Know before you go – Mauritius

Mauritius enjoys a warm, dry winter from May to December and a hot, humid summer from November to May. Thanks to the tropical climate, there’s not much temperature difference between the two seasons, with temperatures up to 28˚C in summer and 23˚C in winter. Mauritius holidays being a popular destination of choice amongst British clients.

A direct flight to Mauritius from London takes about 12 hours. International visitors arrive at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at Plaisance in the southeast of the island. We advise you to book your transfers with the resort you are staying in otherwise you can get a taxi when you arrive. Rates are not fixed and will depend on the time you spend in the taxi. At Club Med, we’ll organise your transfer for you. Keep in mind it’s illegal to possess or import cigarette papers in Mauritius, so make sure you don’t pack any in your luggage.

The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (R) and you’ll get about 47Rs to the pound. The cost of living is slightly lower than in the UK. For example, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Mauritius will cost about 1,200Rs or £25.

Mauritius doesn’t have an official language, but the government uses English, the media mostly uses French and the most commonly spoken language is Mauritian Creole. However, the third most common language spoken on the island is English.

Thaipoosam Cavadee in January/February: One of the most spectacular Tamil Hindu events on the island, Thaipoosam Cavadee is celebrated with fire-walking, sword-climbing and ritual piercings. Devotees carry the “Cavadee”, an canopy or arch decorated with flowers and offerings of milk.

Chinese Spring Festival in January/Febraury: Celebrated at Chinese New Year, expect lots of red, firecrackers and an abundance of food. Visit Chinatown in Port Louis to see the Chinese Spring Festival parade complete with iconic Lion Dances, Chinese Dragons and fireworks.

Maha Shivratree in February/March: Celebrated in honour of Shiva, this three-day festival sees Mauritian Hindus make a pilgrimage to the Grand Bassin to wash in its holy waters. Participants dress in white and make food sacrifices by the lakeside.

The Sundowner: A traditional holiday ritual where Mauritians congregate on the beach to enjoy the sunset.

The Regatta: Fishermen take to the water in special sailing boats, called pirogue, made of painted meranti wood and race across the sea.

Séga: A musical expression of the Mauritian spirit, this festive music is made for dancing barefoot.

Woodcraft: Woodcraft is ubiquitous on the island, and the most popular items are model ships made with rosewood, teak and ebony.

Basketwork: These traditional baskets are made with woven leaves and fibres such as sugarcane leaves, raffia, bamboo, aloe or vacoas fiber.

Due its multi-cultural heritage, Mauritius is home to people of many different faiths. Hinduism, Islam and Catholicism are the three main religions on the island, and you’ll see their influence around the island, from the St Louis Cathedral to the Jummah Mosque to the multiple Hindu statues dotted around the countryside.

Rougaille: This popular Creole dish is a spicy tomato-based meat or fish stew flavoured with garlic, onion and thyme and served with pickled vegetables and dhal or rice. You’ll find it made with chicken, beef, dorado, sausages, prawns, or paneer for vegetarians.

Mauritian curry: These curries are different from your typical Indian curries, from tomato-based mild Creole style curries to the island’s special octopus curry, all served with rice or farata, a buttery variety of flatbread sold at street stalls.

Briani: Similar to Indian biryani, this spiced rice or potato dish made with beef, chicken, fish, mutton or vegetables is prepared by the island’s Muslim community and is a favourite among the locals.

Vindaye: Debatably the Mauritian answer to the vindaloo, this fish or vegetable curry is flavoured with mustard, garlic, ginger, turmeric and onions and comes served with rice, lentils, pickled vegetables and chutney.

Gateaux piments: Literally meaning “chilli cakes” this variant of the indian vadai is a round fried split pea cake flavoured with chilli, cumin seeds, spring onion, turmeric and coriander.

Puffs: These little samosas, otherwise known as “puffs”, are filled with potatoes and meat or fish and flavoured with the island’s favourite curry spices.

Dholl Pori: Sold at street stalls all over Mauritius, this popular street food is the Mauritian take on Indian flatbreads stuffed with ground split peas, bean curries, mango pickles and chutney.

Napolitaine: These colourful sweet treats are made from two chunky shortbread biscuits sandwiched together with a kiss of jam and glazed with a thick pastel-pink icing.

Poudine Mai: Otherwise known as “corn pudding” is a sweet and creamy comfort food made from sweetened creamed corn, flavoured with vanilla and coconut.

Vermicelli: This popular sticky dessert is made with roasted vermicelli, raisins, almonds and milk spiced with cinnamon and cardamom. Perfect with a hot cup of vanilla tea.

Tropical fruit: Mauritius is home to an abundance of tropical fruit sweet enough to rival any pudding. Try syrupy Victoria pineapples, juicy mangoes and zingy longan.

Mauritius is famous for its rum made from local sugar cane. You’ll be able to find good bottles for low prices at local village shops or supermarkets, or you can book a tasting at one of the island’s many distilleries.
Try some of the island’s favourite rum-based cocktails for a real taste of Mauritius:

Banana Colada: Smooth and frothy, this Mauritian take on a tropical classic is very popular with travellers from all over the world.

Rum Coco: Simple and sophisticated, this island favourite mixes Mauritian rum, sugar and coconut water over ice for the perfect summer refresher.

Planteur: Mauritian rum is mixed with orange, guava and pineapple juice and a pinch of cinnamon for a fruity, spicy Caribbean classic.

If rum’s not your tipple, try a cold glass of Phoenix, the local beer, for around 30Rs or £1 a pint, or the Black Eagle beer brewed in Nouvelle France for some refreshment in the glorious Mauritian sunshine.