East Africa is fast becoming the tourism hub of Africa with countries like Mauritius leading the way. Every day more people are asking different questions as regards a vacation in Mauritius. From what to do when you get there, to where to stay and the city to visit. Hence, there are a lot of things to consider in other to get the best vacation experience in Mauritius.
You can learn more about other East African countries to improve your options for a vacation destination.
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Everything About Mauritius
As we said already Mauritius is one of the many countries that East Africa takes pride in. Therefore, when it comes to vacations in Africa, no zone does it better and it is because of countries like this. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a family vacation or a luxury vacation in Mauritius, you will not be disappointed by the people and their land.
Mauritius like Tanzania is one of the nations along the Indian Ocean. Also, it is officially called the Republic of Mauritius. This island nation is known for its beaches, reefs and lagoons but it still has some mountains inside. Navigating the country and its cities will not be an issue as long as you can speak either French or English. Generally, the leading religion here is Hinduism which is followed closely by Christianity and Islam.
More on Vacation in Mauritius
Development is rapidly making its way into every part of Mauritius and tourism is what has opened the door to this. More people are seeing the need to invest in the country and this has resonated in an increase in the development and revenue from tourism directly and passively.
Just like their motto ‘Stella Clavisque Maris Indici’ which translates to ‘star and key of the Indian Ocean’ – there is so much that Mauritius has done with the Indian Ocean. Their beaches remain a favourite for most tourists who come around town. You might not understand the importance of tourism here until you look at the economy of Mauritius. It is also the fourth largest contributor to the revenue of the country and they are trying to make sure they improve on these numbers.
The activities are too numerous to mention. However, choosing the best place to stay is what makes your vacation in Mauritius worth it at the end of the day.
Cities in Mauritius to Consider for the Perfect Vacation
It is no new fact that there are so many vacation spots in Mauritius and they are scattered all around the different cities. Therefore, finding the perfect combination is the difference between having spent some time in Mauritius and having the best vacation in Mauritius.
However, the combination has to do with things to do when you get to the city, places to visit and hotels to stay in Mauritius. We curated a list of five cities using these yardsticks for you to decide which works best for you. They include.
Vacation in Mauritius – Port Louis
There is no better place to have a vacation in Mauritius than Port Louis. It is the capital of this great nation and still doubles as the largest city in it. Imagine just chilling on a white sand beach enjoying the air and watching the water cover your legs – that is what a vacation in Port Louis feels like.
Generally, it is a combination of sophistication, traditions and customs – this is what Port Louis brings to the table.
Landmarks/Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Port Louis
Things to do in Port Louis While on Vacation
- Go shopping in one of the markets
- Spend some time alone, with family, or with friends at one of the beaches
- Also, learn and appreciate the people and their culture in the museums
- Enjoy nature at its finest by visiting a reserve or park/zoo
- Lastly, take lots of pictures standing by legendary landmarks
Top Places to Stay in Port Louis
Just like any tourist city, there are so many places to stay. Here, we have curated the best five places you should consider staying during your vacation in Port Louis.
1. The Oberoi Beach Resort
Getting the best experience during your vacation in Mauritius depends on a lot of things and finding the right choice for a hotel to stay in is one of them. There are a lot of options to look at but when the price is not an issue, the Oberoi Beach Resort stands out as number one.
Also, it is 55 minutes away from the airport and they offer to pick you up from there if you book online. All amenities are available on this resort and they also offer tour packages for those who wish to spend their whole vacation in Port Louis
Oberoi Beach Resort
2. The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa
This is another one for those who do not see cost as a thing as long as it has value. It is located at Balaclava Turtle Bay which is about 55 minutes from the Airport. Although Mauritius is blessed with Beaches all over, this resort still comes with an indoor pool. Therefore, all these combined with a bar, restaurant, spa, and gym make it the perfect choice.
3. The Ravenala Attitude Hotel
When you come to the Ravenala Attitude Hotel, the pricing becomes relatively fair. This Hotel is situated along the Citron lake just after the Citron waterfall and is a favourite for most visit tourists. There are restaurants inside and some notable ones around the area. Also, it has a pool, bar, lounge, and spa – all to bring the necessary comfort that is needed.
4. Voile Bleue Boutique Hotel
Nothing beats a resort/hotel that is situated just along the sea. There are so many natural bodies that edify it giving you a serene environment. Also, excellent customer service is another reason why we recommend you stay here during your vacation in Mauritius
5. Cocotiers Hotel
The last place on our list is the Cocotiers Hotel which is relatively a cheap option to choose from. It comes with a pool, restaurant, bar, lounge and spa. But it is advisable to book early as this hotel is usually full due to high demand from tourists.
Moreover, booking early gives you the option of allowing the hotel to pick you up on arrival from the airport
Vacation in Mauritius – Flic En Flac
Flic en Flac was not always one of the popular places to have a vacation in Tanzania but things have changed over time. This little fishing town has grown to become one of the holiday destinations in Mauritius. In English, the name of this west coast city is ‘Free and Flat Land.
Above all, the combination of sandy beaches that stretch for miles and azure waters makes this the best vacation destination.
Landmarks/Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Flic on Flac
Things to do in Flic on Flac While on Vacation
- Learn about Mauritius and her people in the museums
- Stand on white sand and stare at azure waters (visit the beach)
- Visit the park and enjoy yourself with both fun activities and wildlife
- Lastly, go on a food adventure around town
Top Places to Stay in Flic on Flac
During your vacation in Flic en Flac, where to stay will always be the most important question. To solve this, we have made a list of five hotels/resorts for you to choose from, they include.
1. La Pirogue Mauritius
There is no hotel or resort in the area that does it better than this one. In 53 minutes you can go from the Airport to La Pirogue in Wolmar, Flic on Flac. They offer you the best of comfort and luxury when you stay here.
Nevertheless, booking early is what we advise as this saves you a lot of stress and comes with more comfort. Also, they will be able to pick you up from the airport and make arrangements for all the tours you might want.
2. Aanari Hotel & Spa
When you are on a budget but still desire to have the best of luxury, this is one of the best options. One of the reasons why we call this the best is its proximity to things to do. Also, if you are not renting a car or you do not have a tour guide, accessing transportation services might be difficult from here.
3. Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa
A serene environment is the first thing you get when you choose the Hilton Resort. A restaurant, spa, the gym are available to give you comfort and luxury at the same time. Although, it is located along the seashore and still has a pool in the environment
4. Pearle Beach Resort & Spa
Belle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mauritius. Subsequently, the Pearle Beach Resort is found here and this puts it among the top 10 places to stay in Mauritius. Hospitality, great customer service, and amazing amenities make this the perfect choice for you.
5. Villas Caroline – Hotel île Maurice
It is particularly one of the closest hotels to the airport in this city. There are so many reasons why this is the hotel for you. Hospitality and customer service are top-notch here and all the amenities you need for luxury and comfort are available.
More of these cities and more can be found in this holidify article.
Grand Baie
Generally, most of the cities are alike when you come to Mauritius, the combination is almost always the same. Azure waters, beaches with white sand as long as your eyes can reach, colourful coral reefs, happiness in the air. Grand Baie brings all these things to your vacation in Mauritius.
This city is located in the Mauritian district of Riviere du Rempart. Grand Bay as it is called in English was once called De Bogt Zonder (Bay without end) and you will know why it has this name when you visit.
Landmarks/Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Grand Baie
1. Eureka House
2. Grand Baie La Croisette
3. Pereybere Beach
Things to do in Grand Baie While on Vacation
- To begin with, shop! Go Shopping! Shop!!!
- Visit the most iconic building in Grand Baie, the Eureka house
- It is still Mauritius, so spend some time at the beach
- Also, if you enjoy some nights then visit the clubs and poker houses
Top Places to Stay in Grand Baie
There are so many top-notch Mauritius vacation resorts in Grand Baie and some of them include.
1. Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
The only issue you are going to get with this resort is the prices but if you have the money to pay for it; it is worth it. Arguably the finest hotel in all of Mauritius, this tranquil tropical haven stretches along white sand and azure waters.
Moreover, a gym, spa, pools, kids play area, restaurants, etc. are a few of the amenities they offer.
2. Seapoint Boutique Hotel
This hotel is located in the North-West area of Mauritius and can be found between Mont Choisy and Pointe aux Canonniers. A peaceful and relaxing stay is one of the few reasons why we love this hotel. They offer you tour guides when you arrive just in case your tour guide fails.
3. Domaine de Grand Baie
You are still going to spend some time at the beach, so it might be a smart choice to go to a resort/hotel that is in the city. This is where the Domaine de Grand Baie comes in. Therefore, its proximity to the city mall and other amazing sites makes this hotel a favourite for tourists.
4. Ocean V Hotel
Conversely, this amazing hotel opened its doors in November 2019. It is 200m away from one of the most popular beaches in Grand Baie, the Pereybere beach. A serene environment and all the needed amenities are some of the selling points here.
5. Choisy Les Bains
Some of us go on a vacation to relax and some just want to take photos. Choisy Les Bains understands this and they offer you both for a fair price. If you book a suite or room online before arriving, they can pick you up from the airport.
Vacation in Mauritius – Curepipe
When you are describing Curepipe, reoccurring rain and amazing green vegetation would be some of the words you use. La Ville-Lumiere (city of lights) is another name for this plateau city. The city is located on the highest Plateaus in all of Mauritius. Most of the water bodies are manmade in Curepipe and it is not their fault. Also, it will be difficult to find naturally occurring water bodies in a city located 500m above sea level.
Therefore, if some time at the beach is part of your plans for the next family vacation in Mauritius, this might not be the city for you. While the other cities offer you water activities as their main focus, Curepipe brings us to the land and mountains with shopping and hiking being top on the list.
Landmarks/Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Curepipe
1. Trou Aux Cerfs
2. Tamarind Falls
3. Mare aux Vacoas
Things to do in Curepipe While on Vacation
- Sightseeing is one of the top things you can do here, there is just a lot for you to look at in Curepipe
- Go hiking in one of the mountains
- Some of the best street food in Mauritius has been known to come from here
- Also, visit the village that first cured Malaria in Mauritius
Top Places to Stay in Curepipe
Of all the places to stay in Curepipe during your vacation in Mauritius, here are some that stand out;
1. The Bay Guest House & Restaurant
The Bay is located on the west coast of the Black River. This resort provides you with everything – the ocean in front and the mountains behind. Also, tour guides and airport transportation are some of the advantages of this resort.
2. Veranda Tamarin Hotel and Spa
For those looking for something down-to-earth, this is surely an option for you. The Veranda Tamarin Hotel and Spa brings you comfort and luxury for the best price available. Similarly, its proximity to the beaches and all the activities it brings makes it perfect for water lovers.
3. Sikamifer Tourist Resort
36 minutes from the Airport makes this one good option for you. When you are on a budget this is the perfect place to stay. Notwithstanding, it still offers you almost the same level of luxury and comfort with all the amenities you would want.
4. Mountview Tourist Residence
The waters cannot be the only tourist attraction available. There are other activities like hiking and having a feel of the nightlife. If these are your goals then this is the perfect place for you. Moreover, it provides proximity to the mountains and is located in the centre of the city.
5. Hennessy Park Hotel
Just like the, you get proximity to the city and all the amazing things it has to offer with the Hennessey Park Hotel. However, booking early gives you access to top-notch services like airport transportation and the good thing is you get these services at a moderate price.
Vacation in Mauritius – Mahebourg
If you do not want to go back home then going to Mahebourg is a must when you have a vacation in Mauritius. There are just too many sights to behold when you come for a vacation in Mahebourg. However, relaxation is assured as Mahebourg has some of the best Mauritius vacation resorts.
From local craft to street food – Mahebourg is one of the few cities that offers more than sandy beaches and blue waters even if it has that. One of the most iconic holiday destinations in Mauritius happens to be found in this city. Generally, the Mahebourg waterfront is a favourite for most tourists and this is just one of the many out there.
Landmarks/Places to Visit During Your Vacation in Mahebourg
1. Mahebourg Museum
2. Mahebourg Waterfront
3. Pointe d’Esny
Things to do in Mahebourg While on Vacation
- The first thing to do on the eve of arrival is to take a stroll through the waterfront
- Visit the Mahebourg Museum and learn more about the people and their culture
- There are a lot of water activities and the beaches are there to give you all
- Lastly, attend a festival or go clubbing
Top Places to Stay in Mahebourg
Some of the top Mauritius vacation resorts and hotels in Mahebourg include;
1. Preskil Island Resort
The conversion of a beach or island into a resort always brings some of the best results. This is what you will be enjoying here at this resort if you choose to stay here. A serene environment with proximity to the waters opens you to the best vacation experience.
2. Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa
This is another beachfront hotel that offers you all the water activities you might want or need. However, proximity to the waters is not the only advantage it brings. You get a pool, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, lounge all combine to give you the best experience. Another selling point is that it takes just 13 minutes to go from this hotel to the airport.
3. Le Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa
In terms of cost, this is one hotel that beats the others. You are going to enjoy water activities all day with the inclusion of other activities like hiking and probably Ther offer airport transport and comes with a pool, gym, bar, lounge, etc.
4. Astroea Beach Mauritius
For those who are coming to Mahebourg to have a family vacation in Mauritius, this is the best place for you. It is not like the others which have a lot of rooms making this perfect for family time. It is located on the shores of the Island giving you proximity to have your water activities.
If you are having second thoughts about Mauritius, Tanzania is another great location for a vacation. We talked about Zanzibar and other great cities in Tanzania here.
Before You go on Your Vacation in Mauritius
The first thing that you have to decide is how you are going to be entering Mauritius for your vacation. Going by air will always be the easiest way to get to Tanzania from anywhere in the world. However, it is a relatively expensive way when compared to the other methods. Most countries and airlines now offer direct flights to Mauritius. You can also go to Mauritius from Africa and some parts of Asia by sea. On arrival, be sure to find the currency exchange so you can convert your money as most services will be paid for using the Mauritian Rupee.
Your health while on vacation is the next thing to focus on when you come for a vacation in Mauritius. So, be sure to visit your doctor before coming over if you have underlying health issues that need to be addressed. Do not forget your medications and always report to a doctor when you arrive, if one was recommended to you. Your travel pack should contain more light cotton close especially if you are coming here during summer. A swimsuit, flip flop, umbrella, camera, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, etc. should also be packed.
A combination of mountains, green lands and water bodies gives you the perfect setting for a vacation in Mauritius. There is a long list of water activities to do at the beaches in Mauritius. The mountains also offer hiking as an activity to add to your vacation list. Then we have shopping and partying which the city life brings. Regardless of what you want to do during your vacation in Mauritius, you need the best hands planning it. This is why we recommend you go with TripAdvisor.
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