Like a local: The best experiences to try when in Mauritius

Savour Authentic Mauritian Cuisine: A Food Lover's Guide to Local Dishes

One of the best ways to experience Mauritius like a local is through its rich and diverse cuisine. A fusion of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French influences, Mauritian food is a true reflection of the island’s multicultural heritage. Start your culinary journey with a true taste of Creole cuisine, head to Chamarel, where small family-run restaurants serve hearty dishes like “rougaille saucisse” (tomato-based sausage stew) and “vindaye poisson” (spiced pickled fish). If you crave authentic Indian flavours, visit Flacq Market, where vendors prepare freshly made briani, “gato piments” (spicy dal fritters), and spiced curries bursting with aroma.

Seafood lovers should explore the coastal villages of Trou d'Eau Douce and Grand Gaube, where beachside eateries serve the freshest grilled fish, octopuses’ salad, and seafood curry. Staying at Voilà Hotel offers easy access to these culinary hotspots, allowing guests to indulge in Mauritius’ diverse flavours with every meal. The Bagatelle Mall food courts also offer a great selection of local dishes, making it a convenient spot to explore Mauritian cuisine. Guests staying at Voilà Hotel can also indulge in authentic flavours at the hotel’s restaurants, which serve a mix of local and international dishes, ensuring a delightful gastronomic experience without venturing far. Whether you're sampling street food or dining at a family-run restaurant, Mauritius offers unforgettable flavours that will make your trip truly special.

 

Enjoy a Traditional Sega Dance Performance: A Vibrant Cultural Experience

No visit to Mauritius is complete without witnessing a traditional Sega dance performance, an essential part of the island’s cultural heritage. Originating from the African slaves who brought their rhythms and melodies to Mauritius, Sega is an energetic dance accompanied by lively drumbeats and the distinct sound of the ravanne, a traditional percussion instrument. The dance, performed in colourful attire, tells stories of love, freedom, and island life, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. You can enjoy a Sega performance at beachside venues, cultural centres, or even at special events, where guests can immerse themselves in this lively tradition. Whether watching from the sidelines or joining in on the dance, experiencing Sega is a must for anyone wanting to connect with the soul of Mauritius.

 

 

Explore Vibrant Local Markets: Best Spots for Authentic Souvenirs

For those looking to take a piece of Mauritius home, exploring local markets is a must. The Port Louis Central Market is a bustling hub where you’ll find handcrafted souvenirs, spices, and artisanal goods that reflect the island’s diverse culture. The Flacq Market, one of the largest outdoor markets, offers a unique selection of textiles, traditional Mauritian snacks, and locally made crafts. The Mahébourg Market, held every Monday, is a fantastic spot to discover handmade goods, fresh produce, and local street food in a charming coastal setting. The Craft Market at the Caudan Waterfront is another must-visit, featuring a selection of high-quality artisanal products, including locally crafted jewellery, textiles, and artwork. For a more curated shopping experience, visit the Bagatelle Mall's artisanal boutiques, conveniently located near Voilà Hotel, where you can find authentic, high-quality souvenirs. Whether you're looking for intricate wood carvings, handmade jewellery, or vibrant island-themed decor, these markets and boutiques provide a true taste of Mauritian craftsmanship.

 

 

Discover Indian Culture at Grand Bassin: A Spiritual Journey in Mauritius

 

 

Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in Mauritius and a must-visit for those wanting to experience the island’s deep spiritual heritage. Surrounded by lush greenery, this crater lake is home to impressive temples and towering statues of Hindu deities, including the iconic 33-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva. Visitors can witness traditional rituals, especially during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival, when thousands of devotees embark on a pilgrimage to the site. Easily accessible from Voilà Hotel, Grand Bassin offers a peaceful retreat where travellers can immerse themselves in Indian culture, admire the serene landscape, and learn about the island’s Hindu traditions. Whether you seek spiritual enrichment or cultural discovery, this sacred lake provides a truly enriching experience.

 

Embark on the Mauritius Tea Route: A Scenic Adventure through Tea Plantations

 

 

The Mauritius Tea Route is a must-do experience for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts. This scenic journey takes visitors through lush tea plantations, historic estates, and charming colonial mansions that showcase the island’s rich tea heritage. Stops along the route include the Bois Chéri Tea Factory, where you can witness traditional tea-making processes and sample a variety of local brews while enjoying panoramic views of rolling green fields. Along the way, visitors can explore the Domaine des Aubineaux, a beautifully preserved colonial house offering insights into the island’s plantation history, and Saint Aubin, a historic estate known for its tea, rum, and vanilla production. Another hidden gem along the Tea Route is Avalon Golf Estate, an 18-hole championship course set amidst rolling tea fields, offering breathtaking scenery and a refreshing climate perfect for a round of golf. For a deeper cultural experience, many of these estates also feature on-site restaurants serving locally inspired cuisine, incorporating tea-infused dishes and fresh produce. Conveniently located within reach of Voilà Hotel, the Tea Route provides a unique opportunity to experience Mauritius’ agricultural beauty while indulging in the island’s finest teas and scenic landscapes.

 

 

Tour a Rum Distillery: Uncover the Secrets of Mauritian Rum Production

 

 

Mauritius is renowned for its high-quality rum, crafted using traditional distillation techniques that have been perfected over centuries. A visit to one of the island’s distilleries offers an immersive experience into the rum-making process, beginning with the harvesting of locally grown sugarcane. Visitors can witness how freshly pressed sugarcane juice is fermented, distilled in copper stills, and aged in oak barrels to develop rich and complex flavours. Many distilleries also incorporate unique infusions, blending tropical fruits, vanilla, and spices into their creations. Some of the best distilleries to explore include Rhumerie de Chamarel, set in the lush southwest hills, offering stunning landscapes and a fully guided tour, and Saint Aubin Distillery, located on a historic plantation where visitors can also discover vanilla and tea production. After exploring these scenic sites, guests can enjoy tastings of premium rums, learning how different aging techniques influence flavour profiles. Conveniently, some of these locally crafted rums are available for tasting at Voilà Hotel, allowing visitors to continue their rum journey in the comfort of their accommodation.

 

 

Relax with a West Coast Sundowner: The Best Sunset Spot in Mauritius

 

Image soure : Veranda Tamarin

There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon with a refreshing drink in hand, and the west coast of Mauritius offers some of the most breathtaking sunset views on the island. From the golden sands of Flic-en-Flac Beach to the stunning cliffs of Le Morne, the west coast provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable sundowner experience. For a laid-back evening, enjoy a beachside bar where you can sip on a cocktail made with locally distilled rum while listening to the sound of the waves. Alternatively, take a sunset cruise along the coast for a more immersive experience. Guests at Voilà Hotel can ask for recommendations on the best sundowner spots, ensuring a picture-perfect end to the day in Mauritius.

 

 

Indulge in Mauritius Street Food: Must-Try Local Treats

 

Mauritius is a haven for street food lovers, offering a variety of delicious, budget-friendly treats influenced by its multicultural heritage. A must-try is dholl puri, a soft, lentil-filled flatbread served with chutney and curry, and farata, a flaky roti paired with spicy fillings. Head to Plaines Vertes for an authentic plate of Briani, a fragrant, slow-cooked rice dish infused with spices and accompanied by meat or vegetables. For Chinese-inspired street food, visit China Town in Port Louis, where you can sample “mine bouillie” (brothy noodles) and “boulettes” (steamed dumplings in flavourful broth). Mauritian kebabs, grilled and seasoned to perfection, can be found at various food stalls across the island. Don’t miss local fried snacks like “gato piments” (spicy dal fritters), samosas, and “fruits confits”, candied or pickled tropical fruits packed with tangy and spicy flavours. Staying at Voilà Hotel ensures you’re just a short trip away from these mouthwatering street food experiences.