Beachcomber's Mauritius
Overview
Set in the azure beauty of the Indian Ocean, just eight hours flight from Perth or twelve hours from Melbourne, lies the island paradise of Mauritius. With its crystal clear lagoons, exquisite beaches, acres of sugar cane, tropical gardens, exciting markets, and amazing history, Mauritius is also home to some of the world’s best beach resorts.
Encapsulated by one of the world's largest unbroken coral reefs, the island is situated slightly north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and is one of the Mascarene Islands, which also includes Rodrigues and Reunion Island. Mauritius is a volcanic island with a surface area of 1860 square kilometres and is inhabited by over 1.2 million people.
Since it’s discovery, Mauritius has developed into one of the strongest economies in the Indian Ocean region with the island’s main sources of income being sugar cane, textiles, and tourism, and new sectors such as a free-trade zone, off-shore financial services and the exciting new cyber island projects.
Mauritius' cultural heritage, made up of European, Indian, Chinese, Creole, African and Malagasy, has become the island’s pride. The unique mix of cultures and history create many fascinating areas of interest while the friendly Mauritian people, with their warm, welcoming smiles and friendly approach, make visitors feel right at home. Communication is rarely a problem with English being the official language, although the locals are more likely to converse in French and the local dialect, Creole.
Mauritius offers more than just a beach holiday, with spectacular scenery, historical monuments and vibrant villages complementing the spectacular resorts. The city of Port Louis is a must visit as is the chic seaside village of Grand Baie with their boutiques, markets and cultural views of everyday Mauritian lifestyle. Other places of interest include Pamplemousses Gardens, Casela Bird Park, Chamarel, Domaine du Chasseur, Black River Gorges, Eureka colonial mansion and the Bois Cheri tea factory.
For those wanting to experience Mauritius in style, Beachcomber’s eight luxurious beach resorts cater to your every need. Mauritian owned and run, the resorts offer an authentic Mauritian experience with the highest standards. Sun lovers can bask in the endless summer; fun lovers can revel in the range of sports and activities; lovers of food and wine can have all their epicurean fantasies fulfilled while lovers of luxury will delight in the sybaritic choice of rooms, apartments, villas and beach bungalows.
Your Mauritian dream holiday can be combined with other great destinations such as Africa, the Seychelles, Reunion Island and even Malaysia and Dubai.
History
Originally discovered by the Arabs and Portuguese, the Dutch were first to settle in 1598, naming the island after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch introduction of sugar cane, Javanese deer and Malagasy slaves was offset by the demise of the magnificent ebony forests and the extinction of the famous Dodo bird.
The Dutch departed in 1710 and the French settled five years later, renaming the island Ile de France. The French developed Mauritius under Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais, rebuilding Port Louis as the major shipping port and establishing the first sugar mill.vxbv
During the Napoleonic Wars, French corsairs routinely attacked British merchant ships causing the British to retaliate. The British took possession in 1810, and renamed the island Mauritius.
The abolition of slavery in 1835 led to the importation of Indian and Chinese labour. The British respected the various, religions, cultures and rights of the local people, and in 1968 Mauritius gained independence but remained a member of the Commonwealth until 1992 when Mauritius was officially proclaimed a Republic.
Although English is the official language, locals tend to speak Creole or French, creating a truly exotic experience for visitors. Along with its languages, religions and cultures, Mauritian cuisine echoes the island's diverse population with a melting pot of delicacies.
Unspoilt by mass tourism, unemployment or political upheaval, Mauritius offers a wonderful blend of customs, reaffirming its position as the most cosmopolitan island under the sun.
Whatever it is you seek, this tiny island will give to you a true Taste of Paradise.
Weather
One of the most frequently asked questions about Mauritius is ‘What is the weather going to be like during my holiday?’ While we cannot answer that question with total accuracy (unfortunately the weather is beyond our control!), we can help you plan your stay to coincide with the type of weather you enjoy, based on past weather patterns.
Luckily, Mauritius is a year-round holiday destination and, by staying on the holiday friendly west coast, you will maximise your chances of the best weather on the island.
Take a look at the weather charts produced by Mauritius Meteorological Services (on the right and online) and you will see exactly why “West is Best” - less rain and days with rain, breezes that are balmy rather than windy, and more sunshine!
Mauritius sits just above the Tropic of Capricorn, which means it does not suffer from extreme temperatures. Like all subtropical islands around the world, there is a chance of a cyclone in the hotter and more popular months from December to March. As Mauritius is a small island the effects are short-lived.
IN Mauritius: West is Best - it’s a fact!
The east and south coasts tend to suffer most from the annual south-east trade winds, especially from April to October. The east coast can be cooler during these months due to the strong winds and higher rainfall, and because of this, is less inviting for water activities.
With the central plateau and mountain ranges offering protection from the winds, the north
and west coasts provide year round, holiday friendly weather, calmer, warmer lagoons and spectacular sunsets. And they are closer to major attractions and cities.
It’s no myth, it’s a fact. Below are the average monthly figures for rainfall, temperature and hours of daylight as supplied by the Mauritian department of Meteorology. http://metservice.intnet.mu/
The benefits of choosing a Beachcomber Rosort
In Mauritius, choosing the right resort plays a major role in your overall holiday enjoyment. The quality of hotels, what is included, the size of the rooms and the service all vary greatly. Some things to consider when choosing your resort are:
Location, Location, Location!
As pioneers of Mauritian tourism, Beachcomber had first choice of resort locations. They selected the most idyllic sites, on the best beaches which are mainly along the island’s protected west coast.
At some Mauritian hotels you must cross a road to the beach, or beaches are overcrowded as they are too small for the size of the resort.
Accommodation – It’s only a room... until you have to stay in it!
Accommodation is more than just a room and is a vitally important part of a beach holiday. We want you to enjoy time in the room as much as on the beach. Beachcomber places great emphasis on accommodation with modern facilities and high levels of comfort.
Some hotels provide very basic rooms with limited facilities. It’s important to note that there are no official star ratings in Mauritius so hotels can rate themselves. Be sure to stay at a quality, reputable resort.
Dining and Cuisine – Do I Get A Choice?
Dining is an integral part of any holiday, especially in Mauritius, where most resorts include breakfast and dinner as part of the package. Because you don’t want to be stuck eating the same food everyday, Beachcomber’s guests are given numerous dining styles from which to choose. These include theme and international buffets, set menus, and à la carte cuisine. All buffets feature live cooking stations where chefs cook and serve the freshest ingredients in an array of dishes. Speciality restaurants offer guests a credit towards their à la carte choices, and most also offer a Menu of the Day with a choice of entrees, mains and desserts at no extra cost. This ensures the value of having meals included. Beachcomber Hotels operates more than thirty exceptional restaurants, earning them the island’s highest culinary reputation.
Some Mauritian hotels have only one restaurant serving the same buffet each night. Others may offer a choice of restaurants, but then charge you full price to dine à la carte, even though you have paid for dinner each night.
Sports & Entertainment – Can I have fun in the sun or will it be too expensive?
Having fun can be costly. Check what sports and facilities are included in the price at your resort. All Beachcomber resorts offer the same standards of free water and land sports. We even include FREE water-skiing and nightly entertainment.
Some Mauritian hotels have very limited sports and entertainment included, and charge additional for activities, adding to the cost of your holiday.
Can I Include Drinks? Yes You Can!
For our guests wanting all meals, snacks and drinks included, Beachcomber offers upgrades to optional All Inclusive packages at Le Mauricia, Le Canonnier and Le Victoria. The Shandrani Resort & Spa differs in that it is the only 5 star fully inclusive resort in Mauritius. Included for all guests is à la carte dining, French Champagne, a wide range of imported wines and spirits, cocktails and so much more. At Paradis and Trou aux Biches resorts, guests can upgrade to Full Board Plus to include a 2 course lunch and a beverage with lunch and dinner. Dinarobin guests occupying Club Suites have VIP access to the exclusive “The Club” with its selected drinks, cocktails, canapés, sandwiches and pastries.
Some hotels may offer “all inclusive” but only provide the basics of the cheapest house wines and beers, and an extremely limited menu.
Truly Mauritian – an authentic cultural experience!
All Beachcomber resorts are Mauritian owned and run, ensuring an authentic Mauritian holiday. Staff, many of whom have been with the company for years, are continually trained to the highest standards at the exclusive Beachcomber Hotel Training Academy.
Some Mauritian hotels are foreign owned, with some set up as ‘Clubs’ to cater only for the needs of their own nationalities.
ANOTHER Great Reason To Stay With Beachcomber
• Beachcomber’s Exclusive Hotel Interchange - “Two nights at another resort”
Our Exclusive Hotel Interchange offers guests the opportunity to stay at another Beachcomber resort during their stay. Book seven consecutive nights at one Beachcomber resort and you have the opportunity to stay two of these nights at another Beachcomber resort. An additional charge is applicable for stays at Royal Palm, Dinarobin and Paradis. The Hotel Interchange is subject to availability and can only be booked when in Mauritius. Transfers are additional.
 |
 |
| Travel Compensation Fund Member |
Council of Australian Tour Operators Memeber |
General Information
Hotel Ratings
Mauritius has no official star ratings. To assist you, Beachcomber offers a rating based on all aspects of the resort including accommodation, facilities, cuisine, service, beaches and location.
Health, Safety and Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Consult your doctor regarding travel health issues. For up-to-date information on safety, access the government website: www.smartraveller.gov.au or call 1300 139 281.
Early Check-in & Late Check-out
Check-in time at Beachcomber’s resorts is 1400hrs. Check-out time is 1200hrs. Facilities are available for early arrivals and late departures.
Time Difference
Mauritius is six hours* behind AEST and four hours behind WA (*differs during daylight saving).
Electricity: 220V. An international adaptor is required.
Internet
Beachcomber hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi or ADSL (depending on the hotel).
Airlines
Air Mauritius operates a weekly flight into Sydney and out of Melbourne to Mauritius. A direct service, Perth/Mauritius/Perth also operates once per week. Air Austral flies twice weekly
from Sydney to Mauritius via Reunion island. Approximate flying time is 8 hours from the west coast and 12 hours from the east. Both Air Mauritius and Air Austral have domestic interline connections available using Virgin Australia.
Other options include South African Airways via Johannesburg, Emirates via Dubai, Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur and Kenya Airways via Nairobi.