Mauritius – Dream is a serious thing

Dream is a serious thing, let me tell ya! I dreamed about visiting Africa since I saw Maugli. Absolute fanatic of animals and nature I had to go see Mauritius island one day.

Mauritius – African Pearl

We started looking and planning our big trip. Looking at million of resorts and islands in Africa we quickly realized that a lot of the places we wanted to visit are not potentially safe, plus having such ridiculously long winter here in Canada, we were craving beach big time. So we started narrowing our search by not only the location with the beach but also wanted to throw in quality service and food into our African adventure as well. Our minds were finally set when we saw an episode of one of the Russian travel shows “Oryol i Reshka” about Mauritius – African pearl.

Mauritius is a tiny volcanic dot of an island in the middle of Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar – one of those places that seems to be the perfect little slice of island heaven. The geographic location calls for the most unique flora and fauna you can find here. The island has also become a true cultural melting pot of different religions living peacefully next to each other – Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and even a bit of Buddhism.

The island is an entire nation of immigrants, many of which are from India. The official language of the island is English, however, the majority of people speak French and Mauritian Creole. Creole is the informal language and is spoken at home and between friends. This language was created by the slaves in the 18th century because they needed a language to communicate with other slaves and with their French masters.

Measuring approximately 29 miles (47 kilometers) wide and 40 miles (61 kilometers) long it packs a wide array of views, cultures, flavors and experiences.

The waters at the shore are calm, shallow and crystal clear! All due to big coral reef that surrounds the island, breaking the waves coming in from the ocean.

Getting To Mauritius

We flew Toronto-Amsterdam-Paris and from there with Air Mauritius direct to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. The 6 hour layover in Paris wasn’t too bad, but we wished we picked the Dubai route instead. The Dubai airport is one of the most comfortable places to spend a long layover. We found CDG airport very confusing! Turn right. Turn left. Elevators, escalators, follow the moving platform… I am pretty sure we are not visiting Paris anytime soon! It took us 26 hours to travel from Toronto to Mauritius.

Finally, landing at 6 am in Mauritius! We could watch the sunrise from the plane. The first rays of sunlight illuminated what soon would become our own little paradise: Mauritius. That was an exciting moment, let me tell ya!

We knew we would be too tired to drive on our arrival, so we booked the taxi instead. The drive to the hotel struck us with sheer dramatic beauty of the island and jaw-dropping views – sugar cane fields and tropical forests, volcanos and green mountains with their waterfalls and never ending singing of tropical birds bring to the island a spectacular beauty. It was so different from anywhere I had been before.

We looked at each other and could only fully agree: this is Paradise!

Where We Stayed in Mauritius

After an hour later we are at the resort – Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches – on the north of the island. We are sticky with sweat and ready to relax. At the entrance, imposing gates open on to beautiful gardens full of mature palm and banyan trees. Theres is the scent of essential oils coming to me mingling with those of tropical cuisine. So, uhmmm, yes – this IS the best day of 2015 so far, thanks for asking.

After a quick check in we are off to breakfast. Always a good place to start, friends. Alwaysssss. So I’m standing here looking at the variety of tropical fruits and thinking I am 120% sure that this is what my food dreams are made of.

Coconuts, passion fruits, mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits, kiwis, bananas and did I mention passion fruits already? They’re best eaten on the beach in your swimming suit, with your hair still damp from your last swim in the warm Indian Ocean.

Yuuuummmmsss! I love love love passion fruits! I ate them with everything sweet and savory. I know I’m a born rule-breaker.

If only there was a place that is a barefoot luxury, rich in sunshine, beautiful white-sandy beaches, a plethora of great places to stay and mouth watering cuisine…oh wait there is…Mauritius!

After struggling with our big plates of breakfast goodies we are off to the beach!

THIS IS REAL LIFE!

‎”You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” – Mark Twain

I was determined to force myself to relax and recharge my batteries. We all know how overwhelming life can get and I think it’s important to take time to reconnect with yourself or your loved ones and spend time away from daily stresses.

Casela Nature Park

During our trip to Mauritius we engaged in many thrilling adventurous activities, like walking with lions at the Casela Nature Park. We also went on safari there and zip-lined through the jungle.

Walking with lions. Oh my goodness, can I just blow your mind for a second? These magnificent cats! I had an opportunity to watch them, touch them, walk with them, scratch behind their ears! What an unforgettable experience! You realize very quickly that there is nothing to be frightened of, the handlers have such excellent control that you forget very quickly that you are within a foot of these potentially dangerous creatures. I cannot believe my luck that I touched these graceful animals, felt how they breath and followed their movements.

Water Sports

Dmitriy tried water skiing for the first time and, thanks to his instructor at the resort, he did an excellent job.

It was also my first time paddle boarding. I guess I did ok too. With the exception of one time when a motor boat was passing by and the waves gave me a hard time balancing on the water. I fell off the board and didn’t know how to get back up, but, when I finally did, turned out that I was paddling backwards. I also almost lost my sun glasses, but who cares! It was so much fun!

Amazing underwater experience snorkeling! That moment when fish came to eat bread off our hands. Awwww! We were taken out on a speedboat to the reef. I loved every minute of this; definitely something I will be doing again.

What is my favorite water sport? We loved them all, so we spent most of our time in the warm water.

African Reserve Safari

We did African Reserve Safari and marveled at zebras, giraffes, antelopes and giant tortoise in their natural environment.

The Market of Port Louis

In Port Louis – capital of the island there is a loud and vibrant fresh produce market. The astonishing array of locally grown fruit and vegetables is impressive.

Every local we encountered went out of their way to help us. They are proud of their island and seem happy to share it with visitors.

This guy was selling vanilla and spices. He also gave us a few recipes of Mauritian dishes that use his spices.

And it is hard to leave without sampling what’s available. Vanilla milk yuuummms!

Dholl Puris

If Mauritius had a national dish, this would probably be it. Dholl puris are thought to be derived from Indian flatbread, paratha. Indian immigrants to Mauritius couldn’t get the ingredients to make the bread on the island, and their substitute was a fried thin bread stuffed with ground yellow split peas, and served with bean curry, atchar and chutney.

Fresh Mauritian raspberry to which I say – bring it!!!

Spending a week on this beautiful island was an experience we will never forget. Not only the stunning nature of the island captured us but there is also the adventurous side of the island that we enjoyed.

There comes the time when every trip must end. When you feel ready to go back home, shower in your own bathroom, sleep in your own bed and get back to the routine. That time never came when we were in Mauritius!

Mauritius was so much fun, and so relaxing at the same time, we loved it as you can see from our photos. We totally recommend that you visit this gorgeous island, do all the fun things it has to offer and explore its culinary scene.

Yes, Chef!

In Canada people are always looking for work, or say “first work, then pleasure”, my experience here tells me that the enjoyment of life is more important than anything else.

I would totally live here and if I did, the best part about coming home from work would be heading straight out to the beach. I would get home at 5pm, change into my swimsuit, grab my towel and head to the beach.

I watched a little girl playing the same game with her grandpa for more than an hour on the beach She was splashing him with water over his head, laughing and having a lot of fun. After some time he took a beer can and splashed water over her head. His laugh made him look like a young boy again.

Chillax!

What we love about Mauritius? Hmm let me see here – EVERYTHANG! And we can’t wait to go back!

Other Travel Posts

Dominican Republic Family Vacation – there are some tips on flying with kids at the end of the post.

Vacation in Costa Rica With Little Kids

Visiting My Homeland Ukraine – with everything that’s going on there now I am just so heartbroken… I am very grateful for the memories from this trip that I get to keep.