By Sanjna Thakeria
They say three days in Mauritius is too short. I would argue it’s just right. Travel today isn’t only about long holidays—it’s about quick escapes that let you fall in love with a place, while leaving a hint of mystery to pull you back. Even in 72 hours, Mauritius unfolded in golden sunsets, turquoise lagoons, and flavors that felt like home, from Indian-inspired curries to French-influenced pastries. I can still picture the rainbow halo over the lagoon and the iconic ‘Land of the Dodo’ fridge magnet—small details that make this jewel of the Indian Ocean, part of the Mascarene Archipelago, unforgettable.
I stirred awake mid-flight on Air Mauritius to the first hints of sunrise painting the sky in gold and orange. The screen blinked Port Louis, yet below, endless blue waters kissed the island’s lush greenery. Being a bit of a history buff, I imagined the ships that first found Mauritius: Dutch sailors planting sugarcane, French settlers sketching pastel-hued towns, and Indian laborers whose spices, curries, and festivals still color the island today.
Touching down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport was effortless—the visa-on-arrival process seamless—and soon we were behind the wheel of our rental car, ready to explore, starting with our first steps on the island’s golden sands.
Golden Sands & Sunlit Lagoons
Soft sand stretched beyond our door, warm beneath my feet. The lagoon shimmered under the late-afternoon sun, shifting from turquoise to molten gold. I grabbed a handcrafted Piña Colada—Mauritius is famous for its rum, a detail I filed away for later—and wandered down to the dock. A local dive instructor, now a Mauritian friend, convinced us to jet-ski along the coast. Pods of dolphins leapt playfully alongside us. The wind tugged at my hair, salt kissed my skin, and the rhythmic clapping of dolphins felt like a private performance. Late morning is prime for dolphin spotting, the instructor explained, and we couldn’t have timed it better.
A quick beach-facing gym session earlier had energized us, while small tips from locals made the day effortless. Dinner that evening at Kumin was a comforting nod to home. Indian-inspired curries, fragrant spices, and the gentle sea breeze made the night linger in memory. Each dish told a story: the subtle cinnamon and cardamom in the Dal Makhani, the slow-cooked textures of chana curry, and the aroma of basmati rice were threads connecting the Indian heritage deeply woven into the island. Sand still clinging to our toes and the lagoon glowing in the moonlight, I couldn’t help thinking: if this was just the first day, what wonders awaited the next two days?
Catamarans, Coral & Hidden Falls
The next morning, a catamaran carried us east, sails taut against the trade winds, the lagoon stretched in layers of jade and sapphire. I lingered in the shade of the deck—Mauritius’s sun has a way of humbling even the most prepared traveler—until the captain himself coaxed us into the water.
Beneath the surface, sea turtles glided among jewel-toned fish in a living mosaic. The captain surfaced beside me, holding a beautiful burgundy sea urchin, teaching me how to cradle it, and I felt the slowness of time; by the moment I climbed back aboard, I had held sea urchins, swum with turtles, and glimpsed a rainbow halo on the horizon—a morning of so many firsts, it felt almost unreal.
We drifted upriver to the Grande Rivière South East Waterfall, where white spray leapt from volcanic rock and rainforest leaned close as though guarding a secret. The mist cooled my face, the sound a symphony of water and birdsong. By the time we anchored at Île aux Cerfs, the scent of a beach barbecue laced the air, followed by buttery French pastries, a humble reminder of the island’s layered heritage. Music rose, sega beats carried across the sand, and in that easy blur of food, sea, and story, Mauritius revealed its soul.
Port Louis: Markets, Colors & Culture
By mid-afternoon, we wandered the streets of Port Louis, where the hum of the harbor mixed with the scent of fresh orange juice and spice-laced street snacks. Market stalls displayed vibrant textiles, cane bags, and jewelry from local artisans, while miniature model boats nodded to the ships that first sailed into Mauritius centuries ago. One even found its way home with me, a small keepsake of the island’s charm.
A stroll along La Caudan Waterfront revealed a seamless blend of French colonial architecture and contemporary design, with water lapping gently against docks lined with cafés and boutiques. Every market stall, handcrafted bag, and bottle of rum felt like a thread in Mauritius’s rich tapestry. In a single afternoon, the island hinted at hidden waterfalls, rolling hills, and colorful dunes—waiting for a return visit.
Sunset Swims & Ocean Reflections
As the day wound down, we returned to Le Méridien for a sunset swim, cocktails in hand, the gentle waves lapping at the shore. Dinner at the resort’s Asian-inspired restaurant, Jade, became a relaxed celebration of everything we had seen and tasted. Watching the sky shift from gold to indigo, I realized one visit isn’t enough—Mauritius always leaves something more to explore.
A small moment stayed with me: a friendly staff member in the hotel store helped me pick sunburn cream and made me promise to say goodbye before leaving. I walked away with lilac handmade jewelry and linen shirts from homegrown labels—a simple reminder of the warmth and thoughtfulness woven into the island’s hospitality.
And then there was the ocean itself: something I’d read once, that you can bring any problem to it and let it dissolve. I’d never truly believed it, but standing there, feeling the waves lap at my feet, it suddenly made sense.
If You Go
- Getting There: Air Mauritius offers smooth, direct flights.
- Stay: Le Méridien for lagoon views and luxury.
- Do: Jet-ski with dolphins, take a catamaran to Île aux Cerfs, and explore Port Louis’ markets.
- Return Visit: Hike in Black River Gorges, marvel at the Seven Coloured Earth at Chamarel, or enjoy a safari at Casela Nature Park.
- Taste: Curries, fresh seafood, Mauritian rum, and French-inspired pastries.
- Tip: Engage with locals; the small interactions are often the most memorable.
- Best Time: May to December for sunny skies and calm seas.
