Exotic Mauritius is an independent island state located approximately 900 kilometers east of Madagascar.
In the context of travel, Mauritius is often mentioned together with the Maldives and the Seychelles – but Mauritius is very different from the other tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean.
The country is smaller than Funen, and about 1.3 million people live there. people.
The population is a mixture of Hindus, Muslims and Christians, who have chosen to live in complete peace with each other and respect each other’s religions.
There are many marriages across religions, and the vast majority respect the most common conflict-causing religious rules – for example, neither beef nor pork is eaten so as not to offend anyone.
Our adventure in Mauritius started in 2001, when almost by chance we booked a 14-day trip to the island.
We had no idea what to expect, so we had e.g. bought a mosquito net and received a large number of vaccinations. We never really needed that.
There are virtually no dangerous animals or diseases in the country, we have always felt completely safe being there.
After a very long flight, we were received at the airport by our booked transfer. Two very dark and very smiling men who, like everyone else on the island, spoke excellent English.
A battered yellow van was ready, our suitcases were put on the roof, and then it was off to our hotel. The roads were small and narrow, and led us through sugar cane plantations and small villages, each with their beautifully decorated Hindu temple.
Belle Mare Plage Golf Hotel
Our hotel, Belle Mare Plage Hotel, (affiliate link) was a five-star golf hotel on the island’s east coast.
It was as exotic as we had imagined, and all the way through we were met by sweet smiling people who were ready to fulfill any wish we might have.
Over the years, we have almost developed a friendly relationship with a number of those we have met, and are greeted with big smiles and hugs every time we come back.
The hotel has two beautiful golf courses, and if you have all inclusive (which is definitely recommended) it is free to play.
In addition to golf, there are tennis courts, an excellent gym, and a variety of water sports.
There are 4 evening restaurants and 4 other restaurants where you can have lunch.
Hotel facilities
With all inclusive or half board, you eat for free in the buffet restaurant in the evening, where the buffet is a rich selection of fresh ingredients prepared on site.
The other restaurants are absolutely fantastic and should be tried. However, it costs a little extra.
A funny story from our first stay was that when we had eaten on the first night and received excellent service, we tipped 50 kroner. As a result, when we arrived the next evening, the waiter was ready with the very best table laid out for us.
Later we found out that his hourly wage was approximately 10 kroner at the time. But the service is, as I said, sublime, even without tips.
Since 2001, we have visited Mauritius and Belle Mare Plage 7 times, and the next trip is planned for 2024.
Experiences in Mauritius
There are many things to do in Mauritius, either as organized excursions or more or less on your own.
Here is a small selection:
1. La Vallée de Ferney is a large hilly natural area, where you can book a guide who tells about all the plants you see.
We were lucky to have the guide to ourselves and she really knew something about the nature we encountered.
Ile Aux Aigrettes
Ile Aux Aigrettes is a small island off the southeast coast. The island is a nature reserve where original species of plants, rare bird species and turtles and flying dogs that live on Mauritius are preserved.
The island is also used in general school education, where school classes come to be taught about preserving the original nature.
It is possible to book a 2-hour tour with very competent guides.
We experienced, among other things, an ebony forest, and greeted giant tortoises.