Chances are, the thought of a luminously clear, turquoise ocean fringed by sugar-soft white sands sounds pretty good right now. Am I right? Central heating inspired frizzy hair, chapped lips and sub zero temperatures combined mean that the thought of being beach-slapped by paradise’s finest is, right now, a very attractive prospect indeed.
And nowhere does beaches better than Mauritius. But if, heaven forbid, you feel like the beach life might not be enough, don’t fear – we’ve picked out some of our favourite things to do in paradise that don’t take place on a long stretch of sand.
‘Fall’ in love
Statistically, if you’re in Mauritius there’s a 90% chance you’re on a honeymoon* – in which case it’s likely that you’re already in love and doing all sorts of dreadful romantic things with your chosen paramour (we’re just jealous, FYI). Luckily for you, this is a different kind of falling – a waterfall-ing, to be precise! The Tamarind Falls can be found in Henrietta, a tiny island in the southwest and are surrounded by gorgeous lush greenery and fall from a height of 300 metres. There is a pool underneath for a natural water massage or some splashy frolicking. You might even spot an exotic bird or seven if you’re lucky.
*Not necessarily accurate statistics
Casela Nature and Leisure Park
Image by Derek Keats
Fancy getting up close and personal with some big cats? The Casela Nature and Leisure Park gives you the chance to walk with the kings of the jungle in their natural habitat…Although they are tame, this probably isn’t one for the faint-hearted!
The Orchards of Labourdonnais
Located in a quiet village named Mapou, you’ll get the chance to roam free amongst anthuriums and gorgeous tropical flowers – it’s probably the closest you’re ever going to get to feeling like you’re Mena Suvari in American Beauty. Taste the fruits, hike, bike or just enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcanic summits and valleys.
Seebaluck Art Gallery
Image by Selene Weijenberg
Art lovers, make haste. This is the biggest art gallery in Mauritius and it boasts all sorts of goodies, from modern art to abstract paintings and sculpture. It’s a great way to soak up the culture of the area and get a feel of the creative aspects of local life!
Dive and kicking
Image by Al@in76
Take the plunge. Trust us. The memory of the incredible flora and fauna you’ll see will see you through even the most miserable of tube journeys once you’re back home. From colourful coral reefs to huge shoals of fish, volcanic peaks and ship wrecks, Mauritius really doesn’t do aesthetic splendour by halves – even when its 20 metres below sea level.
