MAURITIUS

COUNTRY MAURITIUS

INTRO TEXT ARABIC SAILORS FIRST DISCOVERED MAURITIUS AS EARLY AS THE 10TH CENTURY AND CLEVERLY KEPT THIS GEM OF AN ISLAND A SECRET FOR OVER FIVE HUNDRED YEARS.

The volcanic island of Mauritius, anchored off the south east coast of Africa amidst the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean, packs a big punch when it comes to spectacular beaches, luxurious hotels and underwater adventure.

The east coast is pure white sand bliss, with spectacular sunrises and trade winds that are ideal for parasailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. On the northern coast, the golden sands of Grand Gaube melt into turquoise seas, and thanks to an unbroken coral reef, the diving here is superb, with a kaleidoscope of butterfly and lion fish gliding through crystal clear waters. The sugary sand beaches and shallow waters of the west coast make it popular with families, and lighter winds and spectacular sunsets draw couples and honeymooners too. We know from experience how hard it is to tear yourself away from such blissful surroundings, but inland you’ll find a stunning natural paradise of lush hills and valleys, home to endangered pink pigeons and brightly coloured parakeets. You can drive to the rim of the dormant volcanic crater at Trou aux Cerfs, go rafting through the forest at Black River Gorges National Park, and visit the most sacred Hindu site on the island, Grand Bassin’s crater lake. Golf lovers meanwhile are spoilt for choice, with a series of remarkable courses including the Bernhard Langer-designed 18-hole Île aux Cerfs, set on its very own island, and the Ernie Els-designed championship course at Anahita. Mauritius is a vibrant mix of European, Creole and Asian culture, and this is reflected in the distinctive cuisine. We recommend getting out and about and acquainting yourself with the superb street food scene; you’ll find sizzling hot curries, Chinese fried noodle dishes and succulent fruit served with fiery mazavaroo chilli paste. The resorts themselves generally offer both casual and fine dining, and many a Michelin-starred chef has given their name to a restaurant on the island over the years.

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES

WILD COLOURS TOUR This unique tour brings the vivid natural colour palette of the Mauritian landscape to life, so whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the green slopes around the extinct Trou aux Cerfs volcano; visit the sacred Hindu lake of Grand Bassin, with its towering statue of Shiva; admire the magnificent flora and fauna of the Black River Gorges National Park, where spectacular waterfalls cascade down the cliffs; and gasp at the seven coloured earths of Chamarel, a mesmerising geological phenomenon. A CRUISE ALONG THE COAST A catamaran cruise is the perfect way to see the beautiful east coast. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the chefs on board, before disembarking at the idyllic Île aux Cerfs, a stunning island with white sand beaches and a crystal clear lagoon, perfect for snorkelling. If the tide’s out, it’s worth wading to the smaller Île de l’Est, where you can find a quieter spot to sunbathe. QUAD BIKING Quad biking is a great way to experience Mauritius’ naturally stunning scenery, and in the Etoile Reserve, on the east coast, you’ll ride through swaying sugar cane fields and natural forests, before winding your way up the hillside for magnificent panoramic views of Mauritius below and the sea beyond. FROM THE BUSH TO THE BEACH It’s simple to combine South Africa and Mauritius as a twin centre holiday. Flying time from Johannesburg to Mauritius is around four hours, and this allows you to blend an adventurous safari holiday or exploration of cosmopolitan Cape Town with a chilled out beach break in Mauritius.

GETTING THERE

Air Mauritius Non-stop departures from Heathrow up to four times a week.

Flying time from the UK is approximately 12 hours non-stop, 13 hours 10 minutes via Paris, 14 hours 45 minutes via Dubai or 15 hours 30 minutes via Istanbul.

British Airways Non-stop departures from Gatwick five times a week in high season and three times a week in low season. Emirates Daily departures from Gatwick, Heathrow and a choice of regional airports, all via Dubai. Air France: Flights from Heathrow and selected regional airports via Paris.

Turkish Airlines Daily departures from Gatwick, Heathrow and selected regional airports, all via Istanbul. Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on Air Mauritius Economy flights. 1

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PORT LOUIS

1. Maritim Resort & Spa (p73)

Oberoi Mauritius (p78) 2. Sugar Beach (p77)

La Pirogue (p77) 3. Anantara Iko Mauritius (p74) 4. Shangri-La Le Touessrok (p74) 5. The Residence Mauritius (p75) 6. Constance Belle Mare Plage (p75)

Long Beach (p76)

One&Only Le Saint Géran (p72) 7 Constance Prince Maurice (p78) 8. LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas (p79)

LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences (p79)

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