Island In The Sun

Mark Twain said, ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.’ He was onto something: my idea of heaven definitely includes a well-stocked beach bar, white sandy beaches, warm waters, crystal-clear pools and delicious food.

- Charis Torrance

After an overnight flight of five hours from Cape Town(four if you’re coming from Joburg), I arrived bright and early on the island of Mauritius.

BEFORE WE DIVE IN

Once home to pirates, Mauritius is listed as one of the world’s top destinations for couples and newlyweds. Holidaymakers from around the world trade in concrete jungles and cold weather for the island’s warm waters, turquoise lagoons surrounded by coral, white powdered beaches and volcanic mountains. It’s a favourite destination for Saffers, says my taxi driver during the 80-minute drive to the north of the island, my home for the duration of my stay.

It makes sense: Mauritius is only two hours ahead, so jet lag isn’t a factor, you don’t need a visa and it’s probably one of the few places where the rand is (slightly) stronger. The driver goes on to tell me how there were no inhabitants on the island before colonisation, slavery and indentured labour, so Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, with locals of Indian, French, Chinese and African descent. (They also call themselves the ‘rainbow nation’!)

ECO-CONSCIOUS HOLIDAYING

It’s easy to see the effects of climate change the world over, but Mauritius in particular isn’t safe. The island is listed as the 14th most exposed country to natural disasters. The beaches are shrinking due to erosion, and the warming of the oceans has led to the deterioration of their corals – the very reasons people come to the island.