A turquoise lagoon ringed by reef, a rum and sega island of a dozen cultures, waterfalls and coloured earth and a basalt mountain over the sea, Mauritius, the Indian Ocean at its most easy going.
Into Mauritius and across to the lively north coast. After the flight we keep it easy, shoes off at the lagoon, a first rum punch, a Creole dinner, and a sunset over the Indian Ocean turning the water pink.
The beaches of Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, and a catamaran cruise to the northern islets, Gabriel and Flat Island, snorkelling the coral, a barbecue on the sand, dolphins on the crossing. The lagoon is as warm and clear as a bath.
The capital, Port Louis, and its central market, a riot of spice, fabric and fruit reflecting the island's Indian, Creole, Chinese and French mix, the Pamplemousses botanical garden with its giant water lilies, and a rum distillery. A sega evening of drum and dance.
Across to the south west and Le Morne, where a dramatic basalt peak, a UNESCO site with a moving history, rises straight from the most beautiful lagoon on the island. Settle into the turquoise, a sundowner behind the mountain, and slow right down.
The Black River Gorges rainforest and its waterfalls and endemic birds, the seven coloured earths and the rum estate at Chamarel, and the sacred Hindu lake of Grand Bassin in its volcanic crater. Dolphins at dawn off Tamarin for the early risers.
A day the lagoon decides, a glass bottom boat or an underwater sea walk, a kite surf (Le Morne is world class), a spa morning, or simply the hammock and the warm sea. The gentle, unhurried Mauritian pace. (overnight Le Morne)
Snorkelling or diving the reef, a catamaran to the Île aux Bénitiers and the crystal lagoon, a last swim, and a final sunset behind Le Morne with a rum in hand. A Creole seafood feast to close the island out. (overnight Le Morne)
A last lagoon breakfast before your transfer to the airport. Mauritius is the easy one, warm water, warm people, a rum for every sunset, and you leave with the salt still in your hair and a tan you did not plan.
Three ways to do the same route: Comfort, Premium or Luxe. Breakfasts in. Mix tiers city by city if you like, it is your trip.
Priced to your dates, your hotel tier and how the two of you like to travel. Ask, the first answer usually lands within minutes.
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