Mauritius/Walla system
Shortly after October 7, airlines around the world stopped flying to Israel.
Now, after more than three months, you can see more movement of Israelis flying abroad to change the atmosphere a bit.
One of the companies that announced the return of the flights is "Air Seychelles", which operates a direct route from Israel to the Seychelles, a destination that the Israeli tourist began to like a little before that the corona virus entered our world. Another destination that Air Seychelles flies to is the island of
Mauritius
. As of February 6, flights will resume, with a flight to Mauritius starting at $1,150.
Mauritius is also located in the Indian Ocean, about two and a half hours' flight south of the Seychelles (in total from Israel 9 hours flight, with a stop in Seychelles). A beautiful exotic island, with shades that combine the blue-turquoise of the sea on one side, and mountains on the other, surrounded by a lot of nature and greenery. The weather is tropical, warm most of the year. Here and there you can be surprised by rain, Or even a cyclone, but the temperatures will not drop below 25 degrees, and neither will the temperature of the water.
Tropical and warm all year round.
Mauritius/Walla! System, Dror Zamir
Two hours by car from north to south
Fly with Air Seychelles, land at the airport in Mahe and continue on another flight to Mauritius, where you land at an innovative and larger airport than the one in Seychelles -
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
named, after the first prime minister of the republic, a field located in the southeast of the island.
A recommended way to get around the island is to rent a car.
You can book one in advance that will wait for you at the airport, but if you want to get to the hotel, get settled and see who is against who, the hotel will help you and assist you in contacting the rental companies.
Mauritius "passed quite a few hands" during history and was controlled by the British, among other things, so that on the island they got used to driving on the left.
Those who are not used to it, there is nothing to be deterred, you get used to it quite quickly.
And in general, driving in Mauritius is more relaxed, the roads are less busy than in Israel and there is no such thing as a parking shortage.
The island itself is small and it will take you less than two hours to get from the northern end to the southern end.
The speed limit is 40 km/h on urban roads, 80 km/h on interstates, and 110 km/h on highways. Avoid unnecessary fines, there are quite a few speed cameras and there's really no need to rush, enjoy the view.
Of course, those who prefer not to drive can get around by public transport public transport (buses and taxis), or alternatively hire a driver or a guide who is also a driver, for a day trip to the island. We were driven by a driver from the airport to the hotel, and we also joined him for one day trip. A nice and polite guy, but what - he exaggerates his intimidation a bit! As we arrived he spoke Regarding the fact that if you exceed the speed limit by one kilometer you get a fine, he said that smoking is not allowed anywhere, not even in the open air and all kinds of other fictions.
As someone who just landed on an exotic island - I already thought I had arrived in a police state.
Later it became clear to me as I met more and more locals that it was all nonsense.
There are rules - but you don't have to "walk on eggs".
The currency in Mauritius is
the Mauritian rupee
, whose value is equal to NIS 0.082.
(100 rupees = about 8 shekels)
There are cash machines scattered throughout the island, including at the airport, and also ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard.
The secret?
rowing swimming
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The view from the Black River Gorge nature reserve lookout/Walla! system, Dror Zamir
The best part of the vacation - the resort
The Beach Comber chain
operates 9 hotels and resorts throughout the island.
We will focus on the Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa, which is located in the northwest of the island.
The resort offers a unique and enjoyable experience, whether you come as a family or as a couple (Mauritius is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world).
The hotel, which is located on the sea of course, with its own private beach, is divided into an area for couples, known as Victoria for 2, and an area for families.
There are several fine restaurants scattered in it, including a meat restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a seafood restaurant.
There are also bars scattered throughout the hotel and along the beach, serving special and exotic drinks and cocktails throughout the day.
On behalf of the hotel, there are various marine activities, such as sailing, diving tours and snorkeling.
There are also fitness and yoga activities, and most importantly - children are not bored.
Besides the sea, a large pool in the center of the hotel, and various sports facilities, there is a "kids club" that operates throughout the day.
The staff takes care of the children's activities, and the parents leave them to enjoy themselves and go about their business.
A dream, isn't it?
There is no doubt that they invested in this resort, and in its planning.
Although it was fully occupied, it was hardly felt, because the hotel is built in a spacious way.
So are the rooms, all of which have sea views.
Besides, there are many very kind staff members, and the service is inexplicably high.
Basically, you can spend the whole vacation at the hotel - Baten-Gev, and enjoy everything the resort has to offer.
It's less suitable for me personally, because I'm always in favor of traveling, experiencing the local culture and discovering more and more places, but there are those who are just waiting for a pampering belly-back vacation and this resort absolutely provides a top-quality vacation.
Another bright spot in the hotel is the spa, with professional staff that provides a variety of massages, gives tips according to each patient's personal situation, and even identifies medical problems if there are any (lactose sensitivity, for example, which was detected in one of the hotel guests who received a medical massage before me).
Another nice touch of the Beach Comber chain is a pampering gift box that arrived before Hanukkah to Israeli guests who stayed at the chain's hotels in the past year.
The branded boxes contained: two scented candles, a diffuser, a face towel and handmade aromatic soap, with scents reminiscent of an exotic vacation.
A postcard in Hebrew was attached to the package: "Until we meet, we are sending you fragrances of freedom and light, from the friends at Beach Comber".
In general, the people of Mauritius are welcoming, smiling, communicative and speak English, as it is one of the official languages in the country.
So is the signage around the island, most of it is in English so it's easy to get by.
Besides English and Kerole, another official language is French.
The hotel is spacious - even when it's full you don't feel it.
Victoria Beach Comber/Walla! System, Zamir Sparrow
There is no shortage of things for the children to do.
Victoria Beach Comber/Walla! System, Zamir Sparrow
Every meal ends with dessert of course.
Victoria Beach Comber Resort/Walla! System, Dror Zamir
What do you do in Mauritius?
where to go?
So the highlight in Mauritius is of course the sea and the beaches, saying that they are "like in a postcard" is not a cliché but simply the truth - the so-called "no filter".
Beyond the private beach at the hotel, there are several recommended beaches around the island, and it is always recommended to go in with a snorkel and see the spectacular sights that the water world has to offer.
I got to see countless types of mesmerizingly beautiful fish, sea turtles, dolphins and even a shark here and there.
(Don't worry, these are not predatory sharks. In general, no shark attacks have been recorded in Mauritius and the island is considered safe in this respect, compared to the neighboring island of Reunion).
Geological wonder.
Valley of the Seven Colors/Walla! System, Dror Zamir
Recommended beaches
Grand Bay (Grand Bay)
- a beach located about fifteen minutes drive north of the Victoria Beachcomber Hotel.
An area that is considered touristy and bustling with life, with bars, restaurants, shops and a casino.
It is recommended to take a walk between the fishing boats with a fresh fruit smoothie from one of the stalls, and catch the sunset on the beach.
Tamarin Bay (Tamarin Bay)
- moving south, to a picturesque town with several decent beaches, including this beach which is considered a popular surfing destination.
The surfers among us will go deep, pass the reef and discover a spot with one of the fastest waves in the world.
Be careful of the rocks, and also of the locals, who, compared to the inhabitants on land, are not known to be the most welcoming and are considered to be very jealous of their waves.
If you have already entered, wait patiently for your turn and respect!
Le Morne
- a beach located at the southwestern tip of the island and considered a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Besides, it is also a fun spot to throw in and spend a whole day, with pleasant sand and a spectacular color of the water.
Considered a popular destination for tourists and locals.
Near the coast is Mount La Morne, with its famous basalt cliffs, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The adventurous among us can trek and climb to the top of the mountain. It will take about four hours, but the breathtaking view is worth it.
Courteous service throughout the stay.
The room at Victoria Beach Comber/Walla! system, Dror Zamir
Waterfalls, monkeys and Hindu temples
About half an hour northeast of Le Morne is the largest national park in Mauritius,
Black River Gorges
.
You can walk it for hours, walk through the ravines, enjoy the wild vegetation and a host of special birds, some of which can only be found on the island.
For those who are less suited to walking around, you can reach the observation point of the park, with an amazing view and most importantly - the cute monkeys that live in this area of the island.
So entertaining that you can just sit and stare at them for hours.
If you feel like pampering, give them some food.
They will appreciate it, and it will do your heart good, too.
So far we've gone for free options, it's time to pay:
The Valley of Colors (La Vallee des Couleurs)
- a huge park where you can spend a whole day, with extreme attractions, such as a multitude of omegas, including an omega one and a half kilometers long.
You can travel with a guide, rent ATVs, and enjoy nature and the animals scattered throughout the park, for example the giant deer, one of the symbols of the island.
Entrance will cost you 400 rupees, which is about 35 shekels, and you will pay separately for each attraction you choose.
The long Omega will cost you 2350 rupees (about 200 shekels).
Seven colored earth
- in the town of Chamarel you can reach this point, a rare natural geological phenomenon of the cooling of volcanic rocks that created a type of sandy dunes preserved in different shades, from red through purple to yellow and green.
You can also see the
Chamarel waterfall
, the biggest waterfall in Mauritius.
Entrance to the place will cost
550 rupees (about NIS 45)
.
Not far from there you can visit
the local rum brewery
, where the Chamarel Rum brand is produced.
The most common religion in Mauritius is Hindu, with about 57% of the population and accordingly there are Hindu temples scattered around the island that you can enter freely.
In Grand Bassin you can find a temple surrounded by a lake with holy water, next to which stand several huge statues of gods such as Shiva (35 meters high).
You can stare at them for hours.
A monkey in Mauritius/Walla! system, Zamir Sparrow
The biggest waterfall on the island, the Shamarel waterfall/Walla! system, Dror Zamir
Not leaving the island (without vanilla tea)
It's worth a visit to the capital
Port Louis
(or as the name is correctly pronounced - Port Louis, with a French accent).
There you can break free from the touristy atmosphere, and experience the "real Mauritius".
Wander the streets, stroll the market, the shops and of course - taste local street food.
The common food in Mauritius, befitting a place where the majority of the population is Hindu, is based on curry dishes.
Combined with the fact that it is an island, fish and seafood are what you can find in the many restaurants and hotels.
But you can find the special street food of Mauritius, surprisingly, on the street.
Here are some recommendations for street food in Port Louis:
Roti
- flat bread, made of wheat flour, baked on the spot by local "mammos".
The roti is filled with different sauces, to be honest I have no idea what they were, but the taste is heavenly.
SKB Roti in Port Louis is recommended, and the price is ridiculous.
Dal Puri
- somewhat reminiscent of roti, but richer and more satisfying.
Reminiscent of a rolled pancake that is often filled with bean curry, and spicy Mauritian tomato sauce, a type of salsa with a unique touch.
It's worth trying dholl-puri Maraz in the capital city, which caught my eye after seeing the long queue at the entrance to the place.
Don't worry, it runs fast.
Special bakery stalls are scattered in the city, it's worth stopping at one that catches your eye and just choose what you like.
You will not be disappointed, and the prices, as we said, are ridiculous, especially after you get used to the touristy and priced hotels area.
And you can't do without stopping and drinking a cup of traditional vanilla tea.
They really like vanilla tea in Mauritius, and this is a great opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere, or buy in one of the shops and take home to Israel.
Another recommendation is actually a Chinese restaurant called Cafe Shanghai, which serves the most delicious dumplings I've ever eaten in my life, no less.
An incredibly ugly, outdated restaurant, but the service and food are of a high standard and at very reasonable prices.
No wonder the place is full most of the day.
Not far from the city is the botanical garden, with more than 500 types of plants, trees, spices and also a giant deer (again) and deer.
Entrance will cost you 300 rupees (about NIS 25).
There is a funny guy at the entrance who sells drinks and enjoys chatting with passers-by.
When he asked us where we were from, we answered Greece (trying to avoid unnecessary situations after October 7).
Then he started speaking fluent Greek.
I answered him in English: "Wow, your Greek is excellent, where did you study?!".
If only I knew that the drink seller outside the botanical gardens spoke 11 languages.
Everything is delicious, just choose.
A street food stall in Port Louis/Walla! system, Dror Zamir
This is the sunset from the room at the Walla! hotel/system, Dror Zamir
The Botanical Garden/Walla! System, Dror Zamir
Between 350 and 450 dollars per night.
Victoria Beach Comber Hotel/Walla! System, Dror Zamir
Prices
A room at the Victoria Beach Comber Hotel will cost between 350 and 450 dollars per night, with breakfast and dinner, depending on the season and the type of room.
On these prices there are discounts that reach up to 30%, for example for a couple going on a honeymoon, for those celebrating a wedding anniversary, and also for those who book in advance or alternatively - book at the last minute.
The writer was a guest of the Beach Comber chain and Air Seychelles
.
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