Lara just returned from Mauritius – here’s what she thinks you really need to know before you go. 

We caught up with Lara, one of our team members who recently ticked Mauritius off her travel bucket list. She booked her dream holiday with Thompsons Holidays and travelled to the tropical island in April – a month she now swears by for visiting. From golden beaches on the east coast of Mauritius to top tips you won’t find in a brochure, Lara shared her first-hand experience to help make your next island escape even better. 

Lara and her husband stayed at Sunrise Attitude, a laidback, adults-only resort on the east side of the island. It was the perfect base to celebrate their anniversary – quiet, romantic, and full of thoughtful details that made the experience extra special. 

Whether you’re planning your own trip or just daydreaming about all-inclusive Mauritius packages, here’s everything you need to know before you go – straight from someone who’s just been! 

4 Quick Takeouts from Lara’s Trip to Mauritius 

1. Pre-book local currency: Get your Mauritius Rupees in South Africa to avoid delays at the airport. 
2. Get the hotel intro ASAP: Knowing what’s included in your package helps you feel settled quickly. 
3. Cash is still king: Some services only accept cash – don’t wait to draw money. 
4. Do at least one excursion: A catamaran or speed boat ride will give you a whole new view of the island. 
5. Variety of dining options: Sunrise Attitude offers a range of delicious dining options to suit every taste. 

Q: What’s the best way to prepare financially before landing in Mauritius? 

Lara: Pre-book your Mauritius Rupees while you’re still in South Africa. Trust me on this one – not all banks keep foreign currency like MUR on hand, unlike dollars or euros. I organised mine through my bank a few days before my flight, and it saved me a ton of time and stress when I landed. 

Q: How did you get settled into the resort quickly? 

Lara: As soon as you arrive, get the lowdown on your hotel package. Most Mauritius all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, and activities – but it helps to know exactly what’s available. Our hotel staff walked us through everything right away, and it made such a difference. We didn’t waste time wondering what we could or couldn’t do. 

Q: Did you face any payment issues while exploring? 

Lara: Yes! Not everyone takes cards. We hired a car from a guy who only accepted cash. Luckily, I had already drawn some money at the airport. Do it as soon as you land – it’ll save you scrambling later. 

Q: What was your must-do experience in Mauritius? 

Lara: We did a catamaran cruise, and it was honestly the highlight of our trip. You get to see a totally different side of the island and snorkel in clear, warm water. We got to see a river and a waterfall, they took us snorkelling and made us a lovely lunch! The drinks were part of the catamaran package, and the Mauritians are very proud of their local beer and rum. They make sure it keeps coming! Some friends we met went for a speed boat tour on the East Coast and raved about it too. 

Q: Any essential items you think travellers should pack? 

Lara: Definitely water shoes (I call them sea booties)! Even though I didn’t pack them myself, I quickly realised how useful they are for exploring rocky beaches or coral areas. When I went snorkelling without fins I definitely wished I had brought them along. If you're planning on exploring the waters, it’s a good idea to pack them. That said, you can easily buy them at local shops if you forget – they’re available on the island, so no need to stress if you don't pack them initially. Also, I highly recommend packing in not only sunscreen but after sun care too! We luckily never got burnt but it was really nice on the skin to apply some after sun moisturizer post shower at the end of the day. 

Q: You mentioned staying on the East Coast – what was that like? 

Lara: We stayed on the east side of Mauritius at a gorgeous adult-only resort called Sunrise Attitude. It was quiet, really peaceful, and perfect for our anniversary getaway. The beaches are calmer, and the sunrises were just beautiful. I couldn’t get over how calm the ocean water was, it was like a giant lagoon and you could see far in the distance where the waves would break. It was like floating in lukewarm bathwater! I’d definitely recommend it to couples wanting a more relaxed atmosphere.  

Q: What about the dining options at Sunrise Attitude? 

Lara: One of the best parts of Sunrise Attitude was the variety of dining options. They had three quality restaurants to choose from. Serving everything from fresh seafood to classic Mauritian dishes, and the quality was always top-notch. We enjoyed trying each place, and it was great not having to worry about anything other than where and what to eat next! 

Q: What month would you recommend visiting Mauritius? 

Lara: I visited in April, and I’d 100% recommend that time of year. It’s just after peak season, so the prices are better, and the weather’s still amazing – warm but not scorching, and not too rainy. It felt like the island wasn’t too crowded either, which made it extra relaxing. 

Q: Any local food must-tries? 

Lara: Try the grilled fish at the restaurants and don’t skip the octopus curry. We found a tiny local spot on a day trip that served the best meal of the holiday – fresh, flavourful, and cheap. 

Q: How was your experience booking with Thompsons Holidays? 

Lara: Thompsons was amazing. They handled everything – flights, transfers, hotel, excursions. It was our anniversary trip, and I didn’t want to deal with any planning stress. I told them what I was going for, and they made it happen. 

Q: Any last-minute advice for future travellers? 

Lara: Pack lots of light, breezy clothes (it was humid heat), bring SPF, and relax – you’re in paradise. I don’t think I needed a warm top once. And seriously, don’t overplan. One or two excursions are enough. The rest of the time, enjoy your resort, swim in the ocean, sip cocktails, and just breathe. Oh, and let Thompsons handle it. They know Mauritius inside and out! 

Ready to Book Your Trip? 

Whether it’s Mauritius all-inclusive resorts, an island escape to the East Coast, or somewhere completely different, Thompsons Holidays has the know-how to match you with the right destination, hotel, and experience. Let the travel experts do the planning while you do the relaxing. 

Your dream trip is just one conversation away – get in touch with Thompsons today.