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"God created
Mauritius first, and then made a
copy which he called Heaven."
Mark Twain
Exotic Mauritius
Island: A Tropical Paradise
By
Muguette Goufrani
 One year during my decade in Africa, rather than taking
off for France for my annual vacation, I left our family's
adopted home in Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa to tour East
Africa and the Indian Ocean Coast, with its adventure
islands of Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius. My favourite
souvenir - or most memorable experience at the time -- was
the trip between Port Louis and Pereybere. The island
capital of Port Louis, named after the King Louis XV of
France, is a relatively small port, yet it happens to be one
of the busiest in the Indian Ocean. Its bustling market
resembles something between an Arab soukh and the Parisian
Halles.
Multicolored saris, a sea of
smiling faces, and a passing parade of folks in bright
attire and high spirits -- all contribute to the show. Large
woven baskets of fresh vegetables, neat rows and mounds of
exotic fruit delight the eye and tempt the palate. To
quickly forget all about the workaday world, I spent several
days relaxing in Grande Baie, which is sometimes known as
the Saint Tropez of Mauritius island, with its Indian,
Chinese, Creole and French restaurants. The area's elegant
shops , pubs and bars stay open almost all night.The trip
along the coast, admiring the exotic beaches and pastel
seascapes of Pointe aux-Piments, Montchoisy, Trou aux Biches
and Pereybere was a delight I will never forget. Web site:
http://www.mauritius.net/
Moevenpick
Resort & Spa Mauritius
Allee des
Cocotiers
Bel Ombre, Mauritius
Phone +230 623 5000
Fax +230 623 5001, E-Mail
 Inspired
by a Zen atmosphere, the sumptuous Spa dedicates its 1800
sqm to peace and serenity. The humid pavilion, which
accommodates Turkish baths, saunas and a whirlpool, is the
right place for body wraps, scrub and hydro jet showers.
Treatment rooms surrounded by an aquarium, put forward
treatments developed from tropical, local elements as well
as traditional ingredients. This unique place brings a
feeling of harmony to body, soul and mind.
Families are
not forgotten with special rooms offering a separate
children bedroom of 11 sqm, particularly recommended to
parents wishing both to preserve their intimacy as well as
having their children close by. This original room concept
is supported by the Mini Club for children from the age of 3
years with a wide range of activities. The Club Lounge is an
exclusive service, a hotel within the hotel, and is reserved
for residents of our Club Rooms, Suites and Villa which
includes:
- Open bar with soft drinks (coffee, tea, fruit juice and
cookies) served every day from 10:30am to 6:00pm - Free
access to the book, DVD and Playstation library at the Guest
Relation desk located in the Lobby -
Free entrance
to the SPA with free use of stimulating leg hydro massage
corridor, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and solarium
.
More->
Mauritius, so far away, yet so much at home...
Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian
Ocean, will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and
tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an
unforgettable holiday. Here, you have the opportunity to experience
unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and
shoulders above that on offer in other tropical holiday
destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’ –
a realisation that will compel you to return to Mauritius’ shores
time and again. Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van
Nassau...
Port Louis, Capital of Mauritius
Port Louis , the capital of Mauritius, was founded by the French
governor and colonist Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in
1735.
Situated on the north-west coast, Port Louis is the business and
administrative capital of Mauritius. Packed with office-workers
during the day, it quickly quietens down after office-hours –
allowing visitors to enjoy a night out along the famous Caudan
Waterfront.
Those arriving during daylight hours should head for the bustling
Central Market or Champ de Mars: the oldest racecourse in the Indian
Ocean region.
North
The northern coast of the island is the place where the most
development has taken place in recent years. Thanks to this work,
Grand Baie has an abundance of restaurants and discotheques. If you
like to party to the sound of good music, you will find plenty of
options to choose from here.
The north isn’t only about night life, however. It also boasts some
of Mauritius’ best-loved sights, including the charming red-roofed
church that overlooks the lagoon at Cap Malheureux.
East - The Jewel in Mauritius' Crown
A coastline comprised of exquisite coves and emerald lagoons,
permanently enhanced by a cool sea breeze: life goes by at a slow
pace in the east – whether you’re a member of the fishing community
or a holidaymaker.
Situated between the mountains and the sea, the east is
characterised by charming little villages with poetic names like
Petite Julie, Mare d’Australia and Queen Victoria. It also plays
home to some of the country’s best beaches, including Belle Mare,
where you will want to spend hours basking in the sun, glorying in
the sight of the long stretch of white sand.
South & South-East
The south reveals a dramatically different landscape from the rest
of the island: one typified by high cliffs – in places – that are
battered by waves. These are created where the protective barrier of
coral reef that surrounds Mauritius falls away on the seabed, so
leaving the coastline exposed to a punishing Indian Ocean.
But the south is not singularly about cliffs and rough waters.
Further round the coastline, heading westwards, are an array of
beautiful beaches and top-rate hotels and resorts, in up-and-coming
areas such as Bel Ombre.
Rodrigues
Some 560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the
jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – a 18 kilometre by 8
kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its
size.
The secure waters of the lagoon and the trade winds that gently
buffer the island provide many opportunities for the adventurous.
Rodrigues is a wonderful playground for scuba divers who quickly
fall in love with the diverse coral reef eco-system and its
colourful assortment of sub-aquatic flora and fauna. Equally, the
island appeals to those with a love of windsurfing, kite-surfing,
sailing and fishing. Thanks to its outer reef edges sitting nearly
ten kilometres away from the coastline, Rodriguan waters are rich in
fish. In fact, no fewer than three world record catches have been
hooked here since 2005.
It isn’t only those who like the ocean that will be swayed by
Rodrigues’ charms. Yellows, greens and blues: nature on Rodrigues
throbs with a palette of colours. Rarely will visitors encounter
such a variety of landscapes in such a small area.
By MTPA tourism Office
Air Mauritius
was one of the first advertisers in Africa Travel Magazine, and we
appreciate the airline's continued support,with news, brochures and
items for our web site and magazines. So that our many
readers,viewers and browsers can become more familiar with this
exotic destination off the Coast of East Africa, we will be adding
current flight information and tour contacts.
Mauritius
Hon. Michael Sik Yuen
Ministry of Tourism and Leisure
12th Floor, Air Mauritius Building
Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: (+230) 2101329, Fax: (+230) 2086776
http://tourisme.gov.mu
mtou@mail.gov.mu
Photo
Credits: Air Mauritius/ Mauritius Ministry of Tourism
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