Mauritius

Escape to an enchanted island of luxury, Mauritius. You can almost imagine paradise. Highly praised by Mark Twain, Mauritius has a reputation of idealistic beauty which cannot be fathomed by the human eye. Located in the east of Africa, the nation island is a celebrity favourite destination.

Why wouldn’t it be? The archipelago (collection of Islands) is filled with turquoise lagoons, multi colored species of birds, diverse collection of fishes, fabulous gardens, spectacular resorts, thrilling boat rides, and many more exciting discoveries that are just wait to be explored. Plan your trip and find out what the buzz is about!

History

Under the British rule slavery were abolished in 1835 (with slavers being compensated over £2million. The indentured servant system was implanted and the Penny Black Postage stamps were introduced. Over the next couple of years countless Indians traveled to Mauritius and the official currency became rupees in 1876. The Island was even visited by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921.

Food

The food of the archipelago is influenced by the inhabitants of the island the Creole, French, Chinese and Indian. The rich soil is great for vegetation; and islanders often enjoy scrumptious healthy fresh vegetables. The sweet and sour taste of the Victorian pineapples will have you yearning for a pineapple tree in your backyard. Pineapples cut into pieces are sold by the pineapple sellers found in the beaches. Similar to the Indian paratha bread, one of the common dishes of Mauritius is Dholl Pori which is bread stuffed with ground yellow peas. Street vendors all around sell this yummy bread, you can also find it in Dewa Rose Hill. If there’s Indians on the island, there is bound to be curry. Mauritians have their own curry recipe with turmeric, garlic, fresh curry leaves and your choice of meat, try octopus curry. Both Dholl Pori and Paratha can be eaten with bread, rice or beans. Sip in some delicious vanilla tea and quench your thirst. The best place to find this tea is Bois Cheri Tea Factory. Enjoy seafood just as much? No worries Mauritius has the best fish dishes varying from shrimp, lobsters and even octopus. These are only some of the delightful dishes of Mauritius, experience the rest during your visit.

Zub-Express

Found on the costal road to Flic-en-Flac, Zub-Express Serves a combination of Indian, Chinese and local Mauritian cuisine. The Tom Yam Soup, a spicy and sour soup with prawn, will start your meal with a local flavour. The extensive menu will give you a long list of Indian and Chinese inspired dishes, from curries to Gambas. Complete your meal with a pot of masala tea that serves 2.

Flame’n’grill

Situated next to ‘la foire’ in the heart of Quatre Bornes, Flame n Grill has consistently been voted one of the best Indian cuisine in Mauritius. For your main meal try the mouth watering Murgh Lababdar, char grilled chicken cubes cooked in coarse tomato gravy with a hint of fresh cilantro. Lababdar literally means very soft, creamy with a good mouth feel. This preparation is straight off the erstwhile royal kitchen. If you want an alternative experience, pick one of the 4 thali options – lamb, chicken, fish or vegetarian. Nothing like that home cooked experience.

Attractions

Deer Island

With great landscape for golfing and plenty of fishes for snorkeling, Deer Island is packed with activities for the family. Although, there is no deer, the island has a rich marine life that will encourage your children to learn about different species of fish. Go snorkeling in the various beaches of Deer Island, you will be amazed by the exotic underwater world. Observe the gorgeous view while playing a friendly game of golf, chose from over 15 different golf courses. If that’s not enough, take advantage of the exciting water sports that includes skiing or a ride in the glass bottom boats. End the day with lavish cuisine from one of the many restaurants on the island, pick the one that suits your taste bud. Don’t forget to take pictures, it will be one experience that deserves to be in the family photo album.

Crocodile Park & Giant Tortoise Park and Nature Reserve

From fierce crocodiles to large tortoise, the Crocodile Park & Giant Tortoises Park gives you a once in a life time opportunity to pet these exotic reptiles. The beautiful setting includes fresh water springs, palm trees and bamboo trees. Not just tortoise and crocodiles but the park also includes monkeys, bats, mongoose, iguanas, goats and pigs. Time to stop grossing out and complaining about insects; instead embrace their unique shapes in the insectarium where multiple insects are displayed. Satisfy your taste buds with a meal at the Hungry Crocodile Restaurant. Choose from the Basic Menu and Vegetarian Menu. But if you are brave enough try the Crocodile Menu that includes the Hungry Crocodile Salad. You and your kids are in for a great adventure. The perfect place for kids and adults, the Crocodile Park & Giant Tortoises Park is a great way to bond.

Massages and Spa

After a thrilling day of adventure, rest your muscles with massages choosing from the many sensational Spa treatments found in spa houses through out the Islands. The treatments are aimed to calm your nerves and cleanse your mind. Most facilities use latest techniques, herbal species, along with the touch of the wise human hands to give you the best massages. Choose a wide variety of treatments such as the Tropical Body Treatment, Detoxifying Treatment, Chocolate Treatment, and the Full Body Beauty Ritual. Detoxifying Treatment includes a mud wrap, rosemary sea salt scrub, and a bath with oil. Fresh coconut milk and extract from Papaya and Guava leaves are used for the Tropical Body Treatment. The unique Chocolate Treatment involves scrubbing your back with a spongy chocolate wrap with warm cocoa oil in order to give you smooth skin. A five hour body treatment, the Full Body Beauty Ritual includes an ice cold water mask, face treatment, manicure, pedicure, and geranium aroma massages. Surf through Mauritius Attractions to find the package your body needs.

Natural Wonders

Black River Gorges National Park

A walk through the Black River Gorges National Park is a remedy for the one who lost their love for nature. One step into the park is a sweet remembrance of the remarkable beauty Allah placed on Earth. The Black River Gorges National Park perseveres Mauritius’ rainforest that takes up approximately 2% of the island. From rocky hills to ancient trees, the park is home to over 200 flowering plants and nine endemic species of birds including three of which are endangered, the Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet, and the pink pigeon. Watch out for the wild boar, rusa deer, macaque monkeys and the hungry pig looking for something to munch on. Stay alert for the 4000 giant bats that are roaming around. Ease your nerves from the sound of the waterfall while breathing in the sweet aroma of the tea fields. A trip to the Black Gorges National Park is an eye opener to the great wonders of nature. Do not miss out on this great opportunity.

Mosque

Jummah Masjid

Reflect on the stunning beauty of Mauritius molded by the Al-Musawwir to intrigue your eyes in the Jummah Mosque. Built in the 1850s, the Jummah Mosque received a visit from the Islamic scholar Maulana Shah Abdul Aleem Siddiqui Madani. From the fresh flowers in front of the entrance to the intricate designs of the interior, the mosque is a quiet place in the busy city of Port Louis. The ummah prayers are broadcast every Friday for all in the city to hear. The masjid also offers Eid prayers as well as other prayers. The spiritual experience gained from the ceremonies will have you coming back for more guidance.