Mauritius. Mauritius. Land of sugar and smiles

Transcription

1 Mauritius Land of sugar and smiles Lying in the Indian Ocean, some 1,800 kilometres off the east coast of Africa, Mauritius is an outstandingly beautiful tropical island. Its 330-kilometre coastline of sandy beaches is almost entirely surrounded by one of the largest unbroken coral reefs in the world, home to more than a thousand species of fish. The interior rises to a central plateau, overlooked by mountains reaching up to more than 800 metres. Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially discovered in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch and the French and was then ceded to Great Britain in Mauritius became Independent in Mauritius will enchant you and will uplift your soul by making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention and behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island which is set in a turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius fulfils every visitor s dream of a tropical island swaying palms, a dazzling blue ocean, white sand beaches, sugarcane fields, towering mountains and the leisurely Mauritian way of life combine to make a truly idyllic setting. Add to this the attractive resorts ranging from the luxurious to the pleasantly informal, from the intimate (perfect for weddings and honeymoons) to those offering entertainment and activities for all the family. Mauritius offers superb diving and many resorts have professionally-run dive schools, with courses catering for everybody from novices to those seeking night dive and open water qualifications and most provide instruction in several languages. Sightseeing Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens has a vast collection of indigenous and exotic plants; Trou aux Cerfs is the spectacular crater of an extinct volcano; and Black River Gorges National Park offers breathtaking vistas. Accommodation range from luxurious to pleasantly casual, from the intimate to family-friendly. 242

2 Events Mauritius Marlin Cup, international deep sea fishing competition (December); Mauritius Golf Open (December); Jockey Club Day, international horse riding show (December); Ganesh Festival (August/September); Diwali, Festival of Lights (October); Chinese Spring Festival (February). Honeymoon A range of charming, intimate hideaways and super luxurious resorts offer honeymooners special gifts, amenities and romantic candlelit dinners in a dream setting. Exploring by road It is easy to rent vehicles and explore the island. THE GRAND MAURITIAN RESORT & SPA CONSTANCE LE PRINCE MAURICE LA PIROGUE Family activities Most resorts have comprehensive kids clubs offering a full range of age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities, computer rooms and other attractions; the Casela Bird Park is home to a wide variety of tropical birds and animals. Shopping What you can buy Local handicrafts and artefacts, designer casuals, beachwear, hand-crafted ship models and curios. Where you can buy The lively Caudan waterfront in Port Louis, Grand Baie, Curepipe, Mahébourg and Belle Mare. MARADIVA VILLAS RESORT & SPA HERITAGE LE TELFAIR GOLF & SPA RESORT TAMASSA ILE MAURICE FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAURITIUS AT ANAHITA ANAHITA THE RESORT MAURITIUS Entertainment Most hotels offer nightly live entertainment, resident bands, theme buffets and entertainment shows such as Sega, African and Indian dancers. Casinos are found in some hotels, as well as at Caudan waterfront. Grand Baie has the largest choice of lively restaurants, bars, karaokes and discothèques. Sports and leisure Water sports Sailing, deep sea fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkelling; boat cruises, catamaran sailing and glass-bottomed boat rides. Golf courses The island has several championship and 9-hole golf courses. Spa Mauritius offers several world-class spas and beauty treatments in the world. Active sports Biking, trekking and tennis. Average climate in Mauritius J F M A M J J A S O N D MAX 0 C MIN 0 C HRS MM Daily maximum and minimum averages are guides only and may vary. 243

3 Excursions Scenic South Full-day seat-in-coach excursion The south of Mauritius is one of the most scenic parts of the island and this full-day tour reveals the delights of this natural, unspoilt wonderland. Chamarel Our first visit takes you to the town of Curepipe and Trou aux Cerfs, a 300-metre wide crater of a now extinct volcano, which was formed as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Your journey continues to Grand Bassin, a lake that has formed in the crater of another volcano. Then you visit Chamarel to admire the 90-metre high waterfalls and the unique seven-coloured earth. From here it is a short journey to Black River Gorges National Park, where native forest covers the rugged mountain terrain with superb views of the green heart of the island. For lunch we take you to the Domaine Saint Denis a hunting lodge with panoramic views and set amidst lush vegetation above Black River Gorges. After lunch you visit the Mauritius Glass Gallery, where glasses, bowls, vases and lamps are hand-blown from recycled glass. Before returning to your hotel we call at Casela Nature & Leisure Park, a reserve that spreads over eight hectares and is home to a variety of 140 birds and animals from all five continents. Northern Islands Sailing Full-day catamaran cruise Sailing by the catamaran is the perfect way to soak up the sun and marvel at the picture-postcard scenery of Mauritius s north coast. Enjoy the thrill of sailing on the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean as you are pampered by the friendly crew. Board a stylish catamaran for a magical sailing adventure across the calm waters of the north coast for a full-day around the northern islands. Board the catamaran where you will be welcomed by the skipper who will provide a short brief about the boat, its facilities and equipment as well as safety and security measures. We then set sail to the north of Mauritius. The catamaran will arrive at the anchorage at Les Palisades, the sheltered part of the Flat Island and the protected side of the Gunner s Quoin Island, where there is great snorkelling opportunity for enthusiasts and pure white sands for sun worshippers. Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch onboard prepared by the crew and spend the afternoon at leisure onboard. In the evening return to the yacht club and disembark for transfer back to your hotel. 244

4 Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Location: East coast Beau Champ. Cocooned by a private sanctuary, this resort embraces boundless views of blue waters and green-blanketed mountains on the East coast of Mauritius. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 30 kilometres away. Tranquil décor rich with natural woods, volcanic stone and other indigenous materials brings the flavour of Mauritian indoors with thatched-roof architecture filled with surprising design touches and modern artwork. Overlooking the lagoon, the Beau Champ restaurant serves southern French cuisine with a modern flavour. Indulge with treatments in an over-water spa, instil tranquillity and fill every moment with a sense of natural connection and exquisite retreat. Use of the elegantly designed Ernie Els golf course is complimentary to all guests at the resort. Facilities: 123 villas and residences. Four restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, shop, hairdresser, business centre, butler service, kids club and teens games room. Garden Pool Villas: These villas are garden-facing and have a private sun deck with plunge pool. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, DVD, ipod docking station, data port, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. Sports and leisure: Outdoor pool, fitness room, water-skiing, jet-skiing, spa, sauna, massage, tennis and golf. Check-in: 1500 hours Garden Pool Villa Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa Location: West coast Flic en Flac. An exclusive haven of solitude and luxury, this superb resort is spread over 27 acres of scenic landscaped gardens, overlooking the serene, blue waters of Tamarin Bay. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 55 kilometres away. Drawing on local architectural styles and inspired by French colonial, Indian, African and Arabic designs, each of the resort s exclusive villas has its own private plunge pool and butler service. The all-day restaurant serves different cuisines. The resort s spa offers customised body treatments ranging from deep muscular massages to relaxing aromatherapy. Facilities: 65 villas and suites. Two restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, shop, hairdresser, beauty salon, business centre, butler service, children s activities and babysitting. Luxury Suite Villas: These large spacious villas offer private pool and terrace. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, CD, DVD, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. glass-bottomed boat rides, deep sea fishing, outdoor pool, fitness room and tennis court. / Luxury Suite Villa 245

5 The Oberoi Mauritius Location: North-west coast, Turtle Bay. The Oberoi Mauritius, a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, is a truly unique and luxurious resort offering an extraordinary fusion of the rustic charm of a Mauritian village with Asian and African influences. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 65 kilometres away. Exclusivity and privacy are the hallmarks of this resort with 72 luxury pavilions and private villas. Dining at the hotel is a unique experience serving gourmet French cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean flavour, Indian and Créole savoury dishes specially made to order. The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree at the resort is a haven of tranquillity and relaxation offering a range of therapies based on natural products and traditional techniques which include Ayurveda and aromatherapy. Facilities: 72 pavilions and villas. Two restaurants, three bars, 24-hour private dining, shops, hairdresser, beauty salon, safety deposit boxes, business centre, babysitting and kids club. Luxury Pavilions: These rooms open on to beautiful gardens and offer fabulous views of the ocean. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, DVD, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. Sports and leisure: Water-skiing, snorkelling, parasailing, windsurfing, pedalos, glass-bottomed boat rides, Hobie Cats and kayaking. Two beautifully-landscaped outdoor pools, fitness centre, two floodlit tennis courts and a garden for relaxing. Luxury Villa with Private Pool One&Only Le Saint Géran Location: Flacq, East coast Belle Mare. This luxurious, sophisticated and exclusive all-suite resort, often referred to as the Grande Dame of Mauritius, is a legend in itself. This truly beautiful resort is amongst the top hotels of the world. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 55 kilometres away. One&Only Le Saint Géran offers some of the world s finest and most innovative cuisine along with a selection of excellent wines. It also offers a high level of personalised service, including 24-hour butler service. Rasoi is a waterside restaurant offering modern Indian cuisine by Michelin-star chef Vineet Bhatia. The One&Only Spa is a privileged place for relaxation of mind and body. Facilities: 162 suites and a villa. Three restaurants, four bars, 24-hour room service, shopping arcade, hairdresser, beauty salon, safety deposit boxes, business centre, an excellent kids club for children s activities and interconnecting suites. Suitable for the physically challenged. Junior Suites: These suites are sea or lagoon-facing. Balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, plasma TV, CD, DVD, ipod docking station, wireless connectivity, minibar and safe. Sports and leisure: Dive Junior Suite centre, game fishing, catamaran sailing, glass-bottomed boat rides, snorkelling, windsurfing, water-skiing, outdoor pool, fitness centre, 9-hole golf course, five floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, badminton and table tennis. Check-out: 1100 hours. 246

6 Le Touessrok Location: East coast Trou d Eau Douce. Occupying a spectacular site on the east coast of Mauritius, Le Touessrok, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, with its two adjacent island retreats, is built in the style of a Mediterranean village. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 46 kilometres away. The property is linked by a beautiful wooden bridge to Frangipani Island on which 98 suites are located in a circular pattern around the island, giving each suite uninterrupted views of the sea. Facilities: 200 rooms and three villas. Three restaurants, four bars, 24-hour room service, shops, hairdresser, beauty salon, safety deposit boxes, business centre, butler service, children s activities, babysitting, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Deluxe Rooms: These rooms are sea-facing and located in the Hibiscus or Coral Wing on the mainland. Balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, CD, DVD, data ports, minibar and safe. Junior Suites Hibiscus: Additionally these suites are located in the Hibiscus Wing and are larger. deep Junior Suites Hibiscus sea fishing, banana and tube rides, parasailing, catamaran sailing, kayaking, Hobie Cats, pedalos, glass-bottomed boat rides, snorkelling, water-skiing, windsurfing, two outdoor pools, fitness centre, spa, sauna, massage, 18-hole golf course, four floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, football, jogging track and cross country bicycle rides. Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa Location: West coast Flic en Flac. This property is a lifestyle resort that unites a magical environment and beautiful landscaped gardens with enchanting seafront pavilions and oriental architecture. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 55 kilometres away. Dining at the resort is a delight. The Ginger Thai Restaurant provides authentic Thai cuisine and guests can choose to dine outdoors at the Thai Pavilion. The Melanzane Restaurant offers fusion Mediterranean cuisine. In the evenings, the resort comes alive with a variety of night shows at dinner time. The Spa which is the largest designer spa in the Indian Ocean and most stylish the island has to offer, can be found nestled at the heart of this resort. Facilities: 193 rooms and suites. Four restaurants, two bars, 24-hour room service, library, shops, hairdresser, beauty salon, butler service, children s activities, babysitting, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Deluxe Rooms: Most rooms are sea-facing. Balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. Deluxe Room big game fishing, catamaran sailing, glass-bottomed boat rides, snorkelling, windsurfing, water-skiing, pedalos, kayaking, Hobie Cats, outdoor landscaped pool, fitness centre, yoga, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, massage, putting green and three floodlit tennis courts. 247

7 Anahita The Resort Mauritius Location: East coast Beau Champ. This is a luxury resort set in the stunning beauty of the island s east coast. Anahita The Resort Mauritius with its luxury residences and villas, Ernie Els designed 18-hole championship golf course and its array of activities and leisure opportunities offers a unique Mauritian way of life. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 30 kilometres away. The three-four and five-bedroom luxury villas feature private swimming pools, contemporary fitted kitchens, large outdoor patios and gardens. The villas are situated on the golf course and offer either a view of the lagoon or the beautiful mountains of Mauritius. Facilities: 70 residences and villas. Two restaurants, café and bar, 24-hour room service, beauty salon, business centre, butler service, children s play area and babysitting. Two-Bedroom Residences: These residences offer a view of the lagoon or golf course, have a private sun deck and plunge pool. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, DVD, wireless connectivity, fully-equipped kitchen and safe. Sports and leisure: Scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking, fitness centre, tennis, boules, golf and beach volleyball. Villa Constance Belle Mare Plage The Resort & Villas Location: East coast Belle Mare. Constance Belle Mare Plage The Resort & Villas is a private realm of beauty and harmony. It has two 18-hole championship golf courses, with complimentary access for its guests. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 kilometres away. The villas of Belle Mare Plage The Resort & Villas are the embodiment of a new art of living. With a lounge and outside relaxing areas overlooking your private pool, the villas offer a spacious layout. Facilities: 235 rooms and suites and 20, two-bedroom and threebedroom villas. Seven restaurants, six bars, 24-hour room service, hairdresser, beauty salon, business centre, children s activities, babysitting, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Prestige Rooms: Sea-facing rooms with balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, data ports, minibar and safe. Sports and leisure: Scuba diving, water-skiing, windsurfing, glass-bottomed boat rides, four outdoor pools, fitness centre, spa, four floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, table tennis and yoga. / Prestige Room 248

8 Constance Le Prince Maurice Junior Suite Location: East coast Poste de Flacq. Bordered by the calm turquoise waters of the lagoon and beaches of brilliant white sand, this elegant hotel, provides an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 60 kilometres away. Facilities: 89 suites, two restaurants, three bars, 24-hour room service, shops, beauty salon, business centre and children s activities. Junior Suites: All suites are either sea or garden-facing or on stilts facing a quiet lagoon reserve. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, DVD, data ports, minibar and safe. Sports and leisure: Two 18-hole golf courses, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, outdoor pool, fitness centre, yoga classes, spa, two tennis courts and squash court. The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa Location: North west-coast Balaclava. Spread over 10 hectares, the resort is bordered by the reef and ocean nature park on the coast and lush sugar cane fields behind. The landscaping, various water-based features and the sheer beauty of the Indian Ocean work their way into the simple yet sophisticated resort. Most rooms offer stunning views of the ocean. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 65 kilometres away. Facilities: 193 guest rooms and suites. Three restaurants, bars, 24-hour room service, shop and kids club. Deluxe Room: These rooms are sea-facing and have a classical feel. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, data port, minibar, tea and coffee and in-room safe. outdoor heated pool, children s pool, fitness room, spa and tennis court. Check-in: 1500 hours Deluxe Room Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort Location: South west-coast Bel Ombre. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this sublime resort is infused with the charm and style of a colonial sugar plantation. Spread over 15 hectares, it nestles between the waters of the Indian Ocean and the green slopes of a fabulous golf course at the foot of the mountain range. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 minutes away. Facilities: 158 rooms and suites. Three restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, hairdresser, beauty salon, business centre, butler service, children s play area, babysitting and interconnecting rooms. Superior Rooms: These rooms are garden-facing. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, DVD, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. Sports and leisure: 18-hole golf course, outdoor pool, fitness room, spa and tennis court. Superior Room 249

9 Beau Rivage Île Maurice Junior Suite Location: East coast Belle Mare. Set beside a spectacular white sand beach, the Beau Rivage, with typical thatched-roof villas, is the perfect place to enjoy legendary Mauritian hospitality. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 65 kilometres away. Facilities: 174 rooms and suites. Four restaurants, three bars, 24-hour room service, shopping arcade, hairdresser, beauty salon, business centre, butler service, children s activities, babysitting and interconnecting rooms. Junior Suites: These rooms are spacious and airy with terraces or balcony. Each suite has a small dressing room and spacious bathroom, with a large walk-in shower, air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, wireless connectivity, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. power-boat tours, windsurfing, snorkelling, glassbottomed boat rides, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa and two floodlit tennis courts. Sugar Beach Resort Location: West coast Flic en Flac. With its unique colonial mansion, plantation-style architecture and casual atmosphere, this resort is an affable holiday haven for family holidays. It features a long white sand beach and 20 acres of tropical gardens. The rooms complement the plantation theme of the resort. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 55 kilometres away. Facilities: 258 rooms and suites. Two restaurants, four bars, 24-hour room service, hairdresser, safety deposit boxes and interconnecting rooms. Standard Rooms: Pool or sea-facing. Balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. outdoor pool, kids club, fitness centre, yoga, spa and floodlit tennis courts. Standard Room La Pirogue Location: West coast Flic en Flac. Fringed by a white sandy beach, this vibrant resort is set on the beautiful sunset coast. Merging into the Indian Ocean, the large infinity pool is a perfect invitation for relaxation. Guests staying at La Pirogue may also use the facilities of its adjacent sister property - Sugar Beach Resort. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 55 kilometres away. Facilities: 248 rooms and suites. Two restaurants, three bars, 24-hour room service, hairdresser, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Standard Rooms: Garden-facing rooms on the ground floor opening on to a terrace. Air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. outdoor pool, fitness centre, massage and floodlit tennis courts. Check-out: 1100 hours. Standard Room 250

10 Legends Location: North-east coast Grand Gaube. This hotel, nestled in a beautiful cosy bay, is designed on the principles of Feng Shui where the five elements of nature earth, water, fire, metal and wood, are cleverly harmonised to appeal to the five senses. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 75 kilometres away. Facilities: 198 rooms and suites. Five restaurants, four bars, 24-hour room service, beauty salon, business centre, children s activities, babysitting and interconnecting rooms. Superior Rooms: Sea-facing rooms with a metallic theme in cool, muted and soft shades of silver Superior Room and grey. Hairdryer, TV, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and safe. water-skiing, glass-bottomed boat rides, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. Check-out: 1100 hours. Tamassa Ile Maurice Location: South-west coast Bel Ombre. This hotel stands at the end of a long avenue of mature coconut palms towering skywards. The décor is contemporary with the use of bold colours and depicts an atmosphere of friendly cheerfulness and enthusiasm. Tamassa Ile Maurice is a true Mauritian experience. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 45 minutes away. Facilities: 214 rooms, three restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, shops, safety deposit boxes, wireless connectivity, children s activities and interconnecting rooms. Superior Rooms: These rooms are sea-facing with air-conditioning, hairdryer, LCD TV, minibar and tea and coffee. Sports and leisure: Windsurfing, pedal boats, glass-bottomed boat rides, water-skiing, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, table tennis and floodlit tennis courts. Superior Room Check-out: 1100 hours. Merville Beach Hotel Location: North coast Grand Baie. Situated in the heart of the bustling seaside village of Grand Baie, with its chic shops, restaurants and nightlife, this beach hotel offers comfortable, value for money accommodation. Merville Beach Hotel offers clients a good range of French, Créole and Asian cuisine. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 75 kilometres away. Facilities: 169 rooms, restaurant, bar, limited hours of room service, nightly entertainment, shop, babysitting and interconnecting rooms. Standard Rooms: These rooms are located in the main building. Small balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, minibar and safe. water-skiing, snorkelling, kayaking, outdoor pool, fitness room, floodlit tennis court, volleyball and table tennis. Standard Room Check-out: 1100 hours. 251