Mauritius Hotels
Mauritius Information
Must see in Mauritius
Families should head to Casela Bird Park in the west. With 90 aviaries on 25 hectares (61 acres), it has more than 140 bird varieties, from five continents. The main attraction is the pink pigeon, one of the world's rarest birds.
Stroll around Pamplemousses Gardens, the third oldest botanical gardens in the world, created in the 18th century. Its international collection of plants includes giant Amazon lilies and the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies.
Visit Mauritius Aquarium in the north, populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges originating from the waters around the island. It also has a touch pool for children.
Follow the pilgrimage route to Grand Bassin, a natural crater lake and sacred Hindu site up on Plaine Champagne. A new 33m- (108ft-) high Shiva statue heralds the entrance to the few temples heaving with colour, incense and people at festival time.
Visit the National History Museum in Mahébourg in the southeast to see the bell from the shipwreck of Le San Geran that inspired Mauritius' most famous romantic legend, Paul & Virginie, and rooms dedicated to the Dutch, French and British periods.
Visit the most characterful town on the island, Mahébourg, and head to its new waterfront for gajaks (snacks) and a view across the bay of Grand Port, the site of the famous 1810 naval battle, to Lion Mountain.
Snorkel or take a glass bottom boat out to see the fish and coral in Blue Bay, Mauritius' only marine park. Or better still, take a luxury excursion to the private island just off the coast, Iles des Deux Cocos, to explore it from there.
Head to the untamed south coast to see unusual rock formations such as the blowhole at Le Souffleur, a natural rock bridge at Pont Naturel and at the wild clifftop of Gris Gris, near Souillac, a rock shaped like a witch.
Stroll around Pamplemousses Gardens, the third oldest botanical gardens in the world, created in the 18th century. Its international collection of plants includes giant Amazon lilies and the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies.
Visit Mauritius Aquarium in the north, populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges originating from the waters around the island. It also has a touch pool for children.
Follow the pilgrimage route to Grand Bassin, a natural crater lake and sacred Hindu site up on Plaine Champagne. A new 33m- (108ft-) high Shiva statue heralds the entrance to the few temples heaving with colour, incense and people at festival time.
Visit the National History Museum in Mahébourg in the southeast to see the bell from the shipwreck of Le San Geran that inspired Mauritius' most famous romantic legend, Paul & Virginie, and rooms dedicated to the Dutch, French and British periods.
Visit the most characterful town on the island, Mahébourg, and head to its new waterfront for gajaks (snacks) and a view across the bay of Grand Port, the site of the famous 1810 naval battle, to Lion Mountain.
Snorkel or take a glass bottom boat out to see the fish and coral in Blue Bay, Mauritius' only marine park. Or better still, take a luxury excursion to the private island just off the coast, Iles des Deux Cocos, to explore it from there.
Head to the untamed south coast to see unusual rock formations such as the blowhole at Le Souffleur, a natural rock bridge at Pont Naturel and at the wild clifftop of Gris Gris, near Souillac, a rock shaped like a witch.
Chamarel - off the village of Case Noyale, adventure along a winding road for about ten minutes till you reach a small hill of wonders: undulating landscape of multicoloured earth of contrasting shades of colours. Different shades of blue, red, yellow, ochre and violet ... apparently the result of erosion from volcanic ash. Along the course, to your right, you will be able to admire a magnificent site: the waterfalls of Chamarel that come with strength out of abundant vegetation.
Mauritius Beaches
Mauritius is a tropical paradise lying in the midst of the warmest ocean of all, the Indian Ocean. It boasts some of the worlds most beautiful beaches set against a breathtaking landscape. It left such an impression on the famous writer Mark twain that he was moved to exclaim "you gather the idea that Mauritus was made first, and then Heaven, and that Heaven was copied after Mauritius". His sentiments are echoed by many who visit the island.
Beaches in the North
One of the first spots in to welcome holidaymakers, the Northwest boasts some of the best beaches on the island. The coast here is well developed with a great choice of watersports available. Private yacht charters allow visitors to explore the shore from the sea or, for a stunning aerial perspective; helicopter tours are available from Grand Baie.
About 20km from
Mont Choisy stretches north from Trou Aux Biches to Grand Baie in a shiny strip of silver sand curving along a turquoise bay. Almost two kilometres long, the beach is very popular with locals at the weekend, when they bring their families to picnic under the shady trees. Grand Baie is probably the best-known resort in and a place to see and be seen. Watersports from windsurfing, water skiing and sailing to deep sea fishing and parasailing are all available here. In the evenings the trendy bars, restaurants and clubs buzz with life.
One of the first spots in to welcome holidaymakers, the Northwest boasts some of the best beaches on the island. The coast here is well developed with a great choice of watersports available. Private yacht charters allow visitors to explore the shore from the sea or, for a stunning aerial perspective; helicopter tours are available from Grand Baie.
About 20km from
Mont Choisy stretches north from Trou Aux Biches to Grand Baie in a shiny strip of silver sand curving along a turquoise bay. Almost two kilometres long, the beach is very popular with locals at the weekend, when they bring their families to picnic under the shady trees. Grand Baie is probably the best-known resort in and a place to see and be seen. Watersports from windsurfing, water skiing and sailing to deep sea fishing and parasailing are all available here. In the evenings the trendy bars, restaurants and clubs buzz with life.
Beaches in the East
Wilder and less developed, the easy coast offers a wonderful spectacle of nature. Long swathes of silky white beaches really are as they look in the brochures. This side of the island is especially popular in the summer months, when the cooling trade winds give a gentle offshore breeze. Poste Lafayette and Roches Noires, north of Flacq are wild, authentic and remain pretty much as nature intended. Idyllic coves of white sand offer the perfect get-away-from-it-all experience. Take a picnic, as there are no facilities on this part of the coast.
South of Flacq, the white sands of Palmar and Belle Mare stretch endlessly along the coast, fringed on one side by the shady green casuarina trees and edged by the bluest of seas on the other. These beaches provide the perfect backdrop for many of the islands most luxurious hotels. Belle Mare is a small village with a handful of shops and a water park, which is ideal for a family outing. Further south Trou DEau Douce is an attractive fishing village with a fine sandy beach. It is also the main jumping off point for Ile aux Cerfs.
South of Flacq, the white sands of Palmar and Belle Mare stretch endlessly along the coast, fringed on one side by the shady green casuarina trees and edged by the bluest of seas on the other. These beaches provide the perfect backdrop for many of the islands most luxurious hotels. Belle Mare is a small village with a handful of shops and a water park, which is ideal for a family outing. Further south Trou DEau Douce is an attractive fishing village with a fine sandy beach. It is also the main jumping off point for Ile aux Cerfs.
Beaches in the South
Gentle curves in the southeast give way to high cliffs as you round the southern tip of the island. Here the break in the reef allows the open sea to come right up to the land, crashing against the rocks to create a craggy and dramatic coastline reminiscent of the
The break in the reef on the South coast makes Gris Gris and Souillac quite unlike other Mauritian beaches. This area is ideal for coastal walks and scenic viewpoints, but not recommended for swimming. Opposite Souillac on the other side of the bay, Riambel is a splendid and usually deserted which is protected once again by the reef and safe for bathing.
For a gentle coastal walk, head east from Pointe Aux Roches where the unspoilt beach stretches for 5km. The lack of coral reefs and the strong sea currents make it too dangerous to swim. The beaches of Bel Ombre are bordered by forest plantations and several new luxury hotels that have been built there. The coast is once again protected by coral reefs and is safe for swimming, although the water can sometimes be a little choppy.
The break in the reef on the South coast makes Gris Gris and Souillac quite unlike other Mauritian beaches. This area is ideal for coastal walks and scenic viewpoints, but not recommended for swimming. Opposite Souillac on the other side of the bay, Riambel is a splendid and usually deserted which is protected once again by the reef and safe for bathing.
For a gentle coastal walk, head east from Pointe Aux Roches where the unspoilt beach stretches for 5km. The lack of coral reefs and the strong sea currents make it too dangerous to swim. The beaches of Bel Ombre are bordered by forest plantations and several new luxury hotels that have been built there. The coast is once again protected by coral reefs and is safe for swimming, although the water can sometimes be a little choppy.
Beaches in the West
Best known for magnificent sunsets and deep-sea fishing, the west coast beaches are justifiably famous. From Flic en Flac to Le Morne Brabant, this is the driest, warmest coast. It attracts swimmers and divers the whole year round and surfers and kite surfers between May October.
Flic en Flac is a popular place with Mauritians and holidaymakers alike. About half an hour from
Halfway between
Further South, Tamarin has always has a great reputation for surfing. Although there are fewer big waves nowadays, the good sandy beach retains a laid back air and it still popular with sun-worshippers and surfers, especially when Big Wave days arrive. Crystal clear waters lap Le Morne Peninsula and its imposing peaks dominate the southwest corner of the island. Mysterious and aloof, Le Mornes white beaches and rolling waves are stunning. This area is a firm favourite with kite surfers and windsurfers.
Flic en Flac is a popular place with Mauritians and holidaymakers alike. About half an hour from
Halfway between
Further South, Tamarin has always has a great reputation for surfing. Although there are fewer big waves nowadays, the good sandy beach retains a laid back air and it still popular with sun-worshippers and surfers, especially when Big Wave days arrive. Crystal clear waters lap Le Morne Peninsula and its imposing peaks dominate the southwest corner of the island. Mysterious and aloof, Le Mornes white beaches and rolling waves are stunning. This area is a firm favourite with kite surfers and windsurfers.
Island Beaches
has lots of picturesque, small islands dotted offshore. Many of these islands have been designated nature reserves and protected areas, and boats normally need special permission to land.
Of the northern offshore islands Coin De Mire is the most recognisable from the north coast. This strange wedge-shaped island is outside the coral reef, making landing on its rocky coast quite hazardous. Ile Plate, Ilot Gabriel and Ile dAmbre are more easily accessible and are popular with day-trippers who make the two-hour journey from Grand Baie to snorkel or picnic here. Crescent-shaped Ile Aux Benitiers lies off the coast of
The dramatic shapes and colours of the lagoon surrounding Ile aux Cerfs and its smaller neighbour Ile de lEst often feature in aerial photographs of . Deservedly one of the most popular day trips on , these small islands are a sun worshippers paradise. The pure white sands are perfect for soaking up the rays, whilst the calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for watersports. Relaxing over a long, lazy lunch at one of the islands two restaurants is almost obligatory and the island also has its very own 18-hole championship golf course.
Of the northern offshore islands Coin De Mire is the most recognisable from the north coast. This strange wedge-shaped island is outside the coral reef, making landing on its rocky coast quite hazardous. Ile Plate, Ilot Gabriel and Ile dAmbre are more easily accessible and are popular with day-trippers who make the two-hour journey from Grand Baie to snorkel or picnic here. Crescent-shaped Ile Aux Benitiers lies off the coast of
The dramatic shapes and colours of the lagoon surrounding Ile aux Cerfs and its smaller neighbour Ile de lEst often feature in aerial photographs of . Deservedly one of the most popular day trips on , these small islands are a sun worshippers paradise. The pure white sands are perfect for soaking up the rays, whilst the calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for watersports. Relaxing over a long, lazy lunch at one of the islands two restaurants is almost obligatory and the island also has its very own 18-hole championship golf course.
