24 April 2018

I have been fortunate to have visited Mauritius twice and I would love to share my experiences with you. Mauritius is one of the most amazing islands. Yes many people say "why Mauritius...it's so commercialised" but until you have been there, you will never understand how amazing it truly is! The hotels are set out in a way that you totally forget about the outside world and really get to experience the island feeling. With stunning unspoilt beaches, to the mountainous scenery when doing day trips, to the fantastic catamaran cruises with a lunch barbecue with the very popular jungle juice on-board, you will never say "Why Mauritius ever again". In fact you may be saying "When can I go again" :) There is so much history and the friendliest people you will ever come across. You get spoilt at the hotels and can eat like you’re in Heaven! The food is to die for and the cocktails are the best you will get. From free non-motorised water-sports to simply relaxing on the beach, visiting the Grande Bay Bazaar - a huge flea market! What an experience and what a bargain! Visit the Bois Chéri Tea Plantations - the biggest tea producer in Mauritius, doing the under the sea walk, take day trips like taking a boat trip to the Ile aux Cerfs offshore Island, visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, deep sea fishing trips, spend the day at the Black River Gorges National park (Wow! What a sight)! And experiencing the Chamarel - 7 colours of the earth and waterfalls! You will never have nothing to do. The hotels are exquisite! From the 3 Star Veranda properties that feel like 4 Star hotels to the exquisite 5 Star superior hotels, there is something to suite all tastes and requirements. Some hotels have sister hotels meaning you stay at the one and have use of the sister hotels facilities. Now that's a bonus! The best package to book is always on the all-inclusive option. This will include all your meals, selected drinks, snacks, and whatever else is on the list depending on the hotel you’re staying at. There's definitely nothing better that allows you to have the best time and to not have to worry about that unexpected bill upon checkout. It may cost more package wise but definitely worth it and it works out more affordable at the end of the day. For e.g., a bottle of Coca Cola can cost anything between R30-R40 each. A cocktail can cost up to R180 each. A beer can cost you anywhere from R35 upwards. Now work out if you have at least 5 a day over a 7 night stay for 2 people. This alone can cost you R2,100.00 extra just for 5 cold-drinks each a day or R2,590.00 extra for cocktails. The best way by far is the all-inclusive option. Here are a few handy tips when travelling to Mauritius: * Use Rupees, it works out a lot more affordable and you won’t have anycurrency worries at all. * When exchanging your Rands to Rupees, do it when you arrive at the airport in Mauritius. There are counters that don’t charge you any commission at all. They make their money exchanging the Rupees back to Rands. * Pack cool clothes in and maybe a light jacket for the evening breezes. Mauritius only has two seasons being summer and winter. * The weather is amazing all year round. The winter month - evenings have slight breezes and the winter temperatures are the best over September and October averaging around 26 degrees. I love that time of the year. * The rainy and monsoon season starts around end January and at its worst around beginning to mid-March. *Take plenty of sun cream. * Ask about the liquids, gels & aerosols policy before packing your luggage and boarding the planes. Very important! * No Visa is required for SA Citizens, however make sure of the procedure for documents relating to children. * Make sure your camera is charged as well as your cell phone, so that you can take many photos of your amazing holiday, or honeymoon and every special occasion. I can guarantee you that 99% of holiday-makers that travel to Mauritius will want to go back! Thanks for your time and thanks for reading my journal! Please contact me to arrange that very special dream of a vacation for you!! Stay posted for my next journal...