Holidays to Mauritius

Mauritius - go to your happy place

The island nation of Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Africa and it's as exotic in real life as it sounds in the description. Think lush, verdant hills, sweeping valleys that stretch down to turquoise oceans and the warm air of the tropics, redolent in the perfumes of frangipani and spices. Mauritius has long been a diving draw card but it's much more than that for the traveller looking for a depth of culture, delicious foods and a sense of peace in a mad world. If you're weary of the working world and just need a truly tranquil break, a holiday in Mauritius from Holiday Supermarket is your panacea. But don't worry; if a good book and the inviting ocean only holds your attention for a day or two, there's plenty else to see in this respite from your busy life. Better yet, your friends are unlikely to have come here so a trip here will really make you the stand out adventurer in your social circle!

Home to the Dodo, Mauritius was truly a land alone for much of the early period of its life. The local floras and fauna is quite different to things you'll have seen elsewhere and your camera will get a serious work out. It is a chain of islands that includes the main island of Mauritius, housing the capital called Port-Louis. There are two seasons: a warm humid summer from November to April, with an average temperature of 24.7° and a relatively cool dry winter from June to September with an average temperature of 20.4°.

Much of the attractions are natural - from the diving to the hiking and the beaches. There's no massive population to fuel large theme parks and so on - so if Las Vegas with a beach is what you're looking for, Mauritius nightlife is not it.

Getting here is easy. Air Mauritius leaves from many major European destinations and British Airways also flies here direct, as does South African Airways and Emirates.

Hints and tips for your Mauritius holiday

Eating

Eating out in Mauritus -– cheap, expensive and everything in between

Do venture out of your safe, secure hotel into the local venues! Your curiosity will be well rewarded with plenty of seafood-based surprises. The food tends towards the spicy - a blend of Indian and African cuisines and the result is wonderful. Think Creole fish rougaille (a spicy tomato sauce), daube (beef or chicken stew) and vindaye (deep-fried fish coated in turmeric, ginger, chillies and mustard seeds), which are all common in the more upmarket restaurants and you've got the idea.

Restaurants

The budget options – for an exotic - yet budget-priced - meal make a special trip to Domaine Anna Restaurant in southwest Mauritius. It's Chinese in origin but has a charming 'beachy' feel - from the fiery torches that guide your way into the restaurant to the casual waiting staff. All the vegetables are grown on the property.

Mid price options – Chez Tante Athalie is in an old sugar plantation ten minutes drive from Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens and offers a fixed price menu. The food is Creole in nature and thus a deliciously spicy gourmet treat. There's a bit of a museum vibe happening here with an old car collection scattered amongst the vegetables and herb gardens that supply much of the produce for the recipes.

Splurge – Le Case du Pecheur is south of Port Louis and also does 'beachy' very well. The flooring is sand and coral and shells adorn the walls. The accent is on seafood with local prawns featuring and plenty of other seafood. Some interesting wild venison dishes are currently on the menu and the wine list is excellent.

Things not to miss

Mauritius - naturally bueatful

If you're a party-hard group, then Mauritius won't suit. If you love a casual scene where you can idle away hours in good company, drinking cold beer and back-for-more cocktails on a bungalow balcony overlooking an azure sea, then Mauritius will suit you well. The locals are lovely and laid back and the restaurants and activities reflect this. That said, the diving off Mauritius is absolutely superb.

The best tourist area - Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay is also where the locals head for a good knees up. It's no Brooklyn, but it's fun and it's warm all year round so the outdoor vibe will draw you in. It's full of restaurants, bars and discos.

Markets - Don't miss the foire de Mahébourg in central Mahébourg near the waterfront area of Port Louis. It was originally a clothes and textiles market but the selection has expanded to included the usual tacky bric-a-brac, colourful tropical clothing, amazing food stalls and wonderful local produce (the fresh fruit will blow you away). Try some of the local snacks – gâteaux piments, dhal puris, samosa and chilli bites – usually handed over by a relative of the chef from a car boot or the back of a bike.

Best beach - Ile aux Cerfs is perfect for those who love their water sports and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. It's just off the eastern coast and you catch a small boat from Trou-d'Eau Douce village. The village has great restaurants including a couple of places that specialise in some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. The island also has a 5-star hotel (Le Touessrok) and a golf course.

Weather in Mauritius

What to wear, when to go

The weather in Mauritius is redolent of Indian ocean beaches and easy-going locals who dress for the warmth, not fashion. That said bright colours and casual, flowing clothes look great and are easy to keep clean. The only real months to avoid are December and January which can be stormy. You may also want to avoid French school holiday periods as the French love a country that largely speaks their language! Pack something casual formal for a big night out at a classy local restaurant, but apart from that Mauritius is very casual.

MAURITIUS WEATHER

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