Whenever you decide to visit, there is something for everyone in Mauritius, as this culturally diverse Pearl of the Indian Ocean offers a variety of experiences beyond sun, sand, and sea.
MAURITIUS
Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
Mark Twain was evidently captivated by the beauty of this African island, whose palm-fringed beaches are almost entirely circled by colourful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters suitable for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and kayaking all year round.
Indeed, with a mild climate and agreeable average temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius (°C), Mauritius makes for an all-seasons destination, albeit there are only two – summer and winter.
Besides its beautiful sandy beaches, Mauritius charms nature lovers with protected endemic forests, magnificent mountains, curious geology, and historic botanical gardens which date back centuries.
Culture vultures can also step back in time and immerse in the rich heritage that stems from the diversity of the Mauritian people, who are mainly of European, Asian, and African descent, owing to the country’s colonial history which can be traced through several protected sites.
This has formed an extraordinary mix of different cultures and traditions, which express themselves in the island’s wide selection of music, places of worship, food, and more. The latter is a real feast for the senses, as its unique cuisine has been influenced by these various Afro-Eurasian settlements and forms an important part of Mauritian hospitality.
Tradition coexists with modernity in the cultural melting pot of Port Louis, where you can explore the city’s eclectic market, visit its historical attractions, and savour the flavour of Mauritius’ famous street food – a tour of the capital is therefore a must.
Q&A WITH MAURITIUS TOURISM AUTHORITY
Lindsay Morvan, Director, talks us through the Mauritius Tourism Authority (MTA), whose primary mission is to regulate and promote sustainable tourism whilst balancing development with the preservation of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Can you talk us through the purpose and mission of MTA?
Lindsay Morvan, Director (LM): As the regulatory and licensing body of the tourism industry in Mauritius, MTA sets high standards across the sector, promoting eco-friendly initiatives and green certifications to position Mauritius as a world-leading, environmentally-conscious destination by 2030.
It plays a key role in licensing, regulating, and supervising tourism activities, ensuring quality control, fostering corporate governance, and supporting stakeholder coordination to maintain Mauritius as a safe, clean, and customer-oriented destination.
Additionally, the authority focuses on enhancing the business climate, promoting sustainability through its Sustainable Tourism Unit, and implementing projects aimed at reducing environmental impact, such as the Green Destination Status project.
Through initiatives like these, MTA ensures the long-term viability and growth of Mauritius’ tourism sector while aligning with global sustainability goals.
How do you promote Mauritius and everything it has to offer as a destination?
LM: Whilst the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is primarily responsible for promoting the destination, MTA plays a vital role in supporting these efforts through a collaborative, multifaceted approach.
Our marketing strategy leverages digital platforms, collaborations with international travel agencies, and participation in global tourism events to highlight the best Mauritius has to offer. We emphasise the island’s natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and ecotourism opportunities.
As part of our sustainability commitment, we partner with organisations like the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to promote sustainable travel initiatives and highlight our efforts towards becoming a green-certified destination by 2030.
Additionally, our marketing campaigns focus on authentic, meaningful experiences, such as connecting with local communities, enjoying the island’s unique cultural heritage, and participating in eco-friendly activities. For instance, we promote sustainable itineraries that showcase local champions like Mauritian artists, freedivers, and nature enthusiasts, offering travellers a more immersive and responsible tourism experience.
We also engage with airlines and cruise lines to ensure seamless access for travellers, making it easy for them to explore Mauritius’ diverse attractions. Through initiatives like the Feel Our Island Energy campaign, which has gained international recognition, we invite visitors to experience the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming spirit of Mauritius.
How can travellers best experience the rich diversity of Mauritius?
LM: Travellers can fully appreciate the rich diversity of Mauritius by immersing themselves in its vibrant festivals, local cuisine, and diverse communities that reflect the island’s unique blend of Creole, Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences.
We recommend visiting towns such as Port Louis, Mahebourg, and Triolet to witness the daily life and traditions of these various cultures. Attending key cultural festivals like Cavadee, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and the Festival International Kreol (FIK) offer a wonderful opportunity to experience Mauritius’ multi-ethnic traditions through music, dance, and food.
For a deeper connection with the island’s heritage, travellers can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Aapravasi Ghat and Le Morne Cultural Landscape, together with the Intercontinental Slavery Museum.
To make the experience even more authentic, we encourage the use of public transport, including the metro, which not only offers a convenient way to explore the island but also allows visitors to interact with locals and see the island from a resident’s perspective.
Additionally, exploring local markets and engaging in activities such as a table d’hôte meal or Sega dance sessions will enrich travellers’ understanding of Mauritius’ vibrant cultural scene.
Similarly, where should visitors go to truly immerse themselves in the island’s vast flora and fauna?
LM: Visitors should explore some of the island’s remarkable nature reserves and parks, which form part of the vast flora and fauna of Mauritius.
A top destination is Black River Gorges National Park, which covers two percent of Mauritius’ land and is home to over 300 species of flowering plants, several endemic bird species, and wildlife such as the giant fruit bat and macaque monkeys.
The park offers more than 50 kilometres (km) of scenic hiking trails, including paths like the Machabee Trail and Black River Peak Trail, which provide opportunities to birdwatch and enjoy nature.
Another must-visit site is Île aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve off the southeast coast where visitors can see endangered species like the pink pigeon and rare ebony forests. La Vallée de Ferney is also ideal for those interested in conservation efforts, as it is dedicated to preserving endemic species such as the Mauritius kestrel.
For marine life enthusiasts, Blue Bay Marine Park offers an underwater experience with coral reefs and vibrant marine biodiversity. Visitors can explore the park through snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours, making it one of the best places to witness Mauritius’ rich aquatic ecosystem.
What, in your opinion, is one of Mauritius’ most underrated landmarks?
LM: It is quite unfortunate that historical sites like the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that highlights the island’s complex history of indentured labour and its profound influence on Mauritian identity, as well as the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, are among the most underrated landmarks in Mauritius.
While many visitors focus on the beaches and resorts, both offer a fascinating insight into the sociocultural evolution of Mauritius and its population and should not be missed.
However, Mauritius is much more than its historical landmarks and beautiful landscapes – it’s also about its people. To truly immerse in the island’s soul, tourists should engage with locals, renowned for their warmth and hospitality. This can be done by exploring vibrant street markets, trying local snacks like dholl puri, gateaux piments, and samosas from street vendors, or visiting small shops to purchase authentic souvenirs.
These experiences allow visitors to connect with the local culture and daily life, offering a more authentic and enriching experience.
What upcoming events are happening that tourists can look forward to?
LM: Tourists visiting Mauritius can look forward to a diverse range of exciting upcoming events throughout the year.
For those who love nature and adventure, there are ongoing trails, marathons, and mountain biking challenges like the Colin Mayer Tour, where participants navigate through scenic routes in Mauritius’ coastal and mountainous regions.
In addition, events like the Nandos Open Swim offer competitive open-water swimming at beautiful beaches like Mont Choisy and Pereybere.
Mauritius is also home to a variety of cultural celebrations, such as FIK, a week-long event celebrating the island’s rich Creole heritage through music, dance, art, and cuisine. Similarly, tourists can experience Diwali concerts, which feature captivating cultural performances that celebrate the Festival of Lights across the island.
What makes Mauritius the island to visit in 2025?
LM: Mauritius is evolving into the quintessential eco-friendly destination. In 2025, visitors will not only enjoy the island’s natural beauty but also partake in sustainable tourism initiatives that align with global environmental goals.
From eco-lodges and plastic-free beaches to our ambitious target of 60 percent renewable energy usage in the tourism sector, we offer a model of responsible travel.
Additionally, the diverse cultural landscape and new glamping experiences provide fresh and innovative ways for travellers to connect with nature and the local community.
Are you optimistic about the future of tourism in Mauritius?
LM: We are totally convinced that Mauritius has a promising future as we continue to work towards becoming a certified green destination by 2030.
By prioritising sustainability, increasing global partnerships, and creating new tourism experiences rooted in environmental stewardship, we believe Mauritius will remain a top choice for discerning travellers.
The shift towards responsible tourism is gaining momentum, and we are fully equipped to meet the demands of this emerging trend.
PORT LOUIS IN FOCUS
Port Louis is the vibrant and colourful capital city of Mauritius, located in the northwest of the island.
This economic hub, founded in 1735 by French Navy officer, Bertrand-François Mahé de Labourdonnais, is steeped in ancient history and culture but teems with modern life.
Upon arrival in Port Louis, you will be struck by the Caudan Waterfront, a state-of-the-art complex comprising shops, restaurants, cinemas, a museum, and a multipurpose entertainment centre.
A visit to Port Louis market, meanwhile, offers a more authentic taste of local life in Mauritius and a journey for the senses. Take in the aromatic smell of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices, the echoing sound of smallholders and vendors vying for your attention, and the taste of street food that is alive with flavour and will make your mouth dance.
To learn more about the island’s storied past, visit Port Louis’ plethora of museums, including the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre. Located next to the Aapravasi Ghat, the centre traces the history of indentured Indian labourers who arrived in Mauritius in the 19th century, whilst the Intercontinental Slavery Museum highlights the country’s history of immigration and struggle for freedom.
The Natural History Museum, meanwhile, is the oldest on the island, housing a fascinating array of flora and fauna exhibits including a skeleton of the dodo – a flightless bird that has been extinct since the end of the 17th century.
For fascinating views from above, the Citadelle provides a picturesque panorama of Port Louis, whilst the monument of Marie Reine de la Paix, honouring the Virgin Mary, offers sacred sights of the city.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Sleep:
FOR A SUSTAINABLE STAY…
Purpose-driven and committed to responsible tourism through concrete actions, Hotels Attitude offers a range of sustainable 3 and 4-star hotels along the north and east coast of Mauritius. Choose from a selection of adult-only hotels, reserved for those over the age of 18 and ideal for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends, or family-friendly hotels that offer unforgettable stays with a focus on fun. Both options are eco-committed and invite you to enjoy a responsible holiday whilst protecting the environment and supporting local economies and communities. By staying with Hotels Attitude, you can make a positive impact.
FOR EXCEPTIONAL MAURITIAN HOSPITALITY AND LUXURY…
InterContinental Resort Mauritius
FOR A BEACHFRONT BOUTIQUE PROPERTY…
Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Mauritius
Eat:
FOR A CULINARY JOURNEY…
Don’t miss out on Mauritius’ wide variety of delicious, ubiquitous street food, which has been heavily influenced by the island’s multicultural landscape, particularly Indian, Chinese, and African palates. Popular street food items include dholl puri, samosas, boulettes, gateaux piments, boiled or fried noodles, and much more. For those with a sweet tooth, treats such as napolitains, moutay cakes, and laddus will also satisfy your cravings. Port Louis is the ideal place to taste all the flavours that make up Mauritian culinary culture.
Do:
FOR STUNNING UNDERWATER SCENERY…
The island is a playground for professional and amateur divers alike, with a series of submerged shipwrecks and plentiful flora and fauna to discover off the Mauritian coast. Beautiful corals and kaleidoscopic fish create a riot of colour on the seabed, where dolphins, turtles, and, if you’re lucky, sperm whales and rays will honour you with their presence. There are multiple diving spots around Mauritius, including the impressive Whale Rock for experienced divers and more accessible sites such as Blue Bay Marine Park for beginners.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Aapravasi Ghat
Located on the bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis, the Aapravasi Ghat is the remains of an immigration depot built in 1849. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the modern indentured labour diaspora emerged and among the earliest explicit manifestations of what would become a global economic system and one of the greatest migrations in history.
Le Morne Cultural Landscape
A rugged mountain that juts into the Indian Ocean, Le Morne Cultural Landscape was used as a shelter by runaway slaves through the 18th and early 19th centuries and is a symbol of their suffering, sacrifice, and fight for freedom. The small settlements formed in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne were protected by the mountain’s isolated, wooded, and almost inaccessible cliffs.
Île aux Aigrettes
Unlike mainland Mauritius, which is of volcanic origin, this small islet off the southeast coast is made up of coral limestone. Declared a nature reserve in 1965, Île aux Aigrettes is home to restored forests and rare species that had long disappeared from the island thanks to intense conservation efforts by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, which offers tours for visitors.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the primary international gateway to Mauritius, named in tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister after gaining independence in 1968. The airport is located 48km southeast of Port Louis, where you can also arrive on the island and dock in the capital by cruise ship.
Once in the country, there are several ways to get around at your own pace. Hiring a car is easy, affordable, and gives you the most freedom and flexibility as you are not bound by set timetables, whilst bike rentals bestow an eco-friendlier form of transport.
Local tour operators also organise excursions across the mainland, with journeys done by car or minibus depending on the number of people, as well as boat trips to the surrounding islets. These can often be booked through your hotel, with itineraries including both half and full-day excursions.
To immerse yourself in Mauritian life and interact with the friendly locals, travel around the island by bus, of which there are two types – standard and express. If you can, always aim to catch the latter, as they are much faster and have air conditioning onboard. Unlike the metro, which runs from Port Louis to Curepipe, the Mauritian bus network crosses the whole island.
Traditional pirogues, originally used by fishermen, are another fun way of seeing Mauritius by sailboat, as are walking and hiking thanks to the island’s diverse natural landscapes.
