Spending a holiday in Mauritius in one of our hotels is a must, but it would be a shame not to experience the local Mauritian lifestyle while you’re here! But how do you find out about the best places to eat and go out off the beaten track? For that, you need to ask a local. Veranda Resorts’ team members give us their tips.
An overview of the best places in which to experience the real Mauritian lifestyle…
Kajal Dookhit, F&B Reservation Agent at Veranda Grand Baie, recommends Mon Choisy Beach, where she likes to play badminton with her friends, as well as Chamarel Adventure Park for ziplining and nature walks. If you’re in Grand Baie, want to meet some locals, and enjoy a delicious and ridiculously inexpensive meal, try Ti Couloir, the Super U food court or Saffron Grill. And to experience the best of Grand Baie by night, Kajal recommends having a cocktail at the Banana Bar then hitting the dancefloor at Safari.
Nicolas Laide, Housekeeping Supervisor at the Veranda Paul et Virginie, gives us his favourite addresses in Grand Gaube, a typical Mauritian fishing village in the north of the island. Head to La Maison des Boulettes by the football field for a delectable bowl of steaming dumplings, then enjoy a cold beer at Ah Kam’s. Nicolas’ favourite spot for a family picnic – an extremely popular activity among Mauritians – is the wild and unspoilt Melville beach. And if you enjoy bargain-hunting, head to Goodlands market on Tuesdays and Friday mornings!
Clifford Pierre-Louis, General Manager of Veranda Pointe aux Biches, lives in Grand Gaube… and waxes lyrical about the beauty of his island! For family outings, he recommends the walk between the Grand Gaube barachois and Butte à l’Herbe public beach in Calodyne. Expect a peaceful stretch of coast offering magnificent views of the Northern islands – no noisy, busy beaches here! Finally, for a taste of local seafood (kono kono, giant clam and fresh crab), try Chez Patrick in Mahébourg.
For her part, Deevya, a Spa Therapist at Veranda Palmar Beach, invites us to discover the island’s east coast. The endless stretch of beach at Belle Mare is a must for get-togethers with friends. As for restaurants, she’s a regular at Chez Tino in Trou d’Eau Douce. Deevya also recommends the Le Bois Chéri restaurant – the perfect place to indulge in a crepe while sampling the different teas produced by the estate’s factory. Ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Jean-Marie Chinappen, General Manager of Veranda Palmar Beach, is passionate about music and literature. He sings in his church choir on Sunday mornings then heads to Flic en Flac beach with his family. For a day of adventure and discovery, he recommends the Domaine de l’Étoile, whose hiking, quad-biking and ziplining activities are sure to give you an adrenaline rush. Kas Poz is, according to him, the best place on the island for live music. For Mauritian food, he goes to Chez Manuel in St Julien d’Hotman, and also recommends the Flowers of Paradise restaurant in Pereybere for its gourmet cuisine.
Enjoy a night out, try Mauritian delicacies in a local haunt, take the road less travelled… These simple pleasures will make for wonderful memories, but will also give you a glimpse of the island’s soul!
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