Introducing Mauritius
Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise. Its very name of conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. While in many destinations famed for cobalt-blue seas, white sandy beaches and luxury hotels, you may eventually find yourself wishing for something to do besides sunbathing and swimming, it’s often hard to know what to do next in Mauritius. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people.
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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. 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 Black River Gorges National Park's dramatic virgin forests give the lie to Mauritius being just another beach destination. But what beaches! 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: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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Hotels & Hostels in Mauritius
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The Grand Mauritian, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Port Louis(5 star Hotel)
From US$222 per night
Book now
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Mauritius
Our Top Picks For Mauritius
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1 Rodrigues
Decamp to Mauritius' little-known, mountainous cousin, a stunning and friendly island with untouched beaches, charming guesthouses and the country's best diving
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2 Grand Baie
The island's party town has the best restaurants and shopping in the country, not to mention jumping nightlife
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3 Port Louis
Explore the capital's colonial-era buildings, the fantastic daily market and colourful Chinatown
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4 Trou D'Eau Douce
Take it easy in this charmingly relaxed town with great beaches all around and superb restaurants
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5 Eureka
This perfectly preserved colonial-era mansion high up on the central plateau, near Moka, is a must for history buffs
Fast Facts about Mauritius
- Literacy rate
85.6%
- Total coastline
177km
- Population living below the poverty line
10%
- Highest point
Mt Piton (828m)
- Area
2040 sq km
- Unemployment rate
9.4%
- Population
1,250,000
- Life expectancy
72.88 years
- Annual GDP
US$16.7 billion
