Mauritius Travel Information and Travel Guide

Introducing Mauritius

Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise, the very name of which conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. While in many places famed for cobalt-blue seas, white sandy beaches and luxury hotels you may eventually find yourself wishing for something other than sunbathing and swimming to do, in Mauritius it’s often hard to know what to do next, so full is it of historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. Despite all this, perhaps the island’s single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people.

Mauritius is the most developed of the Mascarene Islands, but with a bit of effort and resourcefulness you can escape the crowds and find your own patch of this most diverse of destinations. The smells, noises and bustle of the mercantile capital Port Louis, Africa’s wealthiest city, are never far away, while the busy garment markets in the Central Plateau towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and the dramatic virgin forests of the Black River Gorges National Park give the lie to Mauritius being just another beach destination. But what beaches though – from the stunning sand-rimmed lagoons and popular wide public beaches to the picturesque islands off the country’s coastline, there’s truly something for everyone here. Add to this the joys of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the rousing beat of séga music and the infectious party spirit of the locals, and you soon understand why Mauritius really is so many people’s idea of paradise on earth.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008