Mauritius
Your Introduction to Mauritius
Paradise
Island - Indian Ocean.
Mauritius : In
the Indian Ocean, is of volcanic
origin and sheltered for its major part by barriers of coral reefs forming
natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons. Mauritius has long been a dream
destination known to the Arabs in particular, as early as the 10th Century.
The waters around Mauritius island are home to some of the varied and
sacred species of marine-life on earth. Diving (click)
is a favourite with visitors and most beach resorts offer scuba-diving
excursions out to the coral reef and to many hidden ship-wrecks around
the Mauritius coast-line due to the many conflicts and Pirate activities
that have taken place around these beautiful shores.
Beaches
: White
powdery soft sandy beaches which form numerous 'natural bays' around
the islands' coastline, with warm, clear tranquil, turquoise sea, ideal
for safe bathing, with many a hidden beach resort.
Hotel Resorts : Are
primarily located as "beach resorts", of an extremely high
standard with the majority being 4 to 5 star rating - larger than average
room sizes, luxury bedding and furniture, exceptional cuisine, gorgeous
locations and more - at our 'selective
beach resorts'.
Deep-sea fishing : The
waters around Mauritius are home to the Blue
Marlin, held in high regard by all who seek her. The Beachcomber
Paradis resort, has a fleet
of 'Challenger Boats' complete with the latest in fishing gear, rods,
lines and tackle etc; to enable visitors to engage in the popular sport
of 'big-game-fishing' just off the shores of Mauritius. (click)
Honeymoon
:
Mauritius has been re-discovered by honeymooners seeking the perfect
romantic idyllic location,
honeymoon packages in Mauritius start from 5days and can be tailored
to suit your personal requirements, with stop-overs in Dubai, Seychelles
or Safari in South Africa (all optional).
Wedding :
Getting married in Mauritius is simplicity itself,
using our tried-and-tested procedure, just give us a call, let us check
our 'wedding diary' - many of our resorts only perform and cater
for one wedding per day. Weddings start from £295 (wedding
info)
Sports
: FREE land and watersports
are included at the majority of our beach resorts. The whole 'sports
operation' is operated by professionals - the equipment is superb and
safety codes are in place.
Holidays : Whether
you are seeking holiday packages to Mauritius, - one of the exclusive
Luxury Hotels Mauritius, a Family Activity Holiday - Sports, Golfing,
young and old - Mauritius has it all.
Driving : Is
on the left for UK visitors that's the same as home.
Time Difference -
Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3 hours ahead of
mid-European time.
Currency
: Mauritius Rupee, of which we suggest you change your existing
currency into at the airport upon arrival,
there are 'exchange bureaus' just before exiting the airport building.
Electricity
: The power supply throughout Mauritius is 220 volts.
Mauritius Health Requirements
: For UK visitors there are recommendations such as
make certain that your Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date,
certification is required over 1 years of age and coming from infected
areas (more)
What
To Wear : Take your best beach and casual wear - In the
months June to September carry some light woollens for the cooler evenings
in Mauritius.
Visitors to Mauritius are requested to dress properly when visiting religious
shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts etc) and please remove shoes when entering
temples and mosques).
Newspapers : The Mauritian press is one of the most dynamic
in Africa, with two English weekly papers, they co-exist with several
French written newspapers. The press in Mauritius is totally free and
reflects perfectly the plurality of the country.
Shopping
Mauritius Style : Mauritius has a solid reputation for
textiles production, namely for pullovers and knitting in general. Shirts,
trousers, suits, dresses suits for women, shorts or swimming costumes
of well-known brands are sold at unbeatable prices The jewel trade has
a long tradition of local craftsmen who work particularly with 18 or
22 carat gold.
PS - If you use Simon (our driver) for an excursion - he knows
where all the best bargains are to be had !.
Give
us a call
Speak to Someone who's Been !
Below are some of the many sights you can enjoy
whilst visiting Mauritius.
(
Listed
in brackets are the names of the
nearest 'beach resorts')
Port
Louis:
Is the capital of Mauritius, named after Louis XV. The multicultural
nature of the island is in evidence here especially in the exotic covered
market, selling everything from coloured saris, to natural remedies and
lottery tickets. (Royal Palm, Trou Aux Biches, Le Victoria, Le Canonnier)
Domain
les Pailles:
Is a colonial sugar estate on Mauritius, that has been restored to its
former glory. Some of the attractions include a working replica of an
ox-driven sugar mill, a rum distillery and four restaurants, Chinese,
Indian French and Grill restaurants. (Royal Palm, Trou Aux Biches, Le
Victoria, Le Canonnier)
Pamplemousses:
The tropical island of Mauritius Is famous throughout the world for its
superb botanical gardens. Started in the early years of the French reign,
the remarkable collection includes hundred year old trees, the tallipot
palm that grows for 40 years, flowers then dies, incredible giant water
lilies and amazing spice trees.(Royal Palm, Trou Aux Biches, Le Victoria,
Le Canonnier)
Mahebourg:
Regular visits are arranged to this small colonial town full of history.
Named after the famous French Mahe de Labourdonnais, the town is also
home to the Mahebourg Naval museum. It is a colonial style house built
about 1771 that became a naval museum in 1950, commemorating the dramatic
naval battle that took place in 1810. Relics include coins, old manuscripts,
beautiful porcelain, prints, engravings, antique maps, furniture, a collection
of weapons all testifying to terrible battles or shipwrecked people.
(Shandrani)
Casela
Bird Park:
Is a bird sanctuary well known to ornithologists around the world, and
home to the world's rarest pigeon, the pink pigeon. The Mauritius kestrel
is being hand-reared, aided by science in an attempt to save it from
extinction. (Paradis)
Black
River Gorge:
There's more to Mauritius than just gorgeous beaches and the warm clear
turquoise sea - Nature lovers can walk for miles in the Black River Gorge,
up the river, which has cut its way into the basalt. It is inhabited
by the two rarest birds in the world, the Mauritian kestrel and the Pink
pigeon. (Paradis)
Grand
Bassin:
Resting in the crater of an ancient volcano, this natural lake is a place
of pilgrimage for the Hindus. (Paradis, Shandrani)
Chamarel:
A phenomenon that attracts scientists from all over the world to Mauritius.
Chamarel is a mound of multi coloured earth- ochre, red and violet in
colour - thought to be caused by the erosion of the residue volcanic
ash. (Paradis)
The
Rochester Falls and Tamarind Falls:
Located on the plateau near Souillac and are breathtaking in their beauty
as they plummet amidst the lush vegetation of Mauritius. (Paradis, Shandrani)
Domaine
du Chasseur:
Stretches over 2000 acres of Mauritius and is bursting with indigenous
species including stags, wild boars, partridges and pheasants. However
the park also provides a spectacular setting for paragliding. (Shandrani)
Grand
Baie:
Known as the Mauritian Côte d'Azur, Grand Baie boasts a beautiful beach
with emerald green water. This vibrant fishing village has a host of
clothing shops selling designer clothes under different labels as well
as craft shops, restaurants and casual night clubs. (Royal Palm, Le Mauricia,
Trou Aux Biches, Le Victoria, Le Canonnier
Curepipe:
Is the main residential town on the island of Mauritius, a great place
to shop. In addition to the model ships, jade, porcelain embroidery and
clothes, Curepipe is ideal for buying duty free gold and diamonds. You
can enjoy a good view of the town and the surrounding area from the extinct
volcanic crater of Trou aux Cerfs. (Shandrani, Paradis)
Tourist
Guide (Introduction)
You may
have noticed on the 'What they say' page,
some have referred to Simon.
Simon is an official Mauritius Toursist Guide, but he also doubles-up
as a traditional taxi owner/driver.
Kirstine first discovered him on one of her many visits to Mauritius,
she was so impressed by his courtesy, knowledge and professionalism that
we've been using and recommending his services ever since.
For those wanting the odd excursion, so as to learn more of this beautiful
Island, Simon can be a most useful and economical means of sightseeing.
Please note however, :
This is not an official part of our programme for which we
can be held responsible, it is merely an introduction. Contact our office
for Simons' card if you are interested
you may then contact him directly when on the Island.
For some of the history on Mauritius
(click)
Speak To Someone Who's Been !
Telephone:
( 0113 ) 2773 663