We all have our own notions of paradise, but the postcard version depicts an island with long stretches of white sand, cobalt blue skies and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze with a hammock strung up between them.
It’s a vision you can’t resist, especially once you start dreaming about the taste of an ice-cold cocktail on your lips and the sun on your face.
To make this dream become more than just a picture confined to postcards and desktop wallpapers, the best idea is travelling to Mauritius.
A Cacophony of Colour
Colour is an important part of any dream, and the brighter the better. A unique way to experience a swirl of different shades is by taking a trip on a glass-bottomed boat. This might just be the closest you’ll get to walking on water, as you get an intimate glimpse into a multi-coloured marine world beneath your feet.
Exploring the markets of Port Louis, the island’s capital, will expose you to the Creole, French, Indian and Chinese traditions epitomised in a vivid palette of clothing, cuisine and crafts. Sample Indian dholl puris, Cantonese dim sum and the Creole dish, Rougaille, to give you a taste of the colour of culture that abounds in Mauritius. Arrest your senses even further with a trip to the Pamplemousse Gardens close to Grand Bay, where you can marvel at giant water lilies and majestic baobabs, as well as walk through an intoxicating spice garden.
The rainbow-patterned stratum of the Seven Coloured Earths at Charamel in the Rivière Noire also have to be mentioned when painting a picture of Mauritius. The famous sand dunes – settling in layers of colour ranging from red, brown and purple to green, blue, violet and yellow – will turn this part of your trip into a surrealist dream, made more euphoric with the plunging waters of the nearby waterfall.
Bliss on the Beach
The epitome of paradise is found on the coastline of Mauritius, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean folding you into its embrace. With a variety to visit, and offering a host of water sports and accommodation options, you’ll be hitting the sand in no time.
On the southeast coast is Blue Bay, which lives up to its name in its sparkling variety of blue hues. It’s a wonderful spot for snorkelling, and is close to the Blue Bay Marine Park. Inviting you to marvel at its beautiful coral gardens, visiting the park is a great opportunity for a glass-bottomed boat trip.
Belle Mare, on the east coast, is located close to the small village of Trou d’Eau Douce. It’s a beautiful beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll, particularly as swimming can be dangerous due to the water’s strong north current. A safer swimming option is the lagoon on the west coast beach, Flic en Flac; with Tamarin, lying further along, a fantastic spot for surfers, especially beginners. The pros will find more of a challenge at Riviere des Gallet on the south coast.
Moving towards the southwestern tip of the island will bring you to the Le Morne peninsula, whose beaches are located on the western part, at the foot of Le Morne Brabant. It is renowned as a good location for wind- and kite-surfing – and of course regular surfing – due to the perfect wind conditions practically the whole year round.
Mont Choisy, on the north coast, is ideal for long walks on the beach, while the sea invites water-skiers for aquatic action. More great beaches in the north include Pereybere, a vibrant spot lined with numerous bars and restaurants, as well as La Cuvette and Trou aux Biches, the latter famous for sunsets, snorkeling and a spectacular coral reef.
Brimming with colour and life, there is plenty to make your dreams come true in Mauritius. It will awaken and heighten your senses as you take in more than just the visual splendour, but also smell the salt on the sea breeze, taste the diverse dishes inspired by the island’s past, hear the merry din of friendly voices and feel the warmth of the sun and the soft sand on this dream of paradise.
Featured image by Natesh Ramasamy
