With its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, Mauritius is the best place for a wedding, a honeymoon or romantic vacation. 

Mauritius isn’t known as Paradise Island for nothing. Its powdery white sands, serene beaches and general laid-back vibe make this the perfect place to have a vacation with your special someone. Whether both of you are into nature walks, swimming or just lazing on the beach, it’s all here on this enchanted tropical isle. Here are some suggestions on what you can do. 


 

1. Rent a car

Mauritius has an extended motorway and wide coastal roads, perfect for meandering through the city centre, sugarcane plantations and markets on your own. A car gives you the freedom to explore the island’s many attractions without the inconvenience of taxis or scheduling a ride with someone to take you somewhere. Besides, what’s more romantic than cruising to the beach with your loved one on a whim? 

2. Go beach hopping

Speaking of beaches, Mauritius is known for having some of the best beaches in the world — all you need is to choose your favourite. Our picks? Try Blue Bay Beach for couple-y experiences like a banana boat ride, parasailing, water scooters and the like. Or check out one of the world’s biggest marine park, The Blue Bay Marine Park. We also love the spectacular beauty of Poste Lafayette Beach, with its peaceful little coves, lovely coastline and beautiful lagoon, perfect for couple kayaking. After which, you can head off to one of the restaurants and exclusive resorts in the area for a romantic dinner. Or, don’t take our word for it and find your own special little beach. There are lots! 

3. Shop for cute local stuff

Not only is Mauritius a great honeymoon destination, but it’s also a fabulous shopping haven, especially if you love to bring home one-of-a-kind items from your travels. Head to Port Louis Central Market for a slice of local life. Go in the early morning for the best bargains. Central Market is where the locals shop for their daily necessities, trade, and find out what the news is. Check out the crafts market on the first floor. Here you’ll find colourful textiles, sculptures, fruit preserves, among other things. There are also lots of great beach dresses on sale in the market. Another interesting market is the Quatre Bornes flea market open every Thursday and Sunday. The locals claim that you can find anything and everything in this colourful market.

4. Stay at a luxurious resort and pamper yourselves

Mauritius is all about luxury. It has some of the best luxury resorts in the world. Think private plunge pools or beaches, butlers and helicopter transfers along with the best restaurants and great spas. Best of all, many of the resorts offer some of the best-value deals in the region. 

Some of our favourite offer six-star secluded hideaways with direct access to the beach, while others sit on stilts above the mangroves. Many resorts will also arrange activities for the two of you, including wine-tasting or rum-tasting sessions, pampering massages and steam baths. So you can just sit back and relax in the pool, while beach boys on Segways deliver you fruit kebabs, sorbets and cocktails to your lounger.

5. Take a stroll through Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is one of the oldest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Explore the more than 85 varieties of palms and other flora in the gardens. The fish ponds are also very beautiful, perfect for some couple selfies.

6. Have a cute moment with a giraffe

At Casela World of Adventures, you can have giraffes eating straight from the palm of your hand as you come close to their height via an elevated platform. You can even take a selfie or two — just make sure your flash is off. Not into giraffes? Then there are encounters with big cats and other exciting activities — including a safari — in this adventure park-cum-zoo.

7. Marvel at earth’s natural colours

Chamarel village in South Mauritius is famous for its coloured volcanic surface, a result of a geological phenomenon. The ground is a fascinating mix of purples, yellows, oranges and reds and is known as the Seven-Colored Earth of Chamarel. After this, head to the highest waterfall on the island nearby for more breathtaking views.

8. Get an adrenaline rush

Tired of lazing around the beach? Then get some action at Le Domaine de l’Etoile, a 1,200 ha former sugar plantation that has all the adventure you will ever need. Explore the native forests, lush valleys and dense vegetation within the park. Or try something new — like riding through the longest zipline in the world, at 3,500 metres whilst taking in stunning views. You and your loved one can also try quad biking, buggy riding, horseback riding, hiking and other fun activities. If you love exploring nature trails, then check out the Black River Gorges, Mauritius’ largest national park. This is perfect for active couples who love nature and hiking. Get to know the many species of plants and vegetation native to Mauritius in the park, while marvelling at some of the magnificent waterfalls in the area. At Frederica Nature Reserve, which is big on sustainability and eco-consciousness, go quad biking, trekking, Segway or a 4×4 discovery tour. The 1,300 ha reserve offers breathtaking views and pristine vegetation, which is great for couples who love exploring. 

9. See some cetaceans

What’s an island adventure without an encounter with dolphins and whales? Mauritius is a safe haven for the migratory Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins. The best areas to see these sociable mammals are around the west coast of the island, at Tamarin Bay, Le Morne Peninsula, Point Moyenne, and Black River. You may even spot these creatures while snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue waters. Humpback and Sperm whales migrate to the waters of Mauritius to enjoy warmer temperatures. Like the dolphins, they are usually seen in the west and southwest coast from June to November. So the next time you go swimming or snorkelling, do remember to bring your waterproof camera. Or you can join one of the many dolphin and whale-watching excursions organised on the island.

10. Experience nightlife

One of the best ways to relax and enjoy island life is to explore its nightlife. Mauritius has many bars and restaurants that cater to tourists. Skip those and check out some of the local places that locals love: The Beach House has a casual-cool vibe and has been described as having the soul of a backpacker and the taste of a high roller. Add that beach surfer vibe and the setting becomes a great local hangout for groups. Le Enfant Terribles or LET or Zenfan Terrible in Creole has the distinction of being the only club on the coast that hasn’t changed names or ownership several times. The reason? It’s the hangout of the Mauritian upper class. The Banana Beach Club is a cosy and accessible bar serving beer and simple cocktails. Unpretentious and nice. BARaBAR, meanwhile, is a resto-cum-pub-cum-dance-friendly bar serving European- and Asian-influence tapas. Famous for their sushi and crazy Friday nights.

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