Mauritius

With world-class hotels offering the best service in the Indian Ocean and renowned gastronomy, top spas and golf, Mauritius also offers trekking, mountain climbing and ecotourism playgrounds. And with its signature sunny days, the world's third largest coral reef surrounding a turquoise lagoon and silky, blonde, sandy beaches, this island certainly comes close to paradise.

Off major shipping routes, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the 16th century, allowing it to develop into one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It was favoured by pirates and occupied briefly by the Dutch before the French brought African slaves to work the sugar plantations.  Captured by the British in 1810, Mauritius achieved independence in 1968.  Its diversification into textiles, tourism and, of late, financial services, telecommunications and cyber services has been an Indian Ocean economic success story.  So too has its stable multicultural society.

Descendants of Indian labourers brought in after the abolition of slavery in 1835, now comprise 70% of the population, and Chinese and Muslim traders add to a French and Creole cultural legacy.  This friendly co-existence of cultures expresses itself in croissants for breakfast and curry for dinner, and garish Indian temples near French colonial mansions. 

Few who come here ever leave disappointed - the lively and warm people, the relaxed vibes and the music of everyday life are likely to leave an even greater impression on any visitor than even the most sumptuous palm fringed beaches, luxurious hotels and crystal-clear waters.

Full Country Name: Republic of Mauritius
Area: 2,040 sq km
Population: 1.31 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Port Louis
Religion: Majority are Hindu followed by Christian (Roman Catholic), Muslim, Chinese and Buddhism
Time Zone: Standard time is four hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: English is the official language of Mauritius, but the most widely used is French and the local dialect, Creole. Hindi, Urdu and Chinese are also spoken
Country Dialling Code: +230

CLIMATE
Situated near the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius has the advantage of a subtropical climate.  The climate is fairly acceptable to everyone and the heat is never unbearable. 

December through March is the best time for diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June through August is best for surfing; and October through April is excellent for big game fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore. During the summer months from November to March, the island is a sun lover’s paradise. However between the months of April to October, the eastern side of the island tends to suffer from the trade winds with cooler weather and higher rainfall, making the west side the best side of the island.

CURRENCY & BANKS
The unit of currency in Mauritius is the Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents.  Full banking services are available in all the main towns although a commission is normally charged.  Euros are the common currency used in Mauritius.  It is recommended to carry some cash in small denominations.

ELECTRICITY
The general voltage in Mauritius is 230 and the frequency is 50 Hz.

As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended.  Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown.  It is useful to carry a torch.

HEALTH
Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice.  The following information is to be used as a guide only. 

VISA INFORMATION
At the time of writing, no visa for Mauritius is required for travellers on Australian Passports. Please double check this with your travel agent as this may change at any time.  You must hold return or onward flight tickets.

We hope that you will find this country Information on Mauritius useful for reference when preparing for your holiday.  All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.  Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

Here is a selection of the properties available in Mauritius.

Veranda Grand Baie & Spa

For those wishing to combine the pleasures of the beach with proximity to the heart of the bustling village of Grand Baie, this is the perfect choice. Only five minutes to the shopping centre, the hotel with 94 garden or pool facing rooms offers a comforting haven with its sandy beach, giant palm trees and flourishing exotic plants. With the authentic Creole architecture and the harmony of the environment visitors are welcomed into the heart of a relaxed and serene holiday.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 Nov – 22 Dec 11	$645	$870
23 Dec 11 – 03 Jan 12	$630	$840
04 Jan – 21 Apr 12	$645	$870
22 Apr – 10 Oct 12	$630	$840
11 – 31 Oct 12	$645	$870

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for five-nights in a Superior Room. Includes breakfast and dinner daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Veranda Paul & Virginie Hotel & Spa

Named after the legendary young couple immortalised by French author Bernardin de St Pierre in his novel Paul & Virginie, the hotel is an invitation to a relaxing and romantic stay enhanced by idyllic tranquility and a soothing atmosphere. The hotel with 81 en-suite rooms with sea view offers a decor of colonial inspiration. With a subtle combination of wood, stone and thatch roofs, it reveals a peaceful haven for couples seeking an unforgettable getaway to paradise island.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 Nov – 22 Dec 11	$640	$865
23 Dec 11 – 03 Jan 12	$555	$745
04 Jan – 21 Apr 12	$640	$865
22 Apr – 10 Oct 12	$555	$745
11 – 31 Oct 12	$640	$865

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for five-nights in a Superior Room. Includes breakfast and dinner daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Merville Beach

Within walking distance from the village of Grand Baie this three star deluxe property is located on the best beach in the north. Merville Beach offers a variety of room types and a lively bustling ambience. This property is an attraction for all with its great value for money and an amazing location.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 – 25 Nov 11	$555	$835
26 Nov – 16 Dec 11	$530	$780
17 Dec - 23 Dec 11	$555	$835
24 Dec 11 – 06 Jan 12	$720	$1,165
07 Jan – 31 Jan 12	$555	$835
Feb – Apr 12	$530	$780
May – Sep 12	$475	$670
Oct 12	$555	$835

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Standard Room. Includes breakfast and dinner daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Tamassa

This funky and fun four star resort on the beach lies in the unspoilt southern region of the island. Spacious modern rooms with beautiful open bathrooms, lively atmosphere, night club and four swimming pools, together with an all-inclusive room rate that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, a range of drinks, land and water-sports, kids and teen clubs.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 – 25 Nov 11	$830	$1,200
26 Nov – 16 Dec 11	$805	$1,145
17 Dec - 23 Dec 11	$830	$1,200
24 Dec 11 – 06 Jan 12	$1,045	$1,635
07 Jan – 31 Jan 12	$830	$1,200
Feb – Apr 12	$805	$1,145
May – Sep 12	$665	$875
Oct 12	$830	$1,200

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Standard Room. Includes all meals, local drinks (excluding premium brands) and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Legends

A unique superior four star resort located in the north east of the island, Legends is only a 15 minute drive from the restaurants, clubs and shopping of Grand Baie. Based on the principles of Feng Shui – the art of living in harmony with your environment, Legends will sooth the soul whilst spoiling you with stunning views, service and cuisine.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 – 25 Nov 11	$910	$1,460
26 Nov – 16 Dec 11	$830	$1,295
17 Dec - 23 Dec 11	$910	$1,460
24 Dec 11 – 06 Jan 12	$1,365	$2,365
07 Jan – 31 Jan 12	$910	$1,460
Feb – Apr 12	$830	$1,295
May – Sep 12	$645	$925
Oct 12	$910	$1,460

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Superior Room. Includes breakfast and dinner daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Les Pavillons

Located under the magnificent Le Morne Mountain in beautiful tropical gardens fringed by a white sandy beach and calm blue lagoon, Les Pavillons is five star luxury capturing the charm and sophistication of colonial Mauritius. This is Mauritius at its most picture perfect – lose yourself in this romantic hotel in a spectacular setting.

Departures	Twin	Single
01 – 25 Nov 11	$1,235	$2,060
26 Nov – 16 Dec 11	$1,045	$1,680
17 Dec - 23 Dec 11	$1,235	$2,060
24 Dec 11 – 06 Jan 12	$1,790	$3,160
07 Jan – 31 Jan 12	$1,235	$2,060
Feb – Apr 12	$1,045	$1,680
May – Sep 12	$885	$1,350
Oct 12	$1,235	$2,060

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for four-nights in a Standard Room. Includes breakfast and dinner daily and return airport transfers. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.