Mauritius is a magical island with superb soft white sandy beaches looking out to a turquoise sea. The island has a lush mountainous interior with a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters . For the most part the Island is circled by superb coral reefs and amazing crystal clear lagoons - the exception being the south where you'll find dramatic cliffs and amazing wild landscapes
The range of resorts and standard of service to be expected in Mauritius is outstanding and so too is the cuisine. Having been discovered by the Portuguese and subsequently occupied by the Dutch and French, the range of cuisine on offer reflects its history - you'll enjoy specialties from European to Creole, Chinese and Indian dishes
Mauritius offers something for everyone but when choosing your resort bear in mind the Island differs quite considerably from north to south and east to west. The two main tourism developments are in and around Grand Baie in the north and Flic en Flac in the west. By comparison the exclusive east coast and scenic south coast are little developed.
If you're looking for a two centre holiday then Mauritius combines perfectly with a few days in Dubai or perhaps Cape Town.
In the north you'll find Grand Baie where there has been significant tourism development over the last 20 years and is now well know for its nightlife and range of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants. Not renowned for its beaches, many people prefer to stay in neighbouring Trou aux Biches , Mont Choisy or Pereybere and simply prefer to shop and go out in Grand Baie. Hotels in the north range from great value three star such as the Coin de Mire Hotel and Merville Beach to the ultra chic Oberoi and Royal Palm.
The east by comparison is nothing like as developed and is where many of the islands best beaches are located. As a result many of the exclusive luxury hotels can be found here such as The One and Only Saint Geran, Le Prince Maurice and Le Touessrok. Just off the coast you'll find the picture perfect tiny island of Ile aux Cerfs - offering not just a whole range of watersports but also probably the best beach in Mauritius. For those looking for somewhere more laid back and affordable than Belle Mar then try Trou d'Eau Douce where you'll find good value 3-4 star hotels offering excellent all-inclusive packages.
The south is completely different again and offers the country's most wonderful scenery and wildest landscapes. However, the majority of the south coast offers no beach thus limiting commercial development. A few years ago development took place at the 2500 acre former sugar estate of Bel Ombre and now includes, amongst others, Tamassa, Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort and Heritage Awali Golf And Spa Resort. The other main development in the south is around La Morne Peninsula. The peninsula itself has some fabulous best beaches along its 4km shores and is home to a number of excellent hotels such as Les Pavillons, Paradise Hotel & Golf Club and Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa
From La Morne right the way up the West Coast to Flic en Flac there is a fabulous stretch of beachy coastline. However, beware a huge amount of development has taken place in and around the Flic and Flac so choose your hotel carefully if you're looking for an idyllic Mauritian escape! Excellent hotels south of the main town include The Sands Resort, Sofitel Mauritius Imperial Resort & Spa, Sugar Beach Resort and La Pirogue.
Mauritius enjoys a typically tropical climate with year-round heat, although the southeast trade winds help it never to feel too muggy. The winds are at their strongest July and August when it can be blustery on the east coast. Mauritius has basically two seasons: warm and rainy from December to April, and pleasantly cool and dry from May to November
Mauritius was named after the Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau.
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Population -
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Around 1.2 million
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Flying Time -
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12 hours approx
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International Airport -
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Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (Grand Port)
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Capital -
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Port Louis
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Currency -
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Mauritian Rupee
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Time zone -
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GMT +4
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Language -
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English is the official language. (French and Creole are commonly used.)
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Island Distances -
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North to South - Bel Ombre to Grand Baie is around 60 kms (by road approx 70
kms). East to West - Flic and Flac to Trou d'Eau Douce is around 45 kms (by
road approx 50 kms)
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Airport Distances -
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Approx road distances from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International to
Grand Baie - 60 kms
Belle Mare - 35 kms
Trou d' Eau Douce - 30 kms
Port Louise 45 kms
Flic and Flac 45 kms
