Great Escapes: Mauritius’ Laid-Back Luxury in the Indian Ocean

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Two-thousand miles southeast of the coastline of Madagascar, in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies the smaller tropical island of Mauritius. It is a destination effectively known by European travelers but not frequented by Individuals. But that must change, due to the fact Mauritius is an suitable getaway for a luxurious beach front holiday vacation.

Mark Twain as soon as claimed “Mauritius was manufactured initial, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied soon after Mauritius.” Pristine Indian Ocean beaches, normal lagoons, and coral reefs (there are over 50 diving websites across the island) make Mauritius a heaven for beach front enthusiasts. For those people who like to mix routines with oceanside lounging, the island does have more to supply than powder-white sand and turquoise waters.

Due to the fact Mauritius is geographically small—40 miles prolonged by 30 miles wide—it’s straightforward to navigate and see a lot of the island by car or truck. The highway problems are excellent and the island is filled with scenic drives. Other than the shorelines, there is a great deal to do in Mauritius. Golfing and diving are preferred sporting activities and Mauritius is also a paradise for foodstuff fans. The island’s cuisine melds alongside one another a assortment of various flavors. 

Stay

The 4 Seasons Mauritius captures the spirit of laid-back again luxury. The vacation resort is positioned on the east facet of the island, settled among the 64 acres of indigenous garden and bordered by a lagoon. The assets provides all standalone lodging decorated in a trendy tropical manner with 90 villas, 45 residences, and a presidential suite. Each individual lodging arrives with a personal garden that contains an infinity plunge pool.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is positioned on the east coast overlooking the Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. Shangri-La has five seashores and a personal island, Ilot Mangénie, reachable by a 10-moment boat journey. Every single of the property’s 200 guest rooms has a check out of the Indian Ocean and the resort’s a few bed room villas come with their individual private seashore, infinity pool, and personal chef. For a truly exclusive excursion, the resort gives a “heli-butler” expertise that normally takes company on a non-public tour of the island’s landmarks from the sky. 

Try to eat & Drink

Mauritian cuisine is a single of the most various in the entire world, with influences from French, Indian, African, and Asian kitchens fusing alongside one another. The gourmand scene on Mauritius is unparalleled among Indian Ocean islands.

Le Château De Bel Ombre is an classy dining experience that serves regular Mauritian cuisine in a renovated mansion that dates back again to 1765. The chateau is established among official gardens and provides a fresh new and seasonal menu that includes a strong wine listing. The cafe delivers wine tasting dinners as well.

4 Seasons Mauritius has a wide variety of restaurants that both attendees and non-company can experience. Umi.Zaka, a title that blends the Japanese word for “sea” with the African term for “pure,” is a stand out. Its menu is seafood centered Asian delicacies. A further exceptional restaurant on house is Acquapazza, a stylish two Michilin star Italian eatery on the water’s edge.

One of the island’s finest sushi dining establishments, Kushi, is positioned at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa. The pink-hued eating room focuses on working with domestically sourced fish in its dishes and gives sweeping ocean views. Diners can also have a special yakiniku expertise which features a developed-in grill at each table. Kushi also delivers a standard Omakase menu providing specials that modify everyday relying on fresh new fish availability. 

Sugar cane is the island’s significant export and tourists can take a look at rum distilleries across the island. Rhumerie de Chamarel lies in the south west portion of Mauritius, 300 meters earlier mentioned the coastline in a valley with its very own microclimate. The distillery is set in a charming chalet and delivers excursions and tastings.

EXPERIENCE 

Mauritius is the third nation in the globe in which golfing was performed, just after the U.K. and India. It stays one of the prime sports on the island. The initially golf club was opened by Royal Navy users in 1902 and it has remained open, making it the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere. The island has world-course championship programs created by primary golfers these as Ernie Els. 

Mauritius is nearly fully surrounded by coral reefs and there are around 100 diving web-sites across the state different in problems and depth. The Indian Ocean is an ideal put to dive as it has crystal apparent water, a large range of tropical brightly colored fish, and previous shipwrecks that date back to the 18th and 19th hundreds of years.

Nature enthusiasts have much to take a look at throughout the island’s large landscapes. Mauritius is home to a dozen character reserves and botanical gardens in which endemic species these types of as pink pigeons and giant tortoises can be found.

A UNESCO Environment Heritage Web page, Le Morne Cultural Landscape, is a rugged mountain that juts into the ocean in the southwest. This normal fortress was utilized as a shelter for runaway slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. A different exceptional landscape can be located in the village of Chamarel, which is recognized as “the land of seven colors” for its colorful sand dunes.

The writer was a guest of Four Seasons Mauritius and Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa