Our guide to holidays in Mauritius

1. Splash the cash

With an eye-popping 170 stores, shopaholics and bargain hunters alike will not want to miss out on a visit to the Caudan Waterfont in Port Louis harbour. From designer boutiques to crafts and textiles stalls, this buzzing shopping area is the perfect place to bag a bargain during your stay in Mauritius.

2. Colours of the sandbow

A visit to Mauritius isn’t complete without seeing the Seven Coloured Earths sand dunes. Formed by the unique volcanic activity on the island years ago, these beautiful sands dazzle thousands of visitors each year with their seven distinct colours.

3. Walkin’ under water

If you love a spot of snorkelling and it’s all about the ocean for you, then definitely try out one of Mauritius’ most unique experiences: an underwater sea walk. Catch the boat out to the island’s best lagoons and don your breathing equipment before plunging down to the seabed for a truly unforgettable experience.

4. A walk in the park

Nature lovers should take the time to visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, lovingly cultivated since the 1700s. Take in the surroundings as you walk through groves filled with baobab trees, lotus flowers, giant water lilies and more than 80 varieties of palm trees.

What is there to do in Mauritius?

Things to do in Mauritius for couples

Romantic relaxation is the name of the game on couples vacations to Mauritius. Whether you’re whisking your partner away on a honeymoon holiday or celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, you couldn’t choose a better destination for some time together. We recommend booking a luxury hotel or a spa resort for a truly unforgettable experience. Checking out the beaches and the hotel pool are a given on a flop ‘n’ drop beach escape, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore the local area too.

We recommend spending at least one night at the breathtaking Ile aux Cerfs. This private island – surrounded by a beautiful blue lagoon - will make you feel like royalty from the moment your feet land on the white sand. Another Mauritian must-do activity for couples is rum tasting at Rhumerie de Chamarel Restaurant & Rum Distillery. This upscale experience offers marvelous menus to go alongside the main event: the rum!

Things to do in Mauritius with family

There are plenty of family-friendly hotels and things to do with children in Mauritius. Splash N Fun Leisure Park will go down a treat with kids of all ages, and there’s even an Adults Only swimming pool if you have teens that are happy to explore on their own while you relax. Other attractions include thrilling waterslides, a pirate ship, virtual reality games, an immersive cinema experience and much, much more.

Prefer to lean into some educational things to do? Why not teach your little ones about Mauritius’ national bird: the dodo? Although sadly now extinct, these odd-looking creatures are a fun way to talk about the natural world, history and animals with little ones. Head to the Natural History Museum of Mauritius and there’s an entire gallery dedicated to the dodo. You’ll also learn about marine animals that live in the Indian Ocean and beyond too.

Things to do in Mauritius at night

Pick a place by the ocean and watch the sunset – trust us, you don’t want to miss this. Whether it’s a restaurant with a panoramic seascape or a secluded spot on the beach, anywhere with a clear view of the sky will be the best seats in the house to watch the sky light up golden hues. The hour before the sun goes down is the best time to take selfies, too. Enjoy a sundowner – laid-back drinks on the beach – to kickstart your night of fun.

What could be better than a tranquil beach escape by day and the life-of-the-party destination by night? Mauritius is a far-flung experience away from Europe’s clubbing holidays, but there are plenty of high-class nightclubs and chic bars where you can let your hair down in style. The Banana Beach Club has become an island institution, providing delicious drinks and decadent dancefloors for over 20 years. For a more chilled out way to while away the evenings, head to a local beach bar for tropical cocktails and unmatched atmosphere.

Adventurous things to do in Mauritius

If you’re the active, adventurous type then get ready to dive into the great outdoors in Mauritius. Not only is this island nation one of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling hotspots, things are pretty exciting inland too. Quad bike tours, treks through leafy tropical trees to waterfalls and blue lagoons, submarine dives, ocean walks and island-hopping extravaganzas await.

Need to strike the balance between the free spirits and the ones who want to relax in your group holiday? Why not check out the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens which date back from the 1700s. You can plan a hike around the beautiful landscaped gardens, while the others admire the flowers and fountains as you go.