Great Escapes: Mauritius’ Laid-Back Luxury in the Indian Ocean

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Two-thousand miles southeast of the coastline of Madagascar, in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies the smaller tropical island of Mauritius. It’s a destination very well identified by European travelers but not frequented by Us residents. But that must change, simply because Mauritius is an perfect getaway for a luxury beach front holiday vacation.

Mark Twain when mentioned “Mauritius was manufactured to start with, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” Pristine Indian Ocean beach locations, organic lagoons, and coral reefs (there are in excess of 50 diving web sites throughout the island) make Mauritius a heaven for seashore fans. For those who like to mix actions with oceanside lounging, the island does have much more to offer than powder-white sand and turquoise waters.

Given that Mauritius is geographically small—40 miles extensive by 30 miles wide—it’s easy to navigate and see considerably of the island by car. The highway disorders are great and the island is loaded with scenic drives. In addition to the beach locations, there is plenty to do in Mauritius. Golfing and diving are preferred sporting activities and Mauritius is also a paradise for meals fans. The island’s cuisine melds together a range of numerous flavors. 

Stay

The Four Seasons Mauritius captures the spirit of laid-back again luxurious. The resort is found on the east facet of the island, settled among 64 acres of native yard and bordered by a lagoon. The assets offers all standalone lodging adorned in a attractive tropical trend with 90 villas, 45 residences, and a presidential suite. Every single lodging will come with a non-public back garden containing an infinity plunge pool.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Vacation resort & Spa is situated on the east coast overlooking the Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. Shangri-La has 5 shorelines and a private island, Ilot Mangénie, reachable by a 10-minute boat trip. Each individual of the property’s 200 visitor rooms has a view of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s 3 bed room villas appear with their possess non-public beach front, infinity pool, and non-public chef. For a truly distinctive tour, the vacation resort offers a “heli-butler” knowledge that requires guests on a personal tour of the island’s landmarks from the sky. 

Try to eat & Consume

Mauritian cuisine is a single of the most assorted in the earth, with influences from French, Indian, African, and Asian kitchens fusing with each other. The connoisseur scene on Mauritius is unparalleled between Indian Ocean islands.

Le Château De Bel Ombre is an elegant dining experience that serves regular Mauritian cuisine in a renovated mansion that dates back to 1765. The chateau is set amongst formal gardens and offers a refreshing and seasonal menu that contains a robust wine list. The cafe gives wine tasting dinners as well.

4 Seasons Mauritius has a variety of eating places that each friends and non-visitors can knowledge. Umi.Zaka, a identify that blends the Japanese word for “sea” with the African word for “pure,” is a stand out. Its menu is seafood focused Asian delicacies. Another extraordinary restaurant on house is Acquapazza, a chic two Michilin star Italian eatery on the water’s edge.

One of the island’s finest sushi places to eat, Kushi, is positioned at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Vacation resort & Spa. The purple-hued eating space focuses on working with domestically sourced fish in its dishes and offers sweeping ocean views. Diners can also have a exclusive yakiniku working experience which involves a constructed-in grill at each and every table. Kushi also delivers a traditional Omakase menu presenting specials that improve day-to-day based on clean fish availability. 

Sugar cane is the island’s significant export and travelers can go to rum distilleries throughout the island. Rhumerie de Chamarel lies in the south west part of Mauritius, 300 meters higher than the coastline in a valley with its have microclimate. The distillery is set in a charming chalet and offers excursions and tastings.

EXPERIENCE 

Mauritius is the 3rd state in the globe wherever golf was performed, right after the U.K. and India. It remains one particular of the top sports activities on the island. The to start with golfing club was opened by Royal Navy users in 1902 and it has remained open, generating it the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere. The island has planet-class championship courses intended by primary golfers these as Ernie Els. 

Mauritius is practically entirely surrounded by coral reefs and there are above 100 diving web sites across the region various in trouble and depth. The Indian Ocean is an best location to dive as it has crystal distinct water, a massive amount of tropical brightly coloured fish, and previous shipwrecks that date again to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mother nature enthusiasts have significantly to investigate across the island’s huge landscapes. Mauritius is dwelling to a dozen mother nature reserves and botanical gardens in which endemic species these as pink pigeons and large tortoises can be located.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rugged mountain that juts into the ocean in the southwest. This all-natural fortress was utilized as a shelter for runaway slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. One more special landscape can be uncovered in the village of Chamarel, which is regarded as “the land of seven colors” for its vibrant sand dunes.

The creator was a visitor of 4 Seasons Mauritius and Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa