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Travel Advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Israeli authorities have issued updated advice to communities in northern Israel about limiting movement and staying close to bomb shelters. We continue to advise do not travel to Israeli border areas with Lebanon.

In an attack or other armed conflict, you should take shelter and follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). 

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

Notarial services

Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

News and updates

Smartraveller turns 21.

Celebrating over 20 years of helping Australians stay safe with travel advice.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak

Several strains of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza are circulating globally. Be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries.

Mpox global public health emergency

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. Mpox cases have also been reported across the world. If you’re planning to travel overseas, read more about Mpox to protect your health.

Don’t let a mistake end in misfortune

The latest research from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller and Insurance Council of Australia shows Australians’ common misunderstandings when it comes to travel insurance.

Travel advice explained

Learn what our advice levels mean and how we decide what level to apply to each destination. 

Passport services

With passport demand on the rise, don't leave your application to the last minute.

Allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.

Coming back to Australia

Know what to do and what expect when you're heading home from your trip overseas. 

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Mauritius Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 30, 2024, mauritius - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Mauritius.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mauritius.

 If you decide to travel to Mauritius: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Mauritius.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Smart Traveller: offering the best of Mauritius to expats

Founded in 2016 under the brand "Stagissimo Expérience", Smart Traveller started its activities by supporting French trainees during their stay on our island, helping them with their student visa, airport transfers, accommodation and so forth. Since then, the company has evolved, broadening its offer to professionals, investors, company managers, self-employed and retirees.

The main purpose of Smart Traveller? To facilitate the arrival of expatriates in Mauritius. If you dream of settling here, but the fear of change, along with the administrative procedures, are holding you back, Smart Traveller might exactly be the solution to your needs! From the administrative formalities to settling into your new home, the Smart Traveller team will be happy to accompany you for a serene expatriation to Mauritius, from your departure to your arrival, and more.

With a team of Mauritians and expats who all fell in love with the island, this company will be happy to help you throughout your project thanks to its various support services. You will be able to enjoy a professional service while benefiting from the team members’ personal experiences.

The services include the complete follow-up of administrative procedures (obtaining residence and work permits, children’s school enrolment, etc.), house hunting (renting, as well as real estate acquisition), opening a bank account or introducing you to a business/private network in Mauritius.

Accompanied by the expertise of external consultants: recruitment, real estate, lawyer, travel agency, insurer... The team makes every effort to ensure a serene arrival in Mauritius.

Smart Traveller, much more than a support through your administrative steps!

Once you have settled into your new life, you will have to think about fitting in! If you are worried about not being able to easily create and establish ties upon your arrival, don’t be afraid: Smart Traveller has thought of everything for you.

Indeed, no stones are left unturned to facilitate your integration with a community of Mauritians and expats who are welcoming and friendly, and who will be keen to share their experiences and tips with you. In addition to offering a complete and human service, they have also created the Smart Expat / Smart Company / Smart Student guides where you can discover everything Mauritius has to offer, a few tips to prepare your departure as well as your arrival, and a whole range of practical information.

All that is left to do now is pack your suitcase!

For more details, contact Anaïs: Phone: (+230) 5 863 0434 Whatsapp: (+230) 5 972 5818 Email: [email protected]

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Mauritius travel advice, what do i need to know, mauritius is open to everyone.

Since 1 July 2022, you no longer have to test for Covid to enjoy a Mauritius holiday. Explore the beauty of our island from the very first day of your stay. Come and feel our island energy!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Mauritius is open to everyone, both vaccinated and unvaccinated
• No testing is needed before flying to Mauritius or on arrival
• You do not need to wear a face mask during your holiday. It is only recommended in airports, during airport transfers, on public transport and in healthcare facilities

THE ALL IN ONE TRAVEL FORM

Prior to travel, it is recommended that all travellers fill out the Mauritius All in One travel form, which you can access via the link below. It will generate a PDF document with a QR Code. Please print a hard copy of this completed form and present it to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All in One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival at the airport.

Fill out the All in One Travel form and bring a printed copy with you.

Plan your Mauritius holiday

Want to know what to expect at every stage of your Mauritius holiday? Here’s our step-by-step guide.

Pre-Departure

• Plan your holiday to Mauritius, booking flights and your accommodation
• You do not need to book a Covid-19 test before flying to Mauritius
• Prior to travel, it is recommended that all travellers fill out the Mauritius All in One travel form, which you can access via the link below. It will generate a PDF document with a QR Code. Please print a hard copy of this completed form and present it to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All in One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an Immigration Disembrakation Card on arrival at the airport.

All in One Travel Form

Airport & flight

• It is recommended, but not mandatory, to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth throughout the flight, unless eating or drinking. Disinfect your hands regularly.
• Passengers travelling through hubs or making a stopover must take into consideration the COVID-19 protocols in the respective countries

Arrival & transfer

• You will have a temperature check on arrival via thermal camera
• Wearing a face mask at the airport or port is recommended. Regularly sanitising your hands is also recommended
• Testing on arrival is no longer required for travellers
• Present your completed All In One travel form to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All In One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival at the airport
• After baggage collection, you can be taken to your hotel by a DMC, taxi or other means of transportation. Wearing a face mask is recommended in the vehicle.

At your accommodation

• You do not need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival at your accommodation
• It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask during your holiday. We do recommend wearing a mask when at a port, airport, during airport transfers and on public transport. We also recommend wearing a face mask if visiting healthcare settings, such as a hospital or pharmacy.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, you will have to isolate for seven days within your accommodation. You can find out full details via our FAQs page
• All hotel staff, as well as their immediate family, have been vaccinated
• Housekeeping in guest rooms will be carried out in strict compliance with sanitary protocols
• Enjoy activities including watersports, scuba diving, golf courses and fitness centres during your stay
• Kids’ and teens’ clubs within hotels will be open and babysitting services are available, with sanitary protocols in place
• The use of the spa is allowed
• You can explore our beautiful island’s landscapes and attractions from day one of your holiday. We recommend wearing a mask on public transport
• Relax and enjoy your holiday!

If you need to take a PCR test to travel home or onwards to a new destination, you must pay for this. The extra cost will be between Rs 2500 – 3500

Stay in other accommodation

Not staying in a hotel? Whether you’re vaccinated or not, here’s everything you need to know!

Pre-departure

• Plan your holiday, staying in one of the island’s self-catered villas, bungalows, guest houses, B&Bs or your home if you are an island resident
• You will have a temperature check on arrival via a thermal camera
• After baggage collection, you can be taken to your hotel by a DMC, taxi or other means of transportation. Wearing a face mask is recommended in the vehicle. .
• Relax in your accommodation or at your home on the island
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, you will have to isolate for seven days within your accommodation.
• You can explore our beautiful island’s landscapes and attractions, abiding by the local sanitary protocols
• Activities such as watersports, scuba diving and golf are allowed
• Spas are allowed
• Guests who must take a PCR test during their stay to travel home or onwards to a new destination must pay the extra cost, between Rs 2500 – 3500

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Travel Guide To Mauritius

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Read our most up-to-date guide to Where to stay and what to do on a Mauritius holiday, Africa .

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is a perfect place to find sun, sea and sand. But it has much more to offer, too, including diving, fishing, sightseeing, shopping and lots of exploring.

Where to stay in Mauritius

Mauritius has some of the best five-star beach resort hotels in the world, including: PARADISE COVE HOTEL Anse La Raie, Cap Malheureux (00 230 262 79 835; fax: 262 77 36). This deeply romantic hotel has only 64 rooms on two storeys in a horseshoe facing a little cove with a pristine beach. Everything is made for two, and tailored for intimacy. Complimentary water sports and deep-sea diving as well as tennis and archery. £££ DINAROBIN Dinarobin, Le Morne Peninsula (00 230 401 4900; fax: 401 4901; www.dinarobin-hotel.com ). The most striking thing about the five-star Dinarobin, a Beachcomber property, is its sublime position on a peninsula between the sea and a towering, purple-headed mountain, Le Morne Brabant. Characterised, like most luxury hotels on the island, by a vast thatched pavilion, exotic Asian statuary and a sublime infinity pool, the Dinarobin is superbly comfortable and well-equipped. The interiors of the 172 suites are particularly attractive: spacious and faintly colonial, with lots of rattan and cane furniture, neutral colours and palatial bathrooms. The buffet incorporates imaginative Mauritian and Creole dishes, many of them cooked to order. The hotel is next door to the even larger Paradis so there is no shortage of good à la carte restaurants to try.

£££ LE PARADIS HOTEL Le Morne, Case Noyale (00 230 401 5050; fax: 450 5140). Also a casino and fishing club, this grand-scale deluxe hotel has 280 rooms, 13 thatched cottages, an 18-hole golf course, five tennis courts, a gym, two squash courts and other sports facilities. £££ LE PRINCE MAURICE Constance Hotel Services Ltd, Poste de Flacq (00 230 413 9100; fax: 415 1082; www.princemaurice.com ). This is the 'Boutique' east-coast alternative to the One&Only Le Saint Geran. Design elements include a clean-lined lobby, slate-edged infinity pool and Indonesian-style lounge areas. The villas are colonial-style with spacious bathrooms, but are a touch formulaic. The Barachois restaurant is great for seafood but bad for mosquitoes. The Guerlain spa is probably one of the best on the island. £££££ THE RESIDENCE Coastal Road, Belle Mare (00 230 401 8888; fax: 415 5888). Not the most aesthetically pleasing hotel on the island but has a dramatic reception area with vaulted ceiling, colonnades and view of the infinity pool and palm-tree beach. ££ LE TOUESSROK Trou d'Eau Douce, Flacq (00 230 402 7400; fax: 402 7500; www.letouessrokresort.com/ ). With US$ 52 million spent on a recent refurbishment, this resort has everything. Three-Nine-Eight is the main restaurant, showcasing cuisine from nine countries. Barlen's on the beach serves lighter fare including sushi, grills and salads. The pool is great for spotting celebs from the cover of Hello magazine. Couples however should book one of the new Junior Suites that flank the quieter pool. Service tends to be more about show than delivery but the Givenchy spa is an opportunity which shouldn't be missed. Guests also have access to two private islands: Ile aux Cerfs, inhabited by water sports enthusiasts, and Ilot Mangénie, which is deserted save for a rustic restaurant serving barbecues.

££££ ONE&ONLY LE SAINT GERAN Casino and Golf Club, Poste Restante, Poste de Flacq (00 230 401 1688; fax: 415 1983; www.oneandonlylesaintgeran.com ). Le Saint Géran has long been recognised as one of the best hotels on the island, with close to 40 percent repeat guests. Facilities are first rate, including a spa, golf course, casino, tennis courts, children's club and four bars. All 162 suites and the two-bedroom La Villa are looking good after a millennial refurbishment: go for one of the eight ground-floor Ocean Suites. The service is impeccable and extends to cleaning the guests' sunglasses on the beach. Restaurants include an ambitious gourmet menu from Alain Ducasse at Spoon des Iles and poolside dining at La Terrasse. ££££ ££££ SUGAR BEACH RESORT Wolmar, Flic en Flac (00 230 453 9090; fax: 453 9100). The 239-room resort, set in a vast 20-acre estate, is popular with families and offers a huge range of sports. ££ THE ROYAL PALM Grand Baie, Mauritius (0800 181123; fax: 00 230 263 8445). Beachcomber's flagship property and the area's most exclusive hotel. Also has a private villa, five minutes' drive away at Cap Malheureux. ££££ THE OBEROI MAURITIUS (00 230 204 3600; www.oberoihotels.com ). Located on the relatively undeveloped north-west coast, the resort design is the best on the island, with 73 thatched villas concealed by boulders and foliage. The interiors are just as chic with ebony sculptures, and headboards woven from sugarcane leaf. The resort's cuisine consists of Indian-Creole food, served by willing staff. The general atmosphere is relaxed, no doubt aided by the excellent Ayurvedic therapies in the resort's spa. The Oberoi was featured in The Hot List 2001. £££ MAISON EUREKA (00 230 433 8477; www.maisoneureka.com ). A one-bedroom guesthouse in the grounds of a beautiful plantation house, backed by the Moka mountains.

Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is primarily a beach-holiday destination and all the top hotels offer comprehensive water-sports programmes (a lot of them are included in the room rate). Tours on glass-bottomed boats or deep-sea fishing cruises and day trips to smaller islands are easily arranged at your hotel or one of the tour operators in Grand Baie. There are also a number of diving centres on the island, as well as operators offering shopping and island tours, including Black River Gorges National Park. The countryside is varied, with interesting sightseeing opportunities, ranging from nature reserves and colonial mansions to Hindu temples and sugar factories. THE NORTH At the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens (open daily, 8.30am-5pm), near Pamplemousses, you'll find lily ponds, a huge palm collection, tortoises and stags. For shopping trips, lunch or dinner, Grand Baie is your best bet (postcards and original artwork are available from Galerie Hélène de Senneville, although Pereybère is also an option. The north-west coast is largely undeveloped, except for Poudre d'Or, which has staked a claim in Mauritian folklore as the point where a ship called the St Géran sunk in 1744, inspiring the 18th-century romantic novel Paul et Virginie by Bernardin de St Pierre.

THE SOUTH-WEST On the winding drive along the wild south coast from Baie du Cap to Souillac, there are breaks in the coral reef and the surf pounds onto black volcanic rock. Windswept Gris Gris, outside Souillac, is the most dramatic viewpoint. La Vanille Crocodile Park (open daily, 9.30am-5pm), Rochester Falls near Riambel, and Le Batelage restaurant are possible pit stops, as are the casuarina-fringed beach at Baie du Jacotet and the look-out tower at Point aux Roches. At the Casela Bird Park (open daily, 9am-5pm), near Flic en Flac, specimens of the feathered and also of the furry variety co-exist. THE EAST COAST A ferry runs to the little island of Ile aux Cerfs, owned by Le Touessrok, from within Le Touessrok hotel grounds. There you can ride pedalos, sailboards, canoes and water skis or take a boat trip, as well as go hiking at Domaine du Chasseur, the nature reserve near Vieux Grand Port, and take guided tours, birdwatch or embark on mini-safari. CENTRAL The Creole colonial museum Eureka House (open for guided visits, Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm) is near the university town of Moka, which is also home to the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (open weekdays, 9.30am-3.30pm; Sat, 9am-noon). Domaine Les Pailles, an elaborate Mauritian cultural and heritage centre off the M2 Motorway between Port Louis and Moka, makes a good family outing. There is a reconstruction of an 18th-century planter's house and sugar mill, a rum distillery, five restaurants and a riding centre. And, in Curepipe, there are fine views from the edge of the Trou aux Cerfs crater.

How to get to Mauritius

Mahébourg airport, located to the south east of the island.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

British Airways (0845 779 9977; www.british-airways.com ) flies to Mauritius from Gatwick twice a week, via Nairobi, and direct on a Friday. Air Mauritius (020 7434 4375) flies twice weekly direct from Heathrow, once a week direct from Manchester. There are also direct flights from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, as Mauritius is a popular post-safari stop-off.

Tour operator details for Mauritius

Abercrombie & Kent (020 7730 9600); ITC Classics (0870 7519 425; www.itcclassics.co.uk ); Elegant Resorts (01244 3504 08); Carrier (0161 491 7630; www.carrier.co.uk ); Kuoni (01306 743 000); and Somak Holidays (020 8423 3000).

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AFRICA , DESTINATIONS , MAURITIUS , SOLO LOCATION GUIDES , SOLO TRAVEL

Mauritius solo travel: the ultimate guide.

Are you dreaming of a beautiful beach destination for your next solo trip? The answer may lie in an idyllic island in the Indian Ocean.

With its lush landscapes, luxurious resorts and excellent safety record, Mauritius is a great destination for those travelling alone. I had a fabulous solo vacation there and am excited to give you the lowdown.

Whether you are a beach bunny, shutterbug or a fervent foodie, get the lowdown on this African island nation in my Mauritius solo travel guide.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT

• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Grand Bassin
• Ile aux Cerfs

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT MAURITIUS: May to October

FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLER RISK: Very low

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND MAURITIUS: Rental car or private driver

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS

• Mauritius southwest tour
• Mauritius north tour
• Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
• Le Morne Eco Hike

LOCAL CURRENCY: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Withdraw cash from ATMs or credit cards widely accepted.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Creole (majority), French and English

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Mauritius is Good for Solo Travellers

Mauritius offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As there are not a lot of must-see attractions, this is the perfect place for a relaxing solo trip.

Put aside any concerns that you will be the only one travelling there alone. Although Mauritius is popular with honeymooners, I was not the only solo traveller at either of the hotels in which I stayed.

Luxurious resorts – If ever this was a place to treat yourself to affordable luxury travel , this is it. The island has world-class resorts, some of which are bang on the beach. I stayed at SALT of Palmar and the Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa , which were both out of this world.

Stunning beaches –  Mauritius is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Diverse landscapes – Venture beyond the beaches to Mauritius’s lush mountains, sugar cane plantations and waterfalls.

Underwater wonders – The coral reefs encircling Mauritius make it a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

Water activities – Beyond snorkelling and diving, Mauritius offers many other water activities, including sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and deep-sea fishing.

Unique wildlife – Mauritius is home to unique flora and fauna, including the endangered pink pigeon and giant tortoises. Nature reserves and wildlife parks provide opportunities to observe and learn about the island’s distinctive biodiversity.

Delicious cuisine – The culinary scene in Mauritius is a delicious mix of flavours influenced by its multicultural population. Its fresh fish and seafood, Creole dishes, Indian curries and tropical fruits will tantalize your taste buds.

Warm and welcoming locals – I can vouch for the warm and friendly hospitality for which Mauritians are known.  

Relaxation and wellness – Whether it’s a massage at your luxury resort or yoga on the beach, Mauritius is for you if you are seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Cultural diversity – This is a cultural melting pot of Indian, African, Chinese and European influences. This cultural blend is reflected in the island’s cuisine, traditions and festivals.

Is Mauritius Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Personal safety when travelling is one of the most important considerations of female solo travellers.

Mauritius is very safe to visit, easily one of the safest countries in Africa for solo travellers .

As with any travel destination, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Petty theft is the most common crime and nimble-fingered pickpockets operate in Port Louis.

Don’t make yourself a target.

Keep your valuables at your accommodation and use an anti-theft backpack when you are out and about. I use  this PacSafe backpack  which has anti-RFID technology and a hidden pocket.

Getting There

Most people arrive in Mauritius by air.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is served by direct flights from major hubs in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I flew from London Gatwick Airport with British Airways.

If there are no direct flights available from your location, you may need to book a connecting flight. Common layover cities for flights to Mauritius are Dubai, Doha, Paris and Johannesburg.

Mauritius is also a port of call for Indian Ocean cruises.

Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, use an airport taxi, shuttle service or pre-arranged transfer to reach your accommodation. I booked a transfer here .

Car rentals are also available if you prefer to explore the island at your own pace.

Getting Around Mauritius 

Although Mauritius has a public bus system, I could not make it work for me. The places I wanted to visit were not on direct routes and buses are a slow way of exploring the island.

I did what many visitors do; I hired a driver for the day. Even as a solo traveller, this was affordable.

Taxis are widely available in Mauritius and you can hire a driver directly, via your hotel (the most expensive option) or through a third-party booking platform. I use GetYourGuide or Viator .

Renting a car is another popular option for exploring Mauritius independently. Several international and local car rental agencies operate on the island. They drive on the left in Mauritius and roads are generally well-maintained.

Mauritius Solo Travel: Top 10 Places to Visit

I visited most of the places listed below on two private tours with a taxi driver: a north island tour and southwest island tour .

1. Port Louis

The island’s capital city offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Shop for souvenirs at the Central Market and stop for an excellent coffee at Café Luxe on the Caudan Waterfront.

Yomp along the ramparts of Fort Adelaide (the Citadelle) for panoramic views of the city and beyond. This hilltop historic fortress was built during the French colonial era and serves as a testament to the island’s rich history.

2. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This was my favourite place to visit in Mauritius.

Also known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden , it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is home to a vast collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the famous giant water lilies.

3. Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark

The striking patchwork of colours known as the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths draws the crowds. This natural wonder features sand dunes with distinct hues, ranging from red and brown to blue and green, caused by the varying mineral content in the soil.

4. Chamarel Waterfall

Nearby, Chamarel Waterfall cascades from a height of about 100 meters, surrounded by lush greenery. There’s a panoramic viewpoint here and adjacent walking trails if you want to stretch your legs.

5. Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges National Park is a UNESCO heritage nature reserve and home to rare bird species, including the rare Pink Pigeon (I didn’t spot one). This is a haven for nature lovers and hikers.

6. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

Dive into Mauritius’ Indian culture at Grand Bassin. This sacred crater lake is surrounded by temples and is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindu community.

The annual Maha Shivaratri festival attracts thousands of devotees making offerings to the goddess Shiva. Year-round, the area is occupied by a number of chattering monkeys.

7 . Red Church at Cap Malheureux

Have your camera ready. The Red Church at Cap Malheureux is one of the most photographed attractions in Mauritius.

The Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church was founded in 1938 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From its location at the northern tip of Mauritius, there are sweeping views of the five northern islets.

8. Le Morne Brabant

Once a refuge for escaped slaves, Le Morne Brabant is Mauritius’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO world heritage site.

It is a popular spot for hiking and photography.

>>> DISCOVER LE MORNE ON A GUIDED HIKE

9. Ile aux Cerfs

This small island off the east coast is known for its blindingly-white sandy beaches and water activities. You can go snorkelling, relax on the sandy shores or take a boat trip to explore the surrounding lagoon.

>>> TAKE A DAY TOUR TO ILE AUX CERFS

10. La Vanille Nature Park

If tortoises are your thing, head to La Vanille Nature Park. This wildlife park is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, various species of crocodiles and multi-coloured butterflies.

The Best Time to Visit Mauritius

The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and October. I visited in September and although it was breezy on a few days, the weather was mild and dry.

This is the dry season and the waters of the Indian Ocean are calm and clear, making it an excellent time for water activities.

Where to Stay in Mauritius as a Solo Traveller

Mauritius is known for its upscale resorts and I viewed this solo trip as an opportunity to treat myself. That said, the island offers a range of accommodation to suit all travellers and budgets.

I split my 11-day stay between two tranquil spots: Flacq on the northeast coast of Mauritius and Turtle Bay on its northwest coast. From the east coast, you can see the sunrise over the Indian Ocean; the west coast gives you those magical sunset views.

Other popular places to stay include Grand Baie (for night owls), Flic en Flac (famous for its long sandy beach), Bel Ombre (upscale resorts) and Le Morne (more secluded).

Here is where I stayed.

SALT of Palmar

SALT of Palmar was one of my favourite places to stay in recent years.

This boutique, design-led hotel was perfect for a relaxing stay on a lovely beach in Mauritius and had sky-high levels of customer service. I loved its approach to sustainability and the way it supports local communities.

Find out more in my SALT of Palmar review .

Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa

The Westin Turtle Bay is an excellent resort hotel on the northwest coast of Mauritius.

I loved my spacious room with its private Zen garden and outdoor shower. Guest service was stellar and the sunsets were sensational.

Get the lowdown in my Westin Turtle Bay review .

Thank you for reading my guide to solo travel in Mauritius

I hope it helps you plan your vacation (or decide if this is the right solo destination for you).

It’s the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday in an idyllic setting amidst the warm hospitality for which Mauritians are known. The reliance on taxis to get around was initially a drawback for me but chatting to the drivers and learning about their lives became part of the experience.

Finally, if you’d like to do some more homework before you book your vacation, take a look at these fascinating Mauritius facts .

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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Expatriation to Mauritius: discover the process, benefits and collaboration with Villa Vie and Smart Traveller

Perfect for foreigners looking to invest in real estate while benefiting from a favorable tax environment, Mauritius is a dream location for expats seeking a high quality of life, tropical environment and colorful culture.  If you are about to expatriate to Mauritius, it is important to know the process and benefits that are associated with this decision.

Process, Visas, and Administrations…

When a foreigner invests $375,000 or more (or the equivalent in freely convertible currency) in a property available to foreigners in Mauritius, he or she becomes eligible for a permanent resident permit, also attributable to his or her dependents (spouse and children under the age of 24). However, you should be aware that the expatriation process can be complex, but with the help of Smart Traveller which is a key partner of Villa Vie , you can easily obtain the necessary visas and travel documents.

When you arrive in Mauritius, Villa Vie also offers you the opportunity to take advantage of the various programs specially designed for expatriates. Villa Vie will also help you take inventory of your new property, ensuring that everything is in order for your arrival and that your transition is as smooth as possible.

Mauritius and its tax advantages

Mauritius has become a popular choice for foreign real estate investors because of its low tax rate:

• A 15% tax rate on rental income,
• No double taxation with France,
• No property or housing taxes,
• No taxes on dividends and capital gains in case of resale,
• No taxes on inheritance tax.

For French investors, there is a total exemption from the real estate wealth tax (IFI).

Finally, by working closely with Smart Traveller for visas and other services, Villa Vie allows you to focus on what matters most: your new life in Mauritius. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you relocate to Mauritius .

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