April 24, 2014
The view that will always be Mauritius to me.
While Reunion is know for its stunning greenery, jaw-dropping hikes, active volcanoes and jagged rocky cliffs, Mauritius is know for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, year-round glorious weather, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the entire Indian Ocean. It only made sense to combine the two islands into the Connell-Smith Indian Ocean Tour itinerary, right?
While most people who come to Mauritius tend to stay in one of the all-inclusive resorts and spend their week eating buffets and lounging on the hotel's sun beds sipping mai tais, we decided on a slightly different approach.
First, we opted for a self-catering suite on the island so we could have our own private balcony, sea views, and access to make the occasional brunch and/or braai if we were so inclined. We loved having our own space, and made a habit of having sundowners overlooking the ocean on a nightly basis (staring out at the view in the picture above).
Second, we explored
a lot of the island. Which, as it turned out, was actually not as easy as I thought it would be. There is really only one main highway on the island, which cuts through the island on a diagonal, so you're forced to take secondary roads the majority of the time to get anywhere, most of which are not along the coast (we were spoiled by Réunion's stunning coastal ring-road!). We saw parts of the island beyond the beautiful beaches: from the capital city chaos, the rural towns and villages inland from the coast, to the everyday going-ons of Mauritian life. We were surprised by how much some parts of the island felt like India- the colours, the sounds, the smells and the rituals. Which makes sense, really, given that over 80% of the population is Indian (something I didn't know before we went to Mauritius).
Of course, we also managed to fit in plenty of leisure and adventure along the way. From cruising in a catamaran to the secluded northern island of Île Plate, parasailing off the eastern island of Île aux Cerfs, swimming with wild dolphins in the early morning off the crystal clear western shores, meeting giant ancient tortoises at Île aux Aigrettes in the south, to exploring sugar cane fields/rum distilleries/tea plantations scattered throughout the interior of the island. And while it might go without saying, there was still
plenty of beach time to be had to fully qualify it as a beach holiday!
And like all things beautiful, Mauritius begs to be photographed. Enjoy a *few* of my favourite shots from the island.
Walking to dinner: a 15 minute walk down the beach to the Bay Hotel.
Sundowners on the beach.
The sun, the water and the sand. It doesn't get much better than this.
A busy stretch of beach from Trou aux Biches to Mont Choisy. At least you can team up your afternoon of tanning with some hand-bag shopping...right?
Okay, so the hand bags and jewellery I could pass up, but fresh pineapple and coconut on the beach? Now, those I couldn't resist (and when they are served by a guy making a living on his bicycle who speaks at least seven languages, I'm sold).
Random fact: this out-of-the-way beach in Tamarin (on the southwestern side of the island) is the scene on the cover of Lonely Planet's travel guide for
"Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles".
Locals coming in from their morning fishing trip.
Love the colourful boats.
Meeting Big Daddy!
This guy is 95 years old. M doesn't think he looks a day over 94.
Monday market in Mahebourg.
So many colourful dresses (yes, we both bought sundresses).
"Hawkers not allowed" hmm...
The capital city of Port Louis at Le Caudan waterfront.
18th-century salt flats of Tamarin; the last place in Mauritius where salt is still produced.
Mauritian life away from the beaches.
And since one can't stay away from the beaches for long on such a tiny island...Point d'Ensy on the south-eastern side of the island made an excellent snorkel stop.
Driving around the southern coast of the island at sunset.
View of Coin de Mire.
Living the life!
#wishyouwerehere.
The fam- after a solid day of Catamaraning and beaching.
Ice cream from the Yum Yum truck.
Just another day swimming with wild dolphins...
One of these things is not like the others...yes, that's my husband swimming in the middle of the pod.
Admittedly, he was very good at keeping up with them!
Snorkelling at Crystal Rock- easily one of my favourite places and favourite days of our entire trip.
Hanging out with the Rock.
The water was so shallow and warm!
Sorry for the belly shot Dad, but I love how this looks like you're swimming in an aquarium.
M in his snorkelling glory.
I love how the water and the sky are the same shade of blue...
Terre de 7 Couleurs (Coloured Earths). Not exactly somewhere I would seek out in terms of interesting sights on the island, but a lovely afternoon exploring with M all the same!
Chamarel Waterfall.
Coconut drink, anyone?
Sugar cane fields on the eastern side of the island.
Showing off our new
Helios sunglasses...by the end of the week every single one of us was the proud owner of a new pair of "made-in-Mauritius" sun glasses.
Parasailing! Yes, we all did this.
View of Île aux Cerfs from above.
M and I having an absolute blast.
Last supper in Mauritius.
We could get used to this.
Damn Africa, you know how to make a sunset.
