MAURITIUS
The name conjures up white sand beaches and azure seas. Mauritius has a great range of accommodation choices spread around the coasts of this beautiful island. There’s also a lot to do away from the seas with an amazing cultural diversity, unique ethnic mix and wealth of natural landscapes. There are plenty of direct flights or join it together with a few days in the Gulf, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or even at the end of an African safari. It’s a great family destination with safe beaches and well equipped hotels, its idyllic for weddings and honeymoons and it is also just a superb beach destination for those looking for some serious R&R.
Which beach?
There are gorgeous beaches and excellent hotels all around the island from bustling Grand Baie in the north via the wilder west coast to the tranquil waters of Trou aux Biches in the west. One particularly memorable area is the Morne Peninsular in the south west and here the dramatic rock of Le Morne Brabant provides a wonderful backdrop. With year round warm waters there is plenty of excellent diving and most hotels have PADI Dive Centres. There are hotels to suit all tastes and budgets with as many or as few facilities as you could want. The highly recommended Beachcomber group, which includes the famous Royal Palm, are placed in many of the best locations and other well know names such as Le Touessrok, Le Saint Geran, Oberoi and Le Prince Maurice offer plenty of choice. If you are here for two weeks then why not consider a twin centre to sample the variety?
Explore the Island
If you can drag yourself away from the beach and the warm Indian Ocean then there’s plenty to do across the island. The capital, Port Louis, has a bustling market and some more modern shopping areas or if your timing is right you can catch a day at the races. There are sugar and tea plantations with some fine old colonial houses and the wonderful Botanic Gardens at Pamplemousses is a treat. The Black River Gorges National Park protects much of the remaining rainforest and is host to unique endemic plants and birdlife. If you are looking for more activity then there are a number of golf courses or quad biking and zip lining options.
- It’s a year round destination however the best season is December to May.
- If going in the summer then the west coast is a bit warmer as it avoids the wind
- Mauritius links in very well with a short stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Make sure you take time off the beach to explore the island – it’s easy to do and there is a huge amount to see from National Parks to sugar cane (Rum) plantations.
- The stunning beaches and world class hotels
- The incredible ethnic fusion of French, Indian, Creole and Chinese
- A superb cuisine with immense diversity
- Explore the beautiful volcanic landscape with its tropical vegetation.
- Visa Required: No
- Population: 1.2 million
- Capital City: Port Louis
- Currency: Mauritian Rupee
- Classic Dishes: curry, rougaille, seafood
- Cost of Local Tipple: Phoenix beer (£1.20)
- May to December however actually year round
RECOMMENDED HOLIDAYS
A selection of holidays
More »
More »
More »
More »
More »
More »
by TMS