It is in the south, too, that you’ll find Mauritius’ most iconic landscape – La Morne, a basaltic monolith overlooking the Underwater Waterfall; which is not strictly as its name belies, but rather an optical illusion due to the silt that flows into an abrupt drop over the ocean shelf. There’s only one way to best admire this magical phenomenon and that’s from the sky. Corail Helicopters’ Magic Tour includes it on a 45-minute loop, starting at £300pp – the one touristy activity you should make room for.
A final piece of intel I wish we’d known straight away? The swankiest hotels would rather it wasn’t so, but no beaches on Mauritius are private and the best ones are the meticulously maintained ones by the resorts or residences that sit behind them. They’re set up to look partitioned off, but they’re not. So whether you’re on a budget or simply get bored easily, drive a car round the coast and enjoy all of them.
Five ways to explore MauritiusFor families
Flic-en-Flac boasts nearly 10km of calm shoreline that’s perfect for all ages, and plenty of watersports activities to keep everyone busy. Right at the heart of it, Sugar Beach, one of the island’s largest resorts, is a big hit for families; with several sprawling swimming pools, great dining options (the Buddha Bar seafood restaurant is a standout) and a kid’s club for two to 11-year-olds, open until 10pm daily. There’s also a teen club for 12 to 17-year-olds that hosts beach BBQs and pizza nights; and for grown-ups pastimes include golf, croquet, high tea, dance classes and perfume workshops.
Book it: Southall Travel (0208 843 4444) offers seven nights for two adults and two children in a premium sea view room at Sugar Beach on a half-board basis, from £5,699, including flights and transfers from London Heathrow. Departs December 4.
For couples
Mauritius is a top honeymoon destination for good reason, and it doesn’t get much more romantic than the Constance Prince Maurice, snuggled into a 148-acre private peninsula on the secluded Poste de Flacq coast. It has the island’s only overwater villas on stilts, teetering over a natural lagoon, and a delightful spa equipped with treatment rooms for couples, as well as a tranquil infinity pool and two golf courses in which to wile away your days. Dining options include a private candlelit set-up on the beach or in-suite breakfasts, but whatever you do, don’t miss dinner at Barachois, its gorgeous floating restaurant among the mangroves.
Book it: Turquoise Holidays (0149 467 8400) offers seven nights at Constance Prince Maurice on a B&B basis, including flights and private transfers. Departs May.
Source link : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/africa/mauritius/hidden-side-of-mauritius-island-expats-want-to-keep-secret/
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Publish date : 2023-10-28 07:00:00
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