Within Mauritius you can discover paradise at a bargain price. The most accessible island in the Indian Ocean is volcanic by nature and famed for its lush forests, crystal clear waters and picturesque waterfalls. The beaches are made up of white sands, expansive coral reefs and deep blue waters that perfectly personify its image as the ultimate dream destination. However, those who stray away from the beach will discover that Mauritius has much to offer in terms of entertainment, nightlife and cuisine. It is a melting pot of cultures with French, British, Indian, African and Malaysian influences. As it is close to the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius has terrific temperatures all year round, peaking in the summer months (November-April) at around 32°C making it a perfect winter or summer destination. The flight time from the UK to Mauritius is around 11hrs without a stop.
The perfect haven for rest and relaxation, Mauritius is a taste of paradise that best appeals to couples but suits families too...
For the vast majority the reasons to come to Mauritius are simple - warm clear waters, hours of sunshine and beautiful sands. Indeed the island is a perfect relaxing and romantic getaway for couples, but it has also expanded its services and amenities to have vast appeal to families too. With its quaint villages and exciting entertainment, those who want fun will find plenty to appease their enthusiasm.
In Mauritius you'll find your biggest problem is which beach is best for a lazy day in the sun. A lot will depend on where you choose to stay with the north, east and west all boasting their own unique attributes.
In the north much of the activity revolves around Grand Bay, which has everything from galleries to shopping centres, hotels and of course beautiful bays. The area is also the centre for nightlife on the island, particularly along Royal Road, which has several large discos including the Stardance and Godz discotheque that attracts all-comers and The Zanzibar, which offers R&B and hip-hop. The N-Gyone nightclub is one of the hippest in the area with the focus placed firmly on musical talent.
Also in the north you will find Choisy Beach, one of the longest on the island with a beautiful lagoon and Péreybère, which offers some of the best bathing opportunities. It is surrounded by shops, supermarkets and hotels and is one of the most popular areas. The north of Mauritius can also boast two of the island's most sought-after attractions - the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and La Nicolière, which boasts beautiful views, lakes and sugar cane fields.
The west of the island is also well loved by tourists with lots of sandy beaches to its name. It is less developed than the north but still includes many good hotels and decent facilities. Tamarin Beach is one of the best in the area, particularly for watersports enthusiasts as the waves are often lively. The west also boasts more attractions than any other region of Mauritius including the Casela Bird Park, a bird sanctuary featuring more than 140 species from around the world, and the Rivière Noire Centre de Pêche, which is a huge hit with fishermen, and even hosts some of the big game fishing championship events.
On the east coast of Mauritius you won't find the same quantity of beaches but there are still a few hidden delights to unearth. The main attraction in the region is Ile aux Cerfs, a small island that can be reached with a ten-minute boat ride. The isle is a big hit with watersports fans, with parasailing and water skiing among the favourites. A water park has also been opened and the white sands are very attractive, particularly to those looking for a quieter spot.
By contrast, the south of Mauritius remains wild and relatively undeveloped. Generally, nature enthusiasts visit this region and there are some magnificent views at Gris Gris and Le Souffleur.
For those who trek further inland, Port Louis is the leading town in Mauritius with old forts, shops and venues for concerts and festivals. There is a central market with good dining options and plenty of stalls to choose from whether you want clothes, fruit and vegetables or medicinal plants that aim to cure just about every ailment. There are more than 30 mountain ranges in Mauritius including the Piton Mountains with Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire the largest on the islands. They provide a spectacular backdrop to the beaches and the sugar plantations which are Mauritius's most famous export.
