Handpicked Mauritius

Mauritian culture is a unique blend of traditions, customs and religions. It’s arguably one of the country’s main selling points and certainly one of the principal reasons we love it so much at Love To Explore. The island combines elements of Indian, African, Asian and European culture to produce a Creole melting pot of influences that are often fascinating – and always delicious.

The food in Mauritius is, quite simply, unparalleled. Drawing on its different cultures, the island’s cuisine is a culinary tour de force: local twists on Indian classics like roti, briani and farata, seafood so fresh that the time it takes to get from ocean to plate is measured by the half hour, classic French dishes with subtle Asian infusions. We could go on. Where you eat, too, is just as exciting as what you eat. There are bustling street stalls, beach front restaurants and all the style you’d expect from premium hotels, all of which give visitors the chance to savour the island’s authentic flavours.

The arts also play a huge part in island life. Music, dance, textiles and festivals are as much a part of life here as the food we love so much, with traditional Creole dances like the Sega playing an integral role in local celebrations. There are markets scattered across the country, perhaps most notably at Flacq and in Port Louis, where the skill of local artisans and textile-makers are firmly on display.

In terms of religion, there are a number of faiths present on the island – again, a reflection of its storied past. You’ll see Hindu temples alongside mosques, churches and pagodas and, if you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Chinese New Year are all serious events in the country.

The other religion is football. Liverpool and Man United shirts are everywhere and the English league is followed fanatically. It’s one of our favourite pieces of advice to visitors: if in doubt, talk footy.

Mauritius is a relentlessly friendly place. Hospitality and warmth are hallmarks of its culture and we’re sure you’ll notice the welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step off the plane. This is an island with a rich history and a unique range of influences – all of which combine to produce a destination perfect for those seeking an authentic cultural experience.

In recent years, Mauritius has established itself as one of the world’s most luxurious golf destinations. There are 10 courses dotted around the small island, ranging from championship level challenges to resort layouts. Each of them is unique character but rest assured, the view from wherever you play will be a special one: mountains, volcanic rock, forests, the ocean, lush tropical trees and more all line the island’s fairways, giving golfers a feast for the eyes – and perhaps taking a few balls in return. Our founder, Ludo, should know. He recently played the Legends Course at Belle Mare but would prefer not to disclose how many balls he donated to the course.

With a lovely year-round climate, first class facilities at many of the island’s courses, tuition and dining options, this really is an ideal place to come and swing a club – whatever your ability.

Surrounded by turquoise water and white-sand beaches, it’s no surprise that Mauritius is a Mecca for water sports enthusiasts. As far as we can tell, there’s no end to its nautical experiences: snorkelling and scuba diving along the coral reef that rings the island, water skiing, wakeboarding and kitesurfing across the flat calm surface of the ocean and, for those visitors more inclined to a day at leisure on the water, sailing and catamaran cruises along the coastline.

The experiences on offer aren’t limited just to what’s on the water, either. Mauritius is home to some stunning deep-sea fishing, providing visitors with a chance to do battle with some monsters of the deep; predominantly marlin and tuna. We should mention, too, that for those of us who are slightly more worried about the monsters of the deep, there’s not been a fatal shark attack recorded in Mauritius. Ever. These are safe waters for anyone who wants to enjoy them, at whatever pace they fancy.

For visitors who prefer their activities on land rather than at sea, Mauritius again has plenty to offer. There are hiking trails across the island, often crisscrossing its valleys and taking in the dramatic mountains that are a feature of the interior.

Perhaps the most well-known of all of these is Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a challenging hike – trust us, though, it’s well worth the effort. You may well have seen this iconic peak on images of Mauritius, its craggy edges rising from the coastline to a pin sharp summit. The trek to reach that summit is a tough one, involving rocky paths and a bit of scrambling on steep slopes; the view from the top, though, is the best on the island. As you can probably tell, this isn’t for beginners. Our founder, Ludo, gave it a go last time he visited and loved it. Thankfully, he made it back.

There are dozens of other trails that showcase the island in all its beauty. The Black River Gorges National Park winds through dense forests, sheer waterfalls and continuously gorgeous terrain, as do others such as Tamarind Falls, Seven Coloured Earths and the Eau Bleue Nature Reserve.

It goes without saying that, while hiking in Mauritius, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated, wear the right shoes, and follow the trails. You can also hire a guide for some of them (which we’ll happily arrange), if they’re slightly more challenging or remote. We’re sure you’ll agree, though, that when you’re out there in the thick of it, it’s well worth the effort.