Page 13 - Oundle Life April 2024

UNLOCKING
PARADISE
Put Mauritius on your travel list
Hidden away in the southern Indian Ocean, boasting a heavenly combination of glittering blue lagoons, velvet white sand beaches,
and sprawling rainforests, is the island of Mauritius. Mark Twain famously likened it to heaven, and it’s easy to see why. Voted a top 3 trending destination for 2023, this little patch of paradise is having a moment right now.
Despite a longer flight than the Caribbean, the island’s allure quickly erases any travel fatigue. With English as the official language and left-side driving, it feels like a home away from home, only with far superior weather!
Holidays to Mauritius certainly deliver
when it comes to picture-perfect beaches. In fact, it’s fair to say you’ll find some of the best white sand beaches in the world here. For those seeking no more than a comfortable sun lounger and rum-cocktails on repeat, luxurious resorts along the west coast provide the ideal setting for relaxation, complemented by stunning apricot-coloured sunsets and world- class amenities like diving and golf.
What really sets this island apart from its well-known Indian Ocean neighbours though, is its diverse heritage, a testament to its history as a melting pot of cultures. Traditional island life can be captured in the vibrant capital of
Port Louis where you’ll find bustling markets, colonial architecture, and some excellent restaurants, influenced by a mix of European, African, Indian, and Chinese descendants that have made their mark on the island and its cuisine over time. From savoury Creole curries to succulent seafood delicacies, a walking food tour with a local guide is the best introduction you can have to this island’s diverse cuisine, and a fun way to learn a little more about the island’s history.
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