A bit about Calodyne

Visiting Calodyne is the perfect way to slow your roll in Mauritius. This charming town set out in the northern reaches of the island plays host to a selection of beaches, restaurants and cultural sites.

Things to do in Calodyne

Idyllically nestled between the two areas of Cap Malheureux in the north and Grand Gaube to the southeast, Calodyne may sound slightly Scottish but it's every inch the quiet tropical paradise.

Beaches in Calodyne

The main stretches of sand in this oasis are Butte À L'herbe and Calodyne Beach. The latter is a public beach, bookended by some hefty volcanic rocks and backed by casuarina trees. It's the perfect paradise for sinking your toes into the white sand and lying back with a good book as you listen to the Indian Ocean gentle lilt against the sand.

Although, if you want to take this reclining party on the road you won't have to look too far for more idyllic spots. The picture-perfect Anse La Raie Beach lies just 3.5km north. Meanwhile, if you fancy a longer journey you can cross over to the west coast and visit the super long stretch of sand at Mont Choisy.

Shop Market Day at Goodlands

While in Calodyne you don't have to spend all of your time stretched out on the sand (if you don't want to that is). Heading further inland, around 7km from central Calodyne you'll come to a village called Goodlands. The Goodlands' Market days are on Tuesdays and Fridays, so time your trip right and you'll be able to navigate the main road and pick up some rare Indo-Mauritian crafts, clothes and other souvenirs.

However, if you need more retail therapy then making the 15-minute journey over to Grand Baie will offer you the chance to shop some big outlets and even bigger brands. From hundreds of shops at La Croisette Shopping Centre to the more rutic Grand Baie Bazaar.

Witness (and taste) history

But there's more to this paradise than beaches and shopping. At L’Aventure du Sucre you have the opportunity to explore a 200-year-old sugarcane mill. Sugar remains one of Mauritius's biggest exports to this day and sites like L’Aventure du Sucre played a pivotal role in creating those resources. Once at the mill you can head off on a guided tour and learn all about it's interesting history. This adventure can finish with a flourish when get the chance to try some of the finished product, alongside a glass of another of the island's great loves - rum.

Head west and explore

While you're over at the L’Aventure du Sucre mill, it's definitely worth filling out your day trip by moving further into Trou-aux-Biches and discovering the enchanting botanical gardens. The magical aromas alongside the beautiful colours of the flora and fauna in the gardens is enough to leave you intoxicated. We'd say that's a good day spent away from the resort pool or local beach.