Mauritius | RIU Special

Indian Ocean

At first glance, Mauritius feels like a Caribbean cousin. Around 1,200 miles off Africa’s east coast, the island is edged by 330 kilometres of pristine white beaches, where dolphins are often spotted offshore. The south, west and east coasts are known for standout beaches, including Belle Mare, one of the island’s longest stretches of sand, set beside a coral-protected lagoon. In the north, shallow bays like Balaclava and Calodyne are ideal for snorkelling and kite-surfing.

Rainforests and reefs

Beyond the beaches, Mauritius is rich in natural beauty. The mountainous, forested interior rises to 800 metres and is home to rare wildlife, including geckos and tropical birds in national parks such as Porte Lafayette. Surrounding the island is one of the world’s largest continuous barrier reefs, offering scuba diving that rivals the Maldives.

Kaleidoscopic culture

Over centuries, Mauritius has absorbed a mix of cultures. Creole flavours reflect links with Madagascar, with Grand Baie standing out as the island’s culinary hub. Mahebourg shows strong European influence, while its French heritage lives on in elegant chateaux like the Château de Labourdonnais in the north.