Famous for its 6-star hotels and
decadent beauty, Mauritius is a very popular tourist destination.
Coined the “Jewel of the Indian Ocean”, this country boasts of
several luxurious hotels, resorts, and accommodations against a
backdrop of overwhelming beauty.
Over a million people visit this tropical island each year. They
usually come for the beautiful beaches, abundant coral reefs, A+
service, exciting sights, and unique culture. For the outdoors
addict, there are such activities as scuba diving, snorkelling,
kayaking, and windsurfing that are usually part of the many
holiday packages offered on the island. For the more daring,
trips in submarines, parasailing, and deep sea fishing are very
popular activities in the area.
There is even an Undersea Walk activity,
which allows you to walk on the ocean bed. This feature is offered by
only a handful of places in the world.
Accommodations on the island range from
the very best to the most affordable and are of international standard.
Hotels are situated along the coastline and are placed conveniently
within walking distance from all places a visitor may want to gain
access to. Markets, museums, historic sites, wildlife parks, and gardens
are some of the other attractions the island offers.
Protected and surrounded by coral reef, Mauritius waters are warm, calm,
and friendly throughout the year. Endless varieties of marine life are
found on the reef, mainly tropics fish and shellfish.
To shop and experience the island’s nightlife, Le Cauden Water Complex
in Port Louis offers modern shopping areas such as clothing boutiques as
well as entertainment venues such as live street entertainment, fine
dining restaurants, and casinos.
The open air market of the Central Market in Port Louis sells a variety
of items including island souvenirs, herbs and spices, and fruits.
Have you ever wondered where the now
extinct Dodo bird used to live? The Natural History Museum features this
flightless avian which had disappeared in the late 17th century as well
as an extensive library of over fifty thousand books.
For a fascinating insight into Mauritius’
colourful past, visit the Blue Penny Museum which not only features the
world’s rarest stamp, the Penny Blue, but also showcases the island’s
colonial history dating back to the 1400s. Learn about how early
merchants kept the islands a secret from the rest of the world and how
three of the most famous colonial nations, the English, French, and
Dutch battled over sovereignty of the islands.
Port Louis, the nation’s capital, has its own China Town, a busy
neighbourhood famous for oriental cuisine, family traders, and small
shops.
The country’s only race course, the Champs de Mars in Port Louis, offers
an exciting experience at the races.
Take a safari to the sea. The Blue Safari offers a unique opportunity
for visitors to explore the wonders of the reef and undersea life on
board a boat which doubles as a submarine.
Though the island is riddled with beaches, the island’s new Water Park
offers an artificial means of enjoying the waters. The park features
several swimming pools, and a handful of rides such as the Black Hole,
Multi Lane, Giant Slides, Lazy River, Crazy River, and Wave Pool. Young
children can enjoy the ship wreck while adults laze about in a room
where they can sunbathe and enjoy the food and drinks.
For a blast from the past, visit Eureka in Moka just outside Port Louis.
This colonial house contains artefacts which date back to the 18th
century. Originally built during the time when the island was known as
the Ile de France, it had been the home of Mr. Carr, an Englishman. It
has since been converted into a museum.
Just a few
meters away from the Baie aux Tortues, so-named for the numerous
tortoises found in the area, lies the Balaclava Ruins and its famous sea
walls which had its first foundations laid out by the French naval
officer and administrator, Mahé de La bourdonnais.
The Ile aux Cerfs may be the most spectacular course on the island, but
it is by no means the only one. Several hotels offer 9 to 10-hole
courses and public awareness of Mauritius being a great place to golf is
becoming more common knowledge.
Mauritius, with its air of adventure and romance makes it the perfect
place to tie the knot and honeymoon. Honeymoon packages are offered at
nearly all the hotels on the island. What a great place to start life as
a married couple!
With everything it has to offer; stunning beaches, lively nightlife,
cultural heritage, and many more…Mauritius truly is the “Jewel of the
Indian Ocean”. No wonder merchant ship captains tried to keep the place
a secret!
