With its azure waters and pure white beaches, Mauritius looks like your typical Indian Ocean island. Peer closer, however, and you’ll discover that Mauritius is a little bit different. With its numerous beaches backed by dramatic mountains, a cuisine consisting of a delicious fusion, and remnants of colonial history in the architecture and gardens, Mauritius is so much more than a fly and flop destination. If you’re looking for a honeymoon filled with more than sun-bathing, here are 5 reasons you should consider these Mauritius holidays.
The Beaches
For those first days of the honeymoon when you really need to laze in a jaw-dropping bay, Mauritius has a multitude of options. With 160km of sheltered coastline, encircled by coral reef and backed in some places by volcanic mountains, Mauritius has the beaches your honeymoon dreams were made of. Choose from the exclusive sands of Le Morne, with its dramatic mountain backdrop, the dive sites of Trou aux Biches or swim with wild dolphins at Tamarin. For a more intimate beach experience you and your loved one can escape to one of the idyllic offshore islands, like the Ile aux Cerfs.
The Cuisine
Mauritian culture is a fusion of French, Indian, Creole and British influences and its cuisine is a delicious combination of these flavours. If you want a honeymoon filled with fine dining and local dishes, Mauritian specialities such as Creole fish rougaille, octopus curry, dhal puris and smoked blue marlin are sure to tickle your taste buds.
The Botanical Gardens
Across Mauritius you will spot remnants of the island’s colonial history, especially in the architecture, tea plantations and botanical gardens. The National Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses, named after the grapefruit-like citrus trees the Dutch introduced to Mauritius from Java, offers a serene escape for newlyweds who’ll enjoy strolling the gardens filled with palm trees, Baobabs and giant Amazon lilies.
The Just Wow Waterfalls
Every honeymoon needs at least one mega-wow moment and in Mauritius you’ll find that at the Chamarel Waterfalls. Hidden in the lush, green hills of the Black River Gorges, the Chamarel Waterfalls spill 83 metres over rusty rocks into the River St Denis. You can enjoy a romantic dip under the magnificent falls or take in their splendour from an observation area near the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Reserve, itself a sight that needs to be seen to be believed. Consisting of naturally formed sand dunes made up of 7 different colours, the reserve is a real-life optical illusion.
Fall For Mauritius
Finally, if all the above doesn’t make you fall for Mauritius then a skydive will quite literally do it for you! For couples looking for an adrenalin rush, Skydive Mauritius offer tandem jumps over the aqua ocean. Take it from me the photos won’t be the prettiest in your honeymoon collection but I guarantee the memories of that jump will last a lifetime.
Written in conjunction with Emirates Holidays.
(Featured image via Flikr/Sofitel So Mauritius)
This is such a cool post. I grew up in Mauritius and it is such an amazing place. Truly special.
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It’s been on my wish list but I’m super keen to go after researching this post. What a special place to grow up.
Oh my god, this is too beautiful. I wish I could leave right now.
Me too! Let’s go Neni 🙂