Mauritius: Whoever Said You Can’t Travel There Solo Is A Gatekeeper

I touched down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport—a name so long, I wouldn’t dare risk butchering it.

After clearing customs, I headed towards the green channel, confident I had nothing to declare. However, one of the security officers stopped me for a more thorough check. At first, I wasn’t fazed because I’ve got nothing to hide but it became clear they were more curious than suspicious about why I was travelling solo.

When I explained that I was on a four-month sabbatical and travelling solo, the officer looked a bit bewildered and asked, “Why Mauritius on your own?” I shared my plans, and after a moment, he smiled, wished me a pleasant trip and even slipped me his number “just in case you need a guide.” It was the first of many similar encounters during my time in Mauritius—people were so playful and lighthearted. It never felt uncomfortable or threatening, just part of the island’s warm and easygoing charm.

so so good..

After that, I met the guy handing over the car I’d rented—a bright red vehicle. Normally, I go for neutral colours like black or white to keep things low-key, but this car? It was everything. Bright red against the lush greenery of Mauritius? Hilarious and perfect. The rental was pricey—but it was worth every penny.

First stop: a charming boutique hotel run by a group of lovely aunties. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced. Their warmth wasn’t in-your-face friendliness but quiet kindness. One of them handed me a glass of water, saying, “Here, you must be thirsty,” while another called for her husband to carry my bags up the stairs. It felt like home. 

Once settled, I Googled nearby restaurants, found one and drove there. Parking in Mauritius, by the way, is an experience in itself. There aren’t clear parking spaces; you just find a spot on some grass or something and hope for the best. Inside the restaurant, I was greeted by two incredibly handsome men who recommended a shrimp dish, rice, and samosas. And the samosas? I probably ate my body weight in them throughout this trip. 

If you followed my trip to Mauritius, you’d know how much I indulged in the island’s extraordinary food scene. Honestly, I was snacking five to six times a day—completely guilt-free. The street food was unbelievably affordable, and the variety was staggering. Fresh rotis, piaw, spicy samosas, rich halim, and an endless array of sauces and chutneys—it was impossible not to dive in at every opportunity.

One of the standouts was a biryani spot that had been serving just one dish for 25 years. That’s it—biryani, day in and day out. By 1 or 2 pm, they’d be completely sold out, and the queue to get a plate? It stretched on for what felt like miles. But trust me, it was worth every second of the wait.

On my trip I visited a museum—beautiful in its own right—but it also offered a deeper look at Mauritius’ past. It painted a vivid picture of how this island, seemingly idyllic and remote, became the cultural melting pot it is today. And food is at the very heart of that story.

During the British colonial era, indentured labourers were brought over from India to work on the sugar plantations. Along with their skills and labour, they brought their culinary traditions—spices, curries, rotis, dhal, and biryani—which have since become deeply woven into the fabric of Mauritian cuisine.

But it doesn’t end there. The African roots of the cuisine are equally fascinating. People who were enslaved introduced their cooking techniques, creating dishes like rougaille and Creole stews that brim with depth and richness. These dishes stand as a testament to resilience and the power of preserving cultural identity through food.

Later, Chinese immigrants arrived, adding yet another dimension to the culinary landscape. With them came stir-fries, noodles, and bold sauces, all adapted to the local produce. The result? Mauritian-Chinese dishes that are unlike anything I’ve tasted elsewhere. The closest comparison might be the hawker stalls in Malaysia or Singapore, but even then, Mauritius has its own distinctive spin. I had this turnover noodle bowl crowned with a fried egg called Bol Renversé, it was messy but so comforting! 

And of course, there’s the European influence. Both French and British colonists left their mark with pastries, creamy sauces, and dishes like coq au vin. These, too, have evolved into something uniquely Mauritian, incorporating the island’s bounty of fresh ingredients and tropical flair. I don’t really speak about the Dutch because they didn’t really leave a a specific dish but obviously sugarcane had a lasting impact and that was introduced by them.

As a Bengali, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between Mauritian cuisine and my own. Bengali curries, like those in Mauritius, are often lighter and more broth-like, as opposed to the heavier, creamier curries found in other parts of India. And seafood is central to both, making the flavours feel personal, familiar, and deeply comforting.

What struck me the most was how naturally these diverse influences came together. Geographically, Mauritius has long been a melting pot for traders from Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. This was my first time experiencing fusion food that felt seamless. It wasn’t trying to be trendy—it was simply a reflection of history, geography, and people. I was blown away by how effortlessly it all worked together. It’s like when a DJ seamlessly mixes two tracks you’d never imagine could go together, and you’re left thinking, No way, that was insane! That’s exactly what my taste buds were experiencing the entire time I was in Mauritius.

Mauritius could be an expensive getaway but contrary to popular belief, Mauritius was surprisingly affordable. Everyone warned me it would be expensive, but I think it depends on how you travel. My boutique hotel was about €60 a night—a steal compared to the lavish resorts most couples or groups seem to go for. My budget allowed for splurges up to €120 a night, and even then, I found the island more budget-friendly than expected. At the time I was on the road for 4 months so I couldn’t be doing up €300 accommodations every night. 

i mean..

Over the two weeks I spent in Mauritius, I explored the island at my own pace, guided by recommendations from my friends Meg and Nagesh (who are Mauritian). One day, I visited a rum distillery—a fascinating stop on my journey. Since most of the other visitors spoke French, I ended up with a private tour led by a bubbly guide who instantly felt like my little sister. We hit it off right away, sharing stories and even diving into her workplace drama. At one point, she gestured toward a colleague and said, “That’s my best friend over there. We’re not talking at the moment.” Whilst pouring generous tastings of various rums—including their priciest aged selection—we chatted like old friends and I tried to give her some big sisterly advice. It was one of those delightful, unexpected moments. 

After buying a couple of bottles to thank friends back in South Africa, I hit the road again and stumbled upon a restaurant perched high in the mountains. The views? Unreal. The lush greenery seemed to shimmer with a turquoise hue against the baby-blue waters below. Sitting there, enjoying a coffee and a light snack, I couldn’t believe how magical Mauritius was.

Honestly get a car because driving allowed me to discover hidden gems, stop wherever I pleased, and soak in the island's beauty on my own terms. Mauritius is often seen as a honeymoon destination, but trust me—it’s also a solo traveller’s paradise.

But Mauritius isn’t your typical solo travel experience. It wasn’t like the backpacker scene on Khao San Road in Thailand, filled with hostels and parties. Instead, it felt like a destination where you could truly immerse yourself in the culture, the food, and the people. And let me tell you, the people were the highlight—so welcoming, so accommodating and so kind.

When I dined alone, they ensured I was seated comfortably, often checking on me to make sure everything was okay. Even at beach bars, strangers would strike up conversations with me in the most charming ways. One moment I’d be sipping a drink in a basic white shirt, and the next someone would compliment my outfit, starting a friendly chat, just because. 

It was during one of these encounters that I met a group of lovely Mauritian women. They invited me to join their table—it was one of their birthdays—and I instantly felt included. The group was a mix of personalities: one was a DJ, another worked in production, and one was the life of the party. We spent the evening laughing, sharing life experiences, and connecting in a way that felt so natural. Interestingly, they thought I might be British Mauritian because of my skin tone and the way I was dressed. 

Before my trip, my friend Meg joked that Mauritians would “lap me up,” and to my surprise, she wasn’t wrong. It’s a surreal feeling to realise you align with a country’s beauty standards, especially in a place as diverse as Mauritius, where a range of looks and styles are celebrated. Drinks would appear at my table unprompted, bills seemed to magically shrink, and invitations to parties rolled in. It was flattering and fun, but it also made me pause to reflect on how beauty is perceived differently across cultures. For a brief moment, I couldn’t help but think and laugh, So this is what Regina George must have felt like in Mean Girls.

One such invitation led me to a house party on the other side of the island, hosted by a wealthy Mauritian man I’d met through mutual friends during my stay. Their estate was absolutely jaw-dropping. Imagine an entire street, about 200 metres long, lined with 10 stunning multi-story homes—all owned by their family, with every property overlooking the ocean. It was a breathtaking paradise passed down through generations, offering a glimpse into a side of Mauritius not every traveller gets to see.

Some of them had studied abroad in the UK, which added an international flair to their relaxed, easy-going vibe. I was genuinely taken aback, thinking, Wow, this really is a dream lifestyle. The experience gave me a fascinating peek into the layers of culture and community that I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

During my trip to Mauritius, I explored and stayed in various locations across the island, typically spending a couple of nights in each place. My journey took me to Grand Gaube and Rivière du Rempart in the northeast, as well as Triolet, Port Louis, and Pamplemousses in the northwest. I ventured to the east coast, visiting Flacq District, Trou d’Eau Douce, and Belle Mare, soaking in the coastal beauty. In the southwest, I stayed in Black River/Tamarin and explored the breathtaking Le Morne Brabant and Black River Gorges National Park. My travels also included central areas like Quatre Bornes and the southeast, where I spent time in Mahébourg. Each destination offered its own unique charm.

What truly elevated my experience were the insider moments—those you might not get from a guidebook. From chatting with locals at restaurants and beach bars to making new friends and even going on a date, I gained a firsthand understanding of Mauritius that few travellers might encounter. And to be honest this post doesn’t even touch the sides of what I fully experienced there, I feel like that needs to go in the book. However these moments gave me a deeper appreciation of the island’s many layers and I can’t wait to go back!

The track I’ll leave you with today is Touch Down by Stylo G and ThE FaNaTiX.

Love,

Rez x