Facebook has spoken. We ran a poll last week to find out which holiday destination was top of your 2016 wishlist. We can reveal the winner is, Mauritius!
When researching holidays to Mauritius, there’s lots of information out there but it’s time to stop searching because the experts at Kenwood Travel have prepared your quick guide of things you need to know before you jet off.
Beaches
One of the main reasons we love Mauritius is for its pristine beaches and sparkling blue sea. Boasting some of the finest beaches in the world, it really is heaven on Earth. To name a few, on the north coast of Mauritius you have La Cuvette and Mont Coisy beach. Or check out Trou aux Biches beach which many refer to as the best beach in Mauritius considering the weather conditions and sand quality. It’s also great to capture spectacular views of the famous Mauritian sunset.
On the south coast you can find the Blue Bay and St Felix Beach which is notably the most beautiful beach of that area with white sands and turquoise blue sea, as well natural greenery along the palm-studded coastline.
Trou aux Biches beach has been awarded the World’s Leading Beach Destination; easy to see why.
Culture
Mauritius holidays are unique for their endlessly intriguing blend of diverse cultures, bringing together three continents of traditions and beliefs. Creole, Hindi, French, Bhojpuri and English are widely spoken so you shouldn’t encounter many language barriers. Visitors can explore the island’s intricate design patterns in church buildings, mosques, temples, and Chinese pagodas.
Food
Hotel restaurants serve exquisite food of course, but if you can slip away from your in-resort dining and take a stroll through the streets, you’ll be amazed at how incredibly diverse Mauritian cuisine is. Start your adventure at Port Louis market and enjoy a unique combination of Indian, Creole, French and Chinese influences to treat your taste buds. A favourite is the Mauritian Dholl Puri which is very popular at every stall. This paper-thin flat bread could be enjoyed as a savoury dish with chicken curry, or sweet kheer also known as a rice pudding.
Hotel restaurants prepare authentic Mauritian cuisine.
Shopping
Shopping experiences in Mauritius are fun and full of affordable gifts you can take back home. If you’re visiting the southside, you’ll notice it’s less touristic and offers a more traditional shopping experience. Here you can find great bargains on spices, clothes and toys. Whereas up in the north, the Grand Bae and Pamplemousses will give you a real bazaar atmosphere of vendors calling out into the streets to lure tourists into their shops. Find an array of boutique stores selling souvenirs, paintings, handicrafts, and jewellery. Make sure you haggle the best deal!
Tea Plantations
Take a tour to the first tea plantation, Bois Cherie, 1892. You’ll be in awe of its stunning panoramic views of extensive greenery. Spot tea pickers at work plucking leaves for trade all over the world before it’s poured straight into our mugs. Whilst you’re there, discover the tea production taking place through its different stages, then enjoy a bite at the restaurant and a cup of tea at the end. Perfect!
Water sports
Mauritius is a watersports hotspot, especially the popular north coast. Activities include surfing, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, deep-sea diving, scuba diving and parasailing. Divers can enjoy an unforgettable encounter with Mauritius’ marine life as well as discover an abundance of underwater wrecks dating back to the 17th century. You can even walk on the ocean bed and get up close and personal to the colourful sea creatures without the need for scuba qualifications.
Paddle boarding the Mauritian sea.
Mauritius Hotels
Wake up to paradise when you choose to stay in one of Kenwood Travel’s 5* Mauritius hotels. Outrigger Mauritius Resort for example commands breathtaking ocean views from its private beach in Bel Ombre, and invites guests to enjoy exclusive wellness treatments, spa relaxation, gourmet Mauritian cuisine and live entertainment to get into the island spirit.