Everything You Need To Know About Mauritius

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAURITIUS Mauritius is set in the Indian Ocean, as part of the island nation The Republic of Mauritius. A blend of various cultures, beautiful sandy beaches and delicious cuisine, Mauritius is a popular holiday destination for relaxing, exploration and even a wedding! BETWEEN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER 2012 694,443 PASSENGERS ARRIVED IN MAURITIUS FOR THEIR PERFECT HOLIDAY Before heading out to this paradise island, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your vacation. O LANGUAGE ENGLISH MAURITIAN CREOLE FRENCH Hello Bonzour Bonjour Goodbye Orevwar Au revoir Yes/no Wi/non Oui/non Thank you Merci Mersi Please Siouplé S'il vous plaît How much is this? Comié sa couté? Combien est-ce? You will notice some of the differences between creole and french are very subtle! O CURRENCY VISA ATM MasterCard The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee. Many restaurants, shops and attractions in Mauritius will accept Visa and MasterCard. There are many ATMS across the island too. | WEATHER The warmest weather in Mauritius is usually in February, where the average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit (about 30 degrees Celsius). The coolest temperatures are in July at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius)? Mautritius Average Temperature By Month 35 30 25 20H 15 H 10 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec IMax I Min Average O ATTRACTION BEAUTIFUL BEACHES The white sandy beaches surrounding Mauritius are idyllic for relaxation and water sports. The crystal, calm blue waters are perfect for swimming, bathing and snorkelling varied marine life and coral reef. the WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS The idyllic beaches are perfect for romantic getaways such as weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Luxurious Hotels Mauritius is home to some of the world's most opulent hotels and resorts. Staffed to meet your every need, they make coming back to your room just as excit- ing as going out. Indulgent Spas Why not treat yourself and let all your stresses unwind in one of Mauri- tius's many wonderful luxurious spas. Glorious Golf Courses Any of Mauritius's many world famous designer golf courses are the perfect place to swing all your troubles away. Traditional Markets Traditional Mauritian markets can vary from small back street markets in the villages, to larger town markets. Souvenirs Clothes Crafts Fruit and spices Markets are also great fun for practising your haggling skills! Sellers will expect you to barter, so don't be timid. O THE SEVEN COLOURED EARTHS These sand dunes made up of seven different colours formed by natural phenomena are a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Chamarel, Mauritius. You can even take some of the sand dune home with you for a lasting memory. > DODO MUSEUM Mauritius was the only island on which the dodo lived. Made extinct in the 1660's, the dodo is still the national animal for Mauritius. Find out all about its history in the Dodo Museum at the Mauritius Institute in Port Louis. T WHAT TO WEAR Due to the gorgeous warm weather in Mauritius, you will want to wear clothes that keep you cool. Stick to linens and other light materials. Shops in Mauritius are filled with ready to wear clothes such as t-shirts, dresses and beachwear - all for low prices. When visiting the stunning religious sites in Mauritius, be aware of the following: ) Shorts and short skirts are not permitted You'll need to take off your shoes and any leather accessories at monasteries and temples 11 WHAT TO EAT The cuisine in Mauritius incorporates influences from African, French, Chinese and Indian foods. Popular ingredients include: Chillies Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom Tomatoes Onions Garlic If you're feeling adventurous, why not try octopus Vindaye. Preserved in mustard seeds, chilli, garlic, oil and vinegar this dish can be served hot or cold with rice, pickles and dhal. mauritius holidays direct Mauritius Holidays Direct is an award-winning independent tour operator that provides high quality package holidays to Mauritius. With a selection of the best hotels and resorts on the island, they are able to provide a tailor-made service whether you are taking a break with the family, or planning a perfect beach wedding. Visit www.mauritiusholidaysdirect.co.uk to plan your trip to Mauritius. Sources [*1] http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/cso?con- tent_id=08b21c3b5b429310VgnVCM1000000a04a8cORCRD [*2] http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293816-s208/Mauritius:Weather.And.When. To.Go.html [*3] http://mauritiusattractions.com/about-mauritius-i-15.html Images courtesy of: http://prozone.luxresorts.com http://gallery.constancehotels.com