Paradise island is a perfect hideaway spot
In a nutshell…
This small paradise island in the Indian Ocean has many top‐class resorts that specialise in providing the ultimate in seclusion in stunning surroundings, making it a honeymoon hot‐spot for starry‐eyed couples looking for a secret hideaway.
Although, on average, newly‐weds leave their hotel only twice during their whole stay, there’s plenty to see when they do, including pristine palm‐fringed beaches, spectacular waterfalls and volcanic mountains in fields of sugar cane. The island is studded with churches, mosques and Hindu temples, reflecting the rich ethnic diversity of the local culture. You might also like to try a little Sega ‐‐ a kind of Creole salsa popular with locals ‐‐ or take a drive through the mountainous interior and watch the sun set on the south‐west coast.
Magnetic attractions
- Black River Gorges National Park This park spans the most spectacular scenery in the country, all reservoirs and waterfalls. A mountainous road running through it makes for a great drive with good views of the coast.
- Chamarel Falls The 100m‐high falls are one of the main tourist attractions on the island. Climb up to its famous viewing platform surrounded by cacti, where you’ll find the engraved names of other lovers who have visited. Unfortunately, the plunge pool below is off‐limits for swimmers wanting to dive in together…
- Mon Choisy Beach This family beach on the north coast is lined with casuarina trees. It’s a breath of fresh air with its groups of lively picnicking families and taxi drivers taking a break.
Romantic rendezvous
- Poste de Flacq temple This Hindu temple is situated on its own island off the west coast and linked to the mainland by a causeway. Painted brilliant white, it is surrounded by turquoise sea, and a picture of heavenly calm.
- Le Saint Geran This luxurious resort is named after a French ship which sunk off the coast here.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens Originally the vegetable patch belonging to the governor of the island, these huge gardens are lush and verdant and the perfect place for a frisky game of hide‐and‐seek.
- Flic en Flac beach An ideal place to catch the sunset, with its coral sand, huge breakers and ice‐cream stall.
Love bites and love potions
Because of its former status as a French colony, Mauritian cuisine is a mix of classic French and spicy Creole, although good Indian and Chinese food are also available. The island abounds in tropical fruit and it’s likely that on your arrival, you’ll find a plate of fresh mango, coconut and banana in your hotel room and maybe a bottle of Champagne too! Le Domino restaurant near Le Morne has excellent views of the sea and mountains and serves wonderful seafood.
Propose here
What could be more perfect than popping the question against the raging backdrop of the spectacular Chamarel Falls?
To get you in the mood
Paul et Virginie, by French author Bernardine St Pierre, is the swashbucklingly romantic tale of shipwrecks and heartbreak that made Le Saint Geran famous.
Language of love
Joyeux anniversaire = Happy anniversary
Je t’aime = I love you
Felicitations! = Congratulations!
Veux tu me marier? = Will you marry me?
Stags and hens
Mauritius offers all the watersports including water‐skiing, snorkelling on the coral reef, diving, and catamaran cruises. Some resorts also offer a Walk the Seabed excursion, which is exactly what it sounds like: you slip onto the seabed from the bottom of a boat wearing a glass helmet supplied with oxygen. And if you fancy pulling in something to barbecue later, why not venture out on a deep‐seafishing tour?
Find top honeymoon hotels in the Indian Ocean with Beachcomber
