One of the most challenging parts of preparing for your holiday knows what to pack. You can’t take your entire wardrobe halfway across the world with you, but how can you narrow down your choices to just the essentials. Turn up to Mauritius in style, and fit in with the locals seamlessly with this guide of the best of what to wear in Mauritius.
Beachwear
Pack plenty of swimwear and beach clothes for when you want to relax by the pool or go for a dip in the sea. Be respectful and try to make sure your swimwear is modest; a two-piece is more than ok but pack a cover-up or sarong (different ways of wearing a Sarong) for travelling to and from the beach. Due to the heat and intense sun during the day it is essential that a high factor sunscreen is also worn at all times.
Best beaches in Mauritius
Nothing says holiday relaxation more than tropical, azure waters lapping lazily on dusty white sands but, if you choose the right beach, Mauritius has so much more than stunning vistas and a tropical climate. With over 160 km of shoreline you are spoilt for choice in Mauritius. All the beaches are public so feel free to explore and find you’re favourite. There are generally more at the north of the island but there are beautiful sands to be found everywhere. With so many beaches how do you choose? There are a few must see shorelines and some have different activities so it will depend on what you want to do, so here is a small rundown of some of the best beaches to visit in Mauritius.
Travelling
The first hurdle to cross is what to wear travelling to and from your destination. England can be cold and rainy, whilst Mauritius boasts a fairly tropical climate with highs of around 28°C in the summer months (November-April). To make this transition without any cold walks to the airport or uncomfortable overheating on the way to your hotel it’s best to stick to lightweight, loose clothing.
Aim for something comfortable for the plane, like a pair of linen trousers, and layer your top half with a t-shirt and cardigan that can be stashed away in a handbag upon reaching your destination. Make sure a hat to protect your head from the sun and some sunglasses are close to hand in your carry-on luggage for those first moments out of the airport.
White sands & palm trees
Top of the list has to be Trou aux Biches at the north west of the island. At around 2km in length with beautiful white sands that are shaded by causarina trees, Trou aux Biches is reputed to be the best beach in Mauritius because of the sand quality and facilities available; what’s more, the trees give a very welcome shade, particularly for those with little ones. Its mild currents, flat sea and good weather conditions mean that it is perfect for families and sunbathing. The coast here also has a coral reef that makes it great for snorkelling and divers can enjoy the sunken wrecks at Water Lily. Stay for the breath taking sunsets as Trou aux Biches has one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.
If you are looking for a buzz at your beach then the Grand Baie is the place for you. The lively sands are a great place to get active and it is the spot for water sports of all kinds, you can even tandem skydive here if that is your thing. Grand Baie is not the place for swimming though as the water is very crowded with boats.
Daytime excursions
If you are visiting religious or spiritual sites then it is important to wear appropriate clothing; this means covering your shoulders as well as making sure to wear long shorts or trousers. It is also important to remove all leather shoes and belts before entering any of these places, if you are unsure ask your hotel or local guide before setting off. Some light layers to cover-up when the sun becomes intense around midday is important if you can’t find some shade, so pack a hat and a loose shawl to cover your shoulders and protect yourself. Comfortable shoes are also a must-have item; flip flops are great for walking short distances or on the beach but if you’re planning on covering some distance opt for some more supportive sandals or shoes that will keep your feet cool but blister-free.
Evenings
The evenings in Mauritius will be a lot cooler, especially in the winter months, than you might expect. Perfect for getting an uninterrupted night’s sleep but this does mean you’ll need to remember a lightweight cardigan or jacket to take out in the evening. If you’re going for dinner restaurants tend to be casual so a summer dress for women and trousers with a short-sleeved shirt for males will be sufficient. Women will find high-heels impractical for sandy paths so save room in your case by not taking any you won’t wear and prioritise flip flops, sandals and other flat shoes.
