I am lucky enough to be married to a Mauritian and have been to the Island many times. It is an amazing mixture of cultures from Indian, Islam, Chinese, French and British. The official language is English but the Mauritians all speak a local creole which is losely based on French. They are a talented bunch though and usually speak another language too, such as Hindi.
The food to reflects the mix of cultures. The street food is amazing – gateau pimants (chili cakes), samosa and mine frite (stir-fry). If you visit consider self-catering – there are many very good value properties to rent. However, a full kitchen is unlikely and definately no oven. The island is only 780 square miles, and they drive on the left. You do need your wits about you though and one hand on the horn. One of my favourite days out is Champ des Mars – horse racing in the capital, Port Louis. Fantastic but only in the winter months. Go to the beach on a bank holiday – loads in Mauritius because of all the different religious festivals – and see the locals have a picnic, playing and dancing to Sega music, the rhythm of the island. And the beaches – just wonderful.
Mauritius is much more than a honeymoon destination. I always tell friends who are going to make sure they leave their AI hotels and expore the island. It’s easy – hire a car or a local taxi driver will show you around for a reasonable price.
