Mauritius: Paradise in Name and Nature

 

Mauritius, a name that happily rolls off the tongue, is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean close to the Tropic of Capricorn. With a sub-tropical climate Mauritius enjoys good weather almost all of the year, a note worthy feature of life here. In the summer months (November to April) the mean average temperature is 25C, and in the winter months (June to September) it is 20C, so the paradise is often popular with sunbathers and swimmers. In terms of air quality it has been rated second in the world and so can boast a luxurious place to relax, especially juxtaposing against the grind of relentless city life.

The luxurious island is famous for its 93 miles of white sandy beaches, lagoon and coral reef (worlds third largest). Mauritius also has wonderfully scenic mountainous habitats away from the coast, that can provide hiking distractions away from the beach.

With a widely diverse environment for its size, Mauritius is not just about the beaches and coast, it is also home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals with conservation high on the local agenda since the 1980’s. The island has also set up nature reserves on nearby inhabited islands.

Visits to the Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens and the Black River Gorges National Park are high on most visitors list of places to visit, with snorkeling and sailing in the coastal waters obvious choices for the more active among us.

Not surprisingly perhaps, Mauritius is a destination of choice for those UK visitors looking to make a special and memorable trip, with direct flights available from London to the islands airport near its capital city, Port Louis. Trailfinders.com create tailor-made holidays so you can enjoy the parks and coastline at your leisure.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the tropical island is all beaches and coast, it has its own history and culture. First discovered in 1507 the island is now independent, since 1968, both British and French are widely spoken, including in Parliament, by the multi-lingual Mauritians. With a constitution based on the UK model, but with a president as a head of state rather than a monarch, Mauritius ranks highly for democracy and political freedom for its 1.25m inhabitants. By sightseeing the highlights the city has to offer, you can get to known the place better and be introduced to something more than a beach destination, but to a country that has its inhabitants as top priority.

However, if you can’t be torn away from the beach it has plenty to offer, at just a sandcastle away. From swimming with dolphins to the tropical beach gardens of Sugar Beach there is something for everyone.