Île aux Aigrettes
Just 800m off the coast of Mauritius is the popular ecotourism destination of Île aux Aigrettes, a 26-hectare nature reserve on an island. Preserving the rare remnants of the coastal forest of Mauritius, this island holds host to an abundance of wildlife that use this reserve as a sanctuary. It houses a huge range of endangered wildlife species, alongside other beautiful creatures - including Aldabra Giant Tortoises, wild orchids, ebony trees and the endangered Pink Pigeon and other rare bird species.
Pamplemousses Gardens
These enchanting gardens are home to an impressive collection of indigenous and exotic plants. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens is among the finest in the world, after London’s Kew Gardens. The main highlight is the pond filled with beautiful giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies. You may also spot Aldabra Tortoises, some over a hundred years old, or, keep an eye out for the gardens wonderful birdlife.
Historic Buildings
Dating back to 1819, St Aubin is a graceful plantation house exuding charm and character. No longer does the estate produce sugar; however, in the gardens are a traditional rum distillery and a nursery for growing wonderful vanilla, which can be seen on a fascinating tour. Meanwhile, Eureka is another demonstration of Mauritius’ rich colonial history. This wonderful Creole mansion has stood since the 1830s and today offers a brilliant museum, telling a story of the island’s vibrant plantation past.
Vibrant Markets
Take a trip to brilliant Central Market in Port Louis, where you will get a feel for local life, as the vendors shout their wares and Mauritians go about their daily life - the bright colours of the fruit and vegetables are perfect for a photograph. Pay a visit to the twice-weekly (Thursday and Sunday) clothes market at Quatre Bornes; popular with the locals who flock here from miles around to rummage the stalls, you may be able to find top-quality garments for a great price.
Golf
Le Touessrok golf course boasts its very own island, Ile Aux Cerfs, just a five minute water taxi ride from the mainland of Mauritius. The golf course itself (7,082 yard, par 72, designed by two-time US Masters champion Bernhard Langer) is absolutely breath-taking, with almost half the holes running beside the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The remaining holes play over and around tidal bays filled with mangroves, providing spectacular views of the nearby ‘Cat and Mouse’ mountain and the lush greenery of the Mauritian countryside. No matter how difficult the challenge, the course’s spectacular beauty will linger in the memory.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Weddings & Honeymoons
There is perhaps nothing more romantic than escaping to an island paradise of sublime natural beauty and a barefoot-chic ambience to exchange vows. And the magical service and attention to detail bestowed on all couples ensures a wedding day of memories to be cherished for a lifetime. At Le Touessrok, weddings are hosted in the exquisite Wedding Pavilion in the Hibiscus Garden, on the resort's beaches and gardens, and on the exotic Ile aux Cerfs where the Paul et Virginie restaurant and bar provides a stunning environment. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, with its various outdoor spaces, idyllic beach locations and a backdrop nothing short of heavenly, makes for a picture-perfect wedding venue whilst the services of a Four Seasons wedding specialist ensure the bride and groom are guaranteed a relaxing, stress-free experience.
Flight Information
British Airways direct from London Gatwick; Air Mauritius direct from London Heathrow.
Via Dubai with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Flight Time
From London Gatwick and London Heathrow to Mauritius: 11 hours, 45 minutes. London Heathrow to Dubai: 7 hours.
Onward connecting flight from Dubai to Mauritius: 6 hours, 30 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
E-ticket
Please be advised that all passengers travelling to Mauritius on an e-ticket are required to produce their itinerary as proof of their return journey to the UK. If you fail to do this, you may be delayed at immigration.
Passport Validity
Please note that a valid passport is required for the proposed duration of stay. Visas for British nationals do not need to be arranged prior to arrival, however anyone intending to travel to South Africa from Mauritius, should be aware that two blank pages in your passport are required with a minimum of 6 months validity.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.