The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, featuring rolling volcanic dunes.
OF course, there’s much more to Mauritius than golf.
And one excursion we’d highly recommend is a visit to La Rhumerie de Chamarel, nestled among the lush hills and sugarcane plantations of south-west Mauritius.
The working distillery produces agricultural rum using sugarcane grown on the surrounding estate. Unlike traditional rum made from molasses, agricultural rum is created directly from freshly pressed sugarcane juice, giving it a distinctive character that reflects its tropical surroundings.
A guided tour takes you through the production process, including the crushing, fermentation, distillation and ageing areas. It provides a fascinating insight into an industry closely connected to the history and culture of Mauritius.
The impressive copper stills are a feature of the distillery, while the ageing cellars reveal how time spent resting in oak barrels adds colour, complexity and flavour to the finished product.
The tour finishes with what is inevitably the most popular part—the rum tasting.
Visitors can sample several varieties, ranging from smooth white and aged rums to flavoured selections featuring ingredients such as vanilla, coffee and local spices. There is also a well-stocked boutique where you can purchase a bottle or two to take home, provided there is still some room in the suitcase alongside the golf shoes.
La Rhumerie de Chamarel also has an excellent restaurant, L’Alchimiste, which makes the most of fresh local ingredients and complements the distillery experience. Allowing time for lunch turns the visit into a wonderfully relaxed half-day outing.
But don’t rush back to the resort, because the surrounding Chamarel region is among the most spectacular parts of Mauritius.
Nearby, the famous Seven Coloured Earth Geopark features rolling volcanic dunes displaying remarkable shades of red, brown, violet, blue, green and yellow. Formed through the gradual decomposition of volcanic rock, the naturally coloured landscape is one of the island’s most unusual and photographed attractions.
The Chamarel Waterfall is an essential stop when visiting Mauritius.
The impressive Chamarel Waterfall is another essential stop. Surrounded by thick tropical vegetation, the water drops from a dramatic basalt cliff into the valley below. Viewing platforms provide excellent photo opportunities and underline just how green, mountainous and diverse the interior of Mauritius can be.
Those wanting to explore further should visit Black River Gorges National Park, the island’s largest protected natural area. Its walking trails, forested valleys and panoramic lookouts provide a completely different experience from the beaches and resorts. It is also one of the best places to discover Mauritius’ native plants and birdlife.
There is plenty more to experience elsewhere around the island. A day in Port Louis, the vibrant capital, offers colourful markets, local street food, spices and handicrafts. The city is also home to Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides an important insight into the arrival of indentured labourers and the development of modern Mauritius.
A catamaran cruise is another excellent way to spend a day away from the course. Cruises generally include swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board, with the clear lagoons and beautiful coastline providing a memorable perspective of the island.
The UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant peninsula is also worth visiting, both for its dramatic mountain backdrop and its cultural significance as a symbol of resistance and freedom.
Mauritius is unquestionably a wonderful golf destination, supported by outstanding courses and magnificent resorts. But its appeal extends well beyond the fairways.
From rum and local cuisine to markets, mountains, waterfalls and centuries of history, exploring the island adds another dimension to any Mauritius golf holiday—and makes that post-round rum taste even better.
Check out: www.rhumeriedechamarel.com
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