To find out more, please contact Emma Harris – Uckfield branch Tel: 01825 760488 or email [email protected]
Air Mauritius departs from the North Terminal at London Gatwick the flight is direct and takes 12 hours.
Fast track security at Gatwick is certainly a good addition especially if you are travelling as a group or with children as it is less hectic, also entrance to the Club Lounge is a must as you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport and relax in style with a glass (or two) of bubbles and a meal.
Due to data roaming charges outside of Europe, it is advisable to pre-book an eSIM from EMTEL, the friendly staff will sort out your phone once you are through security and then you are ready to go with the peace of mind you won’t be hit with any high mobile charges when you arrive home. https://www.emtel.com/tourist-pack
The first hotel on our Mauritian adventure is the 4* Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa which is only a 10 minute transfer from the airport.
This beautiful resort is in the South of the island, perfect for families and couples, it has not one but 3 beautiful palm-fringed beaches.
The white sands are lapped by calm crystal clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park, it is ideal for snorkelling, water-skiing or kayaking, all are available whilst staying at the resort.
All rooms have stunning views of the beach and bay. There is a choice of 6 restaurants, so if you are staying on a B&B, Half Board or All Inclusive basis there is a cuisine to satisfy all your taste buds.
The Shandrani has a beautiful relaxing spa, Kids club, gym, tennis courts, golf and many water sports are available and included if you take the All Inclusive option.
This is a relaxed family friendly resort in the south of Mauritius, although ideally located close to the airport, aircraft noise can be heard at the resort, however as Mauritius is a small island the flights are infrequent.
Only 20 minutes from the Shandrani is La Vanille Nature Park, this is a stunning park of lush tropical vegetation. It is home to than 1000 tortoises, 2000 Nile Crocodiles as well as a variety of other animals such as monkeys, iguanas, bats, deer, geckos, eels, wild boar!
We were lucky enough to be able to feed the large tortoises and see the feeding of the crocodiles, this nature reserve is a perfect day out for those with kids.
Staying in the south of the island, there are plenty of things to occupy you outside of the hotel, take a trip to Rhumerie de Saint Aubin, where you can sample, purchase and make your own blend of rum. Or take a trip to the southernmost tip of the island Gris Gris for breath-taking views of the ocean.
On the North West coast approximately 80 minutes from the airport is the 4* property Cannonier Beachcomber Golf resort & Spa, this wonderfully welcoming resort is available on either a Half Board or All Inclusive basis.
The resort lies at the tip of a historic peninsula and has an ancient lighthouse, ruined fortress and remains of cannons from long time ago battles.
The relaxed atmosphere and warm Mauritian hospitality will make you feel at home and is perfect for families and couples.
It offers many water sports, gym, golf (pitch & put) plus great discounted rates at the local 18-hole golf course, 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a spa which is built into the largest Banyan tree in Mauritius.
It is located approximately 25 minutes from Grand Baie with its stunning sandy beaches, secluded sheltered coves and has a huge selection of restaurants, lively bars, shops and the vendors at the Grand Baie Bazaar sell hand made craft, certainly worth a visit.
Located in the North West of the island is Trou aux Biches, a stunning 5* property offering six restaurants, many pools and shops including Cartier, if you want spectacular sunsets you have come to the right place.
The hotel is located close to the lively Grand Baie and Port Louis which are great for shops, bars and restaurants, its set along a strip of white sandy beach on the edge of a turquoise lagoon, the all-suite accommodation is set in tropical gardens that are kept pristine.
This hotel is available on a B&B, Half Board or on an All Inclusive basis, and is great for couples or families of all ages due to its array of facilities including kids clubs, water sports and spa.
If you are a keen diver, then head on over and speak to Francois who has opened “Diving World” at Trou aux Biches, who can arrange a dive package to suit your needs and experience.
Departing the North of the island we travelled through the capital of Port Louis, it’s a mixture of old and new, did you know that 70% of Mauritians own their home, 27% rent and the remaining 3% unfortunately are homeless and live in the slums on the outskirts of Port Louis!!
Port Louis is the main port for the arrival of cruise ships onto the island.
Located in the South West of the island are the stunning resorts of Dinarobin and Paradise, both 5* properties with a full array of restaurants, bars and facilities on site to keep you occupied for many days, including an 18 hour golf course that has recently been redesigned and developed to be watered by the seawater!!
The scenery is breath-taking, with the tranquil tropical gardens and white sandy beaches to one side and then the majestic Le Morne Mountain to the other, these hotels are ideal for families and couples. There is a great kids club, spa and a selection of lovely restaurants and pools. The shallow coral waters is a perfect location to do a bit of snorkelling, or the hotel can arrange for a group or private dolphin watching tour, sail approximately 15 minutes to the edge of the reef where you are able to swim with the dolphins.
Approximately 20 minuets from the Dinarobin and Paradis properties is The Seven Coloured Earths Natural Park with its stunning scenery and waterfall certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area. Within the national park is a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow).
Mauritius, and certainly the beachcomber properties, all have something for everyone whether it be relaxing in the spas, playing a round of golf on the fantastic golf courses, keeping the kids entertained in the fabulous kids clubs, enjoying the full array of water sports that are included in each and every property or just relaxing on the beach taking in the stunning scenery around you.
Weddings can also be arranged at each and every property, with a dedicated wedding coordinator at each hotel, you can choose the location of your dreams whether it be on the beach or set within the beautiful tropical setting.
Helpful hints:
Currency – Mauritian Rupee – all major cards are accepted everywhere
Driving – They drive on the left just like the UK
Electrical sockets – All hotels have both European and English plug sockets
Time difference – 3 hours ahead of the UK
Flight time – 12 hours from London
Weather – As Mauritius is in the Southern Hemisphere they only have two seasons, summer runs from November to April and winter from May to October. The best time to visit the island is from April to June and from September to December to avoid the peak of summer and winter, the average temperature is 26°c
