Where is your favourite destination and why?
Mauritius. Many people think of it as just a holiday destination, but it’s so much more than that. My parents are based there full time now and, since spending more time visiting them with my kids recently, I’ve discovered there’s a much deeper world which sets it apart from other tropical destinations like the Maldives or the Seychelles. I think it’s because humans have only been living on the island for a few hundred years and, over that short time, its geopolitical alignment has shifted quite considerably.
This has created an incredible cultural mix — Christmas rubs shoulders with Diwali and Chinese New Year on the roster of public holidays, and you’ll find a beach bar nestled between a patisserie that makes you think you’re in Paris and an Indian restaurant that knocks the socks off anything you’ll find outside of the sub-continent. English and French are both spoken alongside the local Creole and no one who lives on the island speaks only one language.
It’s a bright, colourful, friendly dynamic and people just smile. All. The. Time. Most importantly to me, there’s a wonderful sense of community. Neighbours pop in for a sunset drink while the big kids teach the little kids how to catch crabs on the beach.
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
I'm actually here right now, the joys of post-pandemic remote working. We got locked down on the island while visiting my parents during COVID and, while we were here, we got a bit further under the skin of the place from a non-holidaying perspective. We’re now in the process of moving out here (semi-) full time.
Where do you like to stay there?
We stay in Grand Baie (the northern tip of the island), which is beautiful, but we did a full tour of the hotels on the island during COVID — no flights could get in or out so all these incredible hotels had the most amazing discounts on offer. My favourites are the Paradis (particularly if travelling with kids) (from £483, book it here) and Le Saint Geran One & Only (probably not with kids!) (£851, book it here).
What has been your favourite meal there?
So many to choose from but freshly caught fish has to be the pinnacle. You never know what’s going to come back on the boat — yellowfin tuna and dorado are my two favourites.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
Head south-west towards Le Morne. If kite-surfing is your thing, get a couple of hours in above the underwater waterfall at the very bottom of the island. I’m not a kite surfer but am told it’s among the top five best spots on the planet. If golf is your thing, play a round at the Paradis. It has truly glorious views of Le Morne, the lagoon, and the setting sun. If hiking is your thing, hike up Le Morne. Read about the history of the place. If none of the above float your boat, check into the Paradis, grab a spot on the beach, and maybe have a cocktail while you watch the sun set over the reef.
Three favourite restaurants?
Le Poivrier (lepoivrier.mu) for lunch, Nature et Délices (nature-et-delices.mu) for dinner, The Beach House (instagram.com/thebeachhousemu) for a long lunch with live music on the beach. All very different and all in Grand Baie.
What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
It’s only really an option if you’re staying in the north of the island, but taking a boat day trip out to Flat Island is a pretty special experience. There are party boats if that’s your thing, or you can do it in a more relaxed manner via your hotel or friends on the island. It’s a full day trip to explore the uninhabited islands off the northern point of Mauritius. It’s crystal clear water, white sand, and a little beach shack where you can grab a beer.
Is there a hidden gem you are willing to share?
One thing most people don’t know is that all beaches and shoreline around the island are public property. So theoretically you can walk the entire perimeter of the island. There are beaches that are hard to get to from the road — make friends with a local and get walking directions to an unspoiled gem. There are plenty.
Where do you like to let your hair loose?
Doesn’t happen as much as it used to! Hotel bars are quite fun if you’re in the market for holiday energy. If you’re keen to meet a few islanders, Banana Bar in Grand Baie (bananabeachclub.com) is always a good bet.
Who do you call to have a good time there?
I tend to call my cousins – they're Mauritian and love a bit of a day party.
Favourite shops?
Rendez Vous at La Croisette is fantastic. It’s a collective that brings together small local artisans, so there’s always a fun, ever-changing selection — especially good for gifts and souvenirs. Goyco at Bloom is another favourite: a beautiful boutique tucked inside a lovely little restaurant. The hotel boutiques are excellent too. I bought my wedding dress from a hotel boutique the day before my wedding and was very pleased with it!
The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
Patrick Mavros jewellery is a great one. Each piece is made in their Mauritius atelier, and many of the designs are inspired by the island itself, making them a thoughtful gift — or the ideal souvenir to take home.
Your favourite beauty spot
The Lux Grand Baie Spa (luxresorts.com) is hard to beat.
Your packing essential?
One thing I’ve learned from bitter experience is to get an e-sim before you fly out. Data roaming charges are insane…
A song that reminds you of the place?
Jerusalema by Master KG
Your dress code for the destination?
Linen is a good choice.
Have you ever had an emergency incident there?
My daughter ended up in hospital for four days with gastro when she was 18 months old. It was pretty terrifying — living in the UK you forget how dangerous dehydration can be — but the medical care here is amazing. All the senior doctors have spent most of their careers working in the UK or the EU (particularly Ireland) and there are brand new facilities going up all over the place.
Building you would like to live in?
Only Mauritian citizens can own property on the shoreline which limits what you can buy as a foreigner, but there’s a great rental market. Personally I love the beach we live on and would be happy in any houses along there.
Favourite memory from there?
I've been coming here since I was four years old so there are too many to choose from. My husband, Sam Cutmore-Scott, would, I’m sure, want me to mention our wedding day on the beach at the Paradis.
My favourite memory would be from the Paradis but, if I’m being really honest, it would probably be the daily 4pm pancake station…
Chelsy Davy is the founder of Aya, aya.co.uk
