With its sugar-white sands and gin-clear waters, Ile aux Cerfs is a tiny paradise island a stone’s throw from Mauritius. You can easily visit it on a dreamy day escape but one of our travel specialists, Amy, also visited the island’s Bubble Lodge, which offers a completely unique way to overnight on the island. Here’s Amy’s guide to Ile aux Cerfs.
Relax
Ile aux Cerfs lies just off the east coast of Mauritius and is famous for its beautiful turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches. If you’re staying at the Bubble Lodge, you’ll get access to a spectacular stretch of beach, complemented by a beach bar and grill. Step off of your boat transfer and onto the powder-soft sands and settle down for the day in the most idyllic spot in Mauritius. Perch yourself on one of the swinging bar stools while you taste some of the freshest seafood, caught daily by local fishermen, and grab a cold Phoenix beer or mouth-watering cocktail.
Play
Ile aux Cerfs is also home to its own 18-hole championship golf course, designed by the legendary golfer Bernhard Langer. It’s renowned for being one of the most challenging golf courses in Mauritius, covering 38 hectares of the island and boasting beautiful Indian Ocean views. If you’re staying at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, Shangri La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa or the Bubble Lodge, will also receive daily complimentary green fees.
Stay
The Bubble Lodge is a totally unique concept – think ultimate glamping in a semi-transparent eco-dome – and the only accommodation on Ile aux Cerfs. There are three bubble lodges on Ile aux Cerfs, each with its own personal butler available 24 hours a day. Ocean Paradise overlooks the beautiful Indian Ocean, Lake & Sea View overlooks the stunning golf course and Banyan Tree is located in a central secluded spot on the island surrounded by banyan trees. Once the final day guests leave the island around 6pm, you have the whole island to yourself! You can dine in the golf restaurant or at a private and very romantic spot on the beach (the latter requires an additional supplement). The sound of the lapping waves or the surrounding nature and the stars above you will help you drift off to sleep.
Experience
If you’re not staying at any of the hotels that offer the exclusive private beach access, you can still visit the island by taking an exciting catamaran adventure. The catamaran will take you along Grand River South East, one of the longest rivers in Mauritius, where at the end you will see a beautiful natural waterfall. You will then stop at a nearby reef for a spot of snorkelling, to discover some of the amazing marine life, followed by a barbecue lunch and then a stop at Ile aux Cerfs where you can take part in an array of water sports, zip-lining or just relax on the beach.
