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RelaxationAfrica

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.

7 days1 countryFrom May to December, with pleasant temperatures (72-82°F) and low humidity. Avoid January-March due to the risk of tropical cyclones.

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

1

Arrival in Mauritius and Grand Baie

Grand Baie, Mauritius

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

Rest3h

Sunset on Grand Baie beach

Rest2h
2

Île aux Cerfs: the deer island

Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius

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

Rest5h

Seafood lunch facing the lagoon

gastronomy2h
3

Reef snorkeling and sunset sailing

Grand Baie, Mauritius

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

Sports3h

Sunset catamaran cruise

Rest3h
4

Chamarel: the Seven Coloured Earth

Chamarel, Mauritius

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

Nature2h

Chamarel Falls and rum distillery

Nature2h
5

Black River Gorges and botanical gardens

Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

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

Nature3h

Visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Nature2h
6

Beach day and Creole gastronomy

West coast of Mauritius

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

Rest4h

Creole and Indian fusion dinner

gastronomy3h
7

Farewell to Mauritius

Grand Baie, 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

Entertainment2h

Airport transfer

Rest1.5h

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