Indian Ocean Islands: Mauritius, Luxury and Tropical Nature
A dream escape to Mauritius, the pearl of the Indian Ocean: white-sand beaches in Grand Baie, the deer island Île aux Cerfs, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, hidden waterfalls and luxury resorts with sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Description
Mauritius is the jewel of the Indian Ocean: it combines white-sand beaches and turquoise waters with surprising volcanic landscapes and a unique Creole culture, a blend of African, Indian, Chinese and European influences. This 7-day itinerary is designed for absolute relaxation, with gentle excursions to discover the island unhurried. The journey begins on the north coast, in the Grand Baie area, the epicenter of Mauritian luxury tourism. Here you will find white-sand beaches sheltered by coral reefs, warm crystal-clear waters all year round, and a range of boutique hotels and world-class spas. The excursion to Île aux Cerfs, the deer island, is one of Mauritius's most delightful experiences: a private island with pristine beaches, water sports and hammocks under the palms. Mauritius's interior hides landscapes unlike the typical beach postcard. In the island's southwest lies Chamarel, a unique geological phenomenon: dunes of sand in seven different colors (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow) formed by the decomposition of volcanic rock, and they never mix. Beside them, the Chamarel Falls, 330 ft high, plunges into the tropical rainforest. Black River Gorges National Park protects the island's last remnant of primary forest, with easy trails through lush vegetation. It is home to endemic species such as the Mauritius pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel. The itinerary ends with free time to enjoy the resort: snorkeling on the coral reefs, spa treatments with local products and dinners with your toes in the sand beneath the Indian Ocean stars.
Health & safety
- No malaria prophylaxis required: Mauritius is malaria-free
- No yellow fever vaccine required
- Tap water is drinkable at the resorts, but bottled is recommended elsewhere
- Extreme sun protection: the tropical sun is very intense
- Travel insurance with medical coverage recommended
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Mauritius and Grand Baie
Grand Baie, Mauritius
Arrival in Mauritius and Grand Baie
Arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Transfer to the luxury resort on Mauritius's north coast. Welcome afternoon in Grand Baie, the tourist heart of the island.
Welcome spa treatment with Creole products
Rest3hSunset on Grand Baie beach
Rest2hÎle aux Cerfs: the deer island
Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Île aux Cerfs: the deer island
Full-day excursion to Île aux Cerfs, the paradise island off Mauritius's east coast. Unspoiled beaches, turquoise lagoon, water sports and a day of total relaxation under the palms.
Beach and relaxation day on Île aux Cerfs
Rest5hSeafood lunch facing the lagoon
gastronomy2hReef snorkeling and sunset sailing
Grand Baie, Mauritius
Reef snorkeling and sunset sailing
Morning of snorkeling on the coral reefs off Grand Baie. In the afternoon, sunset catamaran cruise with cocktails and Creole music.
Snorkeling on Grand Baie's coral reefs
Sports3hSunset catamaran cruise
Rest3hChamarel: the Seven Coloured Earth
Chamarel, Mauritius
Chamarel: the Seven Coloured Earth
Excursion to the island's southwest to discover the geological phenomenon of the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and its spectacular 330-ft waterfall.
Visit to Chamarel's Seven Coloured Earth
Nature2hChamarel Falls and rum distillery
Nature2hBlack River Gorges and botanical gardens
Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
Black River Gorges and botanical gardens
Visit to Black River Gorges National Park, the island's last refuge of primary forest. Gentle hiking through lush vegetation in search of endemic birds.
Gentle hike in Black River Gorges
Nature3hVisit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Nature2hBeach day and Creole gastronomy
West coast of Mauritius
Beach day and Creole gastronomy
Day of total relaxation on the beaches of Mauritius's west coast, the best for watching the sunset. Dinner of Creole and Indian cuisine.
Beach and relaxation on the west coast
Rest4hCreole and Indian fusion dinner
gastronomy3hFarewell to Mauritius
Grand Baie, Mauritius
Farewell to Mauritius
Last morning on Mauritius's beaches. Souvenir shopping at a local craft market and transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Mauritian craft shopping
Entertainment2hAirport transfer
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