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September 07 | Mauritius
top tips and destination guide |
The tropical paradise that is
Mauritius is the ideal location to get away from it all and
enjoy the tranquility of the white sandy beaches and azure
waters.
The island has the most elegant hotels which offer a wide range
of cuisine, including Indian, Creole, Chinese and European.
Things to do
There is a huge selection of water sports, with windsurfing,
sailing, snorkeling, water skiing and as Mauritius is surrounded
by reef, diving is extremely popular. The island also
offers some excellent golf courses which include stunning views as you
play and for the kids there is the La Vanille Crocodile Park and
Leisure Village Waterpark.
Wildlife
Whilst holidaying in Mauritius you are likely to see some
great sights as the wildlife on the island is everywhere.
A
visit to The Black River Gorges National Park is a must for
animal lovers. You can also take a trip to Ile aux
Aigrettes which has become an international standard for the
protection of natural resources and endangered species which
include the Aldabra giant tortoises and the rare pink pigeons.
Get married
Mauritius is extremely popular for couples getting married so
they can relax during their
honeymoon. There are plenty of options on how you decide
to tie the
knot, including the classic white sand beach style, in a fragrant garden
with palm trees or even on the ocean with a stunning white
catamaran.
Mauritius Quick Facts
Time difference - +4 GMT
Visa requirements - No visa
needed for British Citizens
Language - Official language
is English, although you will hear Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu
amongst others
Currency - Mauritian Rupees
Flight Time from UK - Approx
12 hours
Top 10
Mauritius Highlights
1 - Ile aux Cerfs
Small east coast island where visitors can enjoy water
sports or laze in the sun while drinking cocktails at the
sandbar.
2 - Helicopter ride
Have a birds eye view of the islands volcanic craters, patterned
sugar fields and beautiful coral reef.
3 - Mahebourg
Walk along the seafront promenade in the historical ancient
capital.
4 - Black River Gorges National Park
View the local wildlife and plantations as you take a stroll
through the islands forested centre.
5 - Domaine du Chasseur
Southeast eco-park which features quad biking, trekking, views of waterfalls and mountains.
6 - Grand Baie
For designer shopping, galleries and the islands best nightlife.
7 - Rodrigues
Laid back Creole island which offers deserted beaches, hidden
caves and vertiginous views.
8 - Port Louis
Duty free savings, designer bags and sarongs at the Caudan
Waterfront and Central Market.
9 - Grand Bassin
The Hindus have declared the natural crater lake sacred and in
February thousands flock there for an annual festival.
10 - South Coast
Take a drive down the islands most scenic roads, from wild
basalt cliffs at Gris Gris to the looming rock of Le Morne.
Top 5
Mauritius Facts
The island is the second biggest producer of cut flowers, behind
only Holland.
Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is the third oldest
botanical garden in the world.
Mauritius's Blue Penny stamp is one of the most valuable
worldwide.
Creole is a mix of English, French, Indian, Malagasy and
Chinese languages.
You can buy cashmere garments for about 1/3rd of the
price of those in the UK.
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