Mauritius on Your Plate: A Sun-Kissed Winter Delight!

January is finally coming to an end. The days are slowly getting longer… but winter is still lingering. So, why not start dreaming of brighter horizons? Perhaps a sunny vacation, toes in the sand, and indulging in a cuisine that smells of adventure.

The Sunlife hotels invited me to explore Mauritius through its flavors, embarking on a true culinary journey in the heart of the Indian Ocean. It was a tour around the island of tastes, spices, and traditions, both generous and exotic. The island now welcomes tourists year-round, though the best time to visit is from May to December for drier weather and more comfortable temperatures. And while not everyone can travel, nothing stops us from bringing the sunshine to our dining tables. I took advantage of my stay to bring back local recipes. With these, Mauritius makes an appearance at home, warming up the winter and tantalizing the taste buds with the warm, spicy flavors of the Indian Ocean.

After about 11 hours of flight from Orly, I landed in the southeast of Mauritius. My first stop was at La Pirogue hotel. Opened in 1976, it was the first hotel built on the island’s west coast. Its name refers to the traditional fishing boat used by Mauritian fishermen. Overlooking the sunsets, La Pirogue offers a Mauritian lifestyle filled with charm and gentleness. This four-star hotel recalls the fishermen’s villages of the past, with its thatched-roof bungalows scattered across a vast coconut grove. Sega music, cooking workshops, and local flavors mark the stay in a refined and warm atmosphere.

In terms of dining, La Pirogue mirrors the richness of Mauritian cuisine: diverse and hearty. The main restaurant, Wolmar, offers a world tour of flavors, featuring traditional Mauritian, Asian, and Indian dishes, a delicious reflection of the island’s cultural diversity. For seafood lovers, the Magenta Grill provides an idyllic setting with its lagoon views: curry lobster, grilled fish, tuna or snapper carpaccio, all enjoyed to the rhythm of the sunset. For a different beach experience, you can dine with your feet in the sand at La Pirogue’s beach, illuminated by the flames of a giant barbecue.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head over to Sugar Beach, another hotel in the group next to La Pirogue. You might want to visit the Buddha-Bar Beach, where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails while taking in the reflection of the stars on the lagoon’s surface.

The next leg of the journey takes place on the east coast of the island, at Long Beach. But before reaching the hotel, I made a detour through Port Louis, the capital. There, you can embark on a food tour guided by someone who narrates the island’s history and takes you to eateries frequented by Mauritians. A highlight for me was the Mauritian roti (which is more similar to naan than what its name suggests). I’ll share the recipe: it’s delicious with a Mauritian rougail or curry.

The city markets are also worth a visit: you can discover, smell, and buy all kinds of spices, chilies, and of course, vanilla!

Upon arriving at Long Beach in Belle Mare, you’re greeted by more contemporary architecture. This five-star hotel offers five different restaurants. My favorite? Hasu, a fine dining Japanese restaurant set in a cinematic backdrop. Except for the salmon, all the fish served come from the local market, as do the vegetables. The Sunlife hotels pride themselves on offering sustainable gastronomy: 75% of the products served are sourced from local producers.

In terms of activities: there’s a spa, pool, and of course, the beach. From Long Beach, it’s easy to get to Île aux Cerfs and its white sandy beaches, a famous spot in Mauritius. You’ll also find one of the island’s most beautiful golf courses there, nestled in lush tropical vegetation.

After a last cocktail decorated with frangipani flowers, it’s already time to head back to Paris. The return flight to Orly is with Corsair. As for onboard dining, we leave the island’s flavors behind, but you can still find a menu (burger, fish, or more elaborate dishes) that will warm your hearts. Back in the Parisian winter, life resumes its pace… but I’ve brought back more than just memories. My recipes are now filled with spices bought from Mauritian markets, and my madeleines now carry the scent of vanilla from the Indian Ocean.