I had the opportunity to travel to Mauritius, my first impression Paradise. Palm trees, green grass lawn, white sandy beaches, blue seas and to top it all off great weather. With this amazing destination only being a short 4 hour flight from South Africa is a definite must see destination.
I had the opportunity to visit 2 hotels and do a full site inspection at Beachcombers Shandrani Hotel and Club Med La Plantation d Albion both amazing hotel in their own right. The Shandrani Hotel is a mere 10 minute transfer from the airport and Albion is approximately 60 minute drives from the airport, both resort have a full list of activities that will keep you and your whole family entertained for days on end. The All Inclusive options that most resorts offer in Mauritius is defiantly worthwhile, each resort offer a few restaurant and bars where you will be served with almost anything your heart desires. The Hotels also gives you a great variety to choose from, from light snacks to buffets to A La Cart menus, they have something for everyone’s taste that also means you won’t be eating the same meal for 7 days or in the same restaurant which gives you a different scenery daily.
Both resorts have great kids club facilities to keep your children entertained where they do anything from cooking classes, to arts and crafts, to excursions where they have a full itinerary planned daily so you can be rest assured your kids are well looked after and having a great time, which will give you as parents time to relax, unwind and enjoy Paradise and all it has to offer.
The Rooms at the Shandrani Hotel as well as Club Med La Plantation d Albion are quite spacious so if you will be visiting for a day or 2 weeks you will have enough space to comfortably move around, the décor is very modern and clean. The Shandrani Hotel will also be doing a soft revamp on all their rooms and this will be complete by Sep 2012. The service levels at both properties are set very high the concierge will be happy to assist with anything you might need, so rest assured you and your family will be looked after during your stay.
On check in at any resort they will advise what is included in their all inclusive package, as all resorts all inclusive package or meals plans differ. At the Shandrani Hotel and La Plantation d Albion your Minibars will be replenished daily, most minibar’s have water, coldrinks, juice etc. anything else you might desire you can get from the bar or restaurants, meals can be taken to your room on request but there will be a tray charge if meals are brought to your rooms instead of eating in the main restaurants. Restaurants also have a dress code, some casual, some smart casual and some smart only so best to find out prior to dinner.
Most of the hotels have live entertainment at night for everyone to enjoy, times will be given on arrival so you are aware of what is happening were at the resort, so if you feel like joining in or if you prefer lounging on the beach or doing water sports that fine - you get to choose what you would like to do and the staff are more than willing to assist you.
The People in Mauritius are very helpful, friendly and they are waiting to make your dream holiday come true. Mauritius is an all year round destination but like anywhere in the world they do have recommended travel dates: Sub-tropical oceanic climate with fairly high temperatures and humidity all year round. Rain falls at all times of the year with the wettest period from Jan-Mar. At this time of the year, tropical cyclones are an occasional hazard with very high winds and torrential rain.
There are 2 main airlines out of South Africa to Mauritius daily: SAA and Air Mauritius
SAA:
Flight times at present departs Johannesburg 09.40 arrive Mauritius local time 15.40 –approx. 4 hour flight
Flight times are present depart Mauritius 16.40 arrive Johannesburg local time 19.15 – approx. 4 hours flight
Air Mauritius:
Flight times at present departs Johannesburg 13.35 arrive Mauritius local time 19.35 – approx. 4 hour flight
Flight times are present depart Mauritius 09.15 arrive Johannesburg local time 11.50 – approx 4 hours flight
Some Useful information:
In the south west Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, Mauritius is a small island approximately 900km/560mls East of Madagascar. It is part of the Mascarene Islands. There are 9 districts in Mauritius and 3 dependencies that are separate islands: Agalega Islands, Rodrigues and St.Brandon. Port Louis (in the North West) is the island’s capital and largest city and is Africa’s wealthiest city. Famed for once being the only land of the dodo (back in the 1600s), Mauritius has plenty of natural beauty to offer the tourist, some fabulous beaches and luxury accommodation.
Location: Indian Ocean
Capital City: Port Louis
Population : 1.2 million
Area: 720 square miles
Language: English, French, Creole and a number of oriental languages
Dialling Code: 230
Electricity: 220 AC 50Hz
Emergency: Police & Ambulance: 999. Fire: 995
Driving: Driving is on the left. National licence required. International Driving Permit recommended, temporary licence available from local authorities
Business/Social Hints: Business is usually conducted in English. Many other languages in use, including French. Visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar local customs as there are many different religious groups, each with their own customs and conventions. The official drinking age in Mauritius is 18 years
Coins: MUR: - Mauritius Rupee, US Dollars and Euro are also accepted and most hotels do except ZAR – Rand as payment
Currency Import/Export: Local & foreign: no restrictions
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheque: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Health: No vaccinations ore pre-caustions need to be taken but it is always advisable to contact your travel clinic for advice as these things change on a daily basis
Visas: No visas are required for SA passport holders; you do however need a valid passport
Hope to see you soon in Sunny Mauritius
Regards Tracy
