Holiday

This is the most romantic island in the world

By

In 2009, I married my great love Joep in Maastricht, after which we left for the beautiful Mauritius for our honeymoon. This year, in 2024, I got to visit Mauritius again. This time without the love of my life (but I went to Japan a week later, so I can't complain) but with a press trip with all people I didn't know. The word Mauritius made me say ‘yes’ immediately. And the company was fun from day one, what can I say, the first minute, intensely fun. I thought it couldn't be, but since 2009, Mauritius has become even more fun. Even more bizarrely fun hotels and fantastic restaurants. Also in terms of infrastructure, it has developed enormously.

Mauritius is not only beautiful and romantic, there is also plenty to do. You can easily check off the bingo card of a tropical paradise here. White beaches, coconuts, azure blue water; it's all there.

As romantic as Mauritius is, I didn't choose it for nothing as a honeymoon, it is also really a fun destination for families. There are so many different types of hotels to choose from, depending on your taste and budget, and there is plenty to do.

You can snorkel, dive, and kite surf or enjoy a wonderful massage and watch those sunsets out of a book.

I visited four hotels that I can all recommend. Hospitality at the highest level can be found all over the island. The Mauritians are incredibly friendly.

1. Zilwa Attitude: this super fun four-star hotel in the north of Mauritius is located near a fishing village. From the reception, you can see the pool, the sea, and the northern islands. You can do all kinds of water sports here, and the hotel is known for its massages and cooking classes, apart from the four swimming pools and seven restaurants that the hotel has. You could easily spend your entire vacation here, it's so nice.

2. LUX Grand Gaube: this five-star hotel is also located in the north of Mauritius and was completely renovated last year. This hotel is super stylish. I absolutely love this interior, with beautiful African baskets on the walls and the most amazing different rattan chairs. This hotel has its own cinema, a G&T 100 bar (that is, 100 different gin tonics), the coolest beach beds, and a great coffee bar. The hotel has a gym with the latest fitness equipment, but also offers yoga classes at sunrise. The best food in Mauritius can be found in this hotel at restaurant INTI (the number 1 in Mauritius and number 4 restaurant in all of Africa), where a Peruvian chef makes the best ceviches you have ever eaten. An absolute must, combined with a Pisco cocktail and live music. This hotel is suitable for everyone: couples, solo travelers, or families.

3. LUX Belle Mare: the sister of LUX* Grand Gaube. If I could choose, this would be my absolute favorite. What a beautiful, stunning, and amazing hotel this is. It is located a bit more on the west side of Mauritius. This interior is mind-blowing. The intensely beautiful white-green entrance is something you have never seen before. The hanging chairs with thick cushions, the coolest designer tables and chairs of the most beautiful kind. Green plants everywhere and the beach like a postcard. The rooms are also furnished to the highest level, with a mini walk-in closet with the most beautiful wallpaper. This is by far the most beautiful and fun hotel I have ever been to. When it comes to food: again, so many good choices. A fantastic Indian restaurant, a small romantic pink room with beautiful Indian murals. By the way, the first chef in the country with a Michelin star works here. Plus a Chinese Peking duck restaurant, not my personal choice, but certainly for many others. This restaurant looks really fun and cozy. Here you obviously eat Peking duck, but also various Sichuan, Shanghainese, and Cantonese dishes and dim sum. By the pool, you will find restaurant Mondo, a somewhat more accessible restaurant, but you eat just as well here. Open from early morning until late at night.

4. Heritage Le Telfair: I have been here before, 15 years ago, during my honeymoon. A fantastic hotel. Really beautiful. A bit more colonial and elegantly furnished. The beaches are nowhere as beautiful as here. The same goes for the rooms, which are nowhere as large. This is the perfect combination of luxury and comfort. The hotel has 13 (!) restaurants, sommelier teams, and an 18-hole golf course (free unlimited use) and a free baby club with certified staff. An absolute must is a dinner at LE CHÂTEAU DE BEL OMBRE, a beautiful monumental house from the 19th century.

For all trips, especially to an island where you want to stay at a hotel, I recommend checking a tour operator for a package deal. That saves so much money. Of course, Mauritius is a luxury far-away vacation, but if you plan it well, there are really good affordable vacations to book here.

If you are going on a honeymoon, or want a truly over-the-top luxury arrival and departure with your new partner, book with Jet Prime. This is heaven on earth. Upon arrival, when you step off the plane, you are picked up and driven to a location at the airport. No airport terminal, no customs, and baggage claim. Once there, you have the opportunity to freshen up, drink champagne, and eat the tastiest snacks. Your luggage is taken off the belt while you are relaxing in a super comfortable lounge. Passport control and customs are all present on-site. Jetprime can be reserved for both arrival and departure.