Visiting Île aux Cerfs in Mauritius
If there is one thing to do in Mauritius, it is a visit to its fancy island of île aux cerfs. I say fancy because it does feel quite exclusive even though anyone can visit this island. On our first trip to the beautiful African island, visiting île aux cerfs in Mauritius was the one thing every hotel staff advised us to do. On this 2nd trip, we decided to go again since we enjoyed it so much the last time.
Now, I will not say it is very much different from the luxury hotel beaches; especially if you are in hotels or resorts that have their own private beaches. However, as most beaches in Mauritius are public, it’s a treat to visit île aux cerfs for a different experience. It is one of those places you go to forget all the noise of the outside world. Lying on the beach there, listening to the gentle waves and reading a book will make you feel like you are in heaven.
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About the island
Île aux cerfs is a privately owned island in the Flacq district, off the east coast of Mauritius. This island is actually known for its golfing terrain, the Île aux cerfs golf club. It welcomes people from all over the world. Even though it is known for its golf terrain, it is also popular for its white sandy beaches.
The beauty of the island is unmatched and is a photographer’s dream. We even saw artists sat on the corner drawing what their eyes had caught and it just felt so poetic.
Catamaran cruises usually stop on the island as part of a day trip; this typically includes a BBQ lunch. The island is open from around 9am to 6pm. It is important to note these timings and always double check so as not to miss the last shuttle back.
How to get to île aux cerfs
Visiting île aux cerfs in Mauritius is easy. Some hotels and resorts will offer private transfers to île aux cerfs. When we stayed at Ambre Mauritius, it was a part of the package to visit the island. Access to the island is from Pointe Maurice Jetty or Trou d’Eau Douce. From the jetty, we jumped on a 15 mins boat ride to île aux cerfs. Once we arrived, we got the golf buggy to the beach.
With our stay at Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita, it was an even quicker ride. We got the boat from Four Seasons’ dock straight to their private part of the beach on île aux cerfs.
Since both hotels vary in levels of luxury, the journey to reach the island was different but still offered the experience.
However, it is important to note that even if the hotel does not offer this experience, visiting île aux cerfs in Mauritius is a very popular activity.
The Four Seasons experience
One of the perks of staying at Four Seasons in Mauritius is a free visit to île aux cerfs. The hotel has a private beach on the island and the boats go from hotel to island every hour. Of course, we jumped on this opportunity for a beach day as if the hotel beach was not gorgeous enough haha.
Our boat picked us up from the hotel’s dock and in 20 mins we were on île aux cerfs beach. The Four seasons Mauritius staff welcomed us and gave us a quick tour. We immediately located a spot and perched our bums on the sun lounger while taking in the views and vibes.
What to do on Île aux cerfs island
Since it is actually a golf island so anyone who is into golf would have most likely heard about it. I’d say that it is the main reason why a good percentage of people visit the island; well except you are like us who go there just chill.
On our first trip, since it was just Mr E and I, we read our books, took photos and I had a nap since I was deep in my pregnancy exhaustion stage. This time, we spent about 5 hours on the beach; doing nothing as usual which was bliss. I must have read half my book, Mr E played football and our daughter built sandcastles to her heart’s desire. She also had a nap; I guess the soft sound of waves served as the perfect white noise for her.
There are safari wildlife activities, snorkelling and some motorised water activities offered depending on what experience one books. For us, on both occasions, we just relaxed at the beach.
Can you stay at Île aux cerfs?
Yes, you actually can. The island newly introduced accommodation; however this is very limited as the island tries to stay as uninhabited as possible to maintain its natural beauty.
The Bubble lodges
Bubble Lodges are the first and currently, only accommodation on île aux cerfs island. There are 2 types of accommodation: The Ecolodge and the Bubble; both sleep 4 people so this is perfect for a family.
The great thing about staying here is that once all the day trippers are gone, you have the island to yourselves. Well, except for the island’s security guards. I suppose that this is perfect for someone looking for total serenity. From photos, it is definitely very beautiful and gives the illusion of glamping in nature. Also and more importantly, it is family friendly so kids will have a lovely time being in nature.
Dining at Île Aux cerfs
There are kiosks selling food depending on what beach you dock.
On our first trip, we went with our hotel packed picnic so we didn’t need to buy anything. However, the 2nd time with Four Seasons, we ate at their beach restaurant, La Paz Beach Grill. They had light bites, lunch and drinks as well. The bar was lovely and the bartender was there to make whatever you requested.
Visiting Île aux cerfs in Mauritius
Île aux cerfs is not for those who do not want to sit still as this island forces you to be calm. There is not much to do on it; the catamaran cruisers might have a bbq party planned but it’s still all so tame. It is also such a treat to stay in hotels that offer it as a free excursion; that way you don’t need the extra cost. Ambre Mauritius which we stayed a few years ago and more recently, Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita both offered this experience as part of their hotel package at no extra cost.
Bisous, Bugo x
