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Mauritius
Mauritius, known for its exceptional service and accommodation lies in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean beneath the Tropic of Capricorn, about 3,000km off the east coast of Africa. Discovered in 1505 by a Portuguese navigator, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch and the French, then ceded to Great Britain in 1814 before gaining independence in 1969. Today the one million plus population consists of Hindus, Muslims, Chinese, Creoles and Europeans and it is this integrated, exotic pot-pourri of languages, customs, cultures and cuisine which makes Mauritius so vibrant and appealing. The 330km of coastline is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, while its white sand beaches are lapped by amazingly crystalclear blue waters.
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Mauritius Travel Tips
Île d'Ambre
Grand Baie
Indian Ocean
Port Louis
Belle Mare
MAURITIUS
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Île Aux Cerfs
* Time: GMT +4 * Flying Time from UK: Approx 12 hours * Language: French and English are both national languages. * Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR) £1 = MUR 61.16 * Visa Requirements: A visa is not required for British citizens for stays less than six months. * Tourist Office: Mauritius Tourist Board, 32 Elvaston Place, London, SW7 5NW. More useful information can be found on pages 56/57
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Mauritius Airport
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Bel Ombre
North Coast The flatter, rockier north coast is renowned for the village of Grand Baie. With a variety of restaurants and shops, Grand Baie has become very popular with tourists who like to venture from their hotel and experience island life. East Coast The east coast has become synonymous with many of the premier resorts. Here the resorts are more isolated and spread-out, each one strategically positioned on its own stretch of secluded beach. This side of the island is ideal ideal for windsurfing and sailing.
West Coast The west coast of Mauritius is known for its long stretches of white-sand beaches and calm tropical bays. The mountainous terrain is cloaked in indigenous forest and provides a scenic backdrop to the beautiful and relaxed resorts, which hug the coast. South Coast This is the least developed part of Mauritius, with a handful of resorts having only just been completed. The mountainous scenery is covered by thick forests and beautiful waterfalls.
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