Africa-Press – Mauritius. Two-thousand miles southeast of the coast of Madagascar, in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies the small tropical island of Mauritius. It’s a destination well known by European travelers but not frequented by Americans. But that should change, because Mauritius is an ideal getaway for a luxury beach vacation.
Mark Twain once said “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.
” Pristine Indian Ocean beaches, natural lagoons, and coral reefs (there are over 50 diving sites across the island) make Mauritius a heaven for beach lovers.
For those who like to mix activities with oceanside lounging, the island does have more to offer than powder-white sand and turquoise waters. Since Mauritius is geographically small—40 miles long by 30 miles wide—it’s easy to navigate and see much of the island by car.
The road conditions are good and the island is filled with scenic drives. Besides the beaches, there is plenty to do in Mauritius. Golf and diving are popular sports and Mauritius is also a paradise for food lovers.
The island’s cuisine melds together a variety of diverse flavors. The Four Seasons Mauritius captures the spirit of laid-back luxury. The resort is located on the east side of the island, settled among 64 acres of native garden and bordered by a lagoon.
The property offers all standalone accommodations decorated in a stylish tropical fashion with 90 villas, 45 residences, and a presidential suite. Each accommodation comes with a private garden containing an infinity plunge pool.
Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is located on the east coast overlooking the Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. Shangri-La has five beaches and a private island, Ilot Mangénie, reachable by a 10-minute boat ride.
Each of the property’s 200 guest rooms has a view of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s three bedroom villas come with their own private beach, infinity pool, and private chef.
For a truly special excursion, the resort offers a “heli-butler” experience that takes guests on a private tour of the island’s landmarks from the sky.
Mauritian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world, with influences from French, Indian, African, and Asian kitchens fusing together. The gourmet scene on Mauritius is unparalleled among Indian Ocean islands.
Le Château De Bel Ombre is an elegant dining experience that serves traditional Mauritian cuisine in a renovated mansion that dates back to 1765. The chateau is set among formal gardens and offers a fresh and seasonal menu that includes a robust wine list.
The restaurant offers wine tasting dinners as well. Four Seasons Mauritius has a variety of restaurants that both guests and non-guests can experience.
Umi. Zaka, a name that blends the Japanese word for “sea” with the African word for “pure,” is a stand out. Its menu is seafood focused Asian cuisine.
Another exceptional restaurant on property is Acquapazza, a chic two Michilin star Italian eatery on the water’s edge. One of the island’s best sushi restaurants, Kushi, is located at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa.
The red-hued dining room focuses on using locally sourced fish in its dishes and offers sweeping ocean views. Diners can also have a unique yakiniku experience which includes a built-in grill at each table.
Kushi also offers a traditional Omakase menu offering specials that change daily depending on fresh fish availability. Sugar cane is the island’s major export and tourists can visit rum distilleries across the island.
Rhumerie de Chamarel lies in the south west portion of Mauritius, 300 meters above the coast in a valley with its own microclimate. The distillery is set in a charming chalet and offers tours and tastings.
Mauritius is the third country in the world where golf was played, after the U. K. and India. It remains one of the top sports on the island. The first golf club was opened by Royal Navy members in 1902 and it has remained open, making it the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere.
The island has world-class championship courses designed by leading golfers such as Ernie Els. Mauritius is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs and there are over 100 diving sites across the country varying in difficulty and depth.
The Indian Ocean is an ideal place to dive as it has crystal clear water, a large number of tropical brightly colored fish, and old shipwrecks that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Nature lovers have much to explore across the island’s vast landscapes. Mauritius is home to a dozen nature reserves and botanical gardens where endemic species such as pink pigeons and giant tortoises can be found.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rugged mountain that juts into the ocean in the southwest.
This natural fortress was used as a shelter for runaway slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Another unique landscape can be found in the village of Chamarel, which is known as “the land of seven colors” for its colorful sand dunes.
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