Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a tropical gem that attracts travellers from all over the world.

Off the east coast of Africa, this island paradise is surrounded by Reunion Island to the west, Rodrigues Island to the east, and lies around 900 kilometres east of Madagascar.

With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation and rich culture, Mauritius offers an unforgettable experience to all who visit.

Our guide will help you discover the wonders of this enchanting destination with practical information, suggestions for accommodation and unmissable activities.

Mauritius is a traveller’s dream for many reasons.

Firstly, for its varied and breathtaking landscapes. The island’s diverse topography will delight nature lovers: white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush green mountains and picturesque valleys.

Then there’s the island’s exceptional marine life. The surrounding coral reefs are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. Scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts can swim alongside colourful corals and tropical fish and maybe even catch a glimpse of sea turtles and dolphins!

We also love Mauritius for its rich culture of Indian, African, Chinese and Creole influences. You’ll discover this culture through its traditions, music, dance and local cuisine, and perhaps by attending a colourful religious festival.

Despite its remote location in the Indian Ocean,Mauritius is easy to reach by points and miles.

Options with partner companies are numerous, and have the advantage of following a fixed pricing policy. The route is between the North American and Atlantic zones and covers over 9,000 miles.

Four Star Alliance carriers offer flights from Montreal to Mauritius. Here are the details for each trip with the prices in Aeroplan points for a one-way trip:

Please note that Austrian Airlines and Edelweiss Air flights to Mauritius are seasonal, from October to April. What’s more, availability for flights with partners is minimal. Book as early as possible, ideally up to a year in advance.

Read our Air Mauritius review.

Last year, Air Canada also added Air Mauritius to its growing list of partner carriers.

Air Mauritius operates flights from Paris (CDG), London (LHR), Geneva (GVA) and Delhi (DEL). The Air Mauritius segment will follow the partners’ fixed fares. However, you will have to contend with Air Canada’s dynamic pricing for the first part of your journey.

Air France operates daily flights between Paris (CDG) and Mauritius (MRU). Flying Blue mileage rates are dynamic and start at 35,000 miles in economy class. An excellent deal for such a long journey!

The best way to earn Flying Blue miles in Canada is to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Flying Blue at a rate of 1:0.75.

For example, the welcome bonus on the American Express Cobalt^MD Card would earn you 22,500 Flying Blue miles to use on your next trip on Air France.

This emblematic island site is home to over 650 species of exotic and indigenous plants, including the famous giant water lily. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through this lush natural setting and discover the garden’s diverse wildlife, as well as Eureka House, a neighbouring 19th-century colonial mansion.

Among the most popular beaches in Mauritius are Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and Belle Mare.

Grand Baie is a lively seaside resort renowned for its magnificent beaches and water sports. It also offers a dynamic nightlife with bars, restaurants and discos.

Located on the west coast, Flic-en-Flac is also famous for its magnificent beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal place to relax, snorkel and enjoy the Mauritian sunshine.

This park offers breathtaking scenery with its deep gorges, waterfalls and lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, explore the diversity of flora and fauna, and appreciate the unspoilt beauty of this national park.

Take a boat trip to this island paradise, where you can relax on secluded beaches and enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and parasailing.

In the Chamarel region, you’ll find a fascinating geological phenomenon known as Terres de Sept Couleurs. The colourful dunes offer an astonishing and unique spectacle. You can also visit the Chamarel waterfalls and the Rhumerie de Chamarel, where you can taste local rum.

In this lively capital, you’ll love visiting the Central Market to discover local produce, strolling the colourful streets of Chinatown, exploring the waterfront and visiting historic sites such as the Citadel and the Apartheid Museum.

This small island off the southeast coast of Mauritius is an example of successful conservation. You can explore the nature reserve and discover unique endemic species, including birds, plants and turtles.

Mauritian cuisine is a blend of Indian, Chinese, African and European influences. Be sure to try the following dishes:

Dholl puri: a lentil cake served with curries and chutneys.

Fried mine: a delicious noodle dish sautéed with vegetables, shrimp or chicken.

Rougaille: a spicy dish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers and meat (usually fish or chicken).

Book with GetYourGuide for great excursions:

Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Some of the most popular places to stay are in the north, such as Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, but you’ll find quality accommodation all over the island.

When planning your stay in Mauritius, it’s important to choose the region that best suits your expectations. Each region of the island offers a different microclimate, landscape and way of life.

The north is the tourist area par excellence, with magnificent white sandy beaches and a concentration of hotels, restaurants and boutiques.

The east offers endless beaches, authentic villages and luxury hotels, while the south reveals wild nature, impressive cliffs and picturesque villages.

On the wind-protected west coast, you’ll find landscapes reminiscent of the African savannah, popular beaches and natural parks.

Finally, the center of the island, with its lively towns, green zones and attractions such as the botanical gardens and the Trou aux Cerfs crater, offers a different experience of urban life and a panoramic view of the island.

When choosing your accommodation, make sure it is officially registered with the Tourism Authority, which guarantees compliance with standards and safety measures (http://www.tourismauthority.mu/en/).

Ulysses Guides ‘ Itinéraire de Rêve au Soleil can inspire you for itinerary (in french only):

Four hotels in Mauritius are members of the Marriott Bonvoy group. These are mainly luxury beachfront resorts. Rates range from 42,000 to 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Read our review of Le Méridien Ile Maurice.

Hilton Honors has just one hotel in Mauritius. The Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa in Flic-en-Flac is available for 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). Many airlines offer scheduled flights to this destination, usually with a stopover in Europe or the Middle East.

Official currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR).

Language: Mauritius is a multilingual country. The official languages are English and French, while the language most commonly spoken by the population is Mauritian Creole.

Climate: pleasant tropical climate all year round. The hottest months are December to April, with average temperatures around 30°C. The months from May to November offer milder temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.

Time zone: Universal time plus four hours (GMT/UTC +4).

Transport: To get around Mauritius, you can use cabs, hire a car or opt for the local buses, which offer an economical way to get around. Cabs are generally available in tourist areas and major hotels. Check the fare with the driver before boarding.

Voltage: Standard voltage in Mauritius is 230 volts. Electrical outlets are type C and G, so if you’re coming from Montreal, you’ll need an adapter to plug in your devices.

Gratuities: Gratuities are not mandatory, but are welcome.

Religious festivals: Mauritians enthusiastically celebrate religious festivals such as Diwali (Hindu festival of lights), Eid (Muslim festival) and Cavadee (Tamil ritual). These festivals are characterized by prayers, offerings, dancing, singing and colourful processions.

Dress code: casual wear (shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops) is generally accepted throughout the day. However, you must dress conservatively when entering places of worship.

Now you’re ready to plan your stay and discover the wonders of Mauritius. Whether you choose to relax on its idyllic beaches, adventure through its spectacular landscapes or immerse yourself in its rich culture, you’ll be amazed by everything this island paradise has to offer.