I visited Mauritius in February for about six to seven days, and it was truly a worthwhile experience. I wanted to avoid the typical touristy routes and early morning rush of guided tours, so I arranged a personalized, high-end itinerary with a local online guide. The activities were tailored to my preferences, leaning towards more adventurous and thrilling experiences. Now, let me share the details with you:
Day 1️⃣
I took a flight from Hong Kong to Mauritius at 10 PM, arriving at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport around 7 AM local time. With a 2-hour time difference from China, the journey took roughly 11 hours. Outside the airport, we rented a stylish, convertible Mini Cooper for the entire trip, costing 1200 yuan per day. We opted for a relaxed start and stayed at Paradise Cove Hotel, where the staff greeted us with custom-made iced drinks and towels upon arrival. The hotel, unlike others, had almost no Chinese tourists, providing a peaceful environment for a day of beach sunbathing. Mauritius hotels generally have a dress code for dinner, requiring men to wear long pants and leather shoes. It’s essential to bring appropriate clothing. Tipping is customary across the island, ranging from 25 to 100 Mauritian Rupees for services like luggage handling and room cleaning.
Day 2️⃣
We stayed near Paradise Cove at LUX for a night at 14,000 yuan. This hotel appealed to me with its diverse dining options, including Chinese, French, and Italian cuisine. LUX stands out as the only place on the island where you can take a seaplane ride. I had the opportunity to fly the seaplane myself with the assistance of a local African pilot, circling the ocean for an exhilarating experience. The cost for the seaplane ride was 1500 yuan per person.
Day 3️⃣
Four Seasons Hotel, a hub for Chinese tourists, was our choice for the day. I opted for a sea-view villa with an infinity pool at 14,000 yuan per night. The hotel features a large golf course, and reservations are recommended for those interested in playing. We tried the spa at Four Seasons, but the massage was mediocre. Later in the day, we headed to Sky Dive for skydiving. The unpredictable weather in Mauritius, with frequent afternoon rain, urged us to plan essential activities in the morning. Skydiving cost 2500 yuan per person, with an additional 1000 yuan for photography. Although the plane’s equipment wasn’t top-notch, safety was reasonably ensured. The African instructor was enthusiastic and skillful in photography, but the 3000-meter altitude felt less thrilling for me.
Day 4️⃣
We departed from the hotel at 5 AM for a boat trip to watch dolphins in the open sea. The relentless sun, combined with the sea breeze, made sunscreen applications every 15 minutes futile. The sight of dolphins leaping brought overwhelming happiness, making us forget everything else. In the afternoon, we visited Casela Bird Park for lion walking. Participants are given a wooden stick for authority and self-defense. Wearing flip-flops is strictly prohibited. The initial fear fades as lions come out, and participants are encouraged to interact, pat, and even pull the lion’s tail for better photo opportunities. The cost is approximately 1000 yuan per person, covering the entrance fee, lion walk, and photography.
Day 5️⃣—Day 6️⃣
These two days were spent exploring the famous bubble houses in Mauritius. Due to a recent typhoon, only one bubble house was available for visitation, with an entrance fee of 40 yuan. Nearby, there is a vast tea plantation and a tea house where you can relax and feed giraffes. Without delving into too many details about the bubble houses, if you’ve been to Mauritius, you might prefer the ART·POP bubble houses inside the Jun Wei Art Museum on Xiamen’s Huandao Road.
Writing this, I feel a bit tired, and I assume you might be too. I hope my guide proves helpful for your journey to Mauritius!