Holidays in Mauritius

This is going to be a tough call. Do you want all-inclusive luxury, or luxury all-inclusive? Either way, you get fabulous, palm-fringed pools, to-die-for views, unique accommodation with every single detail taken care of, and views that really are as good as the pictures in the brochure. Here’s a quick selection of our favourites:

• Outrigger Beach Resort – Let’s kick off our tour of all-inclusive Mauritius holidays with a trip back in time. This 17th century sugar cane plantation has some serious history hotspots to explore – that is if you can tear yourself away from that infinity pool. You’ve got a private beach with all the trimmings (swaying palm trees and silky-soft white sand come as standard in Mauritius), and some serious French colonial class in the Plantation Club, which is open all day long for lazy cocktails and snacks.

• The Ravenala Attitude – this place has some serious kudos among foodies, with its ‘Culinary Voyage’ taking you around the world in 10 restaurants. The large rooms and myriad of entertainment options make it a top choice for families.

• Emeraude Beach Attitude – this one’s just for you, grown-ups. An exclusive and very private location where you and your loved one can soak in the sheer romance of this stunning spot. It’s also got a reputation for giving you a truly authentic Mauritian experience, so you can dine with islanders in their homes, or chill out with island-inspired spa treatments.

If you want something a little more upmarket, you’ve hit the jackpot here. The island is filled with 5-star resorts, giving you the pick of the crop when it comes to luxury Mauritius holiday options. Take your pick from some of the best:

• Paradise Cove – this 5-star luxury (adults only) hotel really lives up to its name. It’s secluded, it’s romantic, it’s perfect! They’ve thought of everything for lovey-dovey couples, even down to the ‘love nest’ twin sun loungers, and tables for two on the beach for those moonlit romantic meals.

• Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort – whatever you want, whenever you want it – this is one of the very best luxury Mauritius holiday hotspots. Fancy unlimited access to a championship golf course? A choice of 12 (yes, twelve) restaurants? The serenity of a luxury spa with all the treatments for mind, body and soul? The Heritage Le Telfair has it all.

All-inclusive Mauritius holidays will include all your meals, naturally. But if you want an authentic taste of the island then look out for things like Dal soup (made from lentils), gateaux piments (chilli cakes) from street vendors, and fragrant curries.

From spicy octopus cocozil to sweet cakes, Mauritius is a sensation for the senses, especially your tastebuds. Tantalise them with fusion food that mixes up French and Creole cuisine with traditional Asian influences, all washed down with the local Phoenix or Black Eagle beers or a tot of rum.

There’s some unexpected additions to the menu, too, with roasted wild boar or deer curry served up at Domaine du Chasseur’s Panoramour Restaurant. While you’re chowing on choice cuts, keep an eye out for the rare Mauritius kestrel soaring above.

• By bus – getting around the island by bus is a real treat. Not only is it great fun, but you’ll get a chance to meet the locals too. Buses have conductors that are happy to help you get to where you want to go.

• By boat – If you fancy exploring a little further afield to Rodrigues and Reunion Islands, then hop aboard the Coraline, which sails once a week from Port Louis Harbour. You can also charter yachts to go cruising around the island.

• Taxis – affordable, friendly, and they’ll take you anywhere you want to go.

With Mauritius holidays, you’re truly spoilt for choice with things to do and see. Fancy getting your flippers in a flap? Mauritius has some of the best diving spots in the world. Or you could:

• Wander around the Labourdonnais Orchid Gardens, where you can see some of the world’s most exotic and rare flowers.

• Hunt for bargains in the Bazaar of Port-Louis

• Explore the Balaclava Ruins

• Go mountain biking in the dramatic Black River Gorges National Park

• Visit the towering Trou aux Cerfs volcano, which, luckily, is now dormant

• Indulge your sweet tooth at the L’Aventure du Sucre, or ‘Sugar Museum’ and learn all about Mauritius’ history as one of the world’s main sugar producers

• Get wet and wild at Ile aux Cerfs, the island’s water sport hot spot, and take a detour over to the Grand River South East waterfalls.

Mauritius is a chilled-out island, but occasionally they up the ante, break out the drums, and have a good time. Ready to join in?

• Holi Festival – March – It’s party time with the Hindu Holi festival, where you’re going to get very messy thanks to all the brightly coloured powder that gets thrown around! It’s also known as the ‘festival of love’, pretty apt for such a romantic island.

• Fore! – May – Get your nine-iron ready for the AfrAsia Mauritius Open golf tournament

• Kiteival – August – it’s water sports time! All around the island you’ll see some of the world’s best kite surfers riding the waves

• Divali Festival of Light – October/November – the island is ablaze with lights to celebrate this incredibly important Hindu festival.

This is a tropical paradise, so you can expect tropical temperatures pretty much all year round. It really doesn’t matter when you book holidays to Mauritius, you’re guaranteed sunny skies and balmy temperatures.

• November – April – This is Mauritius’ summer season, with the warmest temperatures from December through to February, when the mercury hops up to a very pleasant 26°C on average. The water is even warmer, so pack your board shorts or bikini.

• May – October – the word ‘winter’ is a bit of a misnomer, because even now you’re looking at a pleasant 20-23°C on average. If you’re a surfer then pack your board, because you’ve got some sweet breaks and lusciously warm water to enjoy at this time of year.

When it’s time to start packing your suitcase, as well putting in your beachwear favourites, please bear in mind that a dress code may apply at your resort. Beachwear is fine for a wander by the sea, but not usually permitted in restaurants. Smart casual in the evening is the way forward (men may be requested to wear long trousers and collared shirts), so it’s time to dig out those outfits you’ve been waiting to show off.