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Nestling
some 3000 km off the East Coast of Africa, just above the Tropic of
Capricorn, is the beautiful tropical island of Mauritius. This jewel of
the Indian Ocean boasts 160km of beautiful coastline, powdery white
beaches, gently waving palm trees, azure waters and spectacular coral
reefs. An earthly paradise with jade green fields broken by shady
valleys veined with streams from which suddenly, as though from nothing,
rise mountains with fantastic shapes. This must surely be paradise. Now
add a fascinating cosmopolitan blend of French, British, Indian, Chinese
and Creole, and you'll understand something of the island's unique and
vibrant culture.
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| Mauritius
was originally discovered by the Arabs in AD975. Although they named it
Dinarobin - meaning Silver Island - they left no evidence of their
presence. In 1507, the Portuguese discovered it and gave it the name
Ilha do Cerne or Island of the Swan. The Dutch - en-route to their
colonies in the East Indies - discovered it in 1958, naming it Maurits
after Prince Maurice of Nassau. In 1715 the French landed, calling it
Ile de France. For years, pirates and bounty hunters under French
protection plundered the British vessels travelling to and from the
spice and silk markets of the East. In 1810, the British landed a
surprise attack against the French and conquered the island, along with
nearby Reunion. In 1968, Mauritius won her independence from Britain,
remaining within the Commonwealth.
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Climate
The seasons can be divided broadly into a hot, wet
season from December to April, and a pleasantly cool, dry season from
May to November, making Mauritius a perfect year-round destination.
Coastal air temperatures range from 22 degrees Centigrade in Winter to
31 degrees Centigrade in Summer. The limited cyclone season usually
falls between January and March. Water temperatures vary between 22
degrees Centigrade and 27 degrees Centigrade.
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Beachwear and informal clothing are perfect for daytime - cotton is
ideal. The sun in Mauritius can be very strong so sunglasses and suntan
lotion with the necessary sun protection factor should not be forgotten.
A light sweater or jacket is recommended during the so-called "cool"
season evenings (May to September). The dress at dinner is smart/casual.
Gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers at dinner. Take a good
pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring the island. |
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Shopping
Mauritius is a shopper's paradise. There are several
different shopping areas, as well as bargains which can be found at the
various local markets and independent vendors. The duty free shops,
exclusively for tourists having their passport and flight ticket has
been multiplied during the last years and the prices are very
attractive. Things that you can bring back from Mauritius are models of
ancient ships, jewellery, clothes, handicrafts etc. Models of ancient
ships - with fine details as per the ancient plans constitute a very
nice souvenir. Handicrafts - basket making, embroidery, pottery,
serigraphy, stone cutting. Souvenirs that can be brought back from
Mauritius are beach clothing, shells, the local rum, stamps, arts and
crafts from Madagascar, spices, weaving goods, like bags and hats.
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Sightseeing Port
Louis, capital city and the worlds latest freeport, is a kaleidoscope of
colour and activity, sights, smells and sounds. Scour the market for
bargains, take a drive to the top of La Citadelle for the marvellous
view, admire the grand 19th-century buildings; see the reconstructed
dodo and rare artifacts at the fascinating Natural History Museum.
Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens, a short 15
minute drive from the bustle of Port Louis houses an astonishing array
of rare indigenous flora as well as small deer and some giant Aldabra
tortoises from Seychelles, where they are an endangered species.
Grand Bay, offers intimate art galleries and a
wide variety of boutique clothing and fascinating souvenir shops.
Eureka House is a beautifully restored
Creole-style house situated in Moka. Reputed to be one of the largest
houses on the island, it has 109 doors and windows. Tea is served on the
wide verandah.
Domaine les Pailles is a gracious estate which
will delight nature lovers, gamblers, gourmets and horse-riders alike.
Ten minutes drive south of Port Louis, the architecture is in
traditional style.
Ile aux Cerfs is five minutes on a taxi-boat from
Le Touessrok, this idyllic tropical island has restaurants, bars and
numerous watersports.
Domaine du Chasseur, a privately owned nature
reserve nestles in the Bambous Mountains offering spectacular views down
to the sea. Wild boars, hares, guinea fowls and monkeys abound. The rare
Mauritian Kestrel can be seen by visitors at this naturalist's haven.
Mahebourg, once capital of the island has an
unspoilt, rural atmosphere and a visit to the Naval Museum is well
worthwhile. Relics from shipwrecks and battles, portraits and the bell
of the renowned Saint Geran are housed here.
Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin, Plaine
Champagne, Chamarel. The Black River Gorges carve dramatically through
the Black River National Park, where the rare Paille-en-Queue and pink
pigeon thrive. A marvelous place for a nature ramble through the park.
An extraordinary phenomenon is the seven coloured earth at Chamarel on
the Plaine Champagne. The sacred lake at Grand Bassin is a place of
pilgrimage for the Hindu people of Mauritius.
Casela Bird Park allows visitors the opportunity
to enjoy a peaceful stroll through beautiful gardens where some 2000
birds of 150 different species live in 85 aviaries.
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Take a Cruise....
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Accommodation Available....
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Sugar Beach
Surrounded by exquisite, classic-styled gardens, set
against a dramatic backdrop of craggy mountains, and fronted by endless,
powdery white beaches, romantic Sugar Beach is a fairy-tale chateau come
to life.
Elegant. Luxurious. Tranquil. All these attributes spring to mind at
Sugar Beach Resort. Its gracious colonial architecture recalls the warm
family atmosphere of a traditional Franco-Mauritian plantation, and you
are invited to step back in time to an era of unhurried living and
stylish indulgence. Luxurious living quarters in both the elegant Manor
House and the secluded Garden and Beach Villas open out onto private
shaded balconies or patios.
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Le CoCo Beach
Breathtakingly situated on the Belle Mare peninsula
on the east coast of Mauritius, Le Coco Beach is set in eighty acres of
idyllic gardens, flanked by a private forest of 500 000 trees and
fronted by over a kilometer of soft, sandy beaches and enchantingly
secluded coves.
Whatever your expectations of a tropical resort, Le Coco Beach will
delight you. Here is the tranquility and romance of an island paradise.
A vast array of sports and leisure facilities for the whole family,
including a gym and beauty centre. Mouthwatering cuisine from
sophisticated a la carte menus to pizza snacks. And every night, unique
and exciting cabaret entertainment with live music. Le Coco Beach is big
enough to provide it all. |
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