Mauritius
With its beautiful blue waters, white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, volcanic mountains and tropical climate, Mauritius - - located in the Indian Ocean, a little more than 1,200 miles off the south-eastern coast of Africa - - was the perfect destination following our very active family adventure in South Africa. While Mauritius is the perfect setting for those who simply want to lie on the beach, we did take time to explore a few of the island’s top sights.
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With its beautiful blue waters, white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, volcanic mountains and tropical climate, Mauritius - - located in the Indian Ocean, a little more than 1,200 miles off the south-eastern coast of Africa - - was the perfect destination following our very active family adventure in South Africa. While Mauritius is the perfect setting for those who simply want to lie on the beach, we did take time to explore a few of the island’s top sights. Here are a few highlights.
Black River Gorges National Park
Established in 1994, Black River Gorges National Park (named after the black stones that line its river) is the largest protected forest of Mauritius and a sanctuary for many native plant and bird species, and contains over 30 miles of hiking trails that range from half-hour rambles to more challenging day-long routes. It is a spectacular and lush corner of the island that is worth a visit.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earths
Surrounded by forest on an exposed hilltop on the Chamarel plain and comprising sand of seven distinct colors (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow), these dunes evolved through conversion of basaltic lava to clay materials. While it's a relatively small area that can be seen quickly, it’s a geological curiosity that is a fun stop during your exploration of the island.
Chamarel Waterfall
Situated within the Black River Gorges National Park and fed by three distinct streams pouring into Saint Denis River, this is a beautiful waterfall standing amid lush vegetation and surrounded by dark volcanic rock.
One & Only Le Saint Geran
For our stay we chose the One&Only Le Saint Geran, a luxury resort at the northern tip of the renowned Belle Mare coastline, on the east coast. With its breathtaking location, sandy beaches shaded by palm trees, well-appointed rooms, excellent restaurants, and numerous offerings, it’s easy to see why One&Only resorts have received numerous awards and tops many "best of" lists. Our stay was a treat for sure (and, at times, the cost of simple items was a bit obnoxious) but, hey, when is the next time I will find myself in the middle of the Indian Ocean?