Mauritius had been a dream for both of us — for Velly and me — for a very long time. After several rounds of planning and rescheduling, we finally made it happen at exactly the right moment: late November 2025, one of the most beautiful times of year to be on the island.
La Pirogue — Our Home in Paradise
Our hotel was La Pirogue — a paradise in every sense of the word. Set in a wonderful location with a gorgeous beach and a crystal-clear lagoon ideal for snorkelling, the resort has a lush jungle exterior with bungalows in true tropical style. It is connected to the neighbouring Sugar Beach, where guests can use all facilities, including the restaurant.
Our bungalow had everything we needed — plus a wonderful espresso machine and a private terrace where mornings became a ritual of their own. We were on half-board, and every single meal exceeded our expectations. Themed evenings rotated through Mauritian, Italian, Indian, and other cuisines, keeping dinner genuinely exciting night after night.
“The hotel gifted us a romantic dinner right on the beach — an abundance of seafood delicacies and exceptional wine. It felt like the island itself was celebrating with us.”
There was some entertainment too, though we preferred the sound of the ocean. One small note for fellow travellers: La Pirogue is a haven for non-smokers — smoking is not permitted even in the open-air restaurant areas. There is only one small section of the bar where it is allowed.
Our Rhythm — One Day Out, One Day In
We found our perfect pace early: one day exploring, one day surrendering completely to the beach. That alternation meant nothing ever wore us out or bored us across the entire ten days. Mauritius proved itself to be paradise on earth — we felt wonderful throughout, and there was never a dull moment.
Aashive — Our Driver, Guide & Friend
We hired a private driver — Aashive — at a very reasonable price, roughly comparable to renting a car ourselves, and he became our guide, host, and friend all at once. He met us at the airport on arrival, saw us off at departure, and took us on four unforgettable excursions:
- 🌿 Excursion 1 — Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades) and the stunning south
- ⛵ Excursion 2 — Full-day catamaran from Grand Baie (booked via GetYourGuide)
- 🌺 Excursion 3 — North circuit: Pamplemousse Botanical Garden, Grand Baie & Cap Malheureux Church
- 🏖️ Excursion 4 — East coast half-day (Belle Mare & surrounds) on the way to the airport on our final evening
We visited all the famous landmarks, but Aashive also introduced us to places most tourists never find. And at lunchtime, he always knew exactly where to take us for an authentic local meal — nothing from a guidebook, everything from real Mauritian life.
The Catamaran Day
One full day, we dedicated entirely to the sea — a catamaran excursion booked in advance through GetYourGuide. Snorkelling over coral gardens, swimming in open turquoise water, a seafood BBQ lunch on deck. It was everything the Indian Ocean should be.
The Last Morning
On the final morning, we lay on the beach one last time and took stock: everything had been magical. We boarded our evening flight rested, recharged, and with nothing left wanting.
The Emirates flights — long overnight legs through Dubai — didn’t feel like a burden at all. And before the airport, Aashive gave us one last gift: a half-day tour of the eastern coast, the perfect final chapter to our ten days on this extraordinary island.
Our Practical Notes
Hotel: La Pirogue Resort & Spa, Flic-en-Flac
Board: Half-board (breakfast + dinner)
Flights: Emirates via Dubai (Sofia → Dubai → Mauritius)
Best time to visit: Late November — warm, dry, uncrowded.
Duration: 10 nights
Catamaran Booked via GetYourGuide
Mauritius is not just a destination. It is a feeling. Go, and you will understand.
— Elly & Velly · vellyway.com