Why Mauritius when we both hate beachy resort holidays? John's brother Richard is getting married and we invited ourselves, is the short answer. So Mauritius it is!
Nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is an enchanting island nation that beckons travelers with its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Africa, Mauritius shares maritime borders with Madagascar to the east, Réunion to the west, and is part of the Mascarene Islands. Home to around 1.3 million people, Mauritius is a melting pot of ethnicities, blending Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences into a unique tapestry of traditions and lifestyles. Its economy revolves around key industries like tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services, which sustain the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
Beyond its economic activities, Mauritius offers a treasure trove of natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls and lush forests to vibrant coral reefs bustling with marine life.
A fascinating fact about Mauritius is its historical significance as the only known habitat of the now-extinct dodo bird.
Another cool fact that we learned from our taxi driver - Mauritius makes electricity from sugar cane biomass. A lesson on that below.
Through a process known as cogeneration, Mauritius utilizes the fibrous residue, known as bagasse, left behind after sugar extraction. This sustainable practice involves burning bagasse in specially designed boilers to produce steam, which, in turn, drives turbines connected to generators. This process generates electricity, providing a significant portion of the island's energy needs. Cool!
Our Water bottles here on the Island look like regular plastic, and feel like regular plastic but are plant-based. These bottles are typically made from renewable plant sources such as sugarcane, corn, or bamboo, which are converted into bioplastics through various manufacturing processes. Cool!
Our holiday comprises 3 parts, Bel Ombre, Pointe aux Piments, and Bel Mare Plage. Come on, say it out load in your best french accent.