In 1896, author Mark Twain wrote: "Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius."
And with its beautiful white sandy beaches, clear turquoise sea, tropical flowers, friendly people from all ethnicities and ideal climate, it's easy to understand why Twain made such an observation.
Often associated with honeymooners and holidaymakers looking to escape the rat race of modern life, this tranquil island situated 900 kilometres east of Madagascar is a haven for romantics, but also for those looking for adventure and sightseeing.
From exploring the sugar factories of old to wandering around the capital Port Louis, stroking giant tortoises at the Ile aux Aigrettes and walking with lions in Casela Nature Park, this Indian Ocean paradise is more than just a beach getaway – although relaxing by the sea with a good book and having regular spa treatments are of course requisites for any real break.
The best way to discover the gems of Mauritius is through a package deal. For some those words will be associated with hordes of people piled into a coach and an horrendous "welcome meeting". But Dnata Holidays couldn't be further from this. Offering luxurious package getaways, which include Emirates flights, five-star accommodation and a local travel guide to show tourists the country in all its glory, the firm is clearing targeting a different package market. Dnata has also joined with Solis – a Mauritian tour operator who tailor-make holidays for the more discerning travellers. I travelled with the company and despite being a holiday snob, I was hugely impressed by their quality and individual touch.
Vicky – our tour guide for the weeklong break could not have been more helpful and every whim was catered for, from the restaurants making special food for tourists with allergies, to specific golfing requirements for the amateur and the professional.
The best time to travel depends on what exactly it is you are after. If it's high temperatures and long sunny days, go between November and April. If, like me, you are looking to escape the heat of the UAE then June, July and August are good times to travel. In winter – from May to October – the climate is cooler; expect the temperature to rise to about 25 degrees centigrade during the day and the nights to drop to a chilly 17.
However, for visitors from this part of the world being able to sightsee, sunbathe and sit outside without sweating is a welcome respite. Although it can rain a little it is sporadic, but remember this is what makes the island so lush, and the ducks enjoy it.
Knowing where to stay can be difficult, but only because there are so many stunning hotels to choose from. On the east coast lies the One&Only Le St Géran and Le Touessrok – both have phenomenal facilities, including massive swimming pools, high-end cuisine and first-class fairways. I stayed at the One&Only – a haven for wealthy travellers and Hollywood celebrities – Liv Tyler is a regular. On arrival guests are welcomed by security dressed in pressed white safari suits offering a hint of the islands past when the British ruled. It even led one girl to comment on just how fashionable their "safari chic" attire is for spring/summer 2008.
As the gates open and a gong is sounded a white colonial house awaits, streaming with tropical plants and birds. The lobby is open to the elements with birds flying in and out and flowers protruding on to the pristine white walls. But it's when you go outside that you realise you are somewhere truly special. The calm shores of the Indian Ocean lap on to clean sheer sand as palm trees sway in the breeze. To the right is a huge swimming pool (that is warmed in the winter), and a restaurant and terrace all overlooking the sea.
The hotel boasts two Michelin star chefs, French Alain Ducasse at Spoon des Iles and Indian Vineet Bhatia at Rasoi.
Both provide culinary perfection to the resort and I was left talking about both very different meals long after my holiday ended. Sleeping in one of the grand suits – where the only noise I could hear was the sound of the sea lapping at the shore – was bliss. But the five-star services really make themselves felt at breakfast.
As I made my way to the terrace I was welcomed by five members of staff who each bid me good morning. After a meal of local fruits‚ papaya, pineapple, coconut pieces and melon (all of which grow on the island) and some delicious homemade banana jam on toast it was time to explore what Mauritius has to offer. Beyond St Géran lies an island that emerged from the Indian Ocean less than 10 million years ago, and blossomed into a land of forest and remarkable animal life. Besides the beaches – that prove a draw for many European visitors – it is a place of historical significance, a huge repertoire of scenery – from waterfalls and meadows to nature parks, rugged gorges and endangered wildlife.
The best place to see the unusual species is Ile aux Aigrettes – a small island off the coast of Mahebourg to the east. An hour's drive from the hotel and a 10-minute boat ride take visitors to the nature conservation site, which also houses a small museum. Here guide Harene Francoise shows visitors the giant pink pigeon, the Telfair skink, the huge tortoises and explains the history of the infamous Dodo (which lived only on Mauritius) and a creature that although extinct for more than 300 years continues to amaze visitors.
Mauritius celebrated 40 years of independence from Britain in February, but across the country, signs of their time on the island still exist. From colonial style houses complete with verandas where tea can be taken every afternoon, to the English school, health and political set up. And since man arrived on the island – just five centuries ago – it has become arguably the most multicultural small nation on the planet.
The capital Port Louis is a great place to get an insight into this marvellous muddle of the islands nationalities. Founded by the Dutch, named after the French king, Louis XV, and yet a colonial base for the British its 21st century inhabitants are Indians, Arabs, Africans and Chinese, all of whom speak French or Creole despite the official language being English.
With a population of 1.2 million it does not feel crowded. And I am told that even on the beaches in the heart of summer there is always somewhere to retreat to. And that place may well be the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort – the second hotel I stayed in.
Located on the south coast this African-inspired retreat with low-rise hut-style architecture, thatched roofs and open-air restaurants is perfect for pampering. As you enter the lobby sweetly perfumed orange and cinnamon oil and tropical scented flowers give the hotel a permanent scent, redolent of a Diptyque candle.
Seven Colours Spa – one of the hotels signature experiences is based on the philosophy of individual chakras (energy) with each colour representing something different.
Chakras are the paths through which energy circulates and a balanced chakra – say the experts – leads to "ultimate well-being".
After a half-hour consultation, guests are recommended a treatment. Although it seems a little "new age" give it a go because you're guaranteed to come away feeling heavenly. Although it was too chilly to use the outside Jacuzzi, the steam room and saunas are great for warming up after a dip in the ocean.
For visitors of a prudish nature beware, everything in the spa is unisex and a relaxed liberal attitude to modesty is tolerated.
Dinner can be taken in one of the six restaurants – choose from locally caught seafood at Infinity Blue, to fine dinning El Buli-style at Seven Colours Energy Cuisine – where gastronomy is taken to another level – and like the spa related to your chakras, which are determined at the spa consultation.
It is the first restaurant of its kind in the world and something the hotel general manager Linley Thomen is very proud of.
For visitors looking to get off the beach there is a myriad of places to see. A short walk from the Heritage lies the Domaine de Bel Ombre – a chateau dating back to the 1800's – where you can take a leisurely afternoon tea. Also there is an exceptional 18-hole golf course surrounded by a vast natural park.
Away from the coast is the Grand Bassin – a religious site for Hindus; the Casela Nature Park where visitors can walk with lions – yes real lions; and the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, which house giant water lilies and 80 different species of palm tree.
Just a short drive away is the L'Adventure du Sucre – an old sugar making factory, now a museum where the countries biggest export – sugar cane accounts for 90 per cent of the cultivated land area – was once produced.
Few who go to Mauritius ever leave disappointed. Yes the palm fringed beaches, luxurious hotels and crystal-clear waters will be forever stamped in your memory, but the lively and warm people, the relaxed vibes and the music of everyday life will leave an even greater impression.
Essential guide
How to get there
- Emirates airlines flies daily from Dubai to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius. Business class returns from Dh13,560 and economy from Dh4,490
- Dnata Holidays organises extensive and luxury package deals from the UAE. Log on to www.dnataholidays.com or call 800 8118 for more information
Where to stay
- One&Only Le Saint Géran
Pointe de Flacq, 00 230 401 1688
oneandonlylesaintgeran.com
- Heritage Golf & Spa Resort
Domaine de Bel Ombre, 00 230 601 1500
www.heritage-resort.com
- Le Touessrok, Trou d'Eau Douce, 00 230 402 7400 www.letouessrokresort.com
What to do
- Walk with Lions at Casela Nature Park organised through Solis www.solis.io.com, Telephone: 00 230 212 6918
- L'Adventure du Sucre (a sugar museum) 00 230 243 0660
- Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve to see the huge tortoises and the giant pink pigeon 00 230 631 2396
- Domaine de Bel Ombre, Ile Maurice 00 230 623 5629
- Try the world-class golf course at Le Touessrok, more information can be found at www.letouessrokgolf.com
Where and what to eat
- Spoon des Iles by Alain Ducasse and Rasoi by Vineet at the One&Only Le Saint Géran
- Infinity Blue, Balafon and Seven Colours Energy Cuisine at Heritage Golf & Spa Resort
- The local Mauritian chicken curry and fruits and spices at the markets in Port Louis
- The local rum and the many different and unusual varieties of the drink at L'Adventure du Sucre
What to take
- A raincoat or waterproof for downpours
- Something warm for the cool evenings
- Swimwear for a dip in the Indian Ocean
- A camera to capture every moment