Offering crystal clear water for snorkelling and swimming, tropical wildlife, a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful weather year round, the lesser known Mauritius honeymoon should not be overlooked.
It is known for its amazing beaches, lagoons and reefs and its unique combination of them on the island offering something for everyone.
WHY HONEYMOON IN MAURITIUS
Once you step your foot on this marvellous island, you will realize why Mauritius is one of the best destinations for couples and honeymooners. You will find special wedding and honeymoon packages in most hotels. Honeymooning couples are likely to get a 25% discount on their rooms or suites. Special wedding coordinators will be there to fulfil even your slightest desire, so that your wedding goes perfectly, and exquisite wedding photographers will capture every moment you will want to cherish for the rest of your life. And once the wedding ceremony is over, you and your loved can take a romantic walk on powder-white sand beaches, enjoy a private candle-lit dinner in the evening, or spend the whole day in a spa.
Many people have tried to describe the beauty of this island, but Mark Twain summed everything in one sentence – ‘Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius’.
HOW TO GET TO THERE
Mauritius is situated about 2000km East of the African main land – approximately 800km East of Madagascar so flying direct to the international airport – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport – is the way to go. The airport is about 50km South East of the Capital city of Port Louis and links to many destinations in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Flight times from:
| New York: 21 hours | New Delhi: 8 hours |
| L.A.: 26 hours | Beijing: 20 hours |
| London: 12 hours | Dubai: 7 hours |
| Sydney: 15 hours |
Things to do in Mauritius
Follow the link for a list of romantic, relaxing, adventurous and cultural things to do on your stay in Mauritius.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT 1
Overnight Catamaran Sunset-Dinner Cruise – These handpicked packages are a perfect for anyone who is looking for a romantic, adventurous expedition. You just need to relax and enjoy the night at sea, as well as tasty dishes combined with finest beverages. Private cruises are also available. Couples and honeymooners should book the Bubble Lodge at Domaine De Bois Chéri, and enjoy the view of a natural lake. The longer overnight cruises usually include a diving and fishing trips to some excellent fishing destinations, such as Rodrigues, St. Brandon, and Soudan Bank.
MAURITIAN FESTIVALS
National Day Celebrations – Every year in the 12th March, Mauritians celebrate the Independence Day. Organizer of this event is a Ministry of Arts and Culture. Everywhere you look, you will see a colourful national flag. The whole community gathers for smaller festivities all across the country.
China Town Food & Cultural Festival – Every May Chinese Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with MTPA organizes a festival dedicated to a Chinese tradition. Local Chinese artists hold performances out in the streets decorated with Chinese lanterns. During this festival, restaurants from China Town in Port Louis offer special menus and discounts.
Kite Surf Festival – Every year, Rodrigues Kite Surf Association organizes this unique festival. For several days at the end of June and beginning of July, local and international surfers can take part in various activities, such as long and mini raid competitions.
Divali Celebration – Another celebration organized in November, by the Ministry of Arts and Culture. It is a cheerful Hindu festival, that celebrates a mythological victory of justice over evil. Traditional clay oil lamps are replaced with decorative electric lights. You will find them in front of most homes.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Bus – By far the most economical way to get around is by bus with fares of about 2 dollars for trips up to an hour. They run from early morning to early evening and have decent coverage of the island however can take additional time to get around. Also if your hotel is not near a bus stop, it may not be a good option for you.
Walk – If you don’t have too far to go, I walk around the island can be a great way to immerse yourself in the Mauritian culture.
Hire a car – Another cheap alternative for getting around. There isn’t much traffic other than around Port Louis but if you are going to the more remote areas, some of the roads are narrow and winding in the mountainous areas of the island.
Taxi – Can be good for day trips but will add up if you are using them daily. If you want to hire one for a day to get around, make sure you haggle – you should be able to pick one up for about 100 USD for the day!!
ACCOMMODATION IN MAURITIUS
Even thought it’s popular among celebrities, Mauritius offer accommodation for everyone.
Budget – Couples who are on a budget should choose one of the romantic boutique hotels or private villas in hidden coves. Couples who are on a budget should choose one of the romantic boutique hotels in hidden coves, for only $200-300.
Mid-Range – Whether you’re a honeymooning couple, or a family with kids, for several hundred dollars you will surely find accommodation with the best price-quality ratio. Look for the hotels in quiet areas, without the nightlife. You can also look for the hotels that don’t have their own beach – there’s usually a public beach nearby.
Luxury – Rooms and suites in large resorts with world-class facilities, a wide variety of activities, and high standards of services cost up to $1.000.
Keep in mind that prices will sky rocket in December, and during Christmas and New Year.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Bougainville Hotel – A 3* hotel, located along the East coast of Mauritius. It has 50 rooms with a wooden furniture and warm colours.
Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort – A 4* resort, located between a marvellous lagoon and green hills. It has more than 150 rooms, 5 suites, and one villa. Rooms are inspired by African heritage.
La Plantation d’Albion Club Med – A luxury resort with more than 250 rooms and suites. Some rooms overlook the ocean, while others offer a beautiful view of the garden.
La Pointe aux Canonniers Club Med – It has nearly 300 rooms with elegant bungalows. Suitable for families, as well as for couples.
Shandrani Resort & Spa – A luxury 5* resort, with more than 300 rooms and suites. It’s located on a private peninsula, with three beaches to explore.
Adult-Only Resorts
Ambre Resort & Spa – With nearly 300 rooms, it’s one of the largest resort in Mauritius. It features several different amenities, including an 18-hole Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club.
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel – A luxury resort, with 67 rooms and suites. It’s located in a private cove with sandy beaches. 24-hour room service is available.
TUI Sensimar Lagoon Mauritius – Modern all-inclusive resort located on a peninsula in the far north of the island. It has nearly 200 rooms with serene ocean views.
20 Degres Sud Hotel – An intimate boutique hotel with only 36 unique rooms. It features a fancy restaurant with multiple dining areas, as well as two garden pools, and a small spa.
Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa – An upscale place located in a quiet village in the northeast of the island. It features three restaurants, but only one bar.
LOCAL FOOD
Mauritius cuisine is a mixture of European, Chinese, and Indian influences. Most popular dishes are from French cuisine.
- ‘bouillon’ – a soup based on beef broth
- ‘daube’ – a slow-baked stew braised in wine, garlic, vegetables, and herbs
- ‘coq au vin’ – a chicken braised in wine, with mushrooms, lardons, and optionally some garlic
During the years, more exotic ingredients were added to create some unique flavours. Numerous Chinese and other Asian restaurants are spread all around the island. Mauritian families come there to treat themselves with a chicken, squid, beef or fish dish, prepared in a black bean or oyster sauce and served with a rice or noodles. And if you like Chinese spring rolls, you have to try a popular Chinese appetizer ‘hakien’ – a local version of the spring roll where traditionally rolled wrapping is replaced with a flour batter.
LANGUAGE
Both English and French are widely spoken throughout Mauritus. However the Mauritian Creole which is the native language is the mostly widely spoken (about 90% of the population). It is a French based native language.
Useful Kreol Morisien (Mauritian Creole) phrases
- Hello = Bonzur
- Good morning = Bonzour
- Good evening = Bonswar
- Goodbye = Orewar
- Sorry = Sori
- Please = Si ouplé
- Thank you = Mersi
- Yes = Wi
- No = Non
MONTHLY WEATHER IN MAURITIUS
High season: December to January
Dry Season: June to November
Rainy Season: January to April
| Months | min. Temp. | max. Temp. | Rain days | Rainfall | Season | |||
| January | 24°C | 75°F | 28°C | 82°F | 8 | 200 mm | Wet | |
| February | 23°C | 73°F | 28°C | 82°F | 9 | 210 mm | Wet | |
| March | 23°C | 73°F | 27°C | 81°F | 10 | 220 mm | Wet | |
| April | 22°C | 72°F | 27°C | 81°F | 9 | 205 mm | Wet | |
| May | 22°C | 72°F | 26°C | 79°F | 8 | 150 mm | Changing | |
| June | 21°C | 70°F | 25°C | 77°F | 8 | 100 mm | Dry | |
| July | 19°C | 66°F | 23°C | 73°F | 7 | 80 mm | Dry | |
| August | 18°C | 64°F | 24°C | 75°F | 7 | 90 mm | Dry | |
| September | 18°C | 64°F | 25°C | 77°F | 6 | 75 mm | Dry | |
| October | 19°C | 66°F | 25°C | 77°F | 5 | 65 mm | Dry | |
| November | 20°C | 68°F | 26°C | 79°F | 4 | 60 mm | Dry | |
| December | 22°C | 72°F | 27°C | 81°F | 6 | 110 mm | Changing | |
COST OF THINGS
| McDonalds Combo Meal | $5.50 USD |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | $2.64 USD |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | $2.93 USD |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $1.98 USD |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | $0.90 USD |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | $0.57 USD |
MAURITIUS TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
If you are planning to visit Mauritius for your honeymoon, take these tips into consideration to ensure a beautiful trip:
Saving money – Don’t book your trips and activities in advance, they are two or even three times higher when booking with a travel agent. Keep in mind that at some places prices might seem fixed, but you can negotiate. And try not to exchange your money in the hotel, you’ll get more at the airport or at the other exchange desks. The market at Flaq on the east of the island is a good place for buying souvenirs and other local things.
Feeding the monkeys – If you’re visiting the Hindy Temple, you should bring some fruits for the monkeys. You may check if the hotel offers a lunch pack.
Escape the heat – The best time for visiting Mauritius is during March and April, when it’s not that hot, and there aren’t mosquitoes. Time to avoid is between November and February when it’s really hot. You should also plan a trip to the island’s Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousse, near Port Louis. Its trees will provide a much-needed refresh from the heat.
IS MAURITIUS SAFE?
Overall crime levels are fairly low around Mauritius however there are instances of robberies, theft and petty crime particularly around tourist areas. Downtown Port Louis is an area to avoid after dark. The indigenous inhabitants can protest against the government at times. Protests are generally peaceful however best to keep away from any demonstrations as they may turn violent. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the Mauritius page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for Mauritius.
A Maritius Honeymoon will be sure not to disappoint, safe travels!!