A honeymooner's guide to Mauritius

Tea and sugar plantations to visit

A day-trip to see the tea plantations and sweet-smelling fields of sugar cane will appeal to the inquisitive.

At places like the Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Tea Museum, complete with beautiful gardens and panoramic views, you can find out how tea is produced and try out their delicious teas.

And at the Sugar Museum and Factory at the old Beau Plan sugar mill you can learn about sugar’s 250 year history on the island, with exhibits including archive film footage. There’s also a chance to taste some delicious local rum, made from the sugar.

Watersports and sea life to enjoy

If watersports are your thing there are choices including water skiing, powerboat trips and parasailing, or you can get in some superb scuba diving and snorkelling.

You may also like to try boat trips to lagoons and uninhabited islands, such as Ile aux Cerfs, where you can swim and relax, spotting wild dolphins and whales on the journey there and back.

Countryside and wildlife to discover

There are several nature parks in Mauritius where you can take hikes, quad bike tours and mini-safaris, meaning you could end up taking home some amazing photos as honeymoon souvenirs.

The Frederica Nature Reserve has sweeping plains, rivers and waterfalls, whereas the Black River Gorge National Park houses the last remaining rainforest in Mauritius and the amazing Seven Cascades Waterfalls.

It’s home to lots of wildlife too including deer, Mascarene paradise flycatcher birds and Mauritian flying foxes.

Shopping, eating and nightlife in Port Louis

Mauritius’ lively capital, Port Louis, is the place to head for a number of reasons, namely serious shopping therapy, sampling the local cuisine and joining in the nightlife.

The main hub for all of these activities is Le Caudan Waterfront, where you’ll find some excellent shops to browse for souvenirs, handicrafts and fashion. There are also several bars and restaurants and a casino.

Other options in Port Louis include strolling around the market in the centre of town and buying local produce or grabbing a bargain. There’s also the Blue Penny Museum with displays on the island’s history.

History and culture to explore

Sitting at the base of the Moka Mountains is the La Maison Creole Eureka, a mansion built in 1830 by a wealthy plantation owner. One of the best preserved buildings on the island, there’s a museum, gardens and a restaurant with amazing river views.

Or if you’re in the Pamplemousses region you could swing by the SSR Botanic Garden, which was first sculpted in 1736. As well as an abundance of rare plants and colourful flowers there are animals including deer and large tortoises.

Ideal resort choices for honeymooners

Mauritius has some excellent choices for romantic hotel resorts, which can provide the perfect base for your holiday. If your idea of the ideal involves staying in a luxurious, peaceful resort you may want to opt for somewhere like the TUI Sensimar Lagoon Mauritius in Anse La Raie.

Located on the shores of a blue lagoon it has its own sandy beach, so you can unwind in privacy. The spa in this hotel is amazing and has couples’ huts set on a secluded platform overlooking the ocean.

If you’re thinking of having your wedding in Mauritius there are fantastic hotel choices which can cater for this. One option is the Lux Tamassa in Bel Ombre, which is surrounded by tropical gardens and spacious sandy beaches.

The staff here can arrange your dream wedding day whether it’s inside the glamorous venue or outside in the sunshine. For newly-wed adventures there are watersports including kayaking and speedboat rides, a nightclub on-site, four pools, a gym and yoga classes.