30 January 2008

Casuarina Hotel



An inviting hotel nestled in a lush tropical setting, on the north coast of Mauritius. This hotel is also a perfect place for a bungalow family stay. The Casuarina Hotel built in a moorish style offers all the necessary comfort to make your stay most enjoyable. Casuarina Hotel, Mauritius , is situated in Trou aux Biches - North West Coast At 5 km from Grand Bay and 18kms from Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius White sandy beach along the blue lagoon across a secondary road

Accommodation:
The Casuarina Hotel in Mauritius offers comfortable accommodation in a delightful setting of white-washed stone walls and thatched roofs surrounded by a luxuriant garden, with a private beach nearby. Winding paths between casuarina trees and coconut palms lead to rooms and bungalows, and through to the swimming-pool, bar and restaurant, which overlook the sea. A Moorish architecture in an exotic garden

  • 81 air conditioned superior rooms
  • 12 air conditioned standard rooms
  • 15 bungalows with 2 air conditioned bedrooms
  • 1 air conditioned Suite

All the rooms are equipped with: Mini bar, Telephone, Shower with adjacent toilets Balcony or terrace, Safe. 15 bungalows with telephone, TV, 2 bedrooms, 1 fully-equipped kitchenette, lounge and dining room and which can accommodate a family of up to 6 persons

Sports:
Daily entertainment with the Casuarina team.

  • Play room
  • Kids club for children of 3 to 11 years old
  • Fitness Centre
  • Diving Centre
  • 2 Boutiques
  • 2 swimming-pools one of which with a Jacuzzi
  • Beauty Parlour
  • 2 tennis court including one with synthetic turf

Free of charge
Tennis, table-tennis, minirail, pedal craft, kayak, windsurfing, bowling, water skiing and glass bottom boat, first diving lesson in the swimming pool.
With extra cost
Bike rental, big game fishing, scuba diving and undersea walk, boat cruise.

Leisure:
The Casuarina Hotel is situated in Trou aux Biches which is well-known for its white sandy beach and its turquoise blue water. The north of the island is also famous for its shopping and nightlife.


29 January 2008

Chamarel


A mountain winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: a surprising series of dunes of contrasting colours. Different shades of blue, green, red and yellow apparently result from erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfall of chamarel rises from native vegetation with a touch of rare beauty

28 January 2008

The heart-catching island


Getting to know Mauritius is like embarking on the path of pleasant surprises. From North to South, from West to East, the island offers contrasting reliefs, beautiful natural sceneries, and picturesque popular sites, highlighting the various facets of a unique and heart-catching Mauritian lifestyle.

25 January 2008

Sean Paul live in Mauritius


The worldwide ambassador of dance hall reggae, Sean Paul, will be in Mauritius for a unique live concert. This event will take place at Rose-Hill (centre of Mauritius), at sir Gaetan Duval Stadium on Saturday the 29th of March as from 20hrs. OSB Co. Ltd of Mauritius and GIAL Evénement International of Reunion Island are behind this live show. Sean Paul was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and spent his early years there. Many members of Sean Paul's family are swimmers. His grandfather was on the first Jamaican men's national water polo team. His father also played water polo for the team in the 1960s, and competed in long-distance swimming, while Sean Paul's mother was a backstroke swimmer. Sean Paul played for the national water polo team from the age of thirteen to twenty-one. However, he gave up the sport in order to launch his musical career.

22 January 2008

Facts & Figures


  • The highest mountain is Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at a height of 828m.
  • The longest river is Grand River South East which measures 34 km.
  • The highest waterfall is the Tamarind Falls with a total of 295 m in the rainy season.
  • The wettest part of the island is Curepipe, with rainfall of nearly 3 m each year.
  • The hottest part is the west coast with temperatures reaching a daytime high of 31°c in summer.
  • The east coast is the windy part of the island, especially in winter (June to August).
  • The hottest and wettest months are December to March.
  • The coolest months are June to August. The driest is October.

21 January 2008

Precautions


There are no poisonous reptiles in dangerous animals on the island. But nature being what it is, some small creatures can inflict painful stings. Some individual can be allergic to wasp stings. Contact chemist or a doctor in case of several particularly on the head or on the face. There are few fishes namely sea urchins, stone-fish, and lionfish, which are harmful, and it's advisable to enquire of their existence. Be careful not to step on them. Some swimmers wear shoes..

20 January 2008

Mauritius marine life


Mauritius marine life conceals an infinite sea treasure. Its crystal-clear lagoons and magnificent coral beds inhabited by bright colourful fish and moray eels will not fail to surprise the occasional swimmer or diver. The local undersea life is varied around the coast-line. Lagoons are large and the water is very calm for the swimmer along the beaches and the coast. Behind the barrier reef, the experienced scuba diver can come across some spectacular underwater caves or large coral blocks. On the east coast, the underwater life is more varied with greater water circulation in the lagoon. Old shipwrecks are a continuous attraction to scuba diver.

19 January 2008

Accomodation in Mauritius


Taking advantage of the island’s natural beauty, the hospitality of the people and high standard of services, the Mauritian hotel industry has made a name for itself. The destination Mauritius has a large choice of accommodation where to stay. There are hotel, bungalows, apartments and villas. All these accommodations are from low budget to luxury. Hiring a bungalow, villa or apartments in any part of the island is possible for those who want to be autonomous and spend a tranquil holiday. It is also possible for those interested in spending their holidays with a local family in a guest house, where one is sure to taste the Mauritian lifestyle, knowing the legendary hospitality of the Mauritian people. We invite you to send us a description of what type of accommodation you are looking for your future holiday in Mauritius. It will be a pleasure for us to advice and help you find a place according to your demand.

18 January 2008

Green Mauritius


Invigorate yourself. Go mountain climbing or explore the forests and its endemic plants. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of waterfalls or live an exciting adventure by canoing down the rivers.

Canyoning:
from simple circuit for novices to more technical ones, on full or half day:
Cascade Rama, Eau Bleue, famous for its clear water and tropical flora: games in the water, jumps, 2 or 3 abseiling down waterfalls from 8 to 16 meters.
Tamarin falls or Seven cascades offer breathtaking views on the west part of the island : alternation of river walking, jumping and abseiling down 3 to 7 waterfalls, from 8 to 55 meters.

Hiking - Trekking - Walks: enjoy breathtaking views while trekking to the highest mountain of the island, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, or through Mountain Lion in the south east, or while hiking in the National Park of Gorges de la Riviere Noire, or during coastal walks around the island.

17 January 2008

The Sega


The sega is a dance and also the national music of Mauritius. It is a rhythmic and lively music. The sega is seen and lived as the dance expressing freedom. It take its origins from the slaves brought from Africa. Dancing and singing around the fire at the end of a hard day's of work was obviously their way to temporarily put aside the painful moments of their miserable existence. Today the sega can be heard everywhere on beaches, in shops, in hotels and on each and every occasion of entertainment . Traditional sega is played with the basic instruments known as ravanne, the triangle and the maravanne. Nowadays the sega has evolved with modern instrument and features contemporary musical influences. The king of the traditional sega, who died at the age of 92 was Ti-Frere. The evolution of the sega has given birth to "seggae" which is a mixed of sega with reggae.

16 January 2008

Dolphin watching and Bénitier Island

The ideal outing for nature lovers, especially for those who wish to discover the ocean stars which are the Dolphins. On a speed boat ensures for 10 to 18 people, at Black River towards 8hr Alain will take you along to the meeting of the dolphins which come in morning to swim or to rest in the lagoon. To hear and see them evolving/moving under water is an imposing spectacle. Palm, mask and tuba are available but if you had them, bring yours it is more practical. Then, after having spending about 2hr with the dolphins, you will go on Bénitier Island for a tropical picnic. A delicious chicken and fish barbecue will be served to you…

15 January 2008

Flamingo Island – An island for me alone

An island for me alone, is another exclusive activity design for your top satisfaction. You will have the joy of being received by our crew. We will then move the direction of the coral barrier where you will swim and snorkel to see the corals (a true garden under the sea). Then, we will have a drink on board while navigating in the blue towards a splendid small island called Flamingo, a beautiful sandy dessert island on which you will be alone. The table will be made up while you will bathe in the lagoon with of fabulous colors. The crew will make excellent barbecues with lobsters, crabs and marlin. The rest of the day will be for you to be spent at your ease between swimming and idleness on the beach before leaving this small paradise.

14 January 2008

Historical Blue Bay

Make an interesting and unique trip onboard our boat in the historical south, sailed towards Mauritius the history. This part of the island is well known for the famous battle of Grand Port which took place in the early 1800’s between France and England. We will visit “île de la Passe and Fouquet Island (Island with a lighthouse). Afterward we will pass near Aigrette Island. You will have the occasion during the trip to swim and snorkel at different places. In the Marine Park of blue bay you will be astonish by the great quantity of fishes - true an aquarium... The corals are splendid. The lunch will be served on board opposite to Coconut Island – Discover the delicious and tasty food of Mauritian specialities. As dessert you will have exotics fruits of Mauritius. Mineral water, wine, beer, Rum coca are available throughout the trip. An exclusive and unique experiment...

13 January 2008

Ile aux Cerfs – Unforgettable Moment


This new way of doing excursion on a boat even if you are only two (without over cost), is having many success. Our sympathetic team will make you discover beautiful things. The excursion starts at the mouth of the largest river in Mauritius, Grand River South East. There is only good thing to see and to do. The splendid water fall (cascades Grand River), will wake up your senses. Then we will go to a beautiful spot for snorkeling where you will be able to admire fishes in their natural habitat. We then move to the more animated part of “île aux Cerfs”. We will then anchor in a blue turquoise lagoon where you will be able to freely go to swim while the meal will be prepare for you. The menu will be composed of lobster, chicken, fish, salad, and desert. You will be served on a beautiful beach on the island where others do not come.

12 January 2008

The Pamplemousses Garden & Port-Louis

This itinerary is very interesting for it enable visitors to travel in the past of Mauritius and at the same time get in touch of the local life and traditions.

Pamplemousses
Garden

The Garden is well known throughout the world with its 37 hectares of land. One of the most beautiful place to discovered. These historical gardens, created at the end of the 18th century, are known for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees.

Port-Louis view from Citadelle
Port Louis is the capital and main port of Mauritius; it was founded by the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. Citadelle is an old fort. It is use nowadays for musical shows. From there you will have a panoramic sight of Port-Louis

Port-Louis Market

Live at the same rhythm as Mauritian: The famous bazaar of Port-Louis is a place with great kaleidoscopic colors, with its vegetables, fruits and great varieties of Mauritius souvenirs. It will be an occasion to taste ‘dholl pouris’, ‘hot rotis’, the ‘gato piment’ and drinks like the
delicious ‘alouda’

The Caudan and Port-Louis waterfront

A spacious and modern shopping center for your shopping. We will finish the tour with a visit in Blue Penny Museum.


11 January 2008

Mauritian tea & Mahebourg village

The Mauritian Tea
A guided tour of the Tea factory (Bois Cheri) will make you discover the transformation of the Mauritian most appreciate drink. Discover the secret of the tea by visiting the museum. Take a tea at the chalet and contemplate the panoramic view of the south.

Réserve des Mascareignes (Crocodile Park)
The park was created on 1984, La Vanille reproduce and breed crocodiles imported from Madagascar. The park is not only a farm for crocodile but it is also the biggest breeder of giant tortoise in the world. It is also a park for mascareignes animals.

Souillac – Gris Gris
Souillac is a seaside resort on the rugged Southern coast. The appeal of Souillac lies in it scenery, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea and the bracing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all the year round. At the southern end of the village is Gris-Gris, a viewpoint on the cliff top.

The village of Mahebourg
By passing in Beau-Vallon, we enter the village of Mahebourg. It is a village rich historically. To learn a bit more we will convey you to a visit to the Naval Museum. To return back we will pass the coastal road to join the eastern part of Mauritius, so that you have an idea of the coastal life of Mauritian and how beautiful the island is.

10 January 2008

Shopping & South

The Mauritius Glass Gallery
The incredible world of glass…
You will be astonished what the glass-blowers do.

The Duty Free Shopping paradise
Only a few minutes away from Curepipe, Floreal is a beautiful destination which includes a Textile Museum, a shopping center and a café. The Floreal Textile Museum illustrates the various steps of garments making. Be enchanted by the soft touch of materials, the brilliance of colors, the technical aspect of machinery and the capability of the people at work. Twelve duty free boutiques and factory shops welcome you inside for a complete range of products.

The Saint Aubin

It was the residence of the various administrators of the sugar property, before being renovated in the Nineties. This place was transformed into a table d’hôte typical Mauritian meal will be proposed to you.

Souillac – Gris Gris

Souillac is a seaside resort on the rugged Southern coast. The appeal of Souillac lies in it scenery, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea and the bracing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all the year round. At the southern end of the village is Gris-Gris, a viewpoint on the cliff top.


09 January 2008

Natural evasion in Mauritius

Trou aux Cerfs (Curepipe)
The hill of ‘Trou aux Cerfs, an old volcano, offer you a panoramic view on all the other town of Mauritius.

Model Ships Factory
A team of local craft men and women can be seen bringing back to life some of the great moments of sailing history. Recognised as one of the model manufacturer where quality is guaranteed you will find model of every era created from original plans


Grand
Basin (Ganga Talao)
A mystic visit to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin / Ganga Talao. It is where the temple of Shiva, Hindu divinity is found.

Black-River Gorge
Discover the beauty of Mauritius. At Plaine Champagne there are three viewpoints within 3 Km of each other giving panoramic views across the Black River Gorges with the peaks of Rempart Mountain and Corps de Garde in the north-west just visible in the distance.

Seven Colored Earth – Chamarel
It’s a rare geological curiosity which must be discovered. Chamarel is a mound of undulating land stretching in contrasting layers of colour, and the patches of blue, green, red and yellow earth are believed to be the result of weathering.

Bird Park – Casela
It is an immense garden of a surface of 25 hectares which contains 2500 birds of more than 140 different species.

08 January 2008

History of Mauritius

Brief history of Mauritius: The first Europeans to have visited Mauritius were the Portuguese at the beginning of the sixteenth century (most probably in 1510). The Dutch who settled in the island in 1598 named it Mauritius after Prince Maurice of Nassau. Among other things, the Dutch introduced sugar cane and the Java deer before leaving in 1710 where they had found in the mean time a far better settling place: The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. About five years later, in 1715, the French occupied the island, renaming it "Isle de France".

It was under the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, that Mauritius knew its first development: a harbour was built. Port Louis, named after the ruling king Louis XV, became the capital of Mauritius. Trade on the island thrived; Mauritius could supply enough sugar and rum to the surrounding islands and visiting vessels.

From this strategic position in the Indian Ocean, the French were plaguing English vessels on their way to and from India. In 1810, the British conquered the island which they occupied, and Mauritius was formally ceded to them in the "Traité de Paris" of 1814. Most of the French settlers, remained on the island and were allowed to keep their customs, religion and laws.

A few years later, in 1835, the British abolished slavery - slaves at the time came from Madagascar, Senegal and Mozambique mainly - and this led to the importation of Indian indentured labourers to work in the sugar cane fields. They eventually settled in Mauritius and their descendants constitute nowadays the majority of the population.

Rapid development of the infrastructure continued. Free primary education was given to the population so that local civil servants could be trained to run the affairs of the country.

Mauritius achieved independence on 12 March 1968 and adopted a constitution based on the British parliamentary system. The first post-independence years were difficult but after more than 15 years of planning and hard work, Mauritius achieved economic and political stability. Mauritius changed its status to that of a Republic on 12 March 1992.

The Mauritian Constitution is based on the Westminster model. Political power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Elections are held every five years

07 January 2008

The climate of Mauritius

Climate: There are no extreme temperatures either in summer or winter. In summer months, from November to April temperatures range from 23ºC to 33ºC, while winter, lasting from May to October, registers temperatures ranging between 17ºC to 23ºC. Dry and wet seasons are not clearly defined although one can experience occasional cyclones during the wettest months from December to March. Annual rainfall ranges from 900mm to 1500mm on the central plateau. Sea temperature in the lagoon varies from 22º to 27ºc. Mauritius is thus considered as an all-year round destination.

06 January 2008

The geography of Mauritius

Geography: Mauritius is a pear-shaped island of 2,040 sq. km situated 20º south of the equator on longitude 57.5º east. It lies 2,o36 km off the south-east coast of Africa. The coastline is fringed with white beaches and protected by coral reef almost all around except for the southern coast that offers wilder strands or dramatic cliffs. From the northern plains, the land rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets are scattered around the main island.

05 January 2008

Holiday planning in Mauritius

We are at your disposal to help you organise your excursions, accommodations, airport transfers and car rental throughout Mauritius. A completely personalised service for your Mauritius holiday planning. We help you choose which villa and what you want to do and then arrange it all. You just have to come to Mauritius and enjoy yourself! Our main objective is making your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.

04 January 2008

Your holiday dream in paradise...

Thank you to be here. This blog is conceived with the aim to help visitors having maximum information on Mauritius. Our passion for our country is so intense that we have engaged ourselves to offer you a marking image of Mauritius. Each activity that we propose is an exclusivity. We flee crowd but we remain close to the people. We have a very sympathetic team which would make you discover beautiful things. We are always in search of original excursions and out of the beaten field. If you need further information don’t hesitate to contact us. Send Mail