The Sydney Morning Herald
MAY 21-22, 2016
Traveller 7
TIP
3
Mauritius is a big island and each area has its own personality. If you want to venture beyond your hotel (trust us, you will), you’ll need a car or a driver.
MINUTE
Mauritius
GUIDE
By Tatyana Leonov Tatyana Leonov was a guest of Mauritius Tourism and Air Mauritius. See tourism-mauritius.mu
WHY
MUST
EAT
This island paradise has it all. There are plush resorts and powdery white-sand beaches. Port Louis, the charming old colonial capital, is perfect for lazy meanders. Athletic types have water sports, hiking and golfing. Foodies can indulge in multi-ethnic cuisine and the eversmiling locals elevate magical Mauritius to even greater heights.
Cruise to the charming island of Ile aux Cerfs. The sand appears whiter and the turquoise sea seems to glisten brighter here. On a full-day catamaran tour (mauritiuscatamaran.com) you can soak up the incredible vistas on board, stop off for spectacular snorkelling, enjoy a BBQ lunch on the catamaran, before jumping off in paradise.
At Royal Palm Hotel’s La Goelette restaurant (royalpalm-hotels.com), head chef Michel de Matteis crafts a tantalising multi-course menu every night that impresses. For tasty creole cuisine head to La Rougaille Creole (la-rougaillecreole.restaurant.mu) and order the massive tiger prawns – they come topped with a big dollop of tangy creole sauce and are served alongside buttery rice and salad. Refreshingly low-key Les Palmiers (les-palmiers-chezdev.restaurant.mu) is the place for top-notch home-style fare.
VISIT
LOOK
Part theme park, part safari, part kids’ world, Casela World of Adventures (caselapark.com) is 14 hectares of fabulous fun. Wildlife activities span everything from admiring the birdlife to strolling alongside lions to embarking on a safari escapade, while ziplines, canyon explorations and skinny cable bridges will keep adrenalin junkies’ heart rates up.
When the Dutch settled in Mauritius in 1598 they brought sugar cane; then the French came along and cultivated it; and later the British developed the industry into a massive source of revenue. Touring some of the old majestic sugar cane homesteads offers a glimpse into what once was. Chateau de Labourdonnais (chateaulabourdonnais.com), built in 1856 by a Danish trader, is one of the best museums with recent restorations completed by local craftsmen. La Maison Eureka (maisoneureka.com) is another historical gem furnished with period pieces.
Photos: Mauritius Tourism
SLEEP With six eateries, a diving centre, plenty of sports activities, a kids’ club, a teens’ club and a swanky spa, there’s something for the whole family at Trou aux Biches (beachcomberhotels.com/hotel/trou-aux-biches-resort-spa). The resort overlooks a tranquil beach, with the 306 suites and 27 villas (all elegantly appointed) spread out over a vastness of luscious tropical gardens.
Choose Your Cabin
Choose Your Cabin
Choose Your Cabin
Choose Your Cabin
Emerald Stateroom
Emerald Balcony Suite
Owners One Bedroom Suite
Solo Explorers
• 15 Day Deluxe River Cruise • Visit 15 Cities, Towns & Villages • Onboard Pool, Cinema & Bikes • Unique ‘You’re Invited’ Cultural Events • Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks with Lunch & Dinner • Gratuities, Tipping, Airport Transfers, Port Charges & Taxes* • 41 Meals
• 15 Day Deluxe River Cruise • Visit 15 Cities, Towns & Villages • Large 180 Square Foot Suite • Innovative Drop-down Window • Enjoy Fresh Air & Seamless Views • Onboard Pool, Cinema & Bikes • Unique ‘You’re Invited’ Cultural Events • 41 Meals
• 15 Day Deluxe River Cruise • Enjoy a Spacious 350 Square Foot Cabin • Emerald In-Suite Concierge Service • Separate Living Area & Bedroom • In-room Nespresso & iPad • Walk-in Wardrobe • Included Laundry • Complimentary Minibar • 41 Meals
• 15 Day Deluxe River Cruise • Enjoy Solo Occupancy in a Stateroom • Onboard Pool, Cinema & Bikes • Unique ‘You’re Invited’ Cultural Events • Beer, Wine & Soft Drinks with Lunch & Dinner • Gratuities, Tipping, Port Charges & Taxes* • 41 Meals
From
From
From
From
$
3,995pp*
save up to $ 4,780 per couple*
6,630pp*
$
save up to $ 2,900 per couple*
Fly Business Class for $ 3,995pp*
$
9,580pp*
$
solo * 6,595 per
save up to $ 6,595* per solo traveller
For full terms and conditions refer to 2017 Europe River Cruising brochure or visit evergreentours.com.au/termsconditions. Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) ABN 85 002 715 602. Booking code EV2893 1HERSA1 0007