With a number of luxury hotels in Mauritius, this beautiful tropical paradise attracts a large number of visitors and is a favoured holiday destination. Mauritius is a picturesque island with mountain peaks and lush green fields that border against a luminous blue aqua lagoon. If it's your first time visiting the island you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding soft white sandy beaches. Unlike most other tropical islands, Mauritius has extinct volcanoes and the varied landscape, world class hotels and myriad of water sports available in a stunning beach setting, makes Mauritius a unique holiday destination. If you are considering a holiday in Mauritius there are some interesting facts you may want to know.
There are a number of tour operators offering holidays to Mauritius and with the exclusion of the Christmas holidays and the New Year period there is no high or low season to visit the island. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the year although you may prefer to visit between July and September, when temperatures are lower and there is less humidity. December to March is the ideal time for diving when the sea is at its clearest. In the central part of the island the temperature can fluctuate from 19˚C in August to 26˚C in February.
Although the island is situated close to Africa, Mauritius benefits from a blend of diverse cultures and religions. It is actually more influenced by its British and French history and most people are bilingual. The population consists of Creole, Chinese, Muslims, Europeans as well as a large Indian community. The blend and rich diversity of the island is certainly reflected in the fabulous cuisine. The food choice extends to Indian, Chinese, French, Italian, British and Creole. Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius has its own market with an amazing selection of fruit, meat and fish, vegetables, crafts, clothing and spices. Bustling with commercial activity throughout the day, a trip to the market gives you a real glimpse of island life. The majority of resorts here cater for the all inclusive market giving you the freedom to sample the delectable cuisine without breaking the budget.
The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). The prices in the shops are fairly reasonable compared to what you would expect to pay at home with a bottle of local wine costing about 65-300 Rupees.
Mauritius is approximately 2000 km off the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar. Flights to Mauritius from Europe are regular with Air Mauritius operating 30 weekly flights to and from all the major European cities. British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates three and Condor one. Of course you will need a valid passport to travel as well as a return or onward ticket. Visas are required with the exception of people with EEC or American passports.
Pack a combination of beach wear and casual clothes. If you are visiting between the cooler months of June to September you may want to carry warmer clothing for the evening. Just note that you may have to wear more appropriate clothing when visiting religious places and long trousers are usually required when dining out in the evening at most luxury hotels in Mauritius.
