Mauritius holiday will certainly come close to paradise and is a favorite beach honeymoon or wedding destination. It is a tropical island on the warm Indian Ocean; offering world-class hotels, top spas, golf, mountain climbing, and beautiful white sandy beaches.
Mauritius is a small island of approximately 2040 km2 off the coast of Madagascar. The beautiful white beaches are protected by coral reefs; almost all around the island; except for the southern coast; which offers wilder strands or dramatic cliffs. From the northern plains; the land rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. Scattered around the main island are a few uninhabited islets.
English is the official language but French and Creole are also regularly used. The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs). Mauritius is +4 hours ahead of GMT.
The extinct Dodo bird; was only ever found in Mauritius. The expression ‘As dead as the dodo’ comes from the extinction of this bird which made man realize; for the first time; that he could induce the extinction of plants and animals. Head to the National History Museum in Port Louis to see relics from this bird.
The capital of Mauritius: Port Louis
This charming city on the west coast of the island; is protected by a curve of mountains; where big businesses rub shoulders with colorful markets, street hawkers, colonial buildings, shops, churches, and mosques. Port Louis may be the capital but it is not a hot nightspot (Grand Baie is).
For an outstanding view of the town, harbor, and racecourse, Fort Adelaide is a must. Built by the British in 1835 to watch out for potential riots in Port Louis before the abolition of slavery. Today, it hosts concerts and shows of both local and visiting artists from all over the world.
The Central Market is near the harbor in Port Louis. This bustling and colorful market offers a wide array of gifts, souvenirs, leather goods, and spices.
Port Louis Market in Mauritius
The lively Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis is your best choice for shopping in international fashion stores; or at the Craft Market. From here you can take a harbor cruise, or visit the casino. You will also find the Blue Penny Museum; which is devoted to Mauritian art and history. It is also is home to two of the rarest stamps in the world; the Mauritian 1847 ‘Post Office’ Penny Orange and Twopence Blue; which are estimated to be worth more than US$ 1 million each!
About 11km northeast of Port Louis lies the Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens); 60 acres of fragrant fruit and spice trees and plant species from around the world including giant Amazon lilies and the talipot palm. The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses are the third oldest botanical garden in the world and began as a vegetable garden to supply ships calling at Port Louis.
When to holiday in Mauritius
Mauritius holidays are good all year round except when occasional cyclones arrive! Obviously, this is unpredictable; but they could occur between December and March. The Summertime is from November to April with temperatures of between 23 – 33 degrees Celsius.
Winters are mild (from May to October) with temperatures of between 17 – 23 degrees Celsius.
Mauritius provides a multitude of possible recreational activities to explore the natural beauty of the island. Eco-activities, sports, and water-based activities are all on offer. More adventurous activities such as zip lines, quad biking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and abseiling. The best activities for holidays in Mauritius are; by far; water-based activities and most beach hotels have dive centers and equipment at your disposal. Some include windsurfs, kite surfing, dinghies, pedal boats, and speed boats for water skiing. Yacht chartering or day cruising, sunset cruises, and fishing excursions are also available.
Diving in Mauritius – Over 200 sites to choose from; making Mauritius a great diving holiday destination. Dives can also be done in submarines or on “Subscooters”.
Typically, the West coast of Mauritius is better for water activities in the open sea; while the East and West coasts; are most suitable for water-based excursions in the lagoons. The North Coast is suitable for both open sea & ‘lagoon’ based activities.
Mauritus golf at Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club
Mauritius remains a favorite destination for big game fishing/deep sea fishing lovers and golf has also become a big attraction. Additionally; Mauritius is the perfect destination for conferencing and incentive trips; with many hotels that can accommodate groups; plus all of the activities available; making it a great choice.
