Honeymoons in Mauritius

Enjoy a couple’s spa treatment in an outdoor cabana

Mauritius takes nature seriously, and this goes way beyond its postcard-worthy shores. You’ll find it at every turn, from forested mountains to rare wildlife. Nature can even be found in the ingredients of spa treatments, with nourishing local oils and plants used to help you feel connected to the island. Many luxury hotels here take it to the next level, replacing therapy rooms with outdoor cabanas, so you can listen to the soft sound of lapping waves and breezy palms as you unwind with an intimate couple’s massage by the ocean.

Book a private catamaran cruise

A private catamaran cruise is an idyllic way to discover this captivating island together. You’ll get a whole new perspective of Mauritius, watching its emerald-cloaked mountains from afar as you drift along those clear-as-glass waters. Head out in the day for snorkelling, swimming and seaside adventures, or climb aboard in the evening for an ultra-romantic dinner cruise as newlyweds, letting the sunset backdrop set the scene for photos. Date nights don’t get much better than this.

Try dolphin watching

Seeing dolphins swimming in the wild is a very moving experience and one that will live long in your honeymoon memories. Hop over to Mauritius’s west coast, where these graceful creatures love to play. Look out for a bottlenose carving its way through sapphire waters, or see if you can spot a spinner performing its famous acrobatic displays. If you’re lucky, you might get to see a pod swimming along beside you, as these dolphins often hang out in groups of 20 or more.

Go horseback riding at sunset

This romantic activity is a Mauritius honeymoon favourite for good reason. Picture you and your new husband or wife gliding along the island’s flour-soft sands as the sun dips below the horizon, then wading into those shallow blue waters for a splash in the ocean. One of the best places for horseback riding in Mauritius is the secluded Riambel Beach on the south coast. This quiet stretch is free from crowds, which makes the experience all the more intimate.

Take a street food tour

Mauritius loves its food. There’s an incredible mix of cultures here – Creole, French, Chinese, Indian – and that gives the island a real culinary buzz. To get a taste of all these diverse flavours, book a street food tour in the quirky capital of Port Louis and discover where the locals eat. Snack on gateaux piments (deep-fried chilli poppers) and wash them down with a refreshing cup of alouda (milkshake). For lunch, try roti (flatbread) topped with butter bean curry, and later finish it off with a chilli-salted pineapple for dessert. As you wander from the market to the street-side vendors, peer up from your tempting bowl of boulettes (dumplings) and gaze at the beautiful old buildings that give this city its historic charm.

Swim in Chamarel Waterfall

You might be surprised to learn that there’s more to honeymoons in Mauritius than simply beaches. A must-see on the island is the enchanting Chamarel Waterfall, framed by ancient volcanic rock. Not a hiker? Not a problem. You can get an amazing view of the twin waterfalls crashing over the cliff by car. Just take the access road to the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. If you’re up for the challenge of a three-hour trek to the bottom, reward yourself with a dip in the natural pool when you get there. Feeling the cool spray of this mighty waterfall on your skin makes the walk well worth it. Visit between December and April to see the fall at its best.

Snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park

This little bay became a national marine park in 1997 and is famed for its magnificent coral garden. It’s one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, and easily reached by bus or taxi from Mahébourg. Snorkel from the shore or head out on a glass-bottom boat tour for the chance to see stunning species of coral and marine life such as parrotfish, clownfish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

Walk through Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens

Step into an oasis of calm at Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. This romantic natural wonderland is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, founded almost 300 years ago by a French botanist. Walk through the regal wrought iron gates and you’ll discover giant water lilies balancing on tranquil ponds, 85 different varieties of palms, fascinating indigenous plants, and a spice garden full of fragrant cinnamon and clove trees. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, too, like giant tortoises and Java deer.

Fly in a helicopter to see an ‘underwater waterfall’

Mauritius’s ‘underwater waterfall’ is one of the world’s coolest optical illusions. The island sits on what’s known as a submarine plateau or ocean shelf, so it might look like these cascading waters are plunging deep into an Indian Ocean gorge, but it’s all just a trick of the eye. What’s actually happening is the sand from the island’s beaches is being nudged off the edge by the current. It’s a real spectacle, and honeymoons in Mauritius are all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so soar over it in a helicopter for the most dramatic views.

Go island hopping

Every one of Mauritius’s offshore islands has its own distinct character. If you’re after lazy days on glistening white sands, go for Ilot Gabriel off the north coast. It’s paradise. Nature buff? Hop over to the small islet of Île aux Aigrettes off the southeast coast, where you can take a tour of its rare plants and seek out wildlife such as Mauritius’s pink pigeon. If golf is your thing, Île aux Cerfs off the east coast has a 19-hole course designed by Masters legend, Bernhard Langer. You can challenge each other to a round or two, then kick back on one of the island’s world-class beaches.