An Insider’s Guide To Mauritius

Vitamin Sea 

Vitamin Sea organises boat trips and underwater photoshoots to capture you diving or swimming. You can also book sunset cruises and speedboat trips to spot dolphins and whales. It even offers overnight catamaran experiences which include dinner and a stay.

Visit VitaminSeaLtd.com  

La Vanille Nature Reserve 

This nature reserve is a must-see – you can spot wild animals in their natural habitat, like crocodiles, tortoises and bats. A great place to take the kids, there are lots of family-friendly experiences to be had on site.

Visit LaVanille-NaturePark.com

Where To Eat

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin at The Paradis Hotel is right on the water’s edge, with views out over the Indian Ocean. Of course, fish is the star of the show here, and there’s a special lobster menu on Mondays and Thursdays. Enjoy your meal while live musicians play in the background.

Visit Beachcomber-Hotels.com 

Pizzeria Casa Nostra

Casa Nostra makes some of the best pizzas on the island and the atmosphere at the restaurant is always casual and friendly. Try the fresh pasta and salad, or order something to take away and eat on the beach.

Visit CosaNostra.mu

Le Chamarel

The views at Le Chamarel are best appreciated first thing in the morning (order the Mauritian crêpes at breakfast) or at sunset. The restaurant hosts regular supper clubs but you can also drop by for afternoon drinks. Be sure to visit the nearby waterfall while you’re there.

Visit LeChamarelRestaurant.com

Maison Eureka

This is an interesting house, built back in the 1830s. Today, it serves delicious Creole food made with local ingredients.

Visit Maison-Eureka.Restaurant.mu

Street Food

Some of my favourite food comes from the street stalls around the island. Mahebourg Market has a great selection of vendors, including Maraz, where you’ll find local Mauritian dishes like dholl puri (a kind of tortilla wrapped around different types of curries) which is my favourite.

Where To Go Out

The Bay Hotel

This exclusive guesthouse is the perfect spot for sundowner drinks after a long day at the beach. There’s always something on the wine list which hits the spot.

Visit TheBay.mu

Heritage C Beach Club 

If you go to one beach club during your trip, make it Heritage C. Relax in one of the beach cabanas or spend the day on a sun lounger by the pool. The picantes are a must-order.

Visit HeritageResorts.mu 

Rum Shed Bar & Grill Restaurant 

This spot at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa has such a fun vibe. There are over 200 different types of rum to choose from, as well as a family-style sharing menu with plenty of options for little ones. What could be better than grilled lobster and rum cocktails?

Visit AngelFish.Travel
 

Where To Stay

Lux Resorts

One of the most luxurious hotels companies in the world, Lux has three resorts in Mauritius, all of which are a great for younger crowds. Lux Belle Mare is on the east coast, Lux Le Morne is to the south-west, and Lux Grand Gaube (which has more of a retro feel) is in the north. All are great spots for holidays with the girls, which are best spent hitting the bars, relaxing at the spa and lying on the beach.

Visit LuxResorts.com

The One & Only Le Saint Géran

I’ve been visiting this hotel since I was a child. The hotel is set on a private beach surrounded by blue waters and white sand where you can relax on a sunbed or sip cocktails by the bar. The rooms are stunning, and the on-site spa is the perfect place to relax after a boat trip or snorkelling.

Visit OneAndOnlyResorts.com 

Shangri-La Le Touessrok  

This is another island classic – I have so many great memories here from over the years. On the eastern tip of the island, in a small fishing village called Trou d’Eau Douce, it has beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Rooms and suites are simple yet classic, with touches of Asian style throughout, while the food and drink is always delicious – the Beach Club & Grill serves amazing cocktails.

Visit Shangri-La.com 

Constance Prince Maurice 

With two hotels on the island, Constance Prince Maurice is ideal for a honeymoon. It’s so romantic and the private villas and suites are beautiful. You can book everything from diving trips to honeymoon packages, and they have a great kids club with babysitting services.

Visit ConstanceHotels.com

20 Degrés Sud

20 Degrés Sud has everything you could need. Beachfront rooms have views of Grand Baie (a stretch of beach to the north of the island), while the suites are a good option if you want your own private jacuzzi. Book dinner at M/S Lady Lisbeth, the oldest boat on the island, where you can enjoy romantic candlelit dinners.

Visit 20DegresSud.net

Preskil Island Resort

Located next to Blue Bay Marine Park, this resort is an affordable option that has seriously chic interiors. There’s a great kids’ club, and the food and cocktails at the restaurants are so tasty.

Visit SouthernCrossHotels.mu

Where To Shop

Concept Store

Concept Store mainly stocks furniture and homeware, but you can find great accessories in the boutique as well. They also sell my swimwear line, Alicia Swim.

Visit Aldrex.mu 

NEO Boutique  

If you don’t stay at One&Only, at least visit its boutique, which has a good mix of international brands. 

Visit OneAndOnlyResorts.com 

Port Louis Market

Port Louis Market has such an impressive selection of fresh produce and artisanal finds. You can shop fruit and veg, as well as souvenirs made by local craftsmen. Make sure you stop for a quick bite to eat at one of the food stalls.

Oceano Pearls

This is my sister’s shop, next to Engen Filling Station in Black River. It has a beautiful collection of pearl jewellery – ideal for gifts or a special treat for yourself.

Visit OceanoPearls.com

S’Mall & Chic 

S’Mall & Chic is a mini shopping mall in Curepipe. You’ll find everything here, from handmade gifts and trinkets to unique homeware and tablescaping accessories. 

*DISCLAIMER: Travel restrictions are changing daily, so please check the latest government advice and entry requirements to Mauritius before you book anything. Visit Gov.uk for more information.