The Magic of Mauritius

My first impression flying over the Island was how green the country is with rainforests, national parks, and black river gorges.

The sea turquoise, blue and green with lagoons and reefs contrasted with the mountain backdrop. The East Coast is breezy and the West more sheltered and warm.

There is a real passion for cooking and food using locally sourced ingredients such as herbs and spices, fresh fruit and fish with many cultural influences. I participated in a cooking class and learnt how to make samosas and chilli bites (delicious if I may say so myself) which are offered in the same way as a biscuit or piece of cake in England and rather than a cup of tea you’ll be offered rum from the harvested sugar cane!

A trip to the capital Port Louis in the North West is a must and here you can visit the Aapravasi Ghat the landing place for indentured Indian Immigrants and experience the local handmade gifts at the markets and sampling the street food - I can recommend the Rotti! What amazed me was how the people of Mauritius are multi-cultural coexisting peacefully celebrating all religious festivities and welcoming all cultural influences. French and English are spoken as well as Mauritian Creole so Bonzour to you all.

Mauritius is a wonderful destination to visit with plenty to experience: Whether you are after a relaxing beach break, enjoy the thrill of the Indian ocean with an array of water sports, hiking, trekking or wish to delve in to the history and culture. There really is something to do for everyone.

Nature/ Land activities: Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Black river gorges national park, rainforests, Tamarin waterfalls, trekking, hiking, canyoning, Chamarel seven coloured earth, Casela world of adventures: wildlife park, quad biking, zip line, golf.

Water Activities: Lagoons, reefs, snorkelling, kite surfing, dolphin spotting, Katamaran trip, submarine, sub scooter, seakarts, water activities, deep sea fishing.

History / culture: Cultural heritage Port Louis, Rum making, craft making, cooking classes, sacred lake at Grand Bassin, black river gorges national park, see the diversity of landscapes from a helicopter