Mauritius is a most beautiful island, with lush subtropical forests, over 80 different types of palm trees and craters and basalt rocks littering its interior. Its historic capital, Port Louis, still retains much of its charm, with many interesting landmarks and a bustling marketplace selling every exotic spice imaginable and a variety of leather goods, gifts and souvenirs. The modern, exclusive Caudan Waterfront complex, the island's premier commercial, shopping and entertainment centre, includes sophisticated shops and restaurants, a glittering Casino and a cinema complex.
The north coast of the island is particularly popular, with superb year-round weather and the delightful and elegant seaside resort town of Grand Baie, home to many interesting shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Grand Baie Yacht Club. In total contrast to all this bustling modernity is the breath-taking Pamplemousses Gardens, the island's botanical gardens, which are a haven of peace and beauty, home to many indigenous plants including giant waterlilies, ancient trees and shrubs, and the giant tortoises who amble along as they have done for centuries.
The small volcanic island of Mauritius is situated in the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by magnificent coral reefs and an abundance of exotic and colourful sea life. Right around Mauritius, on its many superb beaches, are hotels of every description, offering a paradise holiday with excellent amenities, superb cuisine and every type of entertainment facility imaginable.
The island's quaint towns and villages offer visitors an opportunity to see another side of Mauritian life, with fishermen setting out early to find their daily catch, quaint shops
and restaurants, and the carefree, laid-back lifestyle of its people making a holiday here a most relaxing experience.
The people of Mauritius are made up of a variety of racial groups, all co-existing harmoniously. The rituals and cuisine's of a myriad of societies including Chinese, Indian and Creole, all contribute to the exotic and varied character of this paradise island.
A holiday here involves tasting the island's exotic flavours in its cuisine and culture, which one enjoys at various theme evenings at the hotels, where the islanders teach visitors how to savour their unique culture in music and dance.
No paradise island is complete without a variety of water-sports activities - and Mauritius offers them all, from excellent diving and snorkelling to deep sea fishing down south. A variety of black marlin, blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, barracuda and dorado are found in the surrounding waters. Most of the hotels offer superb watersports, enabling guests to go waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, or enjoy rides on glass-bottom boats... and much more.
One of the island's true sports mecca's is the untouched magical isle of Ile Aux Cerfs, set just off the east coast and accessible by boat. Here on this tropical paradise, with its lush casuarina trees and beautiful beaches, every watersports facility is available, excellent restaurants serve delectable fare, and there's a host of fun activities. Remember to check your information found in your documentation before leaving, for all kinds of hints to ensure a perfect and memorable holiday.