters in diameter. It’s best to admire the view from the top, as the sides are incredibly steep.
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Visit Mauritius
Mauritius is a unique destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. With its crystal clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, lush green mountains and friendly people, there is something for everyone in Mauritius.
All in all, Mauritius is so much more than just a beach holiday, although it’s equally good for those who want to just kick back and relax.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Mauritius today!
Have you been to Mauritius or the Indian Ocean? Which of these attractions would you love to visit?
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wow, I would love to go there
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
I hope that you get the chance, Laura, it’s stunning!
Do you even need eight reasons? It’s beautiful as hell and that’s the perfect reason, haha! Would love to visit one day 🙂
Fashionably,
Patricia
http://www.wingsforliberty.com/
Ha ha, very true Patricia!
wow! Those beaches!
They’re fantastic beaches and the coral reef makes it a diver’s paradise
I’d love to go to Mauritius one day, it looks absolutely beautiful! Years ago my Dad was friends with a guy who’s family own a lot of the island, and stupidly when he offered us a free stay there Dad said no because my brother was quite young at the time and didn’t think he’d like the long flight! I was horrified!
C x | Lux Life
Oh what a shame, I hope you do get to visit one day, Catherine. We were surprised with how many things there were to do there
No need to convince me, I am dying to go there, especially for diving 😀
It’s a paradise indeed, and I love all the reasons you mentioned <3
Stunning photos!
We didn’t do the diving at the time but I’d love to go back and try that!
It’s supposed to be amazing!! I hope you do 😀 Did you do snorkeling?
Aggghhh take me back there! We went in November last year and had THE most wonderful time, though spent most of it on the beach/in the sea so didn’t see most of the above!!!!
Rosie xx
Ooh I’ll read your blog post on it Rosie if you did one?
R xxhttp://www.alittlelusciousness.com/2014/12/8-incredible-days-in-mauritius.html
R xx
I’ve heard amazing things about Mauritius it’s just out the coast from South Africa, which is cool! those beautiful waters wow ..
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It’s quite easy to combine a safari in SA with a beach break in Mauritius apparently
Mauritius is the great place to spend your Holiday. Been there and love it ♥♥♥
Kisses,
Nicole
Reinvent Yourself Guide
http://reinventyourself.guide/
Glad you enjoyed Mauritius too, Nicole
I want to visit immediately- what a gorgeous corner of the globe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
It’s really gorgeous Ashley, the people are so friendly too!
I always get Mauritius mixed up is Mauritania…and they really couldn’t be more different! Great post – this really makes me want to visit!
COOCOO FOR COCO
The two do sound very similar but they are so different – a bit like Dominica and the Dominican Republic
I can’t help having a nose at a nice hotel and I took a look at the website, both of these look stunning! the volcano looks incredible too!
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
There are some really great hotels on the East coast and I can’t wait to see what the revamp of Le Touessrok will be like
Would love to! Looks gorgeous!
It really is a slice of paradise, Becky!
Whether Mauritius or Seychelles, both are stunning! Hope your store opening went well
I would love love love to visit Mauritius! The photos are amazing! You are so lucky to have visited this beautiful place.
www.LUXESSED.com
I know, extremely lucky! Would love to return and see the other side of the island, it’s supposed to be lovely too
Mauritius looks beautiful, it´s definitely in my bucket list now!
https://mythoughtsthroughthelens.wordpress.com/
Thanks very much Carmen, it was before the blog so I didn’t get any food shots but the cuisine was pretty good too
I saw some of these pretty photos shared on your Twitter and instantly fell in love – the entire post certainly doesn’t disappoint and in fact, quite the opposite.. I’m determined to visit Mauritius now! The ‘Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel’ seems spectacular 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
Those earths are amazing, never seen anything like it before! You can even buy the sand from the gift shop
This is definitely one of my dream destinations. It’s so beautiful.
www.girlcandress.com
Quite handy to get to from South Africa too!
Stunning photographs, this is such an inspirational post. I would happily jet off to Mauritius tomorrow after reading this. Thank you so much for sharing!
Best Wishes,
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you Camille, that’s very kind – it really is a beautiful island
Though I love luxurious places in the cities, I love nature too. That waterfalls look magnificent. The greens and the blues in those photos are just breathtakingly beautiful.
The waterfalls are lovely and the whole island is so green
Dream place! xxx
www.stylentonic.com
It’s definitely a dream destination, wishing you a lovely weekend Constantinos
Ow wow, I definitely didn’t need 8 reasons to go, the photo’s alone are enough to tempt me. So stunning!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
It is a gorgeous place isn’t it, have a great weekend Ellie!
Omg! That waterfall! Those beaches! I would love to jet off this very weekend, it looks like heaven!!!
I’d love to swim under that waterfall though I don’t think that you can, we just admired if from a distance!
Great post. I really need to visit it someday.
XoXo
Valentina | DAILY SUIT
You definitely should visit Valentina, it’s stunning
Oh my God !! Such a lovely place. I love beaches <3 <3 Very very nicely written !
www.elegant365.com
Thanks Sindhura, that’s very kind – there are some great beaches in Mauritius
No I’ve never been! To be honest, I thought before reading this that Mauritius was ‘just another beach resort.’ Don’t get me wrong, nothing against people who love your typical luxury beach holiday, but I need that mix of culture and nature to keep me happy during my travels. Lying on the beach just isn’t me 😉 So glad to see that there’s so much more to do here!
Same here, I can’t lay around for long when there are things to visit! Have a great weekend Maaike
I’ve been to quite a few of the Indian Ocean islands and found they all have their own perks but there was no beating the culture and the natural beauty as well as the friendliness of the Mauritan beaches! I’d love to take my husband to see the place one day!
I hope you do get to return with your husband, Shikha!
This is on the list, such a beautiful country and wonderful culture. Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel Look breathtaking Lucy x
The culture is such an interesting mix, Lucy! Have a great weekend
A stunning island – a real variation from the Maldives, similar blissful beaches and views, but with lots to explore too
I’d also like to visit the Maldives but worry that I would go stir crazy which you won’t in Mauritius
I want to visit this place so bad!!!!!!! This island is a paradise:)
http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
You’re right Ivana, it’s a real paradise – happy Sunday
awww! I would love to go there! now! just now! <3
www.fashion-utopia.com
Fingers crossed that you get to visit some day, Wioletta
I can’t believe that I’ve been to Mauritius on holiday three times and not seen any of the above! Mind you we do play a lot of golf when we’re there! I have been zip-lining there – that’s great fun!
I know there was a zip line near Chamarel, apparently it’s closed until further notice. We should have fitted it in whilst we were there but there was so much to see!
Oh god I’m in love!! Mauritius has been my dream destination for so long and I keep hoping Mr Ayla will take me for an anniversary/birthday/second honeymoon etc but it hasn’t happened yet! After this post I want to go even more!
Fingers crossed that he reads this and takes the hint, you could “accidentally” have him see the page 😉
Your photographs look so beautiful Suze. I haven’t visited Mauritius before but I would love to go one day. It looks stunning. An old college friend grew up there, certainly not a bad place to grow up 🙂 I would happily move to sunnier destinations anytime and live by the sea, it really soothes me!
Laura x www.shehearts.net xx
I’ve since made a couple of Mauritian friends in London – it does sound like a great place to grow up and to live!
Your photos are absolutely stunning! It makes me want to visit Mauritius right about now. 🙂
The waterfall looks like quite a hike to get to.
Thanks very much, the waterfall was surprisingly accessible but then again we didn’t go right to the edge
Beautiful Photos Suze. It looks stunning. Never been to Mauritius. Can’t wait to visit x
It’s definitely one of those places that you visit once and you want to return to!
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