Mauritius : things to do / one week itinerary with Attitude Hotels

Itinerary Mauritius – day 1: chill, we’re in Mauritius !

Arrival at the Ravenala attitude, Mauritius 

4:30 am: I leave my apartment in Reunion, towards the airport of Roland Garros to take my flight to Mauritius! I already have butterflies in my belly just by thinking about it (and again when I write it).

After 45 minutes of flight, I begin to perceive the beautiful Turquoise lagoons of Mauritius, it’s beautiful, the journey begins!

I’m back on the island for the third time! And every time, I don’t get tired of it. It’s new encounters, new flavors and new places that I have the pleasure to rediscover.  

The taxi awaits me, direction the Ravenala Attitude hotel on the North-West coast of the island in Balaclava. It’s a 1h30 drive away! During the journey, I take the time to discuss with this very friendly Mauritian driver who teaches me that “Ravenala” means “the tree of the traveler” in Mauritian Creole.

I am arrived at the Ravenala Attitude, and I am directly greeted by the friendly family members. At Attitude, you will learn very quickly that we are not talking about just hotels or employees, we are talking about a large family that has the will to make you discover the authentic Mauritius Island. What a kindness, what a welcome, what warmth, I will always remember those really typical smiles of Mauritius. I was never as well received as in Mauritius, that’s for sure.

The Ravenala attitude is a 4-star hotel that literally invites you to travel. Exotic garden, River, contemporary decoration with tropical notes… There is a real harmony in this hotel! 

I start the trip by a breakfast on the beach, feet in the sand of course. And what a variety! Tropical fruits, omelettes, pastries, fresh fruit juices… Impeccable service from A to Z. I am careful however not to overdo it because the lunch is going to be just as fabulous.

It is now time to go and discover my room for these few days in paradise. I will remember that for a long time. How to tell you is just whaou. Honestly, this is the best hotel room in which I had slept. Spacious, warm, very well decorated, I did not want to leave her. This was before opening the door to the balcony and discovering the heavenly view of my room on the beach and palm trees. I’m still fascinated.

Beach, paddle, pedalo… or swimming pool?

Today, it’s chill and treats, I savor the wonderful dishes offered by the Lime (the hotel’s Japanese restaurant). It’s fine and tasty, a marvel! I am full! We let go now and we relax with all the activities of the Ravenala: Beach, paddle, pedalo, teens Club for children or tanning session on the deckchairs… It is not the choice that is lacking, long live Maurice!

5.30 pm: it is already the time of the first Mauritian sunset, accompanied by an aperitif and a rum tasting. And it’s just magical.

I close this first day with a dinner at the Riviera, the hotel’s floating restaurant located on the lemon River. On the menu: tasting of lobsters, fresh fish, oysters, shrimp, Octopus (or Creole)… a real treat for seafood lovers.

The Ravenala attitude offers a true culinary journey through its 10 restaurants (3 of which are reserved exclusively for adults). What to spend very good moments greedy and varied (I already feel the small kilos arrive…). Icing on the cake if you are cocktail lovers!  The Ravenala has 6 bars to choose from.

My favorite: the small caravans of Mauritian street food open throughout the day inside the hotel like the one seen in every corner of the streets! Dhall Puri, Chili snacks, samoussas… I’m still drooling.

Itinerary Mauritius – day 2: Port Louis and the Jardin de Pamplemousses

We are already attacking the second day in Mauritius, I feel that it will pass too fast!

Discovery of Port Louis

After having swallowed a good breakfast at the Mosaik restaurant, we are heading to the capital of the island, Port Louis, to wander through its alleys, discover its market and its itinerant merchants, the typical shops of Chinatown and the street-art. Let’s discover the heart of Mauritius! The hotel takes you ;).

And good news, you can download the Otentik discovery application proposed by the hotels attitude and follow the GPS on the map to discover the good places and typical locations of Port-Louis. It’s a real treasure, I assure you, the application will reveal all the nuggets of the city. I pave the way and then discover the Alouda from Pillay, a kind of local milkshake. MiAM, I’ll be back! In the market, colors are omnipresent. Fruits, vegetables, spices, medicinal herbs, souvenirs… It’s a real happiness for the eyes. And above all, think about always negotiating! 😉

Like a real Mauritian, I discover the best street food addresses thanks to the application, and I enjoy: I have the pleasure of tasting the best dumplings, the best cakes, the best roti (a delicious Patty accompanied by Curry of vegetables and/or meat/fish) or even the best dhall Puri of the city (I am still dreaming about it)!

Heading to the Jardin de Pamplemousses

After a special street-food lunch with a thousand and one flavors, I am heading now on the Jardin de Pamplemousses!  Time to discover the Mauritian flora and fauna. I wander in this tropical garden, among the gigantic century-old trees, the Palm trees, the giant water lilies, the oleanders, the camphoriers of China… and it is an extraordinary journey!

Back at the hotel, I have two choices: the beach or the pool, I still hesitate haha. And I finish this second day in Mauritius at the restaurant Kot NOU to discover the traditional Mauritian cuisine. Yummy, I love the typical curries from here. Tasty and spicy, as I like!  Good to know: the Kot NOU is the signature restaurant of Attitude, so it is present in all their hotels.

Itinerary Mauritius – day 3: cooking classes and discovery of the Champ de Mars

A cooking class at the Ravenala Attitude

This third day is still rich in discoveries! 

After the belly well filled (as usual you’ll say haha), we continue the day with a cooking class at the hotel! Welcome to the Otentik cuisine experience offered by Attitude.

I put my apron and my Tote, let’s go! We are going to learn to cook the traditional Mauritian chicken curry. It smells already good: ginger, garlic, turmeric, chilli, massalé… so goood! The chef gave us all his tricks, I could reproduce the recipe top hand ;). It’s good because it’s time for the cooking competition! Separated into 4 teams, we are challenged to make the best chicken curry. Our team composed of Jessica, Kim and Nathalie appoints me leader. Let’s the contest starts! We have so much fun reproducing his recipe with the firm attention to win haha.  The chef takes pleasure to discover each of our dishes and he chooses our plate for our greatest happiness!

A horse race in the Champ de Mars

In the afternoon, I wear my most beautiful dress and leave the Ravenala for the Champ of Mars. The oldest Racecourse in the southern hemisphere! Mauritians are players and love horse racing. The appointment is given every Saturday, between the end of March and December. Dress code: chic.

Make your games, and enter the folk and electric atmosphere of horse racing! An incredible experience in the heart of Mauritian tradition. Authentic moments not to be missed. The attitude hotels invite you to live them and take you there!

The closed bets and the show ended, we redirect to the hotel. It’s sunset time, I accompany it this time a good pina colada!

The day ends with a dinner at the Bistrot, the resolutely urban and modern restaurant of the Ravenala Attitude. I especially loved its decoration with industrial accent. We even travel inside the hotel, it’s crazy!

I finish the evening with a last small rum in good company before I find my bed for one last night. Tomorrow we leave the Ravenala, direction the Zilwa Atude! I promise I’ll be back ;).

Itinerary Mauritius – day 4: catamaran day and arrival at Zilwa Attitude

Catamaran day with the Coin de Mire Attitude

I leave with emotion the Ravenala and its family members. This is just goodbye.  

We take the shuttle from the hotel which takes us to the beach of the hotel Coin de Mire Attitude. The lagoon with turquoise waters of Cap Malheureux is just splendid. The catamaran Attitude awaits us!  We embark on board for a festive and chill day.

We head to the mythical Coin de Mire for a small splash then on the shores of the lagoon always aboard the catamaran for a tasty BBQ, small lemon punches and a musical show just for us with our friends the skippers. They are gifted these Mauritians, they have music in the skin!

GoPro shot by @Guiruch

Pictures by @Alanisko

Check-in at The Zilwa Attitude

Some dives later, we leave the ship, direction the Zilwa Attitude. We are warmly welcomed with music, what a delight! A little anecdote: in Mauritian Creole, zilwa means “Islander”. 

With the eyes wide open, I discover the hotel and its infinity pool. It offers a unique view on the Coin de Mire! A beautiful and zen spot to enjoy the sunset tonight. 😉

I discover my room and its universe quite different from the Ravenala! This time I immerse myself in a rustic and contemporary decor that reminds the typical seaside houses.

I am preparing and this time to live a unique experience with one of the hotel’s family members. It’s the Otentik dinner. I’m going to share a meal with Manuela and her family, an experience “Otentik Attitude”! I’m having a wonderful time at the heart of Mauritian culture. She teaches us how to cook the traditional “Gato piment”, a kind of fried doughcake based on “little yellow peas”, spices and chilli of course (much like falafel).  We share our stories at the table, our anecdotes and we feel like at home, like a member of her family. Hard to remember everything there was on the table, but one thing is for sure, I feted!

After this good meal, it is the time of Sega (traditional Mauritian dance). Manuela teaches us the steps and the rhythm of the music, we end the evening by dancing, smiling to the ears.

Memories full head, it is time to fall asleep. Tomorrow an even more thrilling day awaits me, I confess, I am scared!

Itinerary Mauritius – day 5: diving, mountain biking and BBQ on the Grand ZIL

The activities of the Zilwa Attitude

Diving, canoeing, strolling off the beaten path, Creole lessons… what do you choose?

The alarm clock sounds at 5:30 am. A fisherman from the region invites us to discover and share his daily life at sunrise on his canoe.

Such a shame, the clouds and the rain were also invited.

This Otentik attitude experience is available upon reservation at the hotel. I’ll be back!

It is 7 am, time for some breakfast at the restaurant Karay but I am a little nervous.

Yes, in a few minutes, I’m about to make my first dive!

I am both excited and stressed but it does not matter, we only live once not?

After 1 hour of explanations and exercises in the pool of the Zilwa Attitude, here I am a little more reassured! Direction Le Coin de Mire for my first dive!

Bottle on the back, I plunge into the translucent depths of Mauritius.

It’s magical, I breathe underwater! I slowly descend to 8-10 meters of depth accompanied by my monitor from Dodo Divers. The show is beautiful. The silence of the ocean soothes me, the beautiful colors of fishes and corals give me balm to the heart. My eyes are full of stars. I take pleasure for the first time to visit and explore this world that is not mine. I do not touch anything but my eyes them Yes! We even see a turtle! How lucky.

After 30 minutes in weightlessness, it’s time to go back up. I am proud of myself, very happy to have experienced this incredible experience.

For those who do not feel diving, no worries! You can opt for the discovery of the Grand Gaube by bike, a small fishing village full of charm. Equipped with the Otentik discovery application, explore the treasures of this village that has kept its authenticity. Hindu temples, the landing, the Church of the CAP Malheureux… and plenty of other treasures await you.  A total of 25 km and 24 steps!

You can also take the Mauritian Creole course. You can discover the real island of Mauritius, those of its inhabitants, their history, their culture and their language.

Don’t forget paddle or kite surfing at Anse la skate, one of the best spots on the island!

Picture by @Dododivers/Anthony TANNEUR

Picture by @Alanisko

BBQ and dinner on the private island of the Zilwa Attitude, the Grand ZIL

As time goes by, it’s already 12:30! Barbecue time on the private island of Zilwa Attitude, the Grand ZIL! I see by far this small islet surrounded by turquoise water and palm trees.

Barely the foot resting on the Grand ZIL, I already have my Coco in my hand. And accompanied by rum of course! The afternoon looks fantastic. It is time to feast on grilled lobsters and Curry of zourit (Octopus) and to go perfect my Tan!  

If you have children, you should know that the Zilwa attitude organizes treasure hunts on the island. It is an adventure that will undoubtedly leave your children with unforgettable memories. Remember to book your BBQ on the island at the reception.

Pictures by @Mesptitsboutsdumonde & @tailsofamermaid

Pictures by @Guiruch

4:30 pm: it’s time to go back to Zilwa attitude, I take the opportunity to go around the hotel that I have not yet had time to visit! It’s huge and so beautiful. When I think it’s already my last evening here…

Time catches up, dinner’s coming. We go back to the Grand ZIL for an evening Otentik music with the sound of local rhythms. This time, I discover the other face of the Grand ZIL. At night! It’s just a fairy tale.  From afar on the boat, I see the beautiful light garlands on the palms. It was like a Christmas night but in the tropics.

The aperitif awaits us wisely as well as a Giga buffet worthy of a wedding.

This is the Mauritian Fiesta!

Itinerary Mauritius – day 6: a day at the Ile au CERFS

Arrival at Tropical attitude and heading for the île aux CERFS

That’s it, it’s already the last day. Snif.

We are heading to the Tropical Attitude hotel for a final day still full of discoveries!

The Tropical Attitude is much more human-sized than the Ravenala or Zilwa.

We are greeted by a welcome cocktail and always with the wonderful smiles of the family members.

I appreciate its cozy spirit and above all, its beautiful view on the Ile aux CERFS and the beautiful lagoon of Trou d’eau douce.

Pictures by @Mesptitsboutsdumonde

Besides, this is our destination today! Tropical Attitude provides guests with free boat shuttles to get there. And it’s only 5 minutes away!

After a few strolling on the Ile aux CERF, it is time to eat! I still feel the smell of the barbecue going up in my nostrils. What a delight! I still have the mouth water just to think of lobsters and roasted garlic breads. Not to mention the local punch;).

I finish the lunch by singing and dancing. I definitely got a taste for it!

Pictures by @Alanisko @Mesptitsboutsdumonde

It’s time to go…

Time to return to the hotel and it’s tea time (and Yes, we do not stop eating in Mauritius)! The small caravan Taba-J of the Tropical Attitude awaits us. On the menu: pancakes, and local cakes.

Before departure, the hotel’s Otentik Bazar appeals to me, and you know my love for small craft markets.  So I buy a bracelet of pearls and shells as a souvenir.

Good to know: the Otentik Bazar is a green and authentic concept: zero profit for the hotel.

Ayo, the journey is already over… direction the Airport (“Ayo” is a Mauritian expresion that can have different meanings according to the intonation: “awesome” “it’s good” or “it’s a pity”, you have to choose the last very precisely in my case). It’s time to say goodbye to all the wonderful people who have lived this wonderful stay with me as well as the whole family members. It is always with emotion that I leave a place rich in sumptuous memories. And in the end, it was all the people I met who made the strength and richness of this trip, who lived this experience with me.

Thanks to the Attitude hotel team and the We Like Travel Super team for this great trip: Esther, Nicolas, Sidney and Thibaut.

Thank you for your joy of living and such beautiful encounters.

We are a little bit of a family now, we will see us again one day I hope! This is just a goodbye.

If you also visit the Blue Bay area of Mauritius, discover my guide right here;).