LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius

Le Morne Brabant is one of Mauritius's most famous and scenic hikes, with spectacular views of the island's southwestern corner. Enjoy expansive views stretching across the island's interior and down to the shoreline and the sea. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll start the seven-kilometre hike at dawn, ascending the mountain to the halfway point before circling around and descending. At the halfway point you'll get similar views to the summit but in a more peaceful setting. • Duration: 3 hours • Time: 5am to 10am • Departs Monday to Saturday • Operates year-round  • Group experience

• Duration: full day • Morning departure • Monday to Saturday departures • Operates year round • Private experience Good to know — You’ll benefit from a personal car with driver and local guide for the entire day but please be aware fees to any attractions you decide to visit will be payable locally.

Go beyond the smouldering beaches of Mauritius and you’ll unearth a vivid island interior, where rare birds soar over lime-green landscapes and wild trails lead to epic mountain views. Black River Gorges is the only national park in Mauritius. It’s a must if you’re into nature. Pull on your walking boots for this half-day hike and you’ll get to see some of the island’s most mesmerising sights. Follow your guide through forested trails to discover rushing waterfalls and towering trees, and listen out for local birdlife as you go. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the native echo parakeet, Mauritius kestrel or pink pigeon. • Duration: 4 hours • Departs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday\ • Operates year-round\ • Group experience

Walk along the raised walkways in the forest’s canopy, look out for Fruit Bats hanging in the trees and spot Pic Pic birds gliding above the foliage. At Sublime Point, with breath taking views across Le Morne, put pen to paper and write your own love note to be placed under the native tree you’ll shortly be planting. Not only will you be contributing to the ongoing conservation of the forest, you can return in years to come to see how it’s grown. • Duration: half day • Morning departure • Monday to Saturday departures • Operates year round • Private experience Good to know — This is a beautiful experience for honeymooners, anniversary couples or a special proposal.

Spend a memorable evening horse riding along a beach in Mauritius, enjoying the soothing sound of gentle waves as the sun melts away, accompanied by an experienced and trained guide. Wade into the cool water with your horse, canter along the stunning white sand and soak up the majestic sea views as the sun sets into the ocean. After your ride, enjoy a cheese and wine session to round off an idyllic evening. Don’t forget your camera! • Duration: 1-hour ride • Evening departure • Daily departures • Operates year round • Private experience Good to know — Suitable for both novice and experienced riders, the trek will be tailored to your abilities and led by an experienced guide.

As you reach the Central Market with a deeper understanding of the rich diversity of Mauritius, tuck into local delicacies from fritters and roti to dumplings, curries and noodles and wash them down with the local speciality Alouda – an ice-cold milk drink served with agar-agar and psyllium grains. Discover even more culinary treasures as you make your way to Chinatown where generations of Chinese immigrants have traded before exploring the boutique shops and craft markets at the Cauden Waterfront. • Duration: half day • Morning departure • Monday to Saturday departures • Operates year round • Private experience Good to know — While every effort is made to accommodate any dietary requirements, please discuss with your guide before booking.

Experience conservation in action as you explore the Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve run by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation on this insightful guided eco tour. Having previously been devastated by tree logging and the introduction of non-native animal and plant species, the foundation’s intense conservation efforts have resulted in the restoration of the forest and species that had long since disappeared from the island. After a short boat trip from the mainland across Mahebourg Bay, your private ranger will guide you along the reserve’s trails introducing you to the distinctive flora and fauna, pointing out rare species such as the Pink Pigeon and Giant Aldabra Tortoise as you go. Before leaving, head to the islands famed Rault Biscuit Factory where cassava biscuits have been produced for over a century and tuck into an authentic Mauritian lunch at a local restaurant. • Duration: half day • Morning departure • Monday to Saturday departures (excluding Wednesday) • Operates year round • Private experience Good to know — Although a gentle route suitable for children, we recommend packing a good pair of walking shoes and some bug repellent for the trail.

Catching your first glimpse of a dolphin racing beside your boat or spotting a giant humpback whale breaching on the ocean’s surface are moments that will stay with you forever. As you head out along the west coast, your experienced crew will begin briefing you on the types of dolphins and whales you can hope to spot and most importantly how to view these magnificent mammals in a sustainable and responsible manner. It won’t be long before you’re an expert at identifying the two types of dolphins found here – Bottlenose and Spinners – as you watch them play in their natural habitat. Sperm Whales call these waters home all year-round while between July and November giant Humpback Whales travel up from the arctic to breed and give birth. As you continue into deeper waters in search of these graceful creatures, the skippers will be on hand to answer all your questions and ensure you’re prepared for your first encounter. • Duration: half day • Time: 7.30am to 12.30pm • Monday to Saturday departures • Operates year Round • Private experience Good to know — As this experience involves wild animals, there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter the dolphins or whales in their natural habitat but the crew at Dolswim have a 90% success rate. Due to the nature of the activity this experience is not recommended for pregnant women, those who are physically challenged or children under five years old.