With the dreary weather outside and the forecasts telling us that there won’t be a let-up from the rain until the weekend, we thought it was high-time that we started our Wishlist again! Here we can take you to sunnier climes without even leaving the armchair and who knows you may even be persuaded to book an escorted tour to our destination of choice? This week we have chosen to take a sneaky peek at the beautiful island of Mauritius. Don’t know about you but I’ve always wanted to visit this paradise island but am waiting for those lottery numbers to appear before I can escape the routine of the UK. Take a look at our reasons why you’ll wish you were here…
A tempting slice of Paradise…
The very name of this beautiful island makes the brain conjure up images of tropical luxury, extravagance and the ‘Bounty’ TV advert! Here you’ll find clear blue seas, white sandy beaches and hotels that simply ooze luxury from every orifice. Many of you will think that sunbathing and swimming are the only two activities you can undertake in Mauritius but you’d be mistaken as there are plenty of historical sights to dig your teeth into and the local culture is simply fascinating. So delve a little deeper to create your very own ‘Bounty’!
Fascinating sights
To really get a feel for the local culture, you should visit Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius as the hustle and bustle of this fine city will send your senses in a whirl! For a bargain, check out the Garment Markets of Quatre Bornes or Curepipe and don’t forget to haggle for the best price. A visit to the Black River Gorges National Park is a must if you have a love of amazing vistas, wild monkeys, waterfalls, volcanic lakes and amazing hiking opportunities.
Swimming and Sunbathing a-plenty!
Mauritius is quite simply famed for its swimming and sunbathing opportunities, after all, it is a taste of paradise located just off Africa. There’s no end of places to explore whilst swimming such as sand-rimmed lagoons of Blue Bay and popular wide public beaches to the picture-postcard islands located just off the country’s stunning coastline. If you love nothing more than being near to or in water, you should definitely visit Chamarel as it is home to the highest waterfall in Mauritius or for the best diving opportunities, pay a visit to Rodrigues!
A cuisine for all palates…
If, by chance, we have persuaded you to holiday on this stunning island, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating. Choose from delectable cuisines with influences from China, India, France and Africa. You’ll find superb restaurants if you head to Trou D’Eau Douce in your travels.
Party-time!
As the rousing beat of séga music feels the air, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to party! Join the locals in Grand Baie and discover why this is the party town of Mauritius. Popular night-spots on the island are the Buddha Bar that has three dance floors serving up everything from techno to 80’s music to the more selective Star Dance which has a more relaxed feel! Add a bit of style to your holiday with a visit to Latitude 20 and hit the cocktail menu whilst a pianist tackles the keys in a corner of the bar and you watch the world go by!
Have you ever been to Mauritius? What would you recommend to a fellow traveller who has never been before?