This is, by heavens, a Paradise, and not without angels.
Theodore Hooke
Mauritius holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Mauritius holiday, personal to you.
Mauritius maybe one more island in the Indian Ocean that seems to demand you spend your time sunbathing by the pool, but fortunately for those that quickly tire of this day in day out there are many more interesting things to do here.
Grand Bay, in the north, has some great shopping and entertainment and is a favourite spot for the locals on a night out. Nearby Triolet Shivala has the island’s biggest Hindu temple, Maheswarnath, dating from 1819, while the ruins of the old Balaclava estate should also be seen.
Just off the east coast, everyone needs to check out Ile aux Cerfs, a tiny island with reputably the best beach in Mauritius and a favourite spot for watersports. Pick up a cheap lunch before heading over there from Flacq Market, the largest open-air market in the country.
Another small island off the south coast, Ile aux Aigrettes, sets international standards in the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A number of rare birds, geckos and tortoises can be seen here. More wildlife, including stags, monkeys and boars, can be spotted at Domaine du Chasseur, also in the south.
And finally, for something quite different, head to Chamarel to see the astounding landscape of varying and contrasting colours in the earth. Blues, reds, greens and yellows are all the results of the erosion of volcanic ash, and provide a rarely seen beauty.
Mauritius facts
Capital: Port Louis
Language: Creole (80.5%), Bhojpuri, French, English (official)
People: Indo-Mauritian (68%), Creole, Sino-Mauritian, Franco-Mauritian.
Religion: Hindu, Roman Catholic, Muslim.
Size (sq km): 2,040.
Population: 1,274,189.
Population density/sq km: 624.6
Etiquette
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Travellers should respect the local and religious traditions of their hosts, particularly when visiting a private home. It is appropriate to offer a gift as a token of appreciation if invited for a meal. Dress is normally informal.
Shopping
Jewellery, Chinese and Indian jade, silks, basketry, pottery.
Food & drink
French, Creole, Indian and Chinese cuisine, generally of a high standard although restaurants usually depend on imported foodstuff. Specialities include venison in season, camarons (freshwater prawns) in hot sauces, creole fish, fresh pineapple with chilli sauce, dholl purri is a wheat pancake stuffed with peas and served with curry. Rum, beer and alouda (almond-flavoured ice milk drink) are staple beverages.
International Airports
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (MRU) 48 km from Port Louis. This is also commonly referred to as Plaisance Airport.
Internal travel
Air travel between Port Louis and Rodrigues Island. Good network of paved roads and many bus companies operate along them. Numerous car hire firms.
Red tape
Visas
Not required.
Vaccinations
BCG, Hep, A, Hep. B, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.
Driving requirements
International Driving Permit recommended, although foreign licences are accepted.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 32-33 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NW, tel (020) 7581 0294-8, fax (020) 7823 8437. US: 4301 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 441, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 244 1491, fax (202) 966 0983, email mauritius.embassy@prodigy.net.
UK/US reps in Mauritius
UK: PO Box 1063, Les Cascades Building, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis, tel 202 9400, fax 202 9407, email bhc@intnet.mu. US: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Avenue, PO Box 544, Port Louis, tel 202 4400, fax 208 9534, email usembass@intnet.mu.
Currency
Mauritian rupee (MUR) = 100 cents.
Finance
Credit cards and traveller's cheques generally accepted.
Business hours
0900-1600 Mon-Friday, 0900-1200 Saturday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Safe.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 70.28, F 77.4
Useful websites for travel
www.maurinet.com/embasydc.html, www.mauritiustourism.co.uk, www.mauritius.net, http://mauritius.usembassy.gov/.
Local media
News on Sunday is the weekly English-language paper.
Tourist boards
UK: 32 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NW, tel (020) 7584 3666.
A member of "The Leading Hotels of the World" this beautiful hotel offers the last word in luxury. This is the Beachcomber Group’s flagship property and is widely regarded as the best hotel in Mauritius, offering outstanding service levels, cuisine and f... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
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With its kilometre-long beach of powdery white sand, The Residence Mauritius is perfectly situated to make the an idyllic Mauritian holiday. The decor is unique too, with its elegant colonial style and exotic gardens The Residence is a haven of peace and tranq... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
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Nestling between sugarcane fields and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Shanti Maurice satisfies all the senses. With exotic gardens, pristine white sands, a sublime spa, spacious accommodation and restaurants brimming with fresh ideas, Shanti Maurice ... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
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Constance Belle Mare Plage sits on the most beautiful beach on the eastern coast of Mauritius and enjoys its own lagoon protected by a coral reef. The resort has a range of leisure facilities - dive centre, water sports, extensive tropical gardens and seven re... Price from £1155
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If you’re looking for an all-inclusive never-sign-for-anything resort then Shandrani is perfect. Almost everything is included, from à la carte dining and poolside snacks to champagne by the glass and a complimentary massage. Even diving is free f... Price from £1738
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Hot and humid from December to April (January and February are the most likely months for cyclones, although these are rare), cooler and drier from May to November. The highlands are wettest point and cooler than the coast.
GMT +4.
Mauritian rupee (MUR) = 100 cents.
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