Love is in the air with Air Mauritius

Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, Mauritius.

As Prime Minister Hugh Grant once said in the film Love Actually – “if you look for it, I have a sneaky feeling that love, actually, is all around”.

Whether you are jet-setting for the wedding of your dreams, a milestone anniversary or a spontaneous getaway, there are many ways to celebrate love and life among the majesty of Mauritius’ tropical climate.

“Mauritius is an idyllic destination for couples and honeymooners, offering a distinctive blend of romance, luxury and natural beauty,” Air Mauritius Australia and New Zealand Country Sales Manager Kevin Bissoondyal said.

“It is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and coral reefs, which create a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and water activities like snorkelling, kayaking, diving, glass-bottom boat trips and swimming with dolphins.”

While Mauritius shares the same splendid Indian Ocean as Western Australia’s coastline, it promises a reprieve from WA’s scorching summer heat, with average temperatures of 26C from January to February only an eight-hour flight away via Air Mauritius.

“For more than five decades, we have been the gateway to Mauritius and beyond,” Mr Bissoondyal said.

“We take pride in providing more than just a journey – we deliver an experience embodying the spirit of Mauritius.

“From our cabin interiors inspired by the island's breathtaking landscapes to the tropical music playing as you board, every detail from take-off to landing is designed to immerse you in the country’s essence.

“Our state-of-the-art Airbus A350 and Airbus A330neo aircraft contain the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and passenger comfort.”

Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark at Riviere Noire District, Mauritius.

Unrivalled experiences abound at your destination, including abundant waterfront shopping opportunities in the capital of Port Louis, the imposing 33m-tall visage of Lord Shiva on the lake of Ganga Talao and Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark’s rolling multi-coloured hills in Riviere Noire District.

“The island is an ideal setting to toast the beginning of your new life together, with its gorgeous lagoons, pristine beaches, nature adventures and tasty local food,” Mr Bissoondyal said.

“From sunset cruises on catamarans to beach dinners under the stars, Mauritius holds unforgettable moments for couples.”

Mauritius also unlocks the door to a range of key holiday destinations around the globe, so take the chance to turn your layover flights into an additional holiday pit stop.

“With direct flights connecting major cities across Europe, Asia and Africa, Air Mauritius efficiently links travellers from around the globe to Mauritius,” Mr Bissoondyal said.

“The airline’s strategic partnerships with other carriers further extend its network, making the passenger journey smoother and more convenient.”

Trips near and far are ready to be had, such as on the nearby island of Rodrigues, where you can explore the fascinating limestone caves of Grande Caverne or Pont Bon Dieu, trek to the highest point of Mont Limon for panoramic views or savour a candlelit seafood dinner with flavours of Rodriguan cuisine.

You can also throw caution to the wind and soar to the iconic City of Love, Paris for a night at the Palais Garnier, a river cruise down the Seine or a stroll along the quaint streets of Montmartre.

Snorkelling off Tamassa Bel Ombre, Mauritius.

Other connecting locations include South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg, Madagascar’s Antananarivo, India’s Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, as well as the UK.

For expatriates travelling home to visit family during the holidays or for other special occasions, like weddings, take some time for yourselves with a weekend retreat on this jewel in the Indian Ocean.

Safety is paramount to Air Mauritius when getting passengers on and off the tarmac on their wanderlusting journey.

“The company adheres to the strictest standards of safety, and its operating standards are compliant with the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit,” Mr Bissoondyal said.

“In addition to being a Mauritius Department of Civil Aviation-approved maintenance organisation, the airline is also European Union Aviation Safety Agency compliant, enabling it to undertake the maintenance of aircraft registered in Europe.”

Mauritius is linked to WA not just by its proximity and a shared ocean but also by the convenience of regular flights, courtesy of Air Mauritius.

“Air Mauritius operates direct flights between Perth Airport and Mauritius on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,” Mr Bissoondyal said.

“Currently, these are scheduled three times a week, departing Perth Airport at 1.05pm local time and arriving in Mauritius 5.10pm local time.

“Flight schedules are subject to change due to various reasons, including operational requirements and seasonal adjustments.”

As it appeared in the 2025 January 17 edition of The West Australian’s Love is in the Air liftout.