Also known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, the figure who led the independence movement in 1968, Pamplemousses Garden was created in 1770 by the botanist and intendant of the ex-Isle de France, Pierre Poivre. Notorious for its giant water lilies, the site encompasses over a hundred worldwide species – from West Indies laurel to Chinese Camphor, through bread fruit from the Philippines or the Cochinchine litchi.

Equally called the Ganga Talao, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin is nestled in the heart of the island’s south-east mountains. It would have appeared in pandit’s (Hindu priest) Jhummun Giri Gossagne Nepal’s dream in 1897, which led to its discovery. Boasting wonderful lake views and colourful temples, it is nowadays one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage places outside of India during Maha Shivaratree, a festival which honours Lord Shiva. Do not hesitate to take a stroll there to discover the beauty of the Hindu culture.

Chamarel, the island’s green lung, stands out as a preserved area with authenticity lush vegetation. This small village, located in the Black River National Park’s heights, brings together some of the island’s most popular tourist sites, such as the Rhumerie de Chamarel, the seven- coloured earth – a natural phenomenon caused by soil erosion resulting in dunes with ochre to purple tints, or the Chamarel waterfalls, cascading down almost 100 metres… Impressive!

The Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin), Île Plate (Flat Island), Ilot Gabriel, Île Ronde (Round Island), Île aux Serpents… With names as mysterious as imaginative, the islets located to the north of Mauritius are full of wonders. Although they are not all directly accessible (the Coin de Mire and the Île Plate are protected reserves for example), it is possible to go around them by private motorboat or catamaran to appreciate their wild beauty and observe indigenous species that have settled there.

Mauritius’ expertise in rum production is certainly notable. Scattered throughout the country, from the Plantation de Saint Aubin in the south to the Château de Labourdonnais distillery in the north, going through the Chamarel rum distillery nestled in the heart of the western mountains, local distilleries also unveil the country’s history through the rum making tradition. The art of producing this sugar cane derived spirit will soon have no more secrets for you!

Set foot on a piece of paradise when visiting the famous Île aux Cerfs! Crystal clear waters caress the white sandy beach sheltered by filao trees whose branches sway with the gentle sea breeze – a perfect postcard scenery. Accessible during the day by motorboat, make the most of the Mauritian dolce vita in this dream place.

The Pointe d’Esny lagoon is the meeting place for thrill seekers. The shallow azure sea is ideal for snorkeling, particularly around the nature reserve of Île aux Aigrettes protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) and which shelters endemic species but is also a renowned kitesurfing spot with great wind conditions!

Close to the best fishing spots of the island, this small yet lively fisherman village attracts visitors wishing to catch a boat shuttle to Ile aux Cerfs or to go on an excursion in the lagoon. Find a choice of quirky restaurants serving Mauritian cuisine or fresh seafood such as delicious octopus curry and other local fish-based delicacies, and mingle with the welcoming local people always keen to share a few stories.