5 Unmissable Experiences in Mauritius for Luxe Junkies

Mauritius is a postcard-perfect holiday destination, complete with amazing reefs, breathtaking beaches and stunning lagoons. The place may have earned a reputation for being THE destination for adventure outings, romantic getaways and some lazy lounging, but it also has its fair share of luxury experiences that go beyond fancy hotels and stunning resorts. Here are five such experiences for the luxe junkie in you that will make you want to S-P-L-U-R-G-E!

Have Dinner on a Motor Yacht

An evening spent cruising around the Grand Baie coastline on a motor yacht that takes you up to a strategic point from where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the island, definitely makes for a memorable escapade. Whether you want to spend a romantic evening with your significant other or some quiet time alone with your thoughts, this short yet luxurious boat cruise must feature on your list of things to do in Mauritius. Help yourself to a heady mix of cocktails, and gorge on some delectable dishes personally prepared by the chef on-board. You can book a spot in the dining area, or just plunk yourself on the upper deck and let the sea breeze work its magic on your senses. The three-hour motor yacht cruise has a capacity for only eight people per trip, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance. The cruises operate from 1800-2300 every day.

Bet on a Horse at Champ De Mars

Nothing spells luxury like a thoroughbred racecourse, and there could be no better example of this than the Champ De Mars in Port Louis, Mauritius – the second oldest racecourse in world. So put on your best attire, and head to the arena to enjoy the electric atmosphere brought on by some hard-core racing. You can treat yourself to a helping of canapés and drinks while you watch people leaping over from the stands with their binoculars tightly in place, or even indulge in a bet or two to make your outing truly memorable. The racing season here lasts from April to November, with meetings usually scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays. To make sure your Champ De Mars trip is well spent, check race dates with the Mauritius Turf Club before planning an outing. Oh, the glory of well-built horses racing to the finish line! The vibe here is sure to make you feel like an aristocrat from an era gone by.

Go on a Private Snorkelling Outing

We can all agree that standing in long queues and waiting your turn for a snorkelling experience that is over even before it begins can be quite a dampener. Therefore, a private snorkelling trip at Mauritius’ Coin de Mire Island is the perfect alternative. A private speed boat takes you through the breathtaking lagoons all the way to the centre of Coin de Mire Island where you can snorkel amidst coral reefs, bright coloured fish and a plethora of marine life at an average depth of just 6 meters, without feeling the rush to make way for the person waiting next in line. Once out of the water, you can also spend some time watching rare species of birds, ranging from Mauritius’ National bird ‘pailles en queue’, to the Wedged Tail Shear Water, among many other multi-coloured tropical birds. Make a pit stop for drinks and snacks before hopping on your private speed boat for a 30-minute ride back to Mauritius.

Visit Maison Eureka

The Maison Eureka by the Moka River is a luxurious escapade offering a glimpse into the colonial life in the region. This palatial colonial house boasts of 109 windows and doors, and now houses a museum with an elaborate collection of rare photos, antiques, old maps, and Chinese and Indian housewares. The backdrop to this colonial building is breathtaking to say the least, and you can wander off on a quiet nature trail once you are done touring the Maison Eureka. Several small waterfalls, long stretches of lush greenery and rare specimens of wildlife await you here. You can also sign up for a guided tour of the gardens around the property that are known for gigantic damaras, palm and mango plantations, and house four natural waterfalls. The area around River Moka too has a rare plantation of water lilies. A stopover for lunch at the Old Kitchen for some smoked marlin with salad and dry beef curry served with sides of pumpkin fricassee, peanuts rougaille, coconut chutney, rice, lentils and pickles is strongly recommended.

Spend a Day at Ile Aux Cerfs Island

Situated off the east coast of Mauritius, the Ile Aux Cerfs, also known as the Deer Island, is a haven of unadulterated natural beauty. This private island sprawled over 100 hectares of land is lined with white sandy beaches with mixed hues of blue waters till as far as the eyes can see. The place can be accessed from the east coast of Mauritius by a private yacht, catamaran or a speed boat. The beaches are dotted with restaurants offering the choicest of authentic Mauritian cuisine as well as water kiosks for activities ranging from glass bottom boat rides to water skiing and more. A night’s stay at the five-star resort complete with an 18-hole golf course is a must to truly appreciate the beauty of this island. Spend the morning at the golf course, hitting the greens as you take in the view of the beautiful lagoons and clear ocean water, lounge by the beach, treat your taste buds to some delectable local food, or go snorkelling. They also call Ile Aux Cerfs, the paradise island of Mauritius. And it lives up to that name, down to the last bit.

Read more: Free Things to do in Mauritius

With these enticing luxe escapes calling out to you, aren’t you raring to go already? Here is a quick guide to help you plan your trip better. 

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