Back in the swim
Tours marvellous Mauritius and its hotels to find out how the island’s tourism industry is recovering from the pandemic
my temperature and whisked me off into a private medical clinic for a Covid test, which the government has made mandatory for day one and five of a tourist’s trip.
With the health admin taken care of, I could then follow the winding path to my room, with birdsong greeting my every step and the endless wall-climbing plants confirming my arrival at a tropical paradise.
My arrival at Preskil was a taste of what was to come as almost every hotel, market and shopping centre hinted at constant temperature-gun checks becoming the new normal.
But the beaming smile of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation tour guide, Rose Marie Pierre, told us all we needed to know about how happy locals are to see tourists return to popular sites such as southeast coast wildlife haven Ile aux Aigrettes.
“Covid was a big problem,” she says. “We were scared to lose our jobs, lose our income. But we are so happy that people can come here again.”
A breathtaking sighting of a critically endangered songbird, the
Mauritius fody, and an 110-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise on Ile aux Aigrettes, lured me in to the magical world of incredible wildlife which is abundant all over the country.
There’s plenty to see underwater, too. I had never been snorkelling, but my first experience in the Blue Bay Marine Park made me wonder just why it had taken me so long.
As I dipped my head below the surface, a vibrant array of tropical fish emerged from the coral reefs, which are clearly visible in the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding the island.
Ile aux Aigrettes and snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park are just two examples of the variety of activities on offer to complement a luxury beach holiday. As I made my way around, it became clear the pandemic has hit the island harder than many places. Tourism is an important source of income for the country and many businesses have suffered financial losses.
But there are some that have managed to use the downtime constructively. Lagoon Attitude hotel in the northern village of Cap Malheureux invested money in becoming a sustainable, plastic-free site without compromising on luxury.
“It’s an investment,” general manager Rubens Maureemootoo says.
“We want to promote responsible tourism and reduce the negative effect tourism can have on the environment.”
Maureemootoo explained that he felt it was his responsibility to help protect the island, where the effects of climate change are acutely felt through fluctuating rainfall, rising sea levels and an unpredictable anticyclone season.
The island boasts a population of more than one million people, embracing various religions, cultures and nationalities – something which is clearly conveyed through the food.
Curries, seafood and barbecues are all on the menu at luxury hotels –
but perhaps the most surprising offerings are all-you-caneat buffets. I assumed buffets were a thing of the past, but the Constance Belle Mare Plage hotel reminded me of pre-Covid times – with Indian, Mediterranean, Far Eastern as well as locally-sourced seafood all on offer. As I continued my travels, it became crystal clear to me that golfers received the memo about the country opening its borders before other tourists.
Every other hotel guest I saw at both Constance Belle Mare Plage on the east coast, and Heritage Le Telfair in the south west, was carrying a bag of clubs on their back.
It’s easy to see why though, with almost all the luxury hotels boasting their own 18-hole courses.
With the gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees and the sun beaming down on the first tee at
Heritage Le Telfair’s main course, I’m pleasantly surprised to only lose two balls in the impressive water hazards.
Even for an amateur golfer, it was easily one of the most enjoyable rounds I have ever had – although I’m sure that the weather and the magnificent tropical backdrop played a major part in that.
Other than the sandy beaches all around the island, any tourist’s head would be turned by the jaw-dropping mountainous views at the Ebony Forest Reserve, the colourful volcanic sands of Chamarel and the spectacular Black River Gorges National Park.
It has been a difficult 18 months for Mauritian communities, but they have found a potentially profitable new focus in eco-tourism.
Trying the taste bud-tingling food, exploring the wonderful wildlife the country has to offer, and speaking to the incredibly welcoming Mauritian people can turn a great holiday into a truly memorable experience.
It becomes clear the pandemic has hit the island harder than many places