We all love a bit of downtime, but if you’re the kind of couple who hates the thought of lazing on a lounger for two solid weeks, then you’ll need to think a little more carefully about your next holiday destination. Does it offer you a wealth of activities to choose from? Is there enough variety to keep both of you entertained? Is the climate temperate enough to guarantee you won’t be stuck indoors the whole time?
Just a four-hour flight from Johannesburg, Mauritius answers a solid yes to all of these questions, plus you can fly directly there with Air Mauritius. Here are five reasons that this Indian Ocean island is the perfect place for couples who like to do stuff:
- Seek the sky
Feel that adrenaline spike and share the thrill of seeing paradise from up high on a helicopter trip of the island. Your pilot and guide can explain much about the history and geography of the area, as you gaze down and change your perspective of the place. If you want to try something even more hair raising, go sky diving with one of the trusted operators on the island, jumping in tandem with a trained instructor over the Indian ocean below.
- Spend time in the water There is 300km of crystal blue coastline to explore in Mauritius, whether you’re surfing, sailing, diving or snorkelling. Hold hands as you explore the underwater world and marvel at beautiful coral and colourful fish, or try your hand at something completely new together (like parasailing) as you make unforgettable memories. The best part is that the water is warm and calm as it’s mostly protected by coral reefs, making it safe and enjoyable to spend time together in the ocean. If you opt for an All-Inclusive resort like Club Med, you’ll have a world of water sports and activities available to you, all included in your package.
- Explore exquisite national parks
Most people think of the ocean when they think of Mauritius, but the truth is that its national parks are something special too, plus they’re packed with hiking trails for all fitness levels. Experienced hikers could try The Le Morne Brabant Mountain in the south-west, a Unesco World Heritage Site that takes around 3-4 hours to summit. Bras d’Eau National Park is on the east coast, with a thick forest made up of eucalyptus, litchi trees and mahogany, while in Black River Gorges National Park you may spot macaque monkeys as you gaze down on some of the island’s best views.
- Get your golf game on
Grab your clubs and head out to one of the many exceptional golf courses Mauritius has to offer – especially remarkable given how small the island is. Picture dramatic mountainous backdrops and sparkling oceans in the distance, and you’ll have an idea of what makes these some of the most scenic spots in the world in which to play around. Some of the more well-known courses include Heritage Golf Club in the south, Ernie Els-designed Anahita in the east, and Moint Choisy in the north. Handy tip: golf bags fly free on Air Mauritius as part of their Travel Smart programme.
- Glimpse waterfalls and vibrant colours
If you want to see more of the island’s attractions, then the Chamarel waterfall in the south-west part of the island is a brilliant day trip to put on your list. The 80-metre-high waterfall is surrounded by tropical jungle on all sides and is apparently the result of volcanic activity. Also in the area is Seven Coloured Earth, a unique geological phenomenon that consists of red, brown, violet, green, purple, blue and yellow sand all gathered together in one place. The various sand colours have spontaneously settled into different layers, creating an arresting sight to which tourists flock.
Once you’ve experienced all of that activity, perhaps now is the time for both of you to grab that novel and head to the beach to enjoy some well-earned downtime? After all, there’s always time for both activity and rest in a holiday, and the best trips include a combination of the two. Enjoy!
