Mauritius Guide 2016

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Ile aux Serpents

Proudly published by Selling Travel Magazine © 2016.

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island overview

auritius seems to have been sculpted and painted by a tasteful giant,’ wrote the Mauritian poet and painter Malcolm de Chazal. And he’s not the only one to have been impressed.

Famed for its glittering hotels along tropical reef-fringed sandy beaches with volcanic mountain backdrops, exotic Mauritius has something to suit all travellers.

There’s plenty to see and do too from colonial mansions, producing fresh game and artisanal rum to colourful temples, markets and botanic gardens. Visitors can take their pick from swimming in the crystal azure ocean or ziplining in an eco adventure park or hiking through endemic forest with the chance to spot rare birds.

Each region has its own distinct flavour, landscape and attractions - from the island’s northern and eastern plains, shimmering with sugar cane and with pristine offshore islets, to the forested plateau in the interior dotted with extinct crater lakes and landscapes where the dodo once roamed. On the wilder southern shore, basalt cliffs are pounded by surf.

THE LIVELY NORTH

With more sandy beaches and sunny days than anywhere else on Mauritius, the north is the island’s main tourism hub. Centred around the lively resort of Grand Baie, it has a horseshoe-shaped sheltered bay around an emerald lagoon plus shopping and nightlife.

Activities here range from skydiving to parasailing, and excursions should include an unmissable catamaran trip to the uninhabited northern islands.

Inland in the north, a peaceful stroll through shady palm-lined avenues leads to a central pond of giant amazon lilies in the 18th century Pamplemousses Botanic Gardens, the world’s third oldest, with over 500 plant species.

INSIDE...

Island overview Hotel headlines Trending Authentic Mauritius Spas & wellness Active Mauritius Adventure Romance Family fun Festivals & events Essential details Tour operators

island overview

quad-bike past Javanese deer at Domaine L’Etoile in the Bambous Mountains; or take a guided nature walk at pretty La Vallée de Ferney, with glimpses of the Mauritian kestrel at feeding time. The rustic southeast coast is the island’s most historic, with the Dutch settlement at Vieux Grand Port in the shadow of Lion Mountain, and the ancient capital of Mahébourg overlooking Grand Port Bay, where the British and French once battled for sovereignty of the island.

THE EXCITING WEST

An interactive tour showing the influence of sugar on the islands’ history, and artisanal rum, awaits at L’Aventure du Sucre, and the islands’ finest colonial mansions, once owned by a sugar baron, at Eureka.

Dip into the bustling port capital, Port Louis ‘Porlwi’, and you are encircled by the lofty Moka Mountains, or for a taste of authentic Mauritius check out the colonial architecture, markets and street food.

THE ELEGANT EAST

The exclusive east coast is postcard Mauritius with celebrated hotels on endless stretches of beautiful white sand beaches with azure seas. Tourism is centred around the villages of Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.

As the breeziest coast, it attracts windsurfers, sailors and day-trippers to the island playground of Ile aux Cerfs with white sandbars, turquoise waters and watersports galore. For eco-thrills, ride the longest zipline in the Indian Ocean or

The calm, shallow beaches of the west coast are favoured by young families, particularly around Flic en Flac and Wolmar. Nearby, the island’s premier eco-adventure park, Casela, offers a range of eco-experiences from encounters with African animals to a canyon swing.

Nature walks in the lush forested Black River Gorges National Park offer the chance to spot rare endemic birds such as the pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel and echo parakeet which live among the soaring ebony trees. Explore Grand

The exclusive Le Morne Peninsula, in the shadow of UNESCO-listed rocky Le Morne Brabant mountain, was once a refuge for runaway slaves and has some of the best kitesurfing on the planet.

THE RUSTIC SOUTH

The rustic south is Mauritius’ wilder side with dramatic natural and cultural landscapes from surf-sculpted basalt cliffs at Gris Gris to the seven coloured earths, a popular geological wonder in the green highlands of Chamarel.

The green hills of Black River Gorges National Park is the backdrop for Bel Ombre, the south’s only resort, with sandy beaches and most of its hotels.

The coastal drive from here to iconic Le Morne passes sleepy fishing villages, such as Baie du Cap, bobbing with traditional wooden pirogues (boats), roadside fruit stalls and unmanicured beaches.

The southeast’s Blue Bay Marine Park is the place for glass-bottom boat trips and snorkelling. Eco-adventure ranges from quad biking, buggy riding or hiking to a waterfall in Frederica Nature Reserve.

And there are wildlife encounters too with crocodiles, giant tortoises and the Mauritius fruit bat in La Vanille Nature Park or with the famous pink pigeons on eco-island Ile aux Aigrettes, thought to be the last resting place of the dodo.

island overview

Bassin or Ganga Talao too, a crater lake surrounded by temples and flanked by statues. Thousands of Mauritian Hindus flock here at festival times.

The cool, cosmopolitan resort of Tamarin is the place to swim with dolphins (in the bay) and ride the surf (from July to September), while Black River (Rivière Noire) is famed for its world-class big game fishing.

With around 120 luxury hotels and stylish resorts in stunning locations across Mauritius, the hardest part of booking the holiday could well be deciding where to stay!

LEADING LADIES

Mauritius has four Leading Hotels of the World with gourmet dining, top-notch kids’ clubs, spas and world-class golf courses, private pools, helicopter transfers and villas with butlers. Beachcomber’s refined Royal Palm Hotel, under thatch in the north, was the first Indian Ocean hotel to gain membership and is considered by many as the island’s finest. It celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015. Shanti Maurice – a Nira Resort – is an innovative southern belle with the island’s largest spa and unique gastronomic experiences. It has a new tiffin dinner at the Rum Shed and a sunset lounge by the beach. The refined and discreet Constance Le Prince Maurice is in a private natural east coast setting with a floating bar and restaurant, and the Maradiva Villas Resort and Spa, which overlooks Tamarin Bay, has opulent pool villas, an award-winning ayurvedic spa and a new Clefs d’Or Concierge. The select and secluded colonial-style One&Only Le Saint Geran has a new Indian Pavilion featuring Mughlai cuisine by chef Faizan Ali.This year it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

HOTEL PIONEERS

Beachcomber Hotels opened its first hotel in Mauritius in 1952 and now has eight four-and five-star hotels - with Clarins spas - on lovely stretches of beach islandwide.

Flagship hotel The Royal Palm in the northwest had a contemporary makeover in October 2014, sprucing up the public

areas and enlarging some suites. An 18-hole golf course is the draw at sporty Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and family villas at Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa makes it a family favourite. Le Victoria, with spacious rooms, and Le Canonnier, in a wonderful setting, are good value all- inclusives. Le Mauricia in Grand Baie is perfect for the young at heart. As a suite and villa-only resort, with new adult only suites, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa with a great spa on the exclusive Le Morne Peninsula is relaxed for couples, and free transport to the Yoaneye kite-surfing school. It has a new adults-only creascent of suits and adult-only package featuring private pool, beach and adults-only restaurant, Savour des Iles.

TIMELESS MEMORIES

Mauritian-owned Sun Resorts has created a fresh brand identity, ‘Timeless Memories’, promoting its properties on beautiful beaches including the west coast plantation-style Sugar Beach Resort & Spa, popular for weddings, and family favourite La Pirogue Resort & Spa with thatched roofed bungalows, dive club and kids clubs. Rebranded ‘feel the energy’, Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort has chic Californian interiors on an exceptional east coast beach and nearby is the allinclusive adult-only Ambre Resort & Spa. Sun Resorts’ Le Touessrok Resort & Spa in Trou d’Douce bay is now managed by Shangri-La followimg a $30 million refurb.

It has five new dining concepts including Kushi, a Japanese restaurant and the hip Republik Beach Club & Grill, and a CHI spa.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Island group Veranda Resorts has three-and four-star hotels, and the five-star Heritage Resorts on Domaine de Bel Ombre. In the north, Veranda Paul & Virginie is a favourite with romantic couples, while barefoot

where to stay

otels in Mauritius tend to work well for everyone and a trend towards twincentre stays ensures visitors experience more than one coast and concept.

where to stay

Veranda Pointe aux Biches has been newly re-graded as a four-star. Heritage Resorts include the African-style all-inclusive family favourite Heritage Awali, romantic colonialstyle Heritage Le Telfair with C Beach Club and spacious and tranquil, Heritage the Villas. The Heritage Golf Club and Frederica Nature Reserve are on the doorstep.

HOTELS WITH ATTITUDE

The newest hotelier on the block, Mauritian-owned Attitude group now manages 10, mainly three- and four-star all-inclusive hotels offering luxury on a budget in the north, northwest and east.

The four-star Zilwa Attitude caters to couples and families visiting the island’s northern tip and best embodies the brand’s contemporary style and philosophy of becoming an ‘islander’. The intimate and relaxed Kreol-style Tropical Attitude in Trou d’ Eau Douce has Ile aux Cerfs on its doorstep, and the Mediterraneanstyle three-star, Le Recif Attitude, has a lovely non-touristy setting in Pointe aux Piments and a tranquil but convivial vibe.

Newest is the all-suite Ravenala Attitude, an ex-Plantation Hotel relaunched as the first four-star all suite hotel in Mauritius.

Here contemporary design meets genuine Mauritian art de vivre, to offer 272 refined and uncluttered suites. It is located on Turtle Bay with an impressive range of 10 restaurants including a floating seafood restaurant, Mauritian cuisine and tapas bar. It has an adult-only area with a private beach and sushi bar.

BRANDED BEAUTIES

Mostly five-star international brands rub shoulders with island groups on Mauritius, from the picturesque east coast hideaway Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, with an Ernie Els-designed golf course, to the discreet Oberoi Mauritius hideaway with

elegant pool villas and the unashamedly romantic all-suite Angsana Balaclava Mauritius, with an award-winning spa. Le Méridien Ile Maurice in the northwest is popular with both families and couples as is the award-winning Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, on the west coast which has won recognition for its spa and fitness facilities and also offers two pools, kids club and complimentary non-motorised activities such as dolphin watching. It has 193 sea-facing rooms and suites, each with a balcony or patio offering direct beach access. Sofitel has two island hotels, the west coast’s Sofitel L’Imperial Resort & Spa, popular with families and in the south, Sofitel So Mauritius, offering villa living. The contemporary four-star Maritim Crystals Beach, which opened on the east coast in September 2014, is a hit with families. Set within 11 hectares, it has added a second heated swimming pool and is located along one of the best beach of Mauritius.

Starwood’s St Regis Resort Mauritius resembles a sugar baron’s mansion, on the exclusive Le Morne Peninsula, and is perfectly positioned for kitesurf enthusiasts.

Other recently-opened branded hotels include Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort in Bel Ombre, with excellent gourmet dining and top-rated kids club. The wellnessoriented Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa features a kids club, whisper zones, Heavenly Spa and new adult-only pool.

FIVE-STAR ALL-INCLUSIVE

Beachcomber’s five-star Shandrani Resort & Spa, on the southeast coast, set the trend as the islands’ first luxury all-inclusive.

Five- star award-winning all-inclusive Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius in Turtle Bay includes fine dining restaurant Chateau Mon Desir, a nine-hole golf course and an equestrian centre. It is marking the group’s 25th anniversary with dedicated

Mauritius The best choice of luxury hotels on the island

For the very best Mauritius holidays call 01483 445 634 beachcombertours.co.uk

Royal Palm Hotel

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa

Paradis Hotel & Golf Club

Trou Aux Biches resort & Spa

Shandrani Resort & Spa

Le Victoria Hotel

Le Mauricia Hotel

Le Canonnier Hotel

where to stay

events, weekly gala buffets, management cocktails and special gifts throughout 2016. Other five-stars with premium allinclusive packages are the colonial-style The Residence, with top-notch service, and the Constance Belle Mare Plage, set on a white sand beach on the east coast with two championship golf courses, a spa and an annual culinary festival. Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius will close June 1- mid-July 2016 for refurbishment.

INDEPENDENT MINDED

The pretty Creole-style Le Preskil Beach Resort is a family favourite on a private sandy islet opposite Ile aux Aigrettes. It is great value, has a PADI dive school and a catamaran for day trips. Value threestar Kreol-style Villas Caroline scored the best beach in Flic en Flac and has a dive centre and spa. Couples are cosseted at Mauritian-owned four-star deluxe Sands Suites Resort & Spa overlooking Tamarin Bay with its recently renovated suites.

SMALL IS THE NEW BIG

Managed by Attitude, the romantic fivestar adult-only Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel in Anse La Raie, with clifftop infinity pool, thatched love nests and a restaurant out of 1001 Nights, was awarded Mauritius’ Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards in 2015. A favourite ‘beaches and mountains’ combination is the independent boutique property for foodies, the Relais and Chateaux 20 Degres Sud, in Grand Baie, with the rustic luxury of Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge in the highlands with individual lodges and private pools. Boutique four-stars include Tamarina on Tamarin Beach, with cascading infinity pools, Indian-style rooms under thatch, an 18-hole golf course, and free access to Casela and east coast Moroccan-style La Palmeraie.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Many hotels across the island offer villa accommodation for those wishing to find a home away from home in Mauritius and these are ideal for families and groups of friends. The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offers six new luxurious sanctuary pool villas comprising a newly-extended Presidential Suite and six new Sanctuary Pool Villas with either direct beach access or sweeping lagoon views, all of which combine with leisure activities, an awardwinning overwater spa, international cuisine across three restaurants, and complimentary golf on an Ernie Els designed course. Other additions include Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa’s four-bedroom, thatched beachfront villas on Le Morne, east coast Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa’s three-bedroom beachfront villas and Evaco’s new villa concept which includes the use of a communal beachclub.

Luxury self-catering, with the services of a hotel, is springing up islandwide, and includes the three-bedroom Leora Beachfront Apartments with infinity pool on the west coast, a four-bedroom penthouse at Paradise Beach at Pointe D’Esny. Conde Nast Traveller listed tropical-style Villa Athénée in Poste Lafayette, one of the world’s best beach villas, and the tiny L’Ilot with one ecochic house on the northeast coast, among the world’s most incredible private islands.

NEW ARRIVALS

Apavou’s Indian Resort has been transformed by Riu Hotels & Resorts into two four-star hotels, the 313-room Riu Kreol and 218-room adults-only Riu Le Morne, both with all-inclusive 24-hour service. The Evaco Group is pioneering a new villa concept, with a communal beach club in Trou aux Biches.

The Jumeirah Group is currently developing a 68.5-hectare luxury resort 50km from the airport, expected to open in 2018.

AIRLINES

Mauritius keeps it fresh with new cruise options, more golf courses, added attractions and revamped hotels

Air Mauritius is enhancing its flight experience by investing in six new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to replace its existing fleet, with the first two to be delivered in 2017.

The airline sees itself as an ambassador for Mauritius and aims to bring the spirit of this country onboard. It has received several international awards recognising the quality of its service and was voted the leading airline in the Indian Ocean at the World Travel Awards for the last seven years.

Turkish Airlines introduced new flights from the UK to Mauritius via Istanbul in December 2015, flying four times weekly from February 1 2016.

Emirates introduced twice-daily flights on the airbus A380 from Dubai to Mauritius in October 2014.

Thomson’s Dreamliner will fly twice

TOP TIP

Beachcomber’s Paradis Hotel & Golf Club has re-opened after a complete makeover. It now has a more active sporty feel and a new yoga platform, kids pool and wedding gazebo at ‘Pointe Pêcheurs’, facing the western mountains.

on trend

auritius is celebrating 40 years of luxury travel in 2016 and is constantly evolving its product portfolio.

Ones to watch...

weekly, from London Gatwick and Manchester, in winter 2016 (November-April).

CRUISE

Costa Cruises offers departures to Mauritius and the Indian Ocean in January and February 2016 and 2017, and September 2016 on Costa neoRomantica.

GOLF

Two new 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Peter Malkovich takes the Mauritius golf offering to ten. Avalon Golf Estate, next to Bois Cheri in South Mauritius opened in November 2015, with club house, restaurant and heated swimming pool. In late 2015, construction began on Le Parc de Mont Choisy – the island’s first golf course in the north.

Ravenala Attitude’s all-suite hotel is a fantastic concept with the appeal of the Otentik experience combined with all-inclusive dine-around at seven restaurants

ATTRACTIONS

Domaine de Rambouillet is the latest eco-park to open, offering quad biking, mountain biking, hiking and archery in La Nicolière, near Pamplemousses gardens in the north.

Casela World of Adventures reopened in December 2014 with new African animals, hyenas, hippos and white rhino,an interaction with tiger cubs, and camel rides. The entrance price now includes a drive-through safari, aviaries, toboggan ride, big cat, giraffe and camel viewing, petting farm and playground.

The southern animal park La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes has changed its name to La Vanille Nature Park and allows visitors the chance to experience the traditions and unspoilt scenery of ‘old Mauitius’.

The new Ebony Forest Project, a raised walkway through endemic trees to a west coast view, is due to open in Chamarel in Spring 2016.

{ INSPIRE } Emotions Destination Management offers first class touring and concierge facilities shaped and inspired by guest emotions

Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort launches the exclusive ‘my beach’ in February 2016, with pampering butler service

GO LOCAL

Get under the skin of the destination by mixing with the locals and really experiencing its unique flavours

Mauritius is just the ticket for travellers seeking more authentic experiences.

They can start with visits to Indian temples and markets, take dawn trips with fishermen by traditional pirogue or learn Kreol over a glass of rum. Mauritian cuisine was also put firmly on the map by MasterChef winner, Shelina Permalloo, in 2012, and is back in the limelight as she opened her first restaurant, Lakaz Maman, in Southampton in early 2016. Visitors can catch her cooking Mauritian street food at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita from December 14-16, 2016.

While independent exploring will also add colour and excitement, in the past few years many hotels have also added activities to give guests a genuine experience of the island and its people.

TOP TIP

Taste the island’s tipple, often infused with coffee, vanilla and spices, on an artisanal rum trail. Rums from Saint Aubin (rhumsaintaubin.com) and Château Labourdonnais (chateaulabourdonnais.com) have attracted attention from gourmands. At Rhumerie de Chamarel, (rhumeriedechamarel. com) the high-altitude Chamarel XO rum is aged in French oak barrels and visitors can watch sugar cane being crushed, fermented and distilled in season.

Otentik experiences by Mauritian-owned Attitude Hotels range from dining in a villager’s home to learning local musical instruments, and Kreol lessons to selfguided off-the-beaten-track island itineraries. Veranda Hotels offers a ‘Deep into Culture’ programme which celebrates the island’s diversity through rum tastings, séga lessons, traditional fishing, Kreol cooking classes and village visits. A photographic package around the Cavadee festival featured on independent booking website, Vidados, hints at possibilities for special interest holidays on the island.

TASTY TREATS

Mauritian street food and craft beer tasting from the island’s first microbrewery is increasingly popular while Shanti Maurice’s Lakaz Maman allows visitors to watch Mauritian specialties being prepared by a local grandma in a rustic lodge in the herb garden. Guests sample street foods such as Dal Puri (flat bread stuffed with dahl and condiments) in Port Louis, and dine in a villager’s home in Shanti’s new five-night foodie package, Delicious Mauritius.

Menus designed by Mauritian contemporary artists feature at the new Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa and jam sessions at its Republik Beach Club & Grill showcase Mauritian talent.

FESTIVAL TIME

Try to time a visit with one of the island’s colourful festivals such as Maha Shivaratree (March), where Hindus make a pilgrimage dressed in white to Grand Bassin to leave offerings for Lord Shiva, or the Festival Kreol (December) with food and craft stalls, fashion shows and séga dancing.

The first festival of contemporary culture, Porlwi by Light, was held in December 2015, and will be an annual event. For further events see page 26.

authentic experiences

mix of African, French, Chinese and Indian cultures, Mauritius inspires diverse festivals, an eclectic cuisine and the hip-wiggling séga. Get involved!

Mauritius is perfect for foodies with both fine dining by Michelin chefs and delicious street food across the island - try pickled octopus and the brightly iced shortbread with jam

{ INSPIRE } Haggle over spices and lunch like a local at the central market in Port Louis, the island’s oldest and largest.

Mauritius is a world-leader in healthy holidays. Its award-winning spas encompass everything from exclusive treatments from big beauty brands to holistic therapies and upto-the-minute wellness trends

HABIT FORMING

The range of Mauritius spas and health holidays stands out from the crowd. A new five-night healthy habits programme at the Nira Spa at Shanti Maurice, for example, includes a silent guided tour, yoga and meditation by the sea, detox, ayurvedic treatments and cooking classes.

Guests stay in 25 cabins set in tropical gardens and embark on exotic ‘journeys around the world through wellbeing’.

WORLD LEADERS

The spacious temple-like Maradiva Spa at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa focuses on authentic Ayurveda treatments inspired by island culture including a pearl facial said to counteract sun damage.

There are also yoga and meditation classes and a new chi balance massage

using chakra crystals, black lava hot stones and restorative essential oils.

The elegant Ultimate Spa at Constance Le Prince Maurice offers deluxe “phytoaromatic” Sisley treatments that draw on aromatherapy and massage rituals.

Manicures and pedicures are devised by celebrity podiatrist Brice Nicham and diet plans by Mimi Spencer. Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa has a luxurious spa with hydrotherapy bath, sauna, steam room and a private cabin with a whirlpool for couples’ massages. The resort also offers regular yoga and tai chi classes to help alleviate stress.

Private yoga sessions can be inspirational and memorable. Check out early morning yoga with Indian practitioner Praveen Kumar at the wellness-focused Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa, on a pavilion by the sea

AUTHENTIC TREATMENTS

The Cinq Mondes Spa at the adults-only Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel offers a Beauty Rituals of the World range including a Buddhist-inspired lotus head massage and a detoxifying North African rhassoul clay body wrap.

A focus on ‘authentic’ local treatments brings a ‘Traditional Tipik Massage’ to Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok’s CHI Spa; while island sugar cane and bamboo are used in the new Nature Touch at Angsana Spa, Angsana Balaclava Mauritius.

GET SPORTY

DID YOU KNOW?

Massage is still the number one treatment chosen by spa-goers and is one of the oldest.

Used for centuries in China, India and Japan, there are over 80 different types of massage treatments today. Many can be experienced in Mauritius from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to Balinese massage.

Sports massages for men are a growing trend, and include a new golf ball massage at Anahita at the Four Seasons Resort and a ‘Performance Massage’ at Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, which also offers yoga on a paddleboard in the lagoon.

IT’S PERSONAL

Following a trend for personalised holiday programmes, LUX* Me Spa at LUX* Belle Mare has a ‘wellbeing safari’ in the forest; while Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok’s CHI Spa, can offer custom-made massage oils designed to suit the clients needs.

{ INSPIRE } Recharge your chakras in colour-coded thatched kiosks in the trees at The Vortex in Riambel, reputed to be an energy hotspot.

Independent spas, such as Ayu Spa offer treatments at competitive prices islandwide.

spas & wellness

or many, holidays are no longer all about over indulgence but rather a chance to improve their health and lifestyle habits.

With watersports galore in great conditions, hiking trails and topflight golf courses, Mauritius is no longer just a fly-and-flop holiday

WATER WONDERS

Complimentary windsurfing, glass bottom boat trips, snorkelling, waterskiing and kayaking are a given here. Increasingly, stand-up paddleboarding is the star attraction with lessons and board rental available in Tamarin Bay, where experienced paddlers can glide with wild dolphins. Mauritius also has great conditions for sailing, catamaran cruises and private charters. Or cover more ground by powerboat; visitors can drop anchor at an off-the-beaten track islet.

SHOOTING THE BREEZE

The east coast gets the southeast trade winds and is a favourite with windsurfers; while Le Morne peninsula in the southwest is one of the best spots for kiters on the planet and a safe place to learn.

UNDER THE SEA

The dive sites of Mauritius are the Indian Ocean’s best with canyons to explore in the west and northern islands and submerged wrecks teeming with tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles, sharks and moray eels. Dive centres cater for all levels and often offer PADI courses. The best snorkelling spot for non-divers is Blue Bay Marine Park where adventures include an enclosed underwater scooter and an undersea walk in Grand Baie. For anglers, the world fishing record for blue marlin has put Mauritius on the deep-sea fishing map, centred around Black River, on the west coast where tuna, marlin and shark can be bagged less than a kilometre from the beach.

ON SHORE

Hikes through dodo country on the wellmarked trails of the Black River Gorges National Park leads to rare birds such as the echo parakeet, found among endemic ebony trees. A ranger-led tour also takes in the pink pigeons on rocky conservation island, Ile aux Aigrettes, thought to be the dodo’s final resting place; or get a glimpse of the Mauritius Kestrel at feeding time on a guided nature walk in pretty La Vallée de Ferney.

TEE TIME

TOP TIP

Go in the cooler, drier winter months from June to September, with fewer mosquitos for outdoor adventure and as Mauritius’ low season, holiday bargains.

Surfs up at Tamarin from June-August and winds are strongest for kitesurfing MayOctober. Head to the island November-April for scuba diving when the view underwater is clearest and October-April for big game fishing.

action stations

he tropical climate, ocean breezes and calm, reeffringed lagoon make Mauritius a watersports mecca and a paradise for golfers.

Mauritius is now a serious golf destination, with three nine-hole and six worldclass award-winning 18-hole designer championship courses set against spectacular backdrops and hosting international competitions. Most are stay and play with complimentary green fees and golf academies. As established courses up their game, Henni Zuel, the youngest player to join the Ladies European Tour, is the new golf ambassador at Heritage Golf Club which has the first Foot Golf course in Mauritius, combining the skills of football with the setting and rules of golf.

Teeing off at a course flanked by the Indian Ocean is a dream for most golfers and Mauritius offers a great choice of golf resorts all within easy reach of each other

{ INSPIRE } A guided cycle tour to take in local sights, from fishermen unloading their catchat the quayside to street food stalls

kas enn poz

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Mauritius is becoming increasingly well known as an adventure hotspot with a diverse range of activities for all levels of fitness and ability. Seakarting and skydiving, canyoning and dolphin spotting are all on the agenda

NATURAL HIGHS

For adventure with a view, there’s a spectacular 90m abseil at Chamarel Falls, or check out the cliff-jumping at Tamarin Falls. Vertical World (verticalworldltd.com) offers mountain and rock climbing while ziplining is all the rage in eco-parks on ‘domaines’ or sugar estates which also offer nature walks, quad biking, horseriding, mountain-biking and archery. Domaine de l’Etoile boasts ‘The longest zipline in the Indian Ocean’ at 3.5 kilometres, and the prettiest is at Casela World of Adventures, set over a forested canopy.

Other adrenalin-fueled thrills include a canyon swing at Casela, described as ‘a bungee crossed with a slingshot’, and a tandem skydive from 10,000ft over Cap Malheureux with Skydive Austral (skydivemauritius.com).

TOP TIP

Mauritius has plenty to offer the sporty, including annual events from Heritage Resorts along the scenic Dodo Trail (dodotrail.com) in July to a dizzying sports calendar offered by LUX* (sports.luxresorts. com) which features a deep sea fishing tournament (February), mountain marathon (May), surf-skiing (June/July), a kitesurfing festival (July/August) and a round-island mountain bike tour (September).

adventure

ava caves and volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and canyons all ensure Mauritius is ideal for adventure activities.

STEPPING OUT

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground there are DIY hiking trails in the Black River Gorges National Park which cater to all abilities including challenging hikes offered by Yanature (trekkingmauritius.com).

Or let the ponies do the walking across the white sand beaches for a swim with horses in the sea. Horse rides can also be across farmland in the Chamarel Highlands at the rustic La Vieille Cheminée, on ex-racehorses at Maritim’s equestrian centre in Turtle Bay, and on the slopes of Le Morne Brabant with Haras du Morne.

ALL AT SEA

An early morning boat trip to watch wild dolphins at play in Tamarin Bay is a memorable adventure and sliding into the water with them as they swim by can be a highlight of a trip to Mauritius. Alternatively, Miami meets Mauritius in sea-karting, the island’s latest craze now offered by many hotels. A cross between a jet-ski and a speedboat, you can zip from Tamarin along the scenic southwest coast to Le Morne.

GET ACTIVE

For something more active, specialist Yemaya Adventures (yemayaadventures. com) offers mountain biking through Bras d’Eau National Park which includes a peek into lava caves and sea kayaking expeditions to the northern Ile d’Ambre, birthplace of Mauritius’ most famous legend, Paul and Virginie.

Heritage Le Telfair (heritageresorts.mu) offers a Surf and Turf package on the Domaine de Bel Ombre including a new segway adventure, mountain and quadbiking and a wellness safari in the Frederica Nature Reserve, along with golf and kitesurfing lessons, paddle boarding, tai chi, snorkelling and a sunset beach massage.

{ INSPIRE } A climb up the UNESCO-listed monolith Le Morne Brabant which has a poignant slave history and rewards you with views over coral gardens.

Nativ Lodge & Spa’s kayak excursion along the River Chaux in Mahébourg, along with an authentic Mauritian lunch.

LOCATION, LOCATION

With couples able to marry anywhere on the island, hotels widely offer experiences beyond the beach and sometimes beyond the resort. Heritage Resorts, which started the trend for free weddings on the island, offers couples the chance to get hitched at colonial mansion, Le Chateau de Bel Ombre, or for a supplement, in the Frederica Nature Reserve. Wilder location ideas for civil ceremonies include getting hitched aboard a catamaran, an underwater wedding in a submarine or marrying at Casela where the newly-weds’ photographs see the couple riding a zipline!

LOCAL TOUCHES

Séga music accompanies the ceremony in the Kreol wedding at adult-only

TOP TIP

Small is beautiful. Consider the plush Constance Le Prince Maurice with suites on stilts over the mangrove and a floating seafood restaurant; or adults-only Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel with a ‘You & Me’ premium all-inclusive package for couples. Relais & Chateaux’s 20 Degres Sud adds the romance of white wooden accommodation set under thatch in a sandy cove.

romance

Mauritius ranks in the top five favourite spots to marry abroad and was again voted the world’s leading honeymoon destination at the World Travel Awards in 2015.

It is simply the first choice for romance

ouples marrying abroad tripled in 2015 and tropical Mauritius offers great-value picture perfect weddings at luxurious hotels on stunning locations.

Veranda Paul et Virginie, and couples are transported by pirogue (traditional boat).

Bride and groom dress in traditional Indian outfits for the Royal Indian Wedding at LUX* Belle Mare, with the bride’s hands decorated with Mehendi, and a blessing by a Hindu priest.

ADDED EXTRAS

An incentive to tie the knot is the complimentary tenth anniversary holiday offered to couples saying ‘I do’ at Shanti Maurice during 2016 - its tenth anniversary year. Kuoni has noted a growth in group weddings, with many Mauritius hotels offering discounts for parties of 15 or more.

The ‘Ultimate Destination Wedding’ package gives exclusive use of the boutique all-suite Angsana Balaclava Mauritius for up to 100 guests for a minimum of three nights from £19,020 per night, and a catamaran cruise, sundowners and a firework display.

PROPOSAL PACKAGES

An exclusive helicopter tour and catamaran cruise are all part of the romantic buildup to a proposal offered by Luxury Holidays Direct. Its new Ultimate Proposal Package at Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa sets the scene for proposals during a picnic on a private island.

MEMORABLE HONEYMOONS

Honeymoon experiences from Angsana Balaclava Mauritius include a private sunset glass-bottom boat trip, with lobster dinner on the beach, and a couples’ spa treatment and dinner for two in a submarine surrounded by tropical fish, vibrant coral and a shipwreck or two! While those honeymooning at Beachcomber’s Royal Palm receive champagne and fruit on arrival, candlelight dinner and special gifts to add memorable moments throughout their stay.

Honeymooners can enjoy a luxurious day on Île des Deux Cocos with perfumed towel, sparkling wine, gourmet lunch and the chance to snorkel in the Blue Bay Marine Park

{ INSPIRE } Take a heli-lunch to Varangue sur Morne, a gamekeepers lodge serving wild boar and venison with sweeping views of the southwest coast.

For a touch of glamour take a romantic seaplane journey with Island Wings, along the northeast coast.

BE INSPIRED The ball rises in to the air, with the azure sky and turquoise sea providing the perfect backdrop. It’s a magical moment. Next it rolls towards the hole - Eagle! You will always remember these golf course gems, designed to perfection in the Indian Ocean.

M A U R I T I U S

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S E Y C H E L L E S

constancehotels.com

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M A L D I V E S

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M A D A G A S C A R

With year-round sunshine, safe and clean beaches and seas, affordable luxury hotels and plenty to see and do, exotic Mauritius is ideal for families

CHILD-FRIENDLY

Large hotels and resorts offer great family facilities for all ages, from babies to teenagers. In-room Wii consoles and wi-fi, kids’ pools, kids’ menus, spa treatments and sports academies abound. Free kids’ and, increasingly, teens’ clubs islandwide have comprehensive activity programmes - many designed around a concept, such as the Hobbit Village Kids’ Club, a magical world with thatched roofs, at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. A new kids pool has been added at Beachcomber’s Paradis’ kids club, new teens club dinners, including a beach BBQ was introduced at La Pirogue and a complimentary baby club opened at Heritage Le Telfair.

Many hotels and resorts now have family rooms, suites and villas and Beachcomber Tours (beachcombertours.co.uk) has

TOP TIP

The Family Fun Adventure website familyfunadventure.mu is a one-stop shop with information to plan imaginative family itineraries and discounts of 30-40% off key attractions such as quad biking in the Domaine de l’Étoile nature reserve, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing or the under on the sea walk

noted family villas at Dinarobin, Paradis and Trou Aux Biches becoming popular along with multi-generational groups.

Mauritius has great deals for families, particularly in the summer holidays which fall in the island’s low season when discounts of up to 35% can be available in school holidays. Family offers range from bonus nights to free stays – and sometimes free meals - for children up to 12 sharing their parents room, such as the Kids Stay, Play & Eat for Free deal at Sun Resorts.

All-inclusive packages remain ever popular.

Families can meet zebra and ostrich on a wildlife safari at Casela World of Adventures, go quad or mountain biking and zipline over the forest canopy before meeting lions and tiger cubs, feeding giraffe and taking camel rides

family holidays

amily is central to Mauritian culture, so expect a warm island welcome.

Direct overnight flights reduce jet lag and there are some great deals.

FAMILY FUN

Beyond the beaches, families can explore the island on mountain bikes, hike along nature trails in the Black River Gorges National Park, or take pony treks in the Chamarel Highlands. Kids will love holding a baby tortoise, croc or the endemic fruit bat at La Vanille Nature Park, and the Tarzan swings and monkey bridges will wear them out at the Treetop Adventure Park on Ile aux Cerfs, where there is a special course for four-11 year olds.

Sporty kids can check in at Max Webb’s Rugbytots at The Residence Mauritius or the Heritage Resorts’ Junior Golf Academy which offers complimentary sessions of its new SNAG (Starting New at Golf) coaching system, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus.

For child-friendly water-based adventure there’s a submarine trip or the under-sea walk in Grand Baie, dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay. Kids too young to snorkel can eyeball a shark at the Mauritius Aquarium. Mini culture vultures can marvel at the giant palms at Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens; learn how sugar influenced the island at L’Aventure du Sucre, pop into the Blue Penny Museum and taste gadjaks (snacks) at the colourful market in the capital, Port Louis.

{ INSPIRE } A family-friendly DIY or guided trek up Mauritius’ easiest mountain, Le Pouce, for a bird’s eye view of Port Louis A new thrill for teens is river trekking, through canyons with slides and rock jumps, at Domaine Chazal, in the south.

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Thaipoosam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community at full moon.

The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. Tamil people parade the streets in flower floats.

Getting involved in local festivals is easy with special events throughout the year

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY

Mauritius has celebrated the abolition of slavery since February 1 1835. Le Morne is situated in the south-west corner of the island and is symbolic of the slaves fight for liberty, as it was the sanctuary of fugitive slaves on the island. Le Morne is a classified UNESCO site.

CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL

This festival marks the start of the New Year in the Chinese calendar and sees red lanterns strung along the streets. Chinese dragon dancers perform and firecrackers pop largely in Port Louis – where there is an abundance of Chinese food.

March MAHA SHIVARATRI

Translated as the ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva,’ Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals on the Hindu calendar.

To mark this festivity, Shiva devotees make a pilgrimage to Ganga Talo, a deep crater lake where a Shiva temple is situated. Here they worship, chant, meditate and make offerings of leaves from the sacred Bael tree.

HOLI

Holi is a major Hindu event in the Mauritius festival calendar. With a large Indian population in Mauritius, this festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm across the island. On the day of Holi, Hindus perform the tradition of Holika Dahan where they celebrate the victory of good over evil. The following day people drench one another with jets of water and vibrant gulal powder.

MAURITIUS NATIONAL DAY

Mauritius National Day commemorates the country gaining independence from Britain in 1968 and establishing itself as the Republic of Mauritius within the Commonwealth in 1992. The Mauritians celebrate this special day with parades and special events which beautifully express the pride that Mauritians feel for their country.

September GANESH CHATURTHI

The birthday of Ganesh is celebrated on the fourth day of every lunar month by Hindus of the Marathi faith. Baie du Cap is a popular spot to witness the festivities taking place. To celebrate, devotees carry pink, elephant- nosed effigies through villages where bystanders are dusted with a scarlet powder. The procession ends with the pink elephant-nosed effigies being completely immersed in the ocean or river.

October DIWALI

Diwali, otherwise known as the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over dark. Mauritians place small clay lamp or candles in their house windows to signify this special day. Visitors can expect to hear the sounds of exploding fire crackers throughout the night of Diwali – this is to drive away evil spirits.

December PORLWI BY LIGHT

Porlwi is a Festival of Contemporary Culture which takes place in Port Louis, Mauritius in December. This three day event see’s the city drenched in colour by illuminations created by Mauritian artists in various locations across the city.

festivals & events

February THAIPOOSAM CAVADEE

DISCOVER THE NEW SANCTUARY COLLECTION IN MAURITIUS

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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xperience our new Sanctuary Collection, including just seven ultra-chic villas. Choose from our six one-bedroom Sanctuary Pool Villas and the Presidential Suite Sanctuary, with up to five bedrooms. Each features open-air opulence, a private infinity pool and sweeping lagoon views.

Your Four Seasons experience continues with our three restaurants, our award winning overwater Spa and complimentary Ernie Els golf – defining your perfect Mauritius getaway.

fourseasons.com/mauritius reservations.mas@fourseasons.com

Get set to travel with the fast facts on Mauritius

GETTING THERE

With 12 hour direct flights from the UK, and a four hours time difference, visitors to Mauritius need waste no time recovering before starting their holiday.

With convenient overnight non-stop flights, Air Mauritius (020 7434 4375; airmauritius. com) flies four times weekly from London Heathrow; British Airways flies three times a week from Gatwick (0844 493 0787, ba.com) and Thomson’s Dreamliner (0871 230 2555,thomson.co.uk) flies direct from London Gatwick once a week in summer (May-Oct) and twice weekly, from London Gatwick and Manchester in winter (Nov-Apr).

Non-direct flights are with Emirates (0344 800 2777, emirates.com), via Dubai, from London Heathrow and Gatwick, with twice daily flights on the Airbus A380 from Dubai to Mauritius and Turkish Airlines (0207 471 6630, turkishairlines.com) flies via Istanbul from London Heathrow and Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh and on to Antananarivo, Madagascar. All airlines fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) in the island’s southeast.

GETTING AROUND

Mauritius is around the size of Surrey (45 x 65 kms) and easy to explore. With a highway from north to south, it takes around 90 minutes to travel across the island. Buses travel everywhere apart from the uninhabited Plaine Champagne,

and visitors can take them for a local experience. Taxis are plentiful and car hire is relatively cheap. Driving is on the left. Island excursions by minibus are convenient and bicycles are on hand at resorts for guests to explore their local area.

Currency - Mauritian rupee (MUR) divided into 100 cents. £ 1 = MUR52 (December 2015) Visas - No visa is required for UK passport holders.

Electricity - 220 volts; British-style three square pin and continental tworound-pin plugs are both used here, so bring an all-purpose adaptor.

Time - Mauritius standard time is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), with no daylight saving.

Language - English is the official language. French is widely spoken.

Telephone - The prefix 00 230 must be used if calling Mauritius from the UK. Mauritian numbers have recently changed so if a local telephone number doesn’t work, try putting 5 as a prefix.

WEATHER

Just 20 degrees south of the equator, Mauritius is a year-round destination, with a mild tropical climate and up to eight hours of sunshine each day. The island has two seasons: a hot, rainy and humid summer (October to April), with a slight risk of cyclones from January to March, and a warm, dry winter (May to September).

The island has a microclimate, although average temperatures range from around 25 ° C in summer to 20 ° C in winter. Most rain falls in the interior. As Mauritius is best known for winter sun, the peak season for travel is from October to April and low season is from May to September. The north and west are more sheltered in our summer, and the east coast in winter.

essential details

lanning a trip to Mauritius is easy.

Check out this useful information and you will soon be on your way to the best of island holidays.

tour operators

READY TO BOOK? Check out these UK operators which feature Mauritius...

2 by 2 Holidays 2by2holidays.co.uk

Chaka Travel chakatravel.com

Abercrombie & Kent abercrombiekent.co.uk

Club Med clubmed.co.uk

Africa Travel africatravel.com

Cosmos Tours & Cruises cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

African Collection africacollection.co.uk

Cox and Kings coxandkings.co.uk

African Pride african-pride.co.uk

Definitive Tours definitivetours.com

Airworld Tours airworldtours.co.uk

Destination Golf destinationgolf.co.uk

American Express travel.americanexpress.co.uk

Destinology destinology.co.uk

Audley Travel audleytravel.com

Dial a Flight dialaflight.com

Away Holidays awayholidays.co.uk

Distant Landings distantlandings.com

Azure azurecollection.com

Dive Worldwide diveworldwide.com

Bailey Robinson baileyrobinson.com

ebookers.com ebookers.com

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Eden Collection edencollection.co.uk

Barrhead Travel barrheadtravel.co.uk

EFR Travel efrtravel.co.uk

Beachcomber Tours beachcombertours.co.uk

Elegant Golf Resorts elegantgolfresorts.com

Best at Travel bestattravel.co.uk

Elegant Resorts elegantresorts.co.uk

Black Tomato blacktomato.com

Emirates Holidays emiratesholidays.com

Bridge & Wickers theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk

Enchanting Holidays enchantingholidays.co.uk

British Airways Holidays britishairways.com

Essential Escapes essentialescapes.com

Bushbaby bushbaby.travel

Exclusive Golf exclusivegolf.co.uk

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Carolyn Lodge Travel carolynlodgetravel.co.uk

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Carrier carrier.co.uk

Explore! explore.co.uk

Cedarberg Africa cedarberg-travel.com

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Exsus exsus.com Flight Centre flightcentre.co.uk Freedom Destinations freedomdestinations.co.uk Globehunters globehunters.com Golden Holidays golden-holidays.co.uk Gold Medal goldmedal.co.uk Golf Breaks golfbreaks.com Golf Travel Club golftravelclub.co.uk Hayes & Jarvis hayesandjarvis.co.uk Holiday Elite holidayelite.com Holiday Place holidayplace.co.uk Holidays Please holidaysplease.co.uk If Only ifonly.net Inspirational Travel inspirational-travel.com ITC Luxury Travel itcluxurytravel.co.uk Kenwood Travel kenwoodtravel.co.uk Kirker kirkerholidays.com Kuoni kuoni.co.uk Lusso lussotravel.com LUX Tripper luxtripper.co.uk Luxury Holidays luxuryholidays.co.uk Luxury Travel Guide corporatelivewire.com Luxury Worldwide Collection luxuryworldwidecollection.com Mauritius Holidays Direct mauritiusholidaysdirect.co.uk Mercury Holidays mercuryholidays.co.uk Mosaic Holidays mosaicholidays.co.uk

Only Exclusive Travel onlyexclusivetravel.com Orbital Travel orbitaltravel.co.uk Original Travel originaltravel.co.uk Perfect Weddings Abroad perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk Planet Kitesurf Holidays planetkitesurfholidays.com Premier Holidays premierholidays.co.uk Prestbury Travel Group prestburytravel.co.uk Pure Luxury Holidays pureluxuryholidays.co.uk Rainbow Tours rainbowtours.co.uk Red Savannah redsavannah.com Saga Holidays saga.co.uk Scott Dunn scottdunn.com Serendipity Travel serendipity.travel Skylord Travel skylordtravel.com Solos Holidays solosholidays.co.uk Somak Holidays somak.com Southall Travel southalltravel.co.uk Sovereign sovereign.com Sportif sportif.travel Stylish Resorts stylishresorts.com SUNSET Faraway Holidays sunset.co.uk Supertravel Golf supertravel.co.uk Susie Freeman Travel susiefreemantravel.com Tailor Made Holidays tailormadeholidays.co.uk The Holidays Place holidayplace.co.uk The Internet Traveller theinternettraveller.com

The Ultimate Travel Company theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk THG Holidays thgholidays.co.uk Thomas Cook thomascook.com Thomson Worldwide thomsonworldwide.com toescapeto toescapeto.com Touchdown Holidays touchdown.co.uk Tourico Holidays login.touricoholidays.com Trailfinders trailfinders.com Travel Counsellors travelcounsellors.co.uk Travel Designers traveldesigners.co.uk Travel Junction traveljunction.com Travelbag travelbag.co.uk Travelpack travelpack.com Travelsphere travelsphere.co.uk Tropical Sky Golf Holidays holidays4golf.co.uk Tropical Sky tropicalsky.co.uk Turquoise Holidays turquoiseholidays.co.uk Virgin Holidays virginholidays.co.uk Voyage Privé voyage-prive.co.uk Wanderforth wanderforth.com Western Oriental westernoriental.com Wexus wexas.com Windseeker windseekerholidays.co.uk Your Golf Travel yourgolftravel.com

Mauritius has so much to offer beyond the beach...

With events taking place all year round, there are so many new experiences to be had…

The island of Mauritius has much to explore away from the beaches that the destination is famed for. With a varied and exciting calendar of events visitors needn’t confine their time just to the beach, instead there’s the opportunity to see and do more. Visit during a golf tournament, a food festival or a kite surfing competition. Think Mauritius, and think much, much more.

Golf Rugby Tennis Running Gastronomy Drink Festivals Kite surfing Big Game fishing

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Afrasia Mauritius Golf Open International World Club 10s Rugby Mary Pierce Indian Ocean Series Xtreme Dodo Trail & Royal Raid Festival Culinaire Bernard Loiseau Mauritius Rum festival Festival of light & Kreole festival Kiteival, Mauritius Freeride Challenge 2016 South Indian Ocean Billfish Competition

15/02/2016 18:15

Mauritian food and hospitality

Free Wedding Dress Carriage

Mauritius will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes together with clear warm water and endless white beaches makes this tropical island the perfect holiday destination. Fly there with us, we are a Skytrax 4 Star rated airline and have been voted The Indian Ocean’s leading airline (World Travel Awards) for 10 years in a row.

We ďƒ&#x;y direct non-stop from London Heathrow and from 5 regional airports via Paris with our partner Air France. Enjoy the warm welcome and start your Mauritian experience the moment you step on the plane.

Our Island in the sky.

Golf Bags at no extra cost

visit our new training site www.airmauritiusacademy.com Special Helicopter rates

Call us on 020 8834 5800 or visit www.airmauritius.com