Once-upon-a-time I was married (to the wrong guy for me). We spent part of our honeymoon on Mauritius. Back then, I had no idea how close we were to my friend Nicole on Reunion Island or I would have visited sooner!

As a full-time traveler, I often figure out my itinerary last minute, as a way to avoid constantly being in planning mode, and to allow myself the flexibility to stay as long or as little as I want without having to re-do travel plans. Mauritius ends up a last minute decision because I learn that all the onward travel I want to do in Africa means transiting in Mauritius. So, why not stay a while?

Well, one reason is that I’m afraid of whatever memories or feelings might come up returning to the place I had my honeymoon! I decide maybe it will be good for me, and suck it up, and go. The flight from Reunion is only 30 minutes, on a jumbo jet, and literally half the plane is dressed to go to the wedding party for the bride and groom aboard the flight!

How I Decide To Go To Mauritius

As often happens during my full-time travels, I “coincidentally” meet a couple in Reunion Island who live in Mauritius. Since my experience with Mauritius is expensive hotels and honeymooners, I’m delighted to learn about a town called Flic-en-Flac. Apparently many families live there and it sounds just my vibe.

Using Booking.com, I book a small room in Flic en Flac complete with tiny shower, and a small balcony. It’s really small, and at first, I’m not sure I can handle it. But, as usual, after a couple of days, it came to feel like home. (It turns out they also have nicer 1-bedroom apartments, next time!) One of my favorite features is the group of stray cats who show up every day hoping for food. They are not friendly, but I feed them every day. To my delight, one of them warms up to me and enjoys cuddles after a few days!

Where Is Mauritius? 

Mauritius is part of Africa. It’s located in the Indian Ocean, just East of Reunion Island, and not too far from Madagasgar.

Is Mauritius Safe? 

I felt very safe, as a solo traveler! Especially in Flic en Flac. At night, the biggest danger was the lack of street light. With poorly paved roads, it made walking home after dark very difficult. I was warned about pickpockets in the markets, but happily did not encounter any.

Isn’t Mauritius For Honeymooners?

Yes, it’s defintely got a well-deserved reputation for Honeymoons. And, you can have plenty of fun as a solo traveler, too. Honeymooners typically stay on the resort side of the island. By staying someplace else, you won’t even notice!

Mystical remnants of a storm, seen from Flic en Flac beach

The Feel Of Mauritius 

The other side of this energy is the people. They are warm, and, even though they just say “hello,” it feels like they are saying “I love you, have a beautiful day.” Not in a romantic sense, but as one soul to another. I had some pretty intense spiritual experiences that gave me an alternate perspective of an upsetting experience that happened on my Honeymoon.

Making a longer story short, my then husband and I ordered coffee at our Mauritius resort. The waitress took an instant dislike to me, and the way she placed one of the cups of coffee very deliberately in front of me, and made evil eye contact, I was sure she poisoned my coffee. I was right. (I thankfully made it to the bathroom.) I thought maybe it was a bizarre past life karma thing.

But, this second time to Mauritius made me realize how spiritually connected the people are. Now, looking back, I think this waitress saw I was with the wrong man, and misaligned with my purpose and nature. Not that I condone poisoning someone for that reason! But, it’s a better perspective to carry forward.

Roti Aka Vinoda

Back to the activities. I was blessed to enjoy the beach in Flic-enFlac. Every morning, there were maybe five other people, and it was a complete haven. Come the afternoon, however, it began filling up. First, there is the most amazing place to get roti on the beach. If you go at lunchtime, you’ll wait a while. But, if you go at other times, there’s no wait! Lots of wonderful choices for fillings, including vegetarian, and wow, delicious and cheap!

Visit To An Eco Park

The Ile Aux Egrettes is an amazing half day activity. It’s offered through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. You take a boat from the Old Sands Jetty in Saint Jerome, near Mahebourg. For a relatively small island, you’ll often drive around an hour to reach certain destinations because most of the roads may not be direct.

Once at the Ile, after gliding over more beautiful water, you’ll meet your guide who will explain the unique animals in Mauritius, some of which you’ll see walking around the island. You can ask questions, feed a giant tortoise, and enjoy a wonderful experience.

Mahébourg

Mahébourg is a charming city. If I didn’t stay in Flic-en-Flac, this would be my second choice. There’s no beach, but the area by the water is beautiful. We watch a dog swim across the channel, in awe, since that water can’t be too shallow. There’s a food market in town where we sample some fresh coconut juice, and then we eat biryani at Nayaz Biryani, a delicious Indian restaurant. (The one in Mahebourg is hard to find online, but, it’s there!)

Along the way we also visit Blue Bay and the Grand Port; a private beach, and a port with a stunning view.

Port Louis

One rainy afternoon I grab the bus to Mauritius’ capital city. It’s about an hour bus ride. The buses are from another era. Bumpy, and if you sit on an aisle seat, you might fall off!

The capital has some beautiful views, and several markets. I had thought I’d get a Mauritius shirt, but they all looked silly on me. I visit the Aapravasi Ghat, getting a little perspective on indentured servants. I had hoped to also visit the Mauritius Postal museum as well, but it ends up being closed.

I explore the city for a while, and then head back to Flic-en-Flac.

The Dodo Roundabout

Though the Dodo bird is sadly extinct (you learn about them on the eco tour), there is a small roundabout devoted to them. It’s right in Flic-en-Flac, so, before departing this wonderful island, I make a stop there. It’s locked, so I can’t go in and pose. Or, well, I suppose I could have leapt over the fence, but didn’t feel that was polite, so take some photos and selfies from outside.

My time in Mauritius passes all too quickly. I’m delighted that I’ve chosen experiences and places which are more authentic, and nothing like the resort area where Honeymooners go. I’ve made friends with a gang of cats, fed stray dogs, had a profound spiritual connection to the island and its people, and enjoyed a moment of pure relaxation. Even better, I’ve learned you don’t have to be on your Honeymoon to go, and if you don’t stay in the resorts, it’s extremely affordable! I’m definitely going back!