Head For Magical Mauritius To Enliven Your Sunny Disposition

If you’re stuck in winter in the northern hemisphere or in an all-year-round cold climate, nothing will give you a scintillating dose of sunshine quite like the Indian Ocean paradise of Mauritius. Top up your tan, sway to the island music on the beach or enjoy all the adventure sports you can handle.

Despite its laid-back vibe, Mauritius is the 18th most densely populated country on the planet. The island’s thriving sugarcane industry and the geared-for-tourism economy are testament to its good governance.

‘A castle of sand in Mauritius’ – Matthias Ott via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Live like royalty – literally

If you want to live large, the five-star Le Touessrok is a flagship Sun Resort. It’s part of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group and one step inside the relaxed opulence ambience, and you’ll know why. Incidentally, Le Touessrok is also where the UK’s Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson honeymooned.

For a high-end but affordable option, then consider booking a stay at the Long Beach on the east coast. Expect a contemporary urban-buzz-meets-sea-escape vibe. Other than the coral-coloured theme in the rooms which can be a bit garish, everything else is perfection. Think high ceilings, generous spaces, private balconies and piazza-style living. There are five 5-star restaurants with cuisine to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. A highlight is the French-Japanese fusion-style night bistro.

If you can dream it, you can do it

The question isn’t what you can do in Mauritius, but what you can’t. A walk on the ocean floor, parasailing, horse riding, casino gaming, island safaris and more – if you can imagine it, it’s probably available on the island.

For those with a taste for the high-roller life or indulgence of reenacting their favourite 007 Casino Royale scene, then rolling the dice in the Senator Club or Casinos of Mauritius could provide just the right atmosphere.

Gambling is legal in Mauritius and so if the land-based casinos are not able to ‘whet your appetite’, perhaps online casinos and review sites could be of help, also making sure you know how to play games such as roulette and blackjack when you reach the land-based casinos. review sites enable players to find the right bonuses specifically designed for Canadian, American, European and international players are available, giving options for both land based and virtual entertainment enjoyment.

‘Food’ – Med Coolman via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Language and cuisine on the island

English, French and the native Creole are the most widely spoken languages on the island so there tends to be no language barrier for most travellers. The Creole tongue draws on French, Dutch, African and Indian words and phrases.

Mauritius is a melting pot of French, African and Indian influences and cultures, and so is the cuisine. Food is a way of life in Mauritius. There is so much to sample that it is literally impossible to taste everything. Do bring your own wine or spirits, as drinks are prohibitively expensive. A cocktail will put you back about $25.

Massage the jet lag away

Mauritius is in a time zone of its own geographically, so most people do tend to find they are jetlagged the next day. Head straight for the resort spa, Sea Spa. There must be magic in Mauritian fingers, as reviews indicate that the back-and-head massage is worth experiencing. Paradise Found!

Your travel adventure is made more pleasurable by adopting the true spirit of exploration, so even if it rains you never lose the sunny disposition. So, get ready to save up your money and get ready to travel!