With its tropical climate, safe and clean beaches and a huge range of activities, Mauritius is perfect for families. Direct overnight flights mean minimal jetlag and with a time difference of just three hours, families can holiday without hassle.

Children of all ages will enjoy the golden sands and crystal clear waters found in Mauritius. Days fly by lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea. But Mauritius is an island made for exploring, perfect for adventurous youths. For an exhilarating way to take in the breath-taking surroundings and a magnificent view of the forest canopy, why not encourage your children to try ziplining? Mauritius actually boasts the longest zip lines in the Indian Ocean which is becoming an increasingly popular activity for families. Other adrenaline fuelled activities include Canyoning at Tamarin Falls or skydiving from 10,000 feet in Grand Baie.

Home to a huge variety of birds and animals, Mauritius offers outings where children are free to see, touch and learn about the assortment of creatures that live here, both big and small. 100 year old giant tortoises always prove popular with children as well as the species that are endemic to Mauritius including the Mauritian Kestrel and the Pink Pigeon. Walking in the Ebony Forest Reserve in Chamarel is a great way to see the animals in their natural habitat and to see monkeys make sure you visit the Black River Gorges National Park!

Hotels are constantly increasing their family offering, the majority of which offer free kids’ and teens clubs which run fun, educational activities. The newest innovations include family rooms, baby equipment, kids’ pools, menus and games consoles, along with junior sports academies.

In Mauritius award-winning lifestyle spas are equipped to treat the mind, body and soul with the latest in luxurious therapies. Take a journey of serenity and harmony to revive your senses at one of our beautiful spas. Using only the finest beauty and body care products, we guarantee that you will be pampered from head to toe, and time will seem to stand still in this haven of peace and tranquillity.

With the increase in demand by our foreign visitors, the market has become extremely competitive, resulting in an amazing range of pampering treatments and state-of-the-art health and beauty facilities. The biggest names in cosmetics such as Clarins, Givenchy, Guerlain, La Prairie and Shisheido, are found in the best spas in the country, ensuring that visitors enjoy the highest quality beauty treatments.

A local brand, Seven Colours, has earned respect from our clients and is the first and only Mauritian spa and cosmetics brand. The island’s mix of cultures has inspired an eclectic blend of therapies, with visitors able to choose from a range of Asian Ayurvedic massages, ocean-inspired treatments, and African and Creole treatments made from locally grown flowers, herbs and essential oils.

Making the most of the beautiful surroundings and the warm year-round temperatures, some wellness centres have created dedicated outdoor treatment areas, in gardens or private gazebos on the beach. If you are not staying in a resort, do not despair as most hotels and resorts welcome non-guests to their spas and there are a number of independent health and beauty centres around the country.

Mauritius’ rich and diverse culture – born from heady European, African and Asian roots – is ripe for exploring. With no native population, Mauritians are all descendants of immigrants, which may explain the racial and religious harmony which is a cornerstone of the Mauritian society. There is a huge variety of ways visitors can explore and embrace the island’s culture, from colourful markets and vibrant festivals to temples and shrines. Don’t miss the Mauritian ‘sega’ – a popular style of local music and dance – which often continues into the early hours or the Sundowner tradition whereby locals eat, drink and dance in pubs on Friday evenings.

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao is a must-see. One of the rare natural lakes in Mauritius and the renowned pilgrimage place for Mauritians of Hindu faith, this incredible site is home to many of the Hindu Gods. However the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath Mandir can be found in Triolet, which also boasts the longest village of the island.

The prison in Port Louis is where slaves were detained and is also worth visiting as well as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aapravasi Ghat. To see past times glamour, head to the elegant plantation homes of former sugar barons. With 109 doors and turreted rooftop windows, Eureka House is the most striking, while set in ancient orchards, Chateau Labourdonnais, was modelled on Versailles.

A family meal equals happiness for Mauritians, so don’t forget to sample the street food! Try Indian gato pima (chilli cakes), Chinese boulette (dumplings) and alooda (a milkshake using coconut milk, rose syrup and basil seeds.)

With beautiful hotels, excellent service and stunning settings, Mauritius is a world-leader for romantic holidays. This island paradise has something for every couple. Days spent basking in the sun, swimming in the crystal clear waters and exploring tropical surroundings will be treasured forever.

For those looking to make lasting memories, Mauritius offers a huge range of unique experiences. Romantic types can enjoy private catamaran cruises, horse-riding at sunset or spa days with bespoke treatments specially designed for couples. For more adrenaline fuelled fun, couples can zip line on the Indian oceans longest zip line, swim with dolphins in Tamarin Bay, or even skydive out of a plane at 10,000 feet. The Black River Gorges National Park has over over 60 kilometers of trails and hiking in the stunning surroundings whilst enjoying the waterfalls and endemic plants and birds is a must.

Luxury dining on the beach, under the stars or even amongst the mangroves is available in Mauritius. With bespoke and intimate dining options available year-round, couples can easily relax and unwind on our island paradise.

To guarantee a holiday free from children, adult-only hotels are increasing island wide. For something completely different and for unbelievable views of the sky, why not try a bubble lodge?

The Mauritian culinary scene offers everything from Michelin-star chefs, to fine dining to enticing roadside snacks sold by street food vendors. The delicate ‘heart of palm’ salad is famous in Mauritius and something to try if your budget allows. Cultural festivals, such as the Chinatown Festival, are known to attract thousands of Mauritians for their food offerings.

Traditional local restaurants offer a dizzying variety of tasty, typical Mauritian dishes, reflecting the islands’ French, Indian, African and Chinese heritage. Alongside the curries, briani and vindaye (fish or meat coated in turmeric, ginger, chilli and mustard seeds), look out for Creole-style rougaille (fish or meat in a spicy tomato sauce with thyme and chilli), Chinese inspired bol renverse (or upside-down dish) and French style meat stew or daube. Accompany it with a local Phoenix beer – or healthy citronelle – water spiced with lemon grass and ginger – and a homemade rhum arrangé digestive, flavoured with coconut or chilli.

A street food tour of the capital, Port Louis – listed among the top ten cities in the world for street food by The Telegraph – is a must for foodies. Sample the ubiquitous street food: dholl puris, samosas, gateaux arouille and gateaux piments both on and off the streets of Mauritius, in the many small restaurants and takeaways (“snacks”). Visitors will soon learn that eating is extremely popular among the local population.

Green Mauritius
A world biodiversity hotspot known for its natural beauty and for being the home of the dodo, Mauritius is on a crusade to reduce the eco-footprint for the benefit of the island. Volcanic mountains, savannah-style plains and pockets of ancient forest with endemic plants and wildlife offer plenty of opportunity for green adventure, from birding, quad-biking and zip-lining to blue marlin fishing and nature treks.

Black River Gorges National Park is located in the ‘green’ southwest and has 6,500 hectares of natural beauty criss-crossed with walking trails which is home to native trees and rare birds. A guided tour around the tiny rocky wildlife sanctuary of Ile aux Aigrettes (protected by The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) in the southeast is a chance to see the island’s famous pink pigeon which along with the Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and Mauritius skink, have been pulled back from the brink of extinction with the help of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Aldabra tortoises, have also been reintroduced on Ile aux Aigrettes, can be seen in all stages of development at La Vanille Reserve Des Mascareignes- the world’s only breeding centre – as well as the endangered Mauritius Fruit Bat. Casela Nature & Leisure Park provides the chance to try out eco-friendly Segway tours as well as the longest zipline in the Indian Ocean which provides magnificent views of the forest canopy.

Sugar estates or ‘domaines’, have opened as eco-adventure parks offering nature treks, quad-biking, horse riding, mountain biking and 4×4 safaris to spot deer, monkeys and wild boar in vast swathes of countryside. Favourites are Domaine L’Etoile on the east coast where a Mauritian meal is served in a pretty thatched cottage, once the setting for French film Paul & Virginie and Frederica Nature Reserve in Domaine de Bel Ombre with a picnic at the base of a pretty waterfall and new 4×4 night safari.

The National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) is responsible for the management of the native terrestrial biodiversity and the ecosystem of Mauritius.

Mauritius Diving
Diving in Mauritius is spectacular, conservationist, comfortable and safe. With its calm lagoons and close inshore reefs, it is also a great place to learn to dive. Families bond here over a diving holiday. Photographers love the exquisite reefs with varied coral and rare macro life. Adventure divers get a buzz out of the deep wreck dives, the shark dives, turtles and dolphin and occasional whale encounters and drift diving in strong currents. And who would not want to enjoy a diving honeymoon on the world’s most romantic tropical island? With 22 to 29-degree water, our corals are healthy, our reefs are varied and our diving exceptional. With viz from 20 to 80 metres, the sand is white, the sea is turquoise blue, the corals stunning and this tropical paradise offers the diver affordable luxury paired with hugely varied diving in a single location.

Topography
Mauritius diving is spectacular because it is part of the undersea Mascarenes plateau, surrounded by 2.3 million square kilometers’ of Indian Ocean, yet protected by a barrier reef. All diving is by boat. Typically, boats are moored and accessed directly off the beach or from a jetty. All diving boats in Mauritius are regularly inspected by the Mauritian Mauritius Scuba Divers Association (MSDA) and carry licenses on board. There is no shore entry diving in Mauritius because of the protective lagoons .

Divers Favourites
With its safe lagoons stretching up to the barrier reef, its passes, drop-offs and wrecks, the island provides a wide variety of dives for both beginners and those with more experience.

Don’t miss the Cathedral – one of the most popular dives in Mauritius. Located off Flic- en- Flac on the west coast of the island the beauty of the surroundings is incredible. Other popular spots include Gunner’s Coin, where you can see large parrotfish at each dive; Whale Rock (26 to 38 meters deep) where the lucky ones can come face to face with a hammerhead shark; and Holt’s Rocks (16 to 25 meters deep) whose name suggests the formation of huge rocks under the sea. For the Beginner, head to the Blue Bay Marine Park in the South East – ideal for those just starting out.

What is unique to diving in Mauritius is the proximity to shore. Although most of the more challenging dive sites are found outside of the barrier reef, they are still invariably reached with just a 20-minute boat ride.

Preservation as a Priority
Mauritian and Rodriguan dive centres place a lot of emphasis on the preservation of the Indian Ocean’s fragile, sub-aquatic landscape. You won’t find yourself clamouring for space at a crowded dive site here. Nor will you see boats being anchored – thus potentially breaking up a precious section of coral. Mooring buoys are used instead, in line with Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) guidelines.

The North – Point aux Piment to Calodyne and Pourdre D’Or, 65 plus dive sites
Northern Mauritius is protected from weather, there are no rivers, so visibility is excellent year- round. Reefs range from 8 to 40 metres. You can enjoy two and three tank Island Safaris, Shark diving, plenty of wreck dives from 16 to 40 metres, deep drop offs into the blue where the bottom is visible at 120 metres, turtle encounters, massive shoals, beautiful and varied corals and rare macro life sightings. We have found weedy scorpion fish, ghost pipe fishes, unidentified varieties of shrimp and lobsters. It is a macro photographer’s dream. Coin de Mire (Gunners Island), Round Island, Flat Island and Ile Gabriel are all accessed from the North .

The West – Albion to Le Morne 45 listed dive sites
Strong currents funnel through the volcanic basaltic rock formations with canyons, caves, and chimneys on the West. Reefs are deeper from 15 to 46 metres here with huge shoals of rays, occasional sharks, and dolphins are typically spotted here. There is adventure diving through deep passes and riding strong currents, wreck dives, shallow reef dives and macro life is plentiful here. Visibility drops during the summer rains, but there is an increase in hunting fish species. Coral growth is less because of the basalt rock. Wrecks are deep, but they have a lot of shoals and corals. Le Benitier Island is accessible from the West of the island.

The East Coast Poudre d’Or to Blue Bay 60 listed dive sites
Just off the east coast, the beautiful lagoon that runs along the coast is scattered with numerous passes through the reef, providing easy access to the deep sea. The corals are robust and spectacular, and the deep gullies are filled with a variety of marine life.These areas are rich in plankton and attract a wide variety of pelagic species. There is a rich concentration of fish and invertebrate life as a result. Some exciting drift dives can be hard had here, with strong currents bringing rays and shoals of hunting fish. In the South East, Blue Bay Marine Park offers snorkeling tours and diving in a sheltered environment .

Diver Safety
Unique in the world, Mauritius has a united body of dive centres, monitored and controlled by the Mauritian Scuba Divers Association (MSDA). All Mauritius instructors and dive masters are licensed and listed with the MSDA.

When you dive in Mauritius, you will be able to join the MSDA as a temporary member, knowing that you are safe in the hands of a registered professional body of divers.

Since 1989, they have trained divers, inspected diving centres, checked dive boats, sunk obsolete or confiscated fishing trawlers to create artificial reefs and wrecks, planted mooring buoys to protect the corals, and made sure that Mauritius spectacular reefs are protected. MSDA furthers the interests of safe, educated, conservationist diving in Mauritius.

Mauritius consistently ranks as one of the world’s top wedding and honeymoon destinations, thanks to its picture-perfect venues and superb luxury. Couples can marry anywhere in Mauritius – be it aboard a catamaran, on a submarine underwater or even saying ‘I do’ on a zipline over the forest.

Most hotels offer extensive wedding and honeymoon packages and have their own experienced wedding coordinator, who will organise every last detail of the wedding of your dreams. Villas are also increasingly popular with multi-generational wedding parties and honeymooners. Mauritius is home to some of the best wedding photographers, who will be with you from the initial consultation until the moment you leave for your honeymoon.

Honeymoon
A Mauritian honeymoon marks a unique beginning to wedded life. We want to make your honeymoon truly unforgettable. Think romantic walks on the beach, private dinners with blissful views over the ocean, adventurous climbs across rugged mountains – paradise.

Our hotels and resorts specialise in honeymoons and offer up to 25% discounts on their rooms and suites for honeymooning couples. Other added extras include free spa or beauty treatments, fruit baskets, excursions champagne, or private candle-lit dinners for two on the beach.

What’s required?

Civil Weddings
Copies of the following documents are required:
The first six pages of both passports.
Birth certificates.
Decree Absolute if either party is divorced.
Proof of change of name, if applicable.
Death certificate in case of widow/ widower.
Letter of parental consent in the form of an affidavit, if either the bride or groom is under the age of 18.
Mauritian doctor certificate of non-pregnancy if the bride-to-be has been divorced in the last ten months.
Registration from the registrar of births, deaths and marriages (see below).

Religious Weddings
Original documentation must be produced on the wedding day.
Documents not in English must be translated into English and duly stamped.
Religious wedding ceremonies can only take place between Monday and Friday, and subject to the availability of the registrar. Ceremonies of this kind cannot take place on public holidays.
Couples need to be on the island for three working days prior to the ceremony. Note that most hotels require a minimum stay of seven nights.
Before the big day, a visit to Port Louis will be arranged to sign affidavits.

Documents required:
Birth certificates.
Passports.
Christening certificates (for Christians).
Morality certificates from each respective Parish priest, specifying that both parties are free to marry.
Specification of religion. If parties are of different religions, the case must go to the Bishop.

If you think that Mauritius is just sea, sand and sunshine, then think again! The island’s beaches are definitely one of the greatest highlights, but there is so much more in store. If you’re ready to leave the confines of your resort and venture inland, a unique vacation experience awaits you and will add new meaning to outdoor activities, adventure, food and culture!

The North

In Mauritius, when we speak of “the north”, Grand Bay is the first thing that comes to mind. Grand Bay, through sustained development, has become the premier tourist destination of Mauritius.

The starting point of nautical trips to the northern islands and other sea activities, Grand Bay has two beaches, one of which is “La Cuvette”, a discreet hideaway, where you can still found the rare “tec-tec” hidden in the sand, small white shells that need to be preserved.

Take a walk through the narrow streets behind the main road and enjoy what the small local boutiques have to offer. Known for its wide variety of restaurants and its nightlife, you will immediately be drawn to this charming and exuberant village.

Another picturesque village in the north of Mauritius is Cap Malheureux, with its famous red-roofed church, its view of the northern islands and its important fishing community.

Port Louis, Capital City of Mauritius

Port Louis, the cosmopolitan capital city of Mauritius was founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Located on the Northwest Coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island.

Buzzing with activity during the day, the city is full of cultural and historical treasures that should not be missed. Beyond the central market, which is a focal point for those who want to feel close to the soul of Mauritius, are many historic sites including the Champ de Mars – the oldest race course in the southern hemisphere.

The West & South-West

The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.

Head to Tamarin Bay, or to the world famous “One Eye” at Le Morne, where you can find the best waves for surfing. Le Morne is also well known by kitesurfers due to the steady winds that blow in from the South-East and accelerate in this corner of the island almost all year round.

The West is where you’ll find the lush Black River Gorges. You can spend the day visiting the different Nature Parks (Casela, Gros Cailloux) in the region, going for walks, great activities for kids and taking in the stunning surroundings. There are even some tame African lions, giraffe and other animals to see.

Do some shopping at the nearby shopping centres and why not try a karting race at Cascavelle? For a truly magical experience, be sure to book a trip to Ile aux Bénitiers and swim with wild dolphins!

The South & South-East

The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.

The East

What to See?

Ile aux Cerfs
Considered by others as a water sports paradise, and as having the most attractive beaches of the island by others, Ile aux Cerfs, a precious little jewel located five minutes from Le Touessrok hotel is a must-see in the Mauritian tourism landscape.

Grand River South East
The Grand River South East is a real attraction. The wide estuary enters an impressive gorge ending on a pictorial waterfall. An ideal place for excursions.

Beaches
Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette
The public beach of Roches Noires extends to Poste Lafayette, an excellent place for fishing and breathing in the crisp air.

Bras d’Eau
Bras d’Eau is a small bay inside the lagoon of Poste Lafayette. Its public beach has a view of the south, which means that you can see both the sunrise and the sunset – unique in the East.

Belle Mare
Belle Mare has a beautiful white sandy beach. The coastal road which follows large stretches of white sand from Palmar to Trou d’Eau Douce winds down to Grand Port right next to the sea and ends in the village of Mahebourg.

Flacq
Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. A lively hub in the East, this small town has one of the largest open-air markets in the country on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Inland & Centre

Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island’s population. High up on the plateau, you’ll also find forests, lakes and plantations that are well worth a visit.

Rodrigues

Some 560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – a 18 kilometre by 8 kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size.

The secure waters of the lagoon and the trade winds that gently buffer the island provide many opportunities for the adventurous. Rodrigues is a wonderful playground for scuba divers who quickly fall in love with the diverse coral reef eco-system and its colourful assortment of sub-aquatic flora and fauna. Equally, the island appeals to those with a love of windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and fishing. Thanks to its outer reef edges sitting nearly ten kilometres away from the coastline, Rodriguan waters are rich in fish. In fact, no fewer than three world record catches have been hooked here since 2005.

It isn’t only those who like the ocean that will be swayed by Rodrigues’ charms. Yellows, greens and blues: nature on Rodrigues throbs with a palette of colours. Rarely will visitors encounter such a variety of landscapes in such a small area.