| |
Crystal clear waters, powder white beaches and swaying palm trees – Paradise Found.
 |
Mauritius is characterised by white beaches embraced by coral reefs, translucent sea lagoons, rolling landscapes, chic hotels, sophisticated cuisine and a cross-cultural people are what this Island is made up of and enjoys a superb sub-tropical climate with year-round sunshine. Mauritius is a romantic destination and is also a superb beach holiday for families. |
Why visit Mauritius?
- A rich and varied cultural tradition – A number of colourful festivals and ceremonies take place every year, due to the diversity of cultures
- Some of the best beaches in the world
- Snorkelling, swimming, parasailing and diving to your heart’s content
- The finest game fishing available – due to the deep waters surrounding the Island
- Delicious cuisine to suit all tastes – Seafood is in abundance and there are a range of Chinese, Indian and Creole foods, including European style foods in most hotels. Excellent restaurants are in abundance.
- Legends of war and lovers – The myths and legends surround this island with a mystique of romanticism that few other destinations can offer.
- Lively markets - an incredible array of spices and fresh produce, souvenirs, clothing and precious and unusual trinkets.
- World-class beach hotels
- History and Culture – The British were the last colonial rulers before Mauritius achieved independence, however, the influence of their French predecessors is more evident.
Fact File
| Mauritius is of volcanic origin, located in the Indian Ocean about 2000km off the East Coast of Africa and covers an area of 1865 sq km, and is situated slightly above the Tropic of Capricorn, southwest of Madagascar. Its coastline, which is surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs in the world, is 330km long. The island rises out of the sea forming a central highland measuring about 600 metres. Mountain ranges are scattered round this highland. The major parts of these mountains do not reach more than 1000metres. The northern landscape is flat and even. Sugar cane is grown on 80% of the cultivated land and contributes to about 45 percent of the foreign exchange earnings. |
|
Surrounded by a brightly coloured tropical sea, enhanced by golden beaches, covered with swaying fields of sugar cane with a wealth of forests full of wonderful birds, Mauritius is truly a ‘garden resting on the waters’. This island is totally marine landscape, with hundreds of kilometres of coastline washed by tropical waves under a sunny sky.
 |
In the north of Mauritius are the pristine white beaches that make the island famous. Surrounded by turquoise seas, and a vast selection of accommodation ranging from self-catering through to some of the finest beachfront hotels in the world. One of the best ways to explore this area including Grand Baie is on hired bicycles or use of the local busses, which run frequently. Grand Baie has some outstanding restaurants, |
pubs and bars for those looking for some excitement. On the East coast you will also find an array of outstanding hotels with beautifully sheltered white beaches. Mauritius is also a watersports lover’s paradise. The busiest times are December, January, July and August. Eating out is a gastronomical adventure; Stir-fried Chinese delights, piquant Indian curries and briyanis, seafood and other exotic cuisine are all available.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MRs), which is made up of 100 cents. Traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at hotels, banks and authorised dealers in foreign currency. Traveller’s cheques in Pound Sterling and French Francs are preferred. Major Credit Cards are accepted throughout the island, such as Visa, Access, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club.
Climate
| Mauritius is a tropical island swept by the southeast trade winds. The island has a maritime climate that is characterised by mild temperatures with small seasonal and daily variations. November to April are the hottest months (corresponding with the European winter, January to March) with temperatures averaging 27 degrees C. It is coolest between June and October when the temperature |
|
drops to around 22 degrees C. It is fairly dry from June to October and there is a marked wet season during the summer months between November and February. The temperature at sea level increases by roughly 5 degrees.
Passport and Visas
A valid passport and a return or onward ticket is a must for travellers entering Mauritius. Some nationals do not require visas, however it is always best to check with the Mauritius Embassies and High Commissions before your departure.
Getting There
Mauritius is well serviced by a number of main airlines. Air Mauritius has weekly flights to and from many European cities, as well as from the major African ones as well. A prime destination, Mauritius is only 12 hours air flight from Europe and about 4 ½ hours from South Africa.
Travel Insurance
All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure.
Health
An International vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required if travellers arrive from an infected area. While there is a small risk of contracting malaria it is exclusively the benign form that exists throughout the year in some areas.
What to pack
Sunglasses, a hat and a high UV sunscreen should be the first items you pack.
 |
Beachwear is a popular form of dress in Mauritius. Otherwise, dress is casual although most hotels do not allow guests to wear shorts or T-shirts in the restaurants or bars in the evenings. Between June and October a jacket or jersey is recommended for the cool evenings. Dress appropriately when visiting religious shrines and remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. |
What to buy
There is a vast choice from packets of Mauritian spice, ship models, wood carvings, Mauritian recipe books, Sega music cassettes, Miniatures of island rum, anthuriam flowers, t-shirts, shells – outstanding world class selection (you will need a Clearance Certificate), Indian fabrics, basket work, quilts, hand-embroidered table cloths, pottery, casual wear and pareos. Knitwear and beachwear can be purchased at factory prices and duty free shopping includes designer wear, diamonds and gold jewellery.
Where to stay
We have featured a selection of the finest properties available, where you can expect the highest standards of accommodation, hospitality and cuisine. Further properties are available upon request.
Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort
Situated on the southern coast of Mauritius, alongside a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach, Le Telfair Gold & Spa Resort forms part of the general setting of the Bel Ombre Estate.
| A destination in a destination - Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort guests will have full access to the Bel Ombre championship golf course, the 19th Century Château and nature reserve, with its nature trails, horse riding, hiking, cycling, mountain biking and quad biking. Scheduled to open in December 2004. |
|
Paul & Virginie Hotel - Grand Gaube
 |
Named for a local love story legend. This charming boutique hotel is situated on the northeast coast of the island, in the sleepy village of Grand Gaube. All rooms are sea facing onto its own private beach, with a beachfront restaurant serving typical Mauritian cuisine, echoing the various cultures that are found on this magnificent island. A variety of watersports and excursions are available. |
Veranda Hotel - Grand Baie
This popular and beautiful hotel is set in a picturesque garden providing a feel of Mauritian splendour.
| The French style cottage complex has recently undergone extensive renovations, and offers a variety of accommodation options from studio’s to family rooms. It has a splendid location on the north coast of the Island, next door to the Grand Baie Yacht Club. The hotel has its own small private beach and offers a wide range of facilities that are included in the tariff. |
|
Self Catering Beachfront Villas / Apartments
 |
An ideal way to experience the true spirit of Mauritius is in a self-catering facility. We have a good selection of 2 to 5 star properties throughout the Island, situated directly on the beach or close to the beach with access to facilities close by. |
|
|
