Magic ingredient ... the people of Mauritius are the key to its charms.Credit: Oliver Strewe/Lonely Planet
Mauritius has a lot more to offer than nice beaches and fancy resorts, writes Daniel Hurst.
Africa's tropical island paradise is now a lot more accessible to Australians, since Air Mauritius began offering weekly flights from Sydney heading direct to Mauritius via Melbourne.
But Aussies have other - less expensive - options much closer to home when it comes to tropical beach getaways. So what is the true appeal of Mauritius?
Guillaume Tyack, the commercial executive at the opulent Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa resort, reckons the country's rich cultural melting pot and the friendly people are the magic ingredients in Mauritius's charm.
"I'm not sure you will travel all that way just to have a beautiful sandy beach. That wouldn't be enough," he remarks, as we enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the south-western-located hotel.
Tyack speaks with pride about the island's fascinating history.
Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa Mauritius.Credit: Daniel Hurst
Explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century and settled by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island became a French colony in 1715 and developed a sugar cane industry and naval base.
The English took over in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars but allowed the locals to keep speaking French and maintain their culture.
Mauritius - now home to about 1.3 million people - boasts a wide range of food with the spicy cuisine mastered by the Indian background majority complemented by Creole, French and Asian influences.
Locals enjoy their Saturday at the Champ de Mars Racecourse, the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere.Credit: Daniel Hurst
Tyack says everyone gets along most of the time.
A manager of a rival resort who's come to visit says he thinks the fact students become fluent in both French and English from a young age helps open their mind to respecting cultural diversity. Many also speak Creole.
The manager provides a striking example of the religious acceptance that is seen as routine in Mauritius, where Hindus make up 48 per cent of the population, Roman Catholics 24 per cent and Muslims 17 per cent.
He says his former Catholic school conducted a range of morning prayers, beginning with a Hindu prayer, followed by a Muslim prayer, then a Chinese prayer, and finally a Catholic prayer.
Despite the institution being a Catholic facility, students at that school also attended separate religion classes depending on their own faith.
Mauritians are happy to point out there is a tangible benefit to be gained from respecting a diverse range of religions - the list of public holidays is somewhat fatter.
Tourism industry figures spruik the cultural appeal of the island, saying visitors experience friendly smiles, authentic hospitality and a pride in helping people from abroad.
While on a visit to the beautiful 160-year-old Jummah Mosque in bustling city of Port Louis, I am interrupted from taking photos by an elder who calmly suggests better vantage points and angles for pictures.
At the nearby markets, traders selling household items, clothing and ornaments drive a hard bargain in the bartering stakes, but they do it with broad smiles and an authentic charm. They sell with passion.
But the real passion of the people can only truly be seen at the weekly races at Champ de Mars Racecourse, home of the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere, where thousands gather and jump up and down, shout and cheer at a series of races each Saturday.
"I think it's really that sense of service, that authenticity," Tyack says of the island's appeal.
"It's all about the people."
The writer travelled courtesy of Air Mauritius and Mauritius Tourism Promotional Authority.
FAST FACTS
Getting there
Air Mauritius flies to Mauritius weekly from Perth and weekly from Sydney via Melbourne, with additional flights scheduled in December and January. Return prices start at $1385 (Melbourne), from $1365 (Sydney) and from $1080 (Perth). www.airmauritius.com
Getting around
Mautourco can help with airport connections, excursions, vehicle hire and hotel bookings. www.mautourco.com
Staying there
The Legends four-star resort is designed and themed along Feng Shui principles. Plenty of water sports are on offer. Room prices depend on the season but start at 171 euros ($243) per person per night, which includes all meals but lunch. naiade.com/en/hotels/mauritius/legends/
The five-star Le Touessrok resort faces the tranquil Trou d'Eau Douce bay and is a short boat trip from two islands, one of which boasts a picturesque championship golf course. Depending on the time of the year, rooms start at 210 euros ($298) per person per night, including breakfast and dinner. www.letouessrokresort.com
Surf and turf
Join the thousands of Mauritians who flock to the Mauritius Turf Club in the capital Port Louis each Saturday to watch the races. It is the oldest horse racing club in the Southern Hemisphere and the weekly meets stir the passions of the locals. Later, explore the bustling city and waterfront area. www.mauritiusturfclub.com
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