White sand beaches; sunset catamaran cruises; private islands – Mauritius is a dream destination for romantics. But where do you go when you don’t want to share the shore with smoochy honeymooners? After all, there’s a lot more to this tiny Indian Ocean island than cosy cabanas and Instagrammable infinity pools. Here’s where to drive to escape the lovebirds and experience a more multidimensional Mauritius…
- Flying Dodo Brewing Company, Bagatelle Mall, Port Louis.
Mauritius may be best known for rum but thanks to Flying Dodo, the island’s first and only microbrewery, it’s fast developing a reputation for craft beer too. Launched by the owners of Port Louis beer bar Lambic (sadly now closed), the brewery creates more than 20 new beers a year in batches of just 500L – so you’re guaranteed to taste something new every time. If you’re after an unusual souvenir, pick up one of their beer liqueurs, beer bonbons or a beer soap to take home.
- Blue Penny Museum, Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis
You don’t have to be a philatelist (aka a stamp collector) to enjoy Mauritius’ most famous museum. But it probably helps. After all, the rare postage stamps that give the museum its name are undoubtedly the stars of the show. Mauritius was the first British colony to issue postage stamps and the original examples on show here – issued in 1847 – are now worth around £3.8 million a pair. The museum is also packed with other exhibits and artefacts that showcase the island’s rich history and culture. Ready for a deep dive? Book a private guide to get the most out of your visit.
- Mahebourg Market.
This weekday market, near Mahebourg village waterfront, was once the place locals went to pick up fine silk and other textiles. These days it’s a lively spot for bric a brac, local produce and street food. It’s at its biggest and busiest on a Monday, so set off early to explore stalls selling everything from Indian jewellery to traditional Mauritian musical instruments before breaking for lunch. The street food vendors here are among the best on the island and it’s a great place to try gateaux piments (chilli cakes), dhal puri (lentil pancakes) or saltfish, washed down with some fresh coconut water.
- Tamarin Salt Pans
You may never have considered watching salt dry as a recreational pursuit. But the centuries-old natural sea salt pans in the village of Tamarin are kind of a big deal. The last place on Mauritius still harvesting salt by traditional methods, the pans are an important part of the island’s heritage and the people who work there the latest in a proud line of Mauritian salt farmers. If nothing else, the salt pans make an interesting diversion on the way to Tamarin’s famous grey-sand beach where you’ll find one of the most spectacular sunsets on the entire island.
- Bistro Moustache.
Who knows why moustaches abound on the celebrity portraits, menus and exterior of this French-style Tamarin restaurant and wine shop, but they do. It makes a kooky backdrop for a drink – the bistro serves gourmet wines by the glass or bottle direct from its adjacent shop – and a fun spot for dinner. Take your pick from an extensive Mauritian tapas menu including fresh Creole seafood laced with spice and packed with flavour.
Need a ride? We can find the best deals on rental cars in Mauritius meaning you’ll not only get from A to B faster but more cheaply too.