1. Drive it

You can get almost anywhere in Mauritius within about an hour but, if you hire a car, a trip around the 180km circumference of the island could easily fill a day, with stops to see and do things. Drive on the left, with a maximum speed of 90km/h on highways, and usually 60 to 80km/h elsewhere.

Taxis are also a viable alternative, as the country’s roads are a bit of a confusing web to strangers, with only one real highway along the west coast through Port Louis. Set a price for the excursion before you go.

Most roads are narrow and often tree-lined, passing through sugar plantations dotted with heaps of black volcanic rock, and villages lined with old, street-fronting shops. It’s not always easy to stop and explore, but traffic is seldom heavy enough to make it dangerous.

The most scenic route is along the east coast from the beautiful fishing village of Trou d’eau Douce to the old town of Mahébourg.

The road hugs the shore most of the way, winding around bays and passing through villages in various stages of disrepair and renovation, always against the dramatic backdrop of the pinnacled mountains. As is common in Mauritius, small-scale farmers cultivate much of the available land for vegetables, and you will find the occasional ruined fort, such as at Pointe du Diable, where the French built one to defend Mahébourg in the 18th century.

2. Go to Pamplemousses

It’s officially called the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens after the first post-independence prime minister, but most just call it the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, after the town it’s in.

Covering 30ha, it has a huge collection of trees, 80 palm species alone among 800 plant species. Its charm is in its age, as it dates back to 1729, when it was an estate called Mon Plaisir.

Pierre Poivre bought it in 1770 and started planting the present garden, testing exotic trees in the local climate and collecting indigenous ones.

Its most famous feature is the long pond full of water lilies, including the giant Victoria amazonica, but, once you have seen that, simply wander the grid of tarred walkways that criss-cross the garden. Near the new western entrance are giant Aldabra tortoises, which once roamed the island along with dodos.

It’s open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, all week.

3. Go to market

The biggest market is to be found in the capital, Port Louis, selling a great range of fruit and vegetables, herbal remedies, and fish and meat, in different sections. If you are staying in a hotel, this is mainly for photographing, but stock up if you’re in self-catering accommodation. Either way, the best buy is vanilla pods, so fragrant you can smell them through plastic bags, and other spices. Many of the stalls are family-owned and have been passed down through generations.

It’s always great to pick up a CD of local music as well, even if you don’t know what you’re buying. It will probably be Sega music: the grandfather of the genre is Serge Lebrasse.

There is a fair amount of tourist tat as well, but bargains are to be found in tablecloths and baskets.

For more upmarket shopping, head to Curepipe.

4. Say a prayer

Mauritius has a mix of religions, with Hindu (53%) accounting for the largest portion of the population. Colourful temples, churches and mosques are scattered all over the island and are always worth a visit, although there is no organised guide to them.

There are Chinese pagodas around Port Louis, which is also home to a Dravidian-style Hindu temple, and the Jummah mosque on Royal Street in Chinatown. It was built in 1850 and is the largest, but tourists are not allowed beyond the courtyard.

The St Francis of Assisi church at Pamplemousses, built of basalt rock, is the oldest building in the country (built in 1756) but the most photographed is the white-walled, red-roofed Catholic Notre Dame Auxiliatrice at Cap Malheureux, where the British landed in 1810.

Curepipe has a large church dedicated to St Helen, and Mahébourg has a cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels.

Perhaps the most significant religious site is not a building at all but the Sacred Lake (or Ganga Talab, lake of the Ganges) at Grand Bassin in the Savanne region. Thousands of Hindus converge here every year for the Maha Shivaratri festival. The lake has a giant statue of Lord Shiva, the second-biggest in the world.

5. Commune with nature

When done with the lazing in luxury at your hotel, head for the peaked mountains which dominate the interior. There are many hiking trails, but the easiest way to enjoy the flora is to visit the Black River Gorges National Park in the south, established in 1994. Its 6574ha include all the remaining hardwood and tropical forests of the island. Visitors enter the park from Vacoas.

The Pétrin visitors’ centre has trained guides and all the maps and tourist information you will need.

Just outside the park is the strange site of Terre de Sept Couleurs, the Seven-Coloured Earth, at Chamarel, a landscape of rich blue, green, red and brown earth compacted into mounds on which no vegetation grows. The surrounding park of under 5ha has rope bridges through the forest canopy.

The nearby Chamarel Falls are the highest on the island, tumbling 100m over a curved cliff.

6. Visit the Past

The “creole” architecture of the working-class – often homes built of wood and iron – is increasingly rare, replaced by modern brick and concrete, but it is still to be found.

The grander, elegant homes of the sugar-baron aristocracy were, of course, more permanent, but many have been lost to hurricanes or neglect. In the past, almost every village had a verandahed house on a sugar estate.

In the Pamplemousses garden you can hardly avoid Le Chateau de Mon Plaisir, built in 1858 to replace an earlier home built by Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the first French governor of the island.

La Bourdonnais also gave his name to an estate near Mapou, which has one of the grandest surviving chateaux, built in 1858 and complete with a driveway of banyan trees planted in 1820. But the most visited chateau is Eureka, near Moka. Built in 1830 with a bizarre 109 doors, it is now a museum (open daily) and there is even a waterfall in the garden.

7. Take in a museum

The Natural History Museum in Port Louis has the only known skeleton of a dodo, found in 1990. The National History Museum in Mahébourg has the bronze bell from the St Géran, which sank off the coast in 1744, giving rise to the national legend of the doomed lovers Paul and Virginia, but stuffy museums are not really part of a holiday package.

Rather head for the Café des Arts at Trou d’eau Douce, where an 1840s sugar mill is now an excellent restaurant-cum-art-gallery featuring the work of Yvette Maniglier, the last private student of Matisse.

The chimney towers that dot the cane fields are all that remain of most old sugar mills, but another, on the Beau Plan estate, decommissioned only 11 years ago, has been turned into L’aventure du sucre, which tells the story of sugar on the island, including the colonial trade, slavery, freed workers, and the indentured 19th-century labourers from India and China. A tour takes about 90 minutes and even kids can relate to the history, through pictures, films, video clips and comic strips.

Le Domaine les Pailles, just 5km south of Port Louis, was never a real plantation, but it’s a tolerable, modern theme park that includes 1500ha of nature reserve. There are recreated or relocated historical buildings, an ox-driven sugar mill, a rum distillery, coffee grinding and basket making using dried aloe vera plants. It also has the only working steam train left, performances of Sega music and dancing, four restaurants and a night-time casino. You can take a full-day hike in the reserve with a picnic lunch, or take a 4×4 tour or carriage ride.

Source: Times Live (http://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/article326171.ece)

Air Mauritius will operate four flights during the Northern Summer (April to October 2010). An additional frequency is also planned during the peak period.

Mr R K Ujoodha, G.O.S.K., Air Mauritius CEO, says: “This move by Air Mauritius translates into increases of up to 67% of the weekly capacity currently scheduled and should provide the necessary momentum for growth of the UK market towards a daily frequency as soon as the market is ready. It comes at an opportune time as Mauritius gears itself to welcome one million tourists this year”.

Source: eTravelBlackboard.com (http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101946&nav=2)

“India is a growing power in the field of both tertiary healthcare and drug development. We are inviting major players in your country to invest in Mauritius. Pharmaceutical, hospital and clinical trials … the opportunity for Indian players here are very good,” said Nitin Pandea, head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Cluster in the Board of Investment, Mauritius.

“As you know, both Fortis and Apollo hospital chains have entered our country. They have generated hundreds of jobs. We are in talks with a few more hospital chains in India. At least two more including an eye care hospital chain is set to invest in our country,” Pandea told IANS from Port Louis over telephone.

He said the Indian Ocean island now gets fewer than 4,000 foreigners a year coming for medical treatment and wants India’s help to increase its revenue from this sector. India gets around 500,000 foreign patients from across the world every year.

“Once big names from India enter, it will instill more faith among patients from abroad. We have started feeling the effect and hope to invite over 10,000 medical tourists to our nation.

“Currently, thousands of people from Africa are coming to India for complicated medical treatment as medical expenses in India are far lower than in Europe and the US. Setting up hospitals here will bring benefit to both Mauritius and the hospital chains,” he added.

Pandea said many patients don’t like to travel far for health problems and providing them the same facilities closer home will boost revenues of these hospitals.

“The entry of Apollo and Fortis into the Mauritius healthcare sector says a great deal about how Mauritius itself is viewed by the global economic community. The government of Mauritius has recognised that the healthcare sector is important to the country’s social, community, and economic development,” Ed L. Hansen, chief executive officer of Apollo Bramwell Hospital of Mauritius, told IANS.

“(The) Apollo Bramwell Hospital has been designed to serve both Mauritius and the international community. Our target market for international services (medical travel) includes the continent of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean rim. We believe we are positioned to provide the finest infrastructure, clinical care and customer service east of Johannesburg and west of India,” Hansen said in an e-mail.

Pandea also said that the Mauritius Board of Investment (a government body) is keen to better its global positioning in the field of clinical trial and drug development. “Though I cannot give you the exact amount of investment we are looking for from India, I can say that we are hoping to get more players in the pharma and clinical trial fields.”

Source: Thaindian News (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/mauritius-seeks-indias-help-to-boost-medical-tourism_100294527.html)

If you are still cynical about Mauritius as a perfect spot for deep-sea fishing, then you must that Mauritius holds many world records in deep-sea fishing. The varieties of fishes are astounding and much bigger and better than [many places that offer the adventure of a lifetime.

That yellow and white tuna that you can catch there weigh well over 200 pounds. With such impressive haul, no wonder deep-sea fishing is a necessary itinerary when holidaying in Jamaica. The fishes that you can haul encompass sharks, barracuda, blue and black marlin, tuna, skipjack, sailfish, wahoo, and lots of other species.

Fish boat rental can be found at the hotel and they are exceptionally made for deep-sea fishing. The depth of the water can be seventy meters once you are one kilometer away from the shore. The boat features basic safety apparatus such as radio as well as well stock fishing equipments. Certain boat rental includes beverages that you can enjoy while priming for a catch.

Deep-sea fishing can be the best experience that you will ever experience irrespective of the time of the year but it is best enjoy between October and April. At other time of the month, deep-sea fishing can be just as thrilling and you must schedule it on a trip to Mauritius just to enjoy the moment.

For those that love the feel of fishing, deep-sea fishing is a necessary item in the tour of Mauritius and it can be taken in by people of all ages. You can go there just for the thrill or organize your trip well for the sole aim of setting a world record. Deep-sea fishing at Mauritius is indeed one wonderful adventure that cannot be foregone. When in Mauritius, you don’t have to think twice to schedule it as one of the tour itinerary.

Mauritius is a land of abundance when it comes to fishes and there is none better to delight yourself with a deep-sea fishing that will remain in your mind for many years when you recollect. No other place offers the Mauritius experience where deep-sea fishing is mentioned.

Animals on the Island
Being an island, the majority of wildlife resident in Mauritius (with the exception of mammals) are endemic, and you can expect to see a range of interesting animals on your holidays in Mauritius. If you find bats interesting, you will be pleased to learn that fruit bats are the only mammals endemic to the island. Unlike other smaller bats, fruit bats have an enormous wing span (nearly a metre), and to make their appearance even more regal, they have a golden orange colour around their head and shoulders, like a halo or a crown. You won′t be likely to spot one of the amazing creatures during the day on your Mauritius holiday because they nest in the gorges and on the mountainside, but you could spot them flying past you at night.

Other mammals you may spot whilst on your Mauritius holiday are Javan deer, forest monkeys and feral pigs. While these mammals may not be endemic to the island, they are interesting to see nonetheless.

One of the oldest creatures to inhabit the island is the giant tortoise, having lived on the island in for over a hundred years; these creatures should be respected and revered when on your Mauritius holiday. The tortoises really are giant, with a length of up to a metre and weight up to 250kg. Other reptiles you could spot on holidays in Mauritius are the day-gecko, and skinks, which may be smaller, but are colourful and interesting to look at.

In the Waters
In the Indian Ocean waters which surround the island, a whole host of colourful creatures may be found. Tuna, marlin, barracuda, shark and sailfish swim this region of the ocean, fished by the locals and used to create delicious fresh seafood dishes which you can enjoy at your Mauritius hotel. The coral reef surrounding the island is also home to an array of sponges, sea anemones and spikey, making diving an excellent activity on any Mauritius holiday. As you dive into the warm waters, you will be amazed at the colourful clown and box fish, trumpet, lionfish and stonefish that swim by.

It is important to remember that the coral reef is protected by the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society, and collecting shells and coral on your holiday in Mauritius may seem appealing, but it is depleting the natural environment, and the activity has been banned from the beaches.

Birds of the Air
Whilst birdlife in Mauritius is the object of conservationists, the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and emerald-green echo parakeet have happily been saved from extinction, and you could be lucky enough to spot these colourful birds on your Mauritius holiday. Other interesting and more commonly-sighted birds include fly-catchers, bulbuls and white-eyes, and you’re likely to spot these feathered creatures on holiday in Mauritius.

Island Vegetation
For nature lovers, Mauritius holidays could prove to be inspirational, with some fascinating vegetation to be discovered. One of the most beautiful and rarest plants in the world is the Mandrinette, which is a pretty pink or colour. You can walk through the Black River Gorges National Park, where tropical plants and excellent views await you.

Eight years after it was established Beachcomber’s Dinarobin reopened its doors on the 5 September after extensive refurbishments. New developments include 5 new Swimming Pools (pictured right), a new Tuscan restaurant, Il Gusto, and a new sports centre. For more information go to beachcomber-hotels.com

Naiade Resorts welcome Rob O’Keefe, Sales Manager and Nicola Johnson, Sales and Administrative Executive to their sales team servicing the UK market.

Intercontinental Mauritius Resort Balaclave Fort had its officialy opening on the 9th of October 2009 by the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam

The Four Points by Sheraton Cybercity (pictured right) has now officially opened its doors to the International and local business communities in Mauritius. The Hotel opened on the 1st July and is located in Ebene, the new hi-tech business park of Mauritius. Find out more at starwoodhotels.com

Hot off the press, Constance, Le Prince Maurice (princemaurice.com) picks up best Beach Retreat in the latest Brides Magazine Awards.

Stressed Fifa chiefs fear around 200,000 fans could have nowhere to sleep next June.

They are now desperately trying to flog accommodation in neighbouring countries and hope fans will agree to being flown in to matches on day trips.

One plan will see around 3,200 supporters staying on the tropical island of Mauritius, around 1,925 miles and a four-hour flight from Johannesburg and six hours from Cape Town. The paradise island is famed for its fine beaches and good weather but Fifa sources admitted supporters staying there could face massive disruption.

A source said: “It might seem crazy to even think about staying in Mauritius.

“In European terms that would be like accommodating someone in Athens for the last tournament in Germany.

“But Africa is so much bigger than Europe and different rules apply. The truth is there aren’t enough hotel rooms in South Africa for all the fans we expect to come and that means we have to consider options.

“Mauritius has a lot to offer holidaymakers and can be used as a base for people who are prepared to travel and want to see matches in South Africa.”

Up to 25,000 England fans inspired by last week’s victory against Croatia are expected to head for South africa. A two-week stay on Mauritius is likely to cost at least £10,000.

A Fifa spokesman said: “Some people may find the thought of staying somewhere like Mauritius odd but for others it will offer the perfect solution.”
(Daily Star)

Explorer Travel are an independent travel agent and can help arrange your holiday to Mauritius (http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/Mauritius.htm). Call them on 0208 816 8789 or send an enquiry via their website.

But now visitors to World Museum Liverpool can get an idea of what this near-mythical creature looked like after a rare dodo skeleton was put on display.

The skeleton is made up of large numbers of bones found in a swamp on the island of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

While the dodo has been extinct for more than 300 years, the mounted skeleton itself is believed to have been kept under wraps in the museum’s collection for at least 40 years.

It is now on display for a month as part of the Hidden Treasures series, featuring items rarely seen by the public.

Dr Clem Fisher, the museum’s curator of vertebrate zoology, said: “This is the only mounted skeleton of a dodo anywhere in the world. All others are reconstructions, using goose feathers.

“The skeleton is quite complete although we have recently discovered that the foot bones have been skilfully carved from wood.”

The large, flightless pigeons were about 3ft tall and were decimated by the arrival of sailors in Mauritius, who killed it for food.

The skeleton was put together from the bones of different dodos found in a swamp on the island.

The only part missing is the top of the bird’s skull, or cranium. It was donated to the curator of the then Liverpool Museum in 1866, and has been in the collection ever since.

Dr Fisher said: “It’s a good skeleton, with an important story. The message is the extinction of flightless species is incredibly easy. They are on an island, and as soon as man comes along with his pigs, guns, and rats, they’re gone.

“Everyone knows the dodo from the phrase ‘dead as a dodo’, but very few will have seen an actual skeleton of one.”

Dodos would have weighed around 50 pounds, and had grey plumage, a nine-inch beak with a hooked point, tiny wings and a tuft of curly rear feathers.

According to Dr Fisher, we may not have seen the last of the dodo after all.

“Although the last reliable sighting of a living dodo was in the late 17th century, it may one day be possible to reconstruct the species with the ancient DNA from one of these bones.”

When in Mauritius, take a pause for your own well-being to visit one of our several spas, the new havens of peace where time comes to a standstill. Apart from the seemingly endless miles of beaches, the natural hospitality of the Mauritian people and the gastronomic delights of 3 continents, Mauritius offers world-class services to set you off on another journey of senses!

The spas are now regarded as a must, on the tourist itinerary. Sponsored by international leading names such as Clarins, Givenchy, Guerlain , La Prairie, and Shisheido, the competitive nature of the market has resulted in an amazing range of pampering treatments and state-of-the-art health and beauty centres.

The island’s mix of cultures also inspires an eclectic mix of therapies, with a choice of Asian Ayurvedic massages, ocean-inspired treatments as well as age-old African and Creole remedies made from local herbs and flowers.

Some pleasant wellness centres can also be experienced outside hotels. For independent visitors, there are a number of local and health beauty centres.

So step into one of these havens and let expert hands pamper you

You can book your holiday to Mauritius with Explorer Travel by calling 0208 816 8789 or by visiting their website (http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/Mauritius.htm)