Mauritius
Mauritius basks in the warmest ocean of all, the Indian Ocean, just inside the Tropic of Capricorn, bounded by Africa, India and Australia. Surrounded by a tropical sea, enhanced by golden beaches, covered with swaying fields of sugar cane and fringed with exotic coconut palms and casuarinas – Mauritius is truly a garden resting on waters.
The island has what it takes and more, to satisfy the whims of sunbathers, beachcombers, sightseers, mountaineers, swimmers, yachtsmen, water-skiers, skin-divers, anglers, big game fishermen, philatelists, punters, golfers, gamblers, all night party goers and ultimate escapers. The island has a cosmopolitan blend of French, British, Indian, Chinese and Creole cultures, making it easy to understand why a trip to the beautiful island of Mauritius is a truly unique experience.
Flight arrangements:
Air Mauritius and SAA fly daily Johannesburg International to Mauritius International.
Schedule: From Johannesburg to Mauritius: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday and Sunday
From Mauritius to Johannesburg: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday and Sunday
Direct flight time: 04h00
CASUARINA HOTEL – Superior Tourist
Located near Grand Bay on the north west coast of the island, approximately 18kms from the capital Port Louis. This popular hotel and self-catering holiday bungalow complex offers superb value, comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine at a very affordable price. The hotel boasts 81 well appointed superior air-conditioned garden and sea facing rooms; 12 standard air-conditioned rooms and one air-conditioned suite with a Jacuzzi. The self-catering bungalow accommodation comprises of fully equipped 2 bedroom units with kitchenettes and living areas. All bungalows have air-conditioning and ceiling fans. The complex has two swimming pools, jacuzzi, a bar, two restaurants fitness centre and games room. One of the finest beaches on the island, is situated opposite the main entrance of the hotel, across a narrow secondary road. The hotel has two excellent gift boutiques. A live band and dancing can be enjoyed on most evenings.
MARINA RESORT – Superior Tourist
Meal basis : Breakfasts & Dinners
The Marina Resort & Club, a beach resort hotel, is situated at Anse la Raie on the North Coast of Mauritius, only 15 minutes drive from bustling Grand Bay. All rooms are comfortably furnished with a terrace or balcony. The main restaurant 'Le Talipot' serves breakfast and dinner. The half board package includes full breakfast in buffet style and table d'hote menu or exotic buffets / barbecue for dinner. The cocktail bar situated on the poolside offers you a selection of exotic cocktails and is the meeting point of the hotel & entertainment spot. Daily entertainment and live music is provided in the evening. The Marina Resort & Club offers a unique and exciting atmosphere through a harmonious blend of all the cultures forming part of the Mauritian nation and offers a wide array of outdoor & indoor sporting and leisure activities.
ROOMS:
PAUL & VIRGINIE HOTEL – First Class Boutique Resort
Meal basis : Breakfasts & Dinners
Stone walls, thatched roofs and woodwork typify the natural charm and ambiance of the Paul & Virginie hotel situated in the sleepy fishermen’s village of Grand Gaube on the north-east coast of the island. All rooms are sea-facing and beautifully appointed. Breakfast and dinner are served in the ‘Isle de France’ Restaurant which overlooks the lagoon and here you will find the various cultures of Mauritius through its typical cuisine. The beachfront restaurant ‘La Trinquette’, is open for lunch and dinner and offers a tropical fare with daily specials. The ‘St Geran’ bar is open from 11 o’clock and is the ideal meeting spot for exotic cocktails. Hotel guests have access to other hotel facilities of the Veranda Group - Veranda Hotel, Marina Resort & Club, Coin de Mire and Le Palmar Beach Resort.
LA PLANTATION – First Class Resort
Meal basis : Breakfasts & Dinners
Situated on an exceptional site at Turtle Bay, on the west coast of Mauritius, between the turquoise seas and the green banks of a river, La Plantation welcomes you in a lush tropical garden. This hotel, with its harmonious architecture will offer you unforgettable moments. Its bedrooms are decorated with care to offer you unique and refined comfort. From the balcony of the spacious rooms you can admire the luxuriant nature of the park and magnificent sea. Top quality cuisine of delicate flavours can be enjoyed at ‘Les Domaine des Epices’, the main restaurant situated at the poolside serving large international buffet breakfasts and offering themed buffet dinners. 'La Riviera' situated on the riverside offers Italian cuisine 'A la carte'. ‘La Cocoteraie’ an a la carte restaurant, created on charming small islands in the swimming pool. ‘L’Amiral’, a grill and seafood specialty restaurant is situated between the sea and river. Beverages may be enjoyed at ‘Le Bounty’ Bar on the pool, with cocktails and entertainment or at the elegant ‘Le Colonial’
SOFITEL IMPERIAL HOTEL – Deluxe 5 Star Resort Hotel
Meal basis : Breakfasts & Dinners
The Sofitel Imperial Hotel is one of the gems of the Deluxe Hotel industry in Mauritius situated on the West Coast of the Island. The Hotel is set on a magnificent site in the midst of 9 hectares of tropical gardens and fringed by several kilometres of beautiful white sandy beaches and an emerald lagoon. At the Sofitel Imperial guests can enjoy a gastronomic experience fit for a king. A choice of various excellent restaurants are available. The hotel also offers a popular daily activities programme, including live entertainment every evening. Various watersport activities can be enjoyed under supervision.
A Mini Club is open all year round between 10H00 and 12H00 for children between the ages of 4 and 12 years under the supervision of entertainers and hostesses fluent in English and French. A paddling pool is available at the Mini Club. Daily activity programmes are specially prepared for the children.
A haven of peace and tranquillity, the Imperial Spa is the place for beauty and relaxation. A wide variety of treatments and services are available in this 1000m2 facility.
HILTON – Deluxe Resort Hotel
Meal basis : Breakfasts & Dinners
This Mauritian '6 star' palace is now waiting to be discovered, nestling next to a lagoon on the island’s west coast, the sunniest – protected from the wind and permeated by the heady fragrance of sugar cane and exotic Creole spices. The Hilton Mauritius Resort combines luxury refinement in a setting of elegant colonial style architecture surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. A lagoon-style swimming pool in black granite perfectly mirroring the bluest skies on earth – winds its way through the gardens, around the lobby and 3 main restaurants. You can journey on a gastronomic voyage of discovery and sample the very best in Thai, Mediterranean and Creole cuisine, orchestrated by chefs eminently worthy of this unique location
All Mauritius package prices include :
Return economy class flights from Johannesburg or Durban to Mauritius
Return airport transfers in Mauritius
Accommodation at the hotel as selected
Meal basis as specified/preferred
Non-motorised watersports
DIVING:
Attractive dive sites can be found all around the island, (not just exclusively behind the coral reefs). The diving conditions vary around the island, for example the east coast is colder than the west both on land and in the water.
The east coast however has some of the best dives sites of the island. The islands of the North offer particularly attractive diving and surprisingly, are rarely visited by the clubs due to their distant location.
The sea temperature is generally pleasant throughout the year ranging from 28c in summer to 23/24c in winter. Strong anticyclones in winter may occasionally cause the sea temperature to fall by 2 or 3c but with the exception of the cyclonic period (January - February) and during July and August for the east coast, good diving conditions exist all year round
WEATHER:
The warmest months in Mauritius are between November and April. Temperatures range around 27 degrees centigrade. The coolest months are between June and October when temperatures average around 22 degrees centigrade.
The Mauritius climate is surprisingly varied. The coast is generally around 8 degrees F warmer than the Central Plateau…and it’s quite possible for it to rain in one locale and not in the other, even though physical distance is not great. Summer, from January through April, can be hot and humid with daytime temps averaging in the high 80’s. Summer is cyclone season and while direct hits are rarities Mauritius can experience days of squally rain. There are no distinct monsoons and rain is possible on any day of the year. The wind blows either from the north or from the regular trade winds blowing from the southeast. The winter season lasts from July to September, and is completely and perfectly pleasant. Daytime temperatures range to the high 70’s, falling to high 50’s at night, with less rain and humidity.
Tourist information:
VISA and IMMIGRATION:
South African passport holders do not require visas to visit Mauritius. Visitors may stay for up to six months provided they are in possession of a passport, which is still valid for at least six months after the day of arrival in Mauritius.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Mauritius is in a healthy climate and there is no malaria, yellow fever, cholera nor many other tropical diseases. Those who have traveled to or through any affected area (including Kenya) within a week of coming to Mauritius are required to certification of yellow fever vaccination. There is a possibility of rabies in certain parts of the country (although there have been no reported cases since 1994); visitors should consult with their physician about vaccination.
DIVE DOCUMENTATION:
Please bring your certification card and logbook for verification of your dive training and experience.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The Mauritius monetary unit is the Rupee. Rupee travelers cheques may be purchased in South Africa and are recommended for your visit to the island.