Beyond its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, the resorts in Mauritius stand out as destinations in themselves, offering a rich tapestry of culture, culinary delights and exclusive activities that elevate the island getaway to new heights.
Mauritian culture is a vibrant blend of influences from Africa, Europe and Asia, creating a unique cultural tapestry. Resorts on the island recognise the importance of showcasing this cultural richness to guests. From traditional dance performances to art exhibitions featuring local talent, guests are immersed in the island's soul right from the moment they arrive.
For instance, some resorts organise weekly cultural nights where guests can indulge in the mesmerising Sega dance, a traditional dance form that encapsulates the island's history and spirit. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with local artisans and witness the intricate craftsmanship behind Mauritian art, creating memories that go beyond the typical sun-soaked holiday.
A perfect example of this is the piazza at Long Beach resort, which comes alive at night with bespoke light installations and performance art that showcases local visual artists, followed by live local music.
Mauritian cuisine is a symphony of flavours, mirroring the diverse cultural influences. Resorts take pride in offering an authentic gastronomic journey with each meal telling a story of the island's heritage.
Picture dining under the stars on the beach, indulging in a fusion of French, Creole, Indian and Chinese cuisines, like dholl puri, gateau piment and seafood curries. Some resorts even collaborate with renowned chefs to curate special menus that showcase the best of Mauritian flavours, elevating the dining experience to a culinary adventure.
The tasting experience doesn't end with food at Long Beach resort, where expert mixologists use their sorcery to encapsulate the flavours of the island in an innovative new cocktail menu. Using local flavours, tonics and small-batch liquors, these unique cocktails are designed with medicinal healing properties. Guests can learn these skills, too, by joining the resort's weekly molecular master class.
While the azure waters and sandy beaches are the main draw card, resorts in Mauritius understand the importance of offering diverse activities that cater to the varied interests of their guests.
Water sports enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkelling or embark on a thrilling underwater adventure with scuba diving. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, most resorts offer sunset cruises, providing panoramic views of the island's coastline. Land activities range from horseback riding along the beach to tennis and golfing on world-class courses, to name but a few.
Resorts like Sugar Beach are going beyond these activity norms, though, offering activities like Crazy Croquet. With a strictly whites and Panama hats dress-code, guests step back in time to swing the mallet on the great lawn, in-between cucumber sandwiches and cordial.
Or Sugar Beach guests can embrace their inner ballroom diva with Strictly Sugar dance classes. Classes are designed to progressively improve dance technique, style and stamina. Guest dancers are invited to put their talents to the test every Saturday evening showcase, accompanied by the big sound and beat of the house band.
To stand out in the competitive hospitality industry, many resorts in Mauritius are crafting exclusive experiences tailored to the preferences of their guests.
Imagine a private, candlelit dinner on the beach with a personal chef crafting a menu based on your favourite dishes. Some resorts arrange for guests to participate in traditional cooking classes, allowing them to learn the secrets of Mauritian culinary artistry. For the adventure-seekers, helicopter tours, private yacht charters and wildlife safaris are some of the exclusive options on offer.
Or, for a fully indulgent experience, Sugar Beach resort offers the Beauty Bubble, a mini spa right on the beach. From wind-down massages, sundowners rituals to a fairy-lit evening of indulgence, the Beauty Bubble is an unforgettable spa experience.
In the era of conscious travel, many resorts in Mauritius are embracing sustainable practices to preserve the island's natural beauty. From eco-friendly construction to community outreach programmes, these initiatives contribute to a more responsible and meaningful tourism experience.
Some resorts partner with local conservation organizations to organize nature excursions, educating guests about the delicate ecosystems that make Mauritius a biodiversity hotspot. Guests can actively participate in coral reef restoration projects or join beach clean-up initiatives, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship during their stay.
Sunlife Resort Group’s Long Beach resort offers a Biodiversity Journey that starts with a tour of the group’s beehives, where guests can see how thousands of bees happily buzz to produce honey. Next up is a nature trail to discover the flora and fauna of Mauritius, including a rare Ebony tree. The journey ends with a tasting session of the all-natural honey and some home-grown goodness from the resort’s food and Ayurvedic medicine gardens.
Mauritius, with its enchanting resorts, transcends the typical beach holiday. It beckons travellers to immerse themselves in a cultural mosaic, savour tantalising flavours, and partake in exclusive experiences that create indelible memories. As these resorts continue to redefine luxury by intertwining opulence with authenticity, Mauritius stands as a testament to the fact that a holiday can be more than just a destination—it can be a transformative journey.
Take your own transformative journey at one of World Leisure Holidays’ Mauritian properties. Choose from these incredible 6 deals:
Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Comfort Room; breakfast and dinner daily; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Plus two children under 12 stay and eat for free when sharing with adults! Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Junior Suite; breakfast and dinner daily; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Plus two children under 12 stay and eat for free when sharing with adults! Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Garden Bungalow; breakfast and dinner daily; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Plus two children under 12 stay and eat for free when sharing with adults! Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room; breakfast and dinner daily; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Superior Room; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; selected drinks; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Package includes return flights from Johannesburg; approximate levies, taxes and surcharges; airport/hotel transfers; 7 nights accommodation in a Premiere Garden View Room; breakfast and dinner daily; all land and non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment. Full details and Ts and Cs here.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to book, or email tickets@suretravel.co.za