MAURITIUS
GOOD VIBES Clockwise from far left: Cap Malheureux; pool, The Ravenala Attitude; reception, The Ravenala Attitude; Citron River, The Ravenala Attitude; Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis
However, if big and bustling is more your vibe, then The Ravenala Attitude will certainly fit the bill. This resort features a total of 272 suites, all with balconies, and my suite directly faced the beach which meant fantastic sunset views. The overall design is more contemporary than Zilwa and perhaps not as immediately appealing, but it did grow on me. It’s also set in huge tropical gardens planted with Ravenala “traveller palms”, and like me, you’ll probably spend a lot of your holiday beside the two large swimming pools that lead down to the beach where the water sports centre offers everything from pedalos to water bikes. Many rooms overlook the peaceful Citron River, and if you walk upriver you’ll come to the romantic Riviera Seafood restaurant: for adults only, and not part of the all-inclusive package, but a good excuse for a babysitter. Although Ravenala offers nine restaurants in all and I can particularly recommend Kot Nou for Mauritian dishes, and Lime, for sushi on the beach. Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is close to Ravenala and makes a nice change from the beach. My tip is to go early before it gets too hot, and visit the Caudan Waterfront: a popular area for shopping and dining, where it’s fun to stroll under the canopy of colourful umbrellas. Despite only having a population of 140,000, Port Louis reminded me very much of Bangkok, from the humidity and bustle to the long wait to cross busy junctions: particularly at the must-see Central Market, just a short distance from Caudan Waterfront. I also strongly recommend a visit to Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO World Heritage Site and Museum. Between 1830 and 1910 more than 450,000 people arrived in Mauritius to start a new life and Aapravasi Ghat is where they disembarked. The majority were from India, but some also from China, nearby African countries and South East Asia, and around 70% of today’s Mauritians are their descendants. Frankly, I initially went in as the museum was air conditioned, quiet and free, but I came away with a new understanding of Mauritius and its people. The experience is equally fascinating for kids, with video screens illustrating the new way of life through the eyes of a child. And from a visitor’s perspective, the legacy is of a proud, modern melting pot where the locals exhibit a joie de vivre. Plus, even today, most Mauritians speak three languages – French, English and
Creole – which puts most of the rest of us to shame. A holiday in Mauritius is a long way to come, but so worthwhile, as Attitude Resorts make it almost impossible for you not to absorb the Mauritian culture they’re so proud of. “I’ve had such a wonderful stay, I’m sorry to leave,” I said to Ishmail the Guest Services Manager of Ravenala as I reluctantly got into my taxi back to the airport. “Mo bien kontan,” he replied with a smile, which translates as, ‘I’m delighted’. And so was I.
the lowdown
HOW TO GET THERE Direct UK flights to Mauritius from 11 hours, 50 minutes SUMMER 2025 HOLIDAY OFFER Kuoni 7-night Mauritius holiday including: 3 nights all-inclusive at Zilwa Attitude; 4 nights all-inclusive at The Ravenala Attitude; direct Air Mauritius flights from London Gatwick (2 adults, 2 children under 12 years) from £6,199. Departs 25 August 2025 kuoni.co.uk/0800 088 5054 hotels-attitude.com
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