Mauritius is a luxury holiday destination par excellence in a number of ways. There is a superb concentration of outstanding hotels in Mauritius offering the highest possible standards of comfort and service. The island of Mauritius geographically is very attractive with a lush, green interior both a patchwork of sugar cane fields and jagged mountain peaks and then there are miles of soft white sand beaches lapped by calm, translucent, turquoise water, protected by a reef almost entirely around the whole island. The beaches of Mauritius are often fringed by casuarinas or coconut palm, creating a sway of grayish-greens against the deep blue of the sky and the turquoise of the sea. Poinsettia and bougainvillaea line the roads and hug the buildings. But it is the people of Mauritius that makes this island so very special and unique. A fascinating mix of Indian, African, Chinese and European with religions being Hindu and Islam, Buddhist and Christian, the people live in a harmony that reaches out to the visitor and welcomes and pleases. English is the official language of Mauritius but everyone speaks French. This attractive mix of flavours is apparent in the local architecture and cuisine which makes a rich use of the local fruits and spices. Mauritius is a paradise of sea and sand with charming people.
Facts
Capital
Port Louis
Airport
About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car.
Size
1865 square kilometres
Currency
Mauritian rupee (£1 = 35 Rs)Population 1.1 million
Temperature
The hottest months are from January to April, although this is also the cyclone season and the weather can be humid with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Centigrade. There is no distinct rainy season. The Mauritian winter months are June, July, August when temperatures average about 24 degrees Centigrade with the evenings being about 16 degrees Centigrade. However, the weather does vary from the east to the west coast. The east is breezier, and feels cooler during their winter months. The north-west near Port Louis is often the driest and the warmest part of the island. During their winter months you should have a jacket or jumper for the evenings. Dining is outside throughout the year.
Local highlights
Sega dancing. Maha Shivaratri festival. Paul et Virginie by Bernardin de St Pierre a love story based on the incidents during the wreck of the St Geran. Chicken and prawn curry and Creole dishes using the local spices. Heart of palm is a local delicacy. Local beer is Phoenix Pilsner and local rum is Green Island. Serious deep-sea fishing with some of the world’s top fishing off Le Morne where blue marlin is caught. Walking along the defunct railway lines of Mauritius or hiking in the Domaine du Chasseur. Clothes, stamps, model ships and basket work are all things to buy.
Getting out and about
The roads on Mauritius are very good. Driving is on the left. Signposts are clear. We can organise hire-cars for you in advance or the hotels can do it during your stay. If you prefer the idea of a private excursion, we can also arrange this for you in advance of your arrival.
Travel arrangements
How you get there
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Air Mauritius fly from from London to Mauritius. The flight time is about 12 hours but the flights are not all daily. Emirates flies from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow to Mauritius daily with a change of aircraft in Dubai. The connecting times are very good and the prices we offer you allow for a stopover in Dubai, making Mauritius and Dubai an excellent two centre holiday option. Once on Mauritius, most hotels are about 1 hour and 10 minutes from the airport by car. If you want a helicopter transfer this can be arranged on request and then the flying time is only between 10 and 15 minutes.