A Romantic Evening Out in Port Louis

Romance in the Mauritian capital is a city affair. Think harbour light, a good dinner, live performance and a slow lunch in an old house. Beaches, beach dinners and boat trips are not part of the picture, since the city is a working port. Couples who want sand should plan a few nights on the north coast around Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, or the west coast at Flic en Flac.

Sunset on the waterfront

Le Caudan Waterfront is where Port Louis stays awake. The dining and drinks spots there keep serving after the offices and market have closed, and the cinema runs late. Book a table around dusk and walk the harbour edge before or after your meal.

A performance at the Caudan Arts Centre

The centre opened in December 2018 and has about 430 seats. Look at its programme before you travel and match a performance to your dates.

A long lunch in Moka

Maison Eureka is a 19th century Creole house in Moka with a restaurant, and lunch on its veranda suits a slow afternoon. Entry fees are about EUR 8 to 10 per most guides, and opening on Sundays varies, so check before you set out.

Dinner at a historic estate

Chateau de Labourdonnais at Mapou is a northern estate, 15 to 30 minutes by road from the capital. Ask the estate about dinner service, menus and prices before you make plans.

Where to sleep

If a hotel in the capital does not appeal, base yourselves on a coast and visit Port Louis for an evening. The north and west coasts are tens of minutes away by car. On the east coast, Belle Mare has the Le Saint Geran resort on its peninsula.

Three safety tips

  1. Take a taxi home after dinner. Official advice warns against walking alone after dark in unlit areas, with the business district’s backstreets singled out.
  2. Carry some cash in rupees for taxis.
  3. Look at the current official advisory for Mauritius and stay away from demonstrations.

Daytime pairing

Spend the morning at the Blue Penny Museum, open Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 16:00, and be there at quarter past the hour when the 1847 stamps are lit for 10 minutes. The Odysseo Oceanarium is a short taxi ride from the waterfront. Then rest before the evening.

Read more: City sights and landmarks and Staying longer in Port Louis .

Hotels in the capital and on the coasts can be searched on Booking.com . Full details: Caudan Arts Centre and Chateau de Labourdonnais .