Mauritius

Mauritius is a volcanic island emerging from the Indian Ocean, just a stone’s throw away from La Réunion and Madagascar. It was initially called Mauritius, then named Ile de France and then Mauritius again, and the island therefore dates back to the stormy days of Dutch, French and then British colonization. It became independent in late 1960s.

Discover our selection of luxury hotels in Mauritius.

Even if Mauritius keeps traces of its colonial past, it is the Southern Indian continent which influences its culture the most. Most Mauritians are originally from India, and this can be seen in the culture, gastronomy and language of the local population, a living testimony to the historical legacy of the island. Mauritian people juggle between Creole, French and English languages and their food is a mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European culinary traditions. All the above-mentioned elements constitute the essence of a cultural richness and melting-pot which is well worth discovering.

If Mauritius is an interesting place to visit for its culture and traditions, it certainly also is for the perfect postcard image it is reminiscent of. Its landscapes, flora, coasts and underwater fauna are all natural attractions and pleasures for the eye.

The Pamplemousses Gardens, located in the northwest of Port Louis, gives vistors a pleasant overview of all the botanic species Mauritius beholds. It boasts more than 500 vegetal species and among them a strange palm tree which flowers only once every 60 years, giant water lilies, flamboyant trees, bougainvillaea, banyan and all sorts of palm trees. This lush vegetation grows under a tropical climate: temperatures range from 25°C / 77°F to 35°C / 95°F all year round with a high rate of humidity. Another place of interest for those interested in endemic species will be the Orchard of Labourdonnais. A genuine heaven for botanists therefore, Mauritius also used to be an idyllic place for zoologists and their studies, before civilization directly or indirectly annihilated many species. The famous dodo, a strange big bird which used to be a common sight on the island, was exterminated by the Dutch. Today, the most interesting species that are still preserved are the mongooses, Java stags, macaques and some rare birds.

On Mauritius, it is the underwater fauna which is the most surprising, making Mauritius such an ideal destination for scuba divers. Indeed, the lagoon and coral reef shelter multicoloured and multiform fishes, and in deep sea, you may encounter dolphins, fin whales, sperm whales and turtles!

Beaches are Mauritius’ main asset, and especially those found at Grande Baie, Belle Mare or Belle Ombre. Stag Island nonetheless remains the most visited part of the archipelago. The pristine lagoon and the beaches lined with coconut trees help entertain the island’s paradisiac image. Incomparable luxury hotels dot the coastline and some of them feature world-class spa centres.

Thalassoline recommends several spa resorts in Mauritius : The Oberoi Mauritius, the Paradise Cove and Spa, the Residence, Belle Mare Plage Resort and Prince Maurice. All these hotels in Mauritius are refined, luxury spa hotels where you will make the most of your holidays in Mauritius! For those keen on golf, we suggest the Belle Mare Plage Resort and Prince Maurice, which have their own two golf courses. Green fees are free of charge for the hotel's guests. Golf and spa package will combine perfectly during luxury holidays in Mauritius!

Visit our website to dicover our selection of luxury spa resorts in Mauritius. Contact your spa advisers: they will be delighted to answer all questions you may have concerning holidays in Mauritius!