Exploring the Beauty and Culture of Mauritius
I’m a very beach kind of person. That’s why I live on the west coast. My favourite beach walk is from Flic en Flac to the neighbouring village of Tamarin. It’s a beautiful, scenic walk past La Pirogue and Sugar Beach hotels. You can see Le Morne mountain, a large basalt rock, and the turquoise sea where fishermen work in little boats. After the beach, you pass a little forest before you reach Tamarin, the perfect blend of ocean and nature. I’ve walked and jogged here since I was a child.
The Significance of Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant mountain has a special place in Mauritian hearts and holds huge historical significance. It connects us to our slave ancestors. It is rumoured that in 1835 slaves ran away to this mountain just before slavery was about to be abolished. The colonists were chasing them, trying to tell them they were free but the slaves were unaware and jumped to their deaths from the summit. There’s now a big metal cross symbolising their fight for freedom. From the top, you can enjoy 360 views of the southwest corner of Mauritius, its green mountains, and incredibly blue ocean dotted with kite surfers. The hike is tiring but worth it.
A Culinary Journey through Mauritius
Mauritians are Creole people, a mix of African, Chinese, Hindu, Muslim, and European, which is reflected in our cuisine. One of my favourite foods is ‘boulette’ – steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or prawns, chayote, and other vegetables, eaten with chilli, soy, or garlic sauce in a soup or with noodles. It’s great for hangovers. I’ve travelled around the world, and nothing compares to Mauritian food. Boulettes are sold in vans on the beach, alongside roti, which I adore. We always have rotis even if we’ve had lunch already. Roti is life!
Relaxation and Dining Experience
My mum and I spent a whole day at Cinq Mondes Spa at the Long Beach Hotel on the east coast. We had the most incredible massage overlooking a river to the sound of birdsong. The restaurants include Hasu, which has a sushi station and a yakitori bar. The Italian restaurant, Sapori, was one of the best culinary experiences I’ve had. I enjoyed delicious pasta and chicken, then ordered a cheesecake, which came in an ice cream cone with biscuits and fruits on the side.
The Vibrancy of Mauritian Music
Around the end of the year, there are lots of music festivals. The best thing about Mauritius is that the music never stops. We’re the only country in the world with light entertainment every night of the year. The hotels only put forward Mauritian acts, giving people a chance to discover local talent. I toured the four corners of the island in 2022. Our music is a mix of everything: seggae music, which blends reggae and traditional ‘sega’ music. We’re very proud of it. I use a percussion instrument called the ravanne, made from goatskin.
The Local Market Experience
At Port Louis market, merchants sell all the rums, saffron, and other spices, as well as traditional musical instruments like the jambé and the maravanne. It’s such a lovely place to visit because Mauritians are eager to share what we love. If a traveller is in need, we always go the extra mile. Friendly merchants will advise you on what medicine to buy. They’re kind and do it with good intentions.
A nice local shop called Le Rendez-Vous sells items from local entrepreneurs and artisans – candles, journals, dresses by designers like Mélina Audibert, shoes, and photography. Everything is 100 percent locally made. A lot of visitors don’t know about it. There are two branches – one in La Croisette Mall in Grand Baie in the north of the island and a second one in the centre of the island at St Pierre.
Underwater Adventures
I swim in the sea five times a week. The marine life in Mauritius is so lively and animated; you can find beautiful coral, schools of fish, whales, and dolphins. I can’t get enough of dolphins. On the west coast, I take a boat with friends at 6-7 am when temperatures are cool and head to Black River Tamarind, where you can jump in the water with your mask and swim with dolphins. I once saw a pod of about 200 of them below me. You just forget everything because you’re with something bigger than yourself.
Exploring Île aux Benitiers
There’s another small islet called Île aux Benitiers, half a mile from the mainland. You can snorkel in its crystal-clear waters, and also nearby at Crystal Rock, a fossilised coral reef poking out from the sea, then sit on the beach, eating banane flambée and drinking locally made white rum mixed with fruit juice. In summer, I feel the sun on my skin and my energy shifting. Living in Mauritius is good for your mental health.
