We have started planning our journey to Mauritius almost two years ago, when sister of Vish, my partner, informed us about the date of her wedding. We couldn’t imagine we might miss this wonderful moment nor miss the chance to visit this amazing place. Unfortunately, year 2020 has prepared bonus for us in majestic form of Covid-19. We decided, if only the flight to Mauritius is possible, we will do our best to go there. And voila! It has been almost two weeks since we arrived to this tiny island surrounded by beautiful water of Indian Ocean.

Sadly the planning of the journey itself wasn’t so stress-free as chilling on the balcony in our hotel. After buying the flight tickets from British Airways (£1,174, 56 - cost of return tickets for two adults with luggages) and joy from the direct flight, on the 25th of October we received the information that our flights were cancelled. Exactly one week before official speech of prime minister Boris Johnson about second lockdown in The UK and the restrictions regarding travelling. Our flight supposed to happen on the 5th of November, the first day of national lockdown. Fortunately we managed to find the alternative option - Air Mauritius. This cost us a bit more, as we paid almost 80 thousand Mauritian Rupees (MUR). Do not worry, it is only £1,541,61. Another minor flaw was transfer in Paris and around 5 hours wait for the flight to Mauritius. But at least we could go there.

Also we have been informed about the mandatory two-week quarantine in a hotel room for all incomers to Mauritius. According to the government guidance it has to be done in one of the approved hotels. We had to book the room before our flight and pay for half of our stay in advance. We chose four-stars hotel Mauricia Beachcomber Resort & Spa, which is nearby my partner’s home (unfortunately we couldn’t quarantine there - we tried to negotiate, but rules are rules). Bad news - we had to cover the cost of our quarantine. We paid around £1,680,00 for 15-day stay in double room with an en suite, including full board and airport transfer. Words can’t describe the comfort zone of our hotel room, so have a look yourself (click here: https://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/en/hotel/mauricia-resort-spa/rooms-and-rates/55/standard-room).

Until last moment I couldn’t believe our dream comes true. Or I didn’t want to allow myself to believe, otherwise the feeling of disappointment would be too painful. Especially after packing four suitcases for one-month trip. My worst nightmare didn’t happen and on the 4th of November, one day before national lockdown, we were travelling to Mauritius. Between London, Paris and Mauritius our documents were checked few times. Apart from passports we had to show boarding pass, confirmation of hotel reservation and negative results of Covid-19 test, administered as recently as seven days prior to the date of flight. Only passengers whose tests are negative are allowed to board flights to Mauritius. The original certificate must be presented at check-in, boarding and upon arrival. Of course we wouldn’t be able to flight if we had a fever, as also the temperature was monitored few times during airport procedures.

On the way to the island of happiness

Our flight was delayed one hour due to the passenger who - as we were informed later - wasn’t well enough to carry on his journey. The ground crew had to find his luggage, which was already in the cargo hold. This plane wasn’t full and we were the only passengers in our row, so we had extra space for our stuff. The flight attendants wore full body gowns on the top of their uniforms as extra protection against coronavirus. That made me feel as I were human lab rat. We received little bag with logo of Air Mauritius and picture of famous dodo, symbol of Mauritius, printed on the front. It contained flyer’s essentials, such as mini pen, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs and eye mask. Considering the pandemic time of our flight, we also got hand sanitiser and few face masks, as during whole flight we had to cover mouth and nose with surgical mask, which we could remove only whilst eating and drinking.

Roughly one hour after departure we were offered hot meal (chicken with veg and rice), as well as few snacks (croissant, chocolate muffin and fruits). We were already starving, probably that’s why this air-meal tasted so delicious. And finally we could ask for a glass - or rather plastic cup - of wine. Even though it wasn’t the finest wine we ever drunk, it was a nice touch after all-day-long travel. During the flight I managed to watch two comedies - How to be single with funny Rebel Wilson and Marie-Francine. I do recommend to download few movies, playlists or podcasts, as those available on a plane are just few, at least in Air Mauritius. We will see, if on our way back, we have same program.

Thanks to free seats next to me I could catch forty winks during our 11-hour flight. Next time I will rest better, as finally - after few hours of trying different ways - I found almost perfect position to sleep on two plane seats. Mauritius is so tiny island, that we saw its land only after the plane started to lower. It was amazing view - lovely green dot in the sea egressed from behind the clouds.

First moments on the island

After leaving the plane our documents were checked again. First of all we had to go through passport control, then at Ministry of Health and Wellness counter we had to hand over our Public Health Covid-19 Passenger Health Self-Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Form, which we received on a plane, with the details of our health state and address of our stay in Mauritius. Also any arriving passenger has to undergo Covid-19 tests on day of arrival, on seventh and fourteenth day following arrival.

After having the nose swab taken, we were divided into two groups, as we were going to two different hotels. Interestingly enough, during transfer to the hotel we were escorted by police, so no-one could break our motorcade. We reached our hotel after 45 minutes or so driving. Definitely after coming back to England I will not complain about wearing face masks - discomfort due to covering face in places with hot weather is much bigger than in colder places like The UK.

Unloading and disinfecting our luggages, which were transferred separately, took some time. We could watch it only from behind bus’ windows. Eventually we were able to get off and queue to the hotel reception, where we suppose to check-in.

Prisoners of the paradise

After final check of our passports, negative results of Covid-19 tests and paying for the second half of our quarantine, we were showed to our room. It was almost 5 pm. We badly wanted to take cold shower to refresh ourselves and wash off all smells sticked to us during 30-hour journey.

Dream room! So spacious, comfortable bed, cozy bathroom, nice balcony overlooking the ocean and shaded by coconut trees. I am spending here most of my quarantine time, enjoying the breeze from the ocean and admiring the Mauritian sunset. By the way, sunset in Mauritius is quite early, as at 7 pm (summer time) is already dark in here. Definitely we have everything to experience exclusive quarantine. Though the turquoise ocean water is calling us louder and louder every day… We can hear almost clearly our names from the sound of waves breaking on the sandy shore… Come here and bath in my warm water….

We do envy a few people walking on the beach. Fortunately not many people come here to tease us, as hotel premises are inaccessible for everyone, including the adjacent beach. What’s more, day and night we are guarded by police officers as leaving our allocated room is strictly prohibited. If we decide to do so, we will be in trouble. In case we need anything, we can call reception and someone will bring whatever is needed to our room. The same if we do not feel well as we have medical care in place. Twice a day (morning and evening) the nurse checks our temperature.

Food here is splendid! We are served three meals a day - breakfast around 8 am, lunch around 1 pm and dinner roughly after 7 pm. The portions are just right, or maybe even bigger than we need, considering our lazy lifestyle during quarantine. For breakfast we have usually scrambled eggs, omelette or fried egg, freshly baked rolls, yoghurt or porridge, fresh fruit, pancakes or waffle with delicious jam. For lunch and dinner we always have cooked meal accompanied by boiled veg and fresh salad, cake or fresh fruit as pudding. Everything is mouthwatering - meat is tender and high quality, fish are fresh, vegetable are cooked or steamed just right, puddings are nicely served so our eyes can enjoy also. Mauritian diet is quite healthy, based on fish and vegetables coupled with rice or roti (traditional wrap) of course.

I forgot to mention, that food for us is being left on the little table outside our room, what is announced by few knocks on the door. Especially evening time, when the building is quiet, we listen for clattering of the kitchen trolley with our dinner. We feel a bit like prisoners, who try to break their monotony of isolation from the world.

What to do during hotel quarantine?

People keep asking me, what I am doing during my hotel quarantine and if it is very boring to be locked in one room. This is very individual, but in general I do not have problems with keeping myself busy. I brought here four books (two about Mauritius and Creole language, The giver of stars Jojo Moyes and Cilka’s journey by Heather Morris). Besides we have access to the Internet, laptop, Netflix, smartphone and TV, what can kill every amount of time. As for me, I just sit back on my comfy armchair located on the balcony and enjoy the sunshine, listen to the cry of birds and sound of the ocean. The compulsion of this quarantine didn’t scare me at all. Though I have to confess, that temptation of walking barefoot on grass or sandy beach is getting stronger day by day. First time I experienced quarantine earlier this year, when we had to isolate due to coronavirus. That time was horrible - mixture of fear for Vish’s health and discomfort of being stuck within four walls without garden nor balcony, when the weather in England just got warm. That’s why compering Mauritian quarantine with the previous one, I feel really free even though I am locked inside the room.

Today is Sunday, tenth day of our hotel quarantine. In four days we will meet family of my partner and help them with wedding preparations. I have begun to wonder, how we survive reach program of family events and wedding ceremonies, if only sitting on the balcony is making us tired due to rising temperature. Definitely the heat is slowing down the movement of body and distracts brain. Now I understand, why rush is kind of abstract for residents of hot countries. Even my fingers don’t want to move on the keyboard too quickly. I think it is hight time to have a nap.