Holidays to Mauritius | Seychelles | Holidays Offers

MOVENPICK RESORT & SPA

The hotel is an authentic paradise perfectly integrated into large sugar cane fields and lush vegetation:

This first-class resort on the south-west coast of Mauritius at Bel Ombre offers spacious stylish accommodation facing a 500-metre sandy beach against a backdrop of Valriches Nature Reserve.  This charming and popular resort appeals to couples and families alike, boasting excellent facilities including a variety of water sports (many free), kids and teen clubs, and the tropical-themed Aldana Spa with relaxation zone.  This resort offers a fabulous Family room option accompanied with excellent facilities – ideal for parents to unwind and for kids to just have fun!  The Movenpick Resort & Spa is perfect for larger weddings.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius

Spacious stylish accommodation:

The spacious and luxuriously designed rooms, suites and the villa offer the ultimate in comfort and are spread through casuarinas, coconut trees, frangipanes, hibiscus and bougainvilleas in 22 acres of tropical gardens.  They are all appointed into a classical style with wooden or palm thatch roofs, with terrace or balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.  Space and tranquillity are the key words to define this unique resort.  Families are not forgotten, with special rooms offering a separate children’s bedroom of 11-square metres, particularly recommended to parents wishing both to preserve their privacy while having their children close by.  This original room concept is supported by the Mini Club for children from the age of 3 years with a wide range of activities.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius Junior Suite

Dining & Entertainment:

The resort’s culinary offering is just as diverse.  The three restaurants each have their own personality.  The Moulin, the main restaurant, offers themed dinners with its varied buffets, Le Camaron, the beach restaurant, serves light dishes, fresh fish and seafood.  La Grand Caze, the à la carte restaurant invites you to experience innovative and exceptional recipes with Mauritius flavours in a romantic setting.  In the evening, guests might enjoy live entertainment or other events at the bar, savouring the perfect end to a lovely day.

Sport & Leisure:

Inspired by a Zen atmosphere, the sumptuous spa dedicates its 1,800-square metres to peace and serenity.  The wet pavilion, which accommodates Turkish baths, saunas and a whirlpool, is the right place for body wraps, scrub and hydro-jet showers.  Treatment rooms surrounded by an aquarium, offer treatments developed from local tropical elements as well as traditional ingredients.  This unique place brings a feeling of harmony to body, soul and mind.  The ultimate relaxation takes place in the unique roof solarium.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius Pool

For active guests Movenpick Resort & Spa offer swimming pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, volleyball, mountain bikes, bocci balls, aqua gym, putting golf, table tennis, plus a diving centre and boat house with all kinds of water sports.  Souvenirs are on sale at the hotel’s own boutiques and a pottery and ceramic workshop, unique on the island, also challenges the guest’s creativity.

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Seychelles Island Information

Once ‘the Forgotten Islands’, the Seychelles slipped gently on to the international holiday scene in the 1970s. Today they are a premier leisure destination, chosen by the famous and not-so-famous alike. Between them they offer infinite variations on a stylish escapism theme, a dozen or
more islands having hotels ready to tempt you with their own interpretation. Some are friendly and laid-back family settings whilst others pander strictly to the self-indulgent luxury-lover.

Seychelles Map

Not with glitz and glitter but by a fusion of magical natural setting and simple elegance. You’re never far from a stunning beach to die for - or to dive from (diving, like all other watersports, is well catered for). Special, too, is the islands’ rich wildlife (with rare endemic species) and exotic flora like the unique Coco de Mer double coconut. Delicious Creole seafood and curries play their own memorable part in the Seychelles Experience.

Shaped by soft sugary sands and turquoise waters, it’s hard to resist this tropical paradise. Laden with coconut palms, the appeal of these islands is more than the alluring blend of food and spices or intricate coral reefs coloured by shoals of fish.

L I V E T H E E X P E R I E N C E
The Seychelles’ comprise of 115 granite and coral islands, 41 Inner granite Islands and 74 coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands. These beautiful secluded Islands are perfect for honeymooners or for those wanting to get away from it all, with the opportunity to explore lush island interiors or find a secluded beach. Any visit to the Seychelles is incomplete without island hopping – it is recommended to spend your time on at least two islands to get a true contrast of this beautiful country. Whilst the shopping may not be world class Creole handicrafts and foodstuffs make for superb gifts. Buy mother-of-pearl and shell jewellery, basketware made from raffia and palm and bamboo woodwork, not forgetting the Seychelles’ quintessential souvenir, the coco-de-mer nut.

Far out in the Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from Africa, the islands of the Seychelles were, General Gordon of Khartoum insisted, the setting of the original Garden of Eden.

Encircled by seas of the deepest blue, the 100 or so islands of the Seychelles are scattered in profusion across the Indian Ocean. Some, of granite, rear dramatically from sea to sky, draped in the exotic vegetation and flowers of the tropics. Others are formed of coral, and merely feet above the surface of the sea.

Wherever you travel in the Seychelles palm, takamaka and casuarina trees, lagoons and coral sand beaches are rarely far away. And, thanks to centuries of relative isolation, the islands have their own unique ecology, with many unusual birds and land species like the giant tortoise.

Mahe, the largest island, with soaring peaks and many exotic beaches and coves, is the setting of famous Beau Vallon Bay beach (excellent for watersports) and the little capital of Victoria. A short flight away is pIcturesque Praslin Island, home to some delightfuly romantic beaches, boasts the famous ‘Vallee de Mai’, whose lush setting and unique double coconuts convinced General Gordan of Khartoum fame that here he had managed to discover the original Garden of Eden!

Nearby is La Digue, just 4 miles square, and where life is even slower. It, too, boasts some striking, often largely empty beaches, and outstanding underwater seascapes for snorkelling and diving. Silhouette, even quieter, has a mountainous skyline visible from afar, and offers utter escapism right on Mahe’s doorstep! Bird is one of the coral islands, habitat of many rare and delightful birds, and a place of great beauty and tranquillity, with dazzling coral sands and turquoise seas. Then there’s Denis, another coral island, with unspoilt beaches, excellent fishing, and a mood of total privacy; and, further afield still, Desroches, a tiny coral atoll in the Amirantes group with superb diving and big-game fishing.

Come to the Seychelles to slow down. To set your watch to a gentle island lifestyle, where the mood is unsophisticated and where there are no lively resorts. To enjoy the Creole cuisine, the welcome of the Seychellois, the beauty of the setting. And, above all, to relax . . .

History of Seychelles

Recent History

In recent years the country has been dogged by a chronic foreign-exchange shortage and high inflation. Tourist numbers remain relatively high, though the Seychelles is facing increasing competition from cheaper destinations in the region, such as Madagascar and Mauritius. The fiscal pressures imposed by globalization forces and neo-liberal economic policies have led to the steady erosion of the welfare state and the devaluation of the currency. The government tried to head the economy in a new direction by making the Seychelles a tax haven, prompting some 4000 companies to register in the country.

Parliamentary elections in 2002 saw another victory for René’s party, but the opposition Seychelles National Party managed to increase its representation from one to 11 seats. The René era finally came to an end in April 2004, when the president resigned and was succeeded by former vice-president James Michel.

Though more than 7000km (4500mi) from its epicentre, the Seychelles islands suffered widespread damage in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. Fishing and tourism infrastructure were all affected by tidal waves, which caused millions of dollars damage to roads, buildings and fishing boats. Thankfully, the loss of life was minimal.

Modern Day History

In 1964 the Seychelles’ first political parties were formed - France Albert René formed the Seychelles People’s United Party, while James Mancham led the Seychelles Democratic Party. The SDP, the party of the planters and business people, won the 1966 and 1970 elections, defeating the socialist SPUP. In 1976 the country was made independent and the two parties formed a coalition to run the place: Sir Jim became president and René prime minister. The president set out to make the Seychelles the luxury destination - Sir Jim mixed it up with the jetset at resorts around the world, and pretty soon the rich and gorgeous were pouring in to party, party, party. But the prime minister was concerned that not enough of the wealth was making it down to the country’s working folk, and on 5 June 1977 René carried out an almost bloodless coup, shoring up his new-found power by shipping in Tanzanian and North Korean soldiers.

In 1981 a group of South African mercenaries tried to invade the country, but were found out at the airport, where they shot two people and hijacked a plane to get home. René outlawed the SDP and its supporters, who set up resistance movements in the UK, South Africa and Australia. The tourist trade dried up as a campaign of bombings and murders, as well as the occasional coup attempt, gathered force.

In December 1991 René surprised his opponents (and, quite probably, his supporters) by legalising opposition parties, perhaps in response to pressure from the country’s main aid-donors. Elections were held in 1992, under Commonwealth observation, and René secured the vote. Mancham, surrounded by SAS security men, got a third of the vote and claimed the elections were rigged.

A new constitution was implemented to support the new multiparty system, but René coontinued to dominate politics. His election victory in 2001 prompted the opposition leader, Wavel Ramkalawan, to dismiss the result, accusing the government of corruption and voter intimidation.

Pre 20th Century History

Nobody lived on the Seychelles until the 17th century. In 1609, a British East India ship made landfall, and in the next few years shiploads of pirates moved their operations to the Indian Ocean from the Caribbean and used the islands as their base.

In 1742 the governor of Mauritius, Mahé de La Bourdonnais, sent a ship to check out the islands. Ship’s captain Picault named the main island after his governor and laid the way for the French to claim the islands 12 years later. In 1770 the first load of French settlers and slaves arrived on the island and started growing spices, cassava, sugar cane, coffee, sweet potatoes and maize, as well as harvesting the giant tortoise.

By the end of the 18th century, the islands were looking pretty choice and the British were taking an interest. The governor at the time, de Quinssy, lowered the French flag and gave in when attack looked imminent, but the British sailed on and de Quinssy raised the flag again. This happened 12 times until 1814, when Britain took charge of the Seychelles after the Napoleonic Wars. The main feature of British rule was an increase in the number of slaves and high-class political prisoners - French remained the main language and French culture lived on. (Yahoo)

Top Destination to Visit in Seychelles

Anse Lazio

The best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is Anse Lazio, in the far north of the island. The beach has glorious white, soft sand, a few rounded granite boulders and a lively line-up of waves. The water is a magical turquoise colour.

There’s also a sheltered area with great snorkelling at the end of the beach. There’s even a terrific restaurant at the end of the beach road. The beaches east of Lazio are protected by a reef, which makes the water like a giant bath - it’s shallow, warm and safe, and there’s some nice snorkelling.

Victoria

Victoria, on the island of Mahé, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, and the only major port in the Seychelles. It’s also the only town - every other settlement is a village. The courthouse and main post office in the centre of town have been untouched since colonial time.

The streets emanating from the centre have been rebuilt over the past 20 years, giving the town a clean and modern look. There are a few old houses and shops in the city centre, but it’s unfortunately barely enough to give the town any character.

The Natural History Museum is right in the centre of town, and specialises in natural history. If you’re more interested in the history of the country’s people, visit the National History Museum or the Seychelles People’s United Party Museum, which celebrates the history of the party.

Victoria’s Botanical Gardens are highly recommended for short and shady walks among a variety of native and introduced trees. Within the gardens is a cafeteria, a pen of giant tortoises and an orchid garden.

Anse Lazio

The best beach on Praslin - in fact, one of the best in the country - is Anse Lazio, in the far north of the island. The beach has glorious soft white sand, a few rounded granite boulders and a lively line-up of waves in a magical turquoise colour.

The beach is protected by a reef, which makes the water like a giant bath - it’s shallow, warm and safe, and there’s some nice snorkelling at the end of the beach. There’s even a terrific restaurant right on the sand. Buses travel from Grand Anse around the coast to Anse Boudin, a short walk from Anse Lazio.

Cousin Island

This is bird watching made easy - over 300,000 birds on an island just 1km (0.6mi) in diameter. Seven species of sea bird nest here, including fairy terns, white-tailed tropic birds and two varities of shearwater, and it’s also home to the rare Seychelles warbler and magpie robin. Hawksbill turtles nest here in season.

Organised tours depart from Praslin from Tuesday through Friday.

Vallée de Mai

Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where you can see the weird and wonderful coco de mer palm growing in their natural state - the other is nearby Curieuse Island. This valley’s Eden-like forest is World Heritage listed and the very sight of sunlight filtering through its fronds will make you go all poetic.

You’ll see several varieties of screw pine and latanier plams, and, if you’re very lucky, the Seychelles black parrot. If you’re going to visit the park, keep to the tracks, don’t take anything away and don’t leave anything behind - this is an incredibly fragile forest. (From Yahoo)

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Mauritius Island Information



On the map tiny Mauritius appears as no more than a speck amid the blue eternity of the Indian Ocean, 1,200 miles off the coast of East Africa. But into an area the size of an English county Mauritius packs extravagant, ever-changing contrasts that defy geography. At sea level the landscape is carpeted by the luxuriant green of vast sugar-cane plantations. Against the skyline rise the dramatic purple silhouettes of craggy volcanic mountains, amid which verdant tropical forests, waterfalls, gorges and fast-flowing rivers await exploration.

Mauritius Map

Above all, there’s Mauritius’ long, fretted coastline, fringed by a delicate tracery of waving casuarinas - and 100 miles of exotic, sandy beaches. The bays and coves that line the island’s shores, protected by one of the world’s longest unbroken coral reefs, and the crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, make Mauritius a superb holiday choice for the beachcomber and watersports enthusiast. Its hospitable welcome is another Mauritius speciality. A melting-pot of races, religions and cultures, the island has in the past welcomed Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French, British, Indians, Chinese and Africans. The result? Today’s Mauritians today do not see themselves as any of these - but as just a cosmopolitan island people, living in easygoing harmony in this genuinely friendly Indian Ocean setting. Mauritius’ rich multi-cultural heritage has inspired another local speciality - its splendid cuisine. You can put this through its paces in an amazingly wide variety of venues - from the island’s leading resort hotels, rated amongst the world’s finest beach properties, to a host of smaller hotels and informal restaurants. Between them they contrive a host of palate-pleasing choices that range from the sophisticated to the simple, the reassuringly familiar to the deliciously new. Exotic beaches, unrivalled watersports, a sun-warmed welcome for both gourmets and gourmands, an irresistibly relaxing mood . . . Mauritius awaits! The island is renowned for having fantastic beaches, with the east coast’s 10km stretch at Belle Mare regarded as one of the best. Grand Baie offers excellent watersports and the beautiful beach at Le Morne stretches for 4km along the south-west peninsula. There is more to Mauritius than the fantastic beaches; popular watersports include diving and big game fishing. For those who don’t dive but would like a real taste of the underwater world there is an undersea walk, strolling the ocean bed, wearing unique diving gear. Trekking and mountain biking offer great coastline views and golf is one of the main sports attracting many holidaymakers. If you would like more information on the golf courses and their locations to the hotels please have a look at the individual hotel descriptions. Shop (and barter) for handcrafted model ships, leather, pottery, knitwear, jewellery, spices, vanilla tea and rum. One of the main industries in Mauritius after tourism and sugar is textile and clothes are a great buy and excellent value for money.

Top Destination to Visit in Mauritius

Black River Gorges National Park

This highland area southwest of Curepipe is like no other part of the island. About 6km (4mi) from Curepipe, Mauritius‘ only mountain road reaches the wall of the park’s large reservoir, Mare aux Vacoas. Dotted with casuarina and coniferous trees, it’s more alpine wilderness than island paradise.About 6km (4mi) southeast of Mare aux Vacoas is a lake sacred to Hindus, Grand Bassin, and, further east, Plaine Champagne, the largest natural area on Mauritius. The Rivière Noire lookout overlooks waterfalls and the 830m (2720ft) Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest point on Mauritius. The best time to visit Black River Gorges National Park is during the flowering season between September and January. Look for the rare tambalacoque (dodo) tree, black ebony trees and the exotic birds that perch in them. You may also run into a band of monkeys, deer or wild pigs. The park is some 30km (19mi) south of Port Louis and is best reached by bus via Curepipe or by private transport.

Black River Gorges National Park

Rodrigues Island

A volcanic island 18km (11mi) long and 8km (5mi) wide, Rodrigues is in many way a miniature Mauritius. It’s surrounded by coral reefs, covered with similar vegetation and landscapes, and blessed with an equally tropical climate. The vegetation isn’t as lush, but then neither are the tourist throngs. The pace of life is more relaxed and the people prone to stop and chat. On the down side, it’s more likely to be hit by the cyclones that plague the region. The last big one, Cyclone Bella, swung through in early 1991, bringing with it winds in excess of 200km/h (125mph). The island is relatively small and perfect for rambling around at leisure. Hiking is good around Mt Limon and Mt Malartic, the island’s two highest points at more than 390m (1280ft). The best coastal hiking leads from Port Mathurin around the eastern coastline to Port Sud-Est. Point Coton on the eastern coast has the best beach on the island, but there are other good ones at St François, Trou d’Argent and Petit Gravier.Caverne Patate in the south-west boasts some worthwhile spelunking opportunities. Diving is the big attraction of the waters around Rodrigues - you can arrange a trip through one of the big hotels. Several of the tiny islands just off Rodrigues, such as Île Cocos and Île aux Sables, are nature reserves and require permits to visit; others, such as Île aux Crabes and Île Hermitage, are just as beautiful and are open to the public. Rodrigues lies about 560km (350mi) north-east of Mauritius. The two islands are connected daily by air and several times per month by sea. Keep in mind there’s a minimum stay of 5 days and a maximum of 30.

Black River Gorges National Park

A network of hiking trails crisscross the wild and empty Black River Gorges National Park. Unfortunately, they’re not always well marked, so check the route and trail conditions at the information centres before setting off. Look for the rare tambalacoque (dodo tree), the black ebony trees and the wild guavas. Bird-watchers should keep an eye out for the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet and Mauritius cuckoo-shrike. Mauritius’ sole national park is a spectacularly wild expanse of thick forest covering 3.5% of the island’s surface and home to over 300 species of flowering plants and nine species of bird unique to Mauritius, including the famous pink pigeon which is staging a very gradual comeback from the brink of extinction.

L’Aventure du Sucre

This excellent museum in the former Beau Plan sugar factory not only tells the story of sugar in fascinating detail, but along the way covers the history of Mauritius, slavery, the rum trade and more. The factory was founded in 1797 and only ceased working in 1999. Most of the machinery is still in place and former workers are on hand to answer questions about the factory’s history and the complicated process of turning sugar cane into crystals. There are also videos and interactive displays as well as quizzes for kids. At the end of the visit, you can taste four of the 15 varieties of unrefined sugar, two of which were invented in Mauritius. Allow at least a couple of hours to explore, then end your visit with something even sweeter - a sugar-tasting session and a sticky delight in the stylish café-restaurant.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens

These attractive gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius, but the shady avenues seem to swallow the crowds. One key attraction is the park’s giant Victoria regia water lilies, native to the Amazon. There’s also an astonishing collection of palms of all shapes and sizes. The gardens were started in 1735 by Governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais as a vegetable garden for his Mon Plaisir Château. The grounds were gussied up by French horticulturalist Pierre Poivre in 1768 in a bid to introduce spices, but afterwards lay neglected until 1849, when a British horticulturalist, James Duncan, took over. His legacy is seen today in the garden’s array of palms. Among them you’ll find stubby bottle palms, graceful royal palms and talipot palms, which flower only once after about 40 years and then die. The centrepiece of the garden is the pond of giant water lilies. Young leaves emerge as wrinkled balls and unfold into the classic tea-tray shape up to 2m (6.5ft) across in a matter of hours. Come in January to see them at their biggest and best.(yahoo)

Holidays Offers for Mauritius

Last Minute Hot Deals

Mauritius, La Palmeraie Hotel

7 nights from £885pp Superior Beach Front Room – Half Board – Air Seychelles Airport Tax – Private Transfers Travel: 01 Jan - 02 Apr 09 To enquire about this holiday offer please contact one of our specialist consultants on 020 8774 7299 and pass the reference of this website Exclusive Discount with Luxury Holidays Direct!




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Luxury Holidays Direct

Luxury Holiday Direct is a new trading brand within SUNSET TRAVEL LTD. The Company has been trading for over a quarter of a century where from our modest beginnings we have grown into a successful financially secure company employing over 60 members of staff (The Luxury Holidays Direct Team). Our head office is situated in our own premises in Croydon, Surrey (Sunset House).

Luxury Holidays Direct

• Kuoni

With more than 100 years of expertise, Kuoni is regularly voted Britain’s favourite holiday company. Showcasing thousands of holidays to hundreds of exotic destinations and covering every holiday interest, you can enjoy the quality and service of a dream Kuoni holiday whatever your budget.

Mosaic Holidays

Mosaic Holidays is a specialist tour operator offering a wide range of deluxe holidays in a choice of countries including Egypt, Maldives, Oman, Turkey, Dubai, North Cyprus, Seychelles and Sri Lanka, with new ones being added regularly. We have in-depth knowledge of destinations and offer comprehensive programmes with additional value-added touches such as private transfers, excursions and flight upgrades. We offer holidays to the much loved Red Sea and further afield to the Maldives and Oman for the more adventurous. We constantly run promotions on our site.

Direct Holidays

Directholidays.co.uk is the website of the UK’s leading direct selling package holiday tour operator. Our easy to use website offers customers: Exclusive online booking discounts. A very wide choice of holiday destinations. Comprehensive worldwide travel guides. Constantly updated special offers and promotions Why wait? Join now and start earning today!

Fresh Holidays

Fresh Holidays is part of the OnHolidayGroup, and has just been re-launched as a Dynamic Packaging site targetted to the modern traveller. The OnHolidayGroup has been in operation since 2004 and has grown rapidly to the Number 2 player in the B2B beach accommodation only market. We offer over 6,500 hotels and apartments across all the main Mediterranean resorts. In the past 12 months alone we have sold in excess of 700,000 passengers and this year will sell in excess of 1,000,000. The value of this scale to affiliates is that the more sales we make, the better the rates we can negotiate and the better the conversion rates. FreshHolidays.com allows the consumers to combine this database of hotels and apartments with any Low Cost carrier, Charter flight and Scheduled flight (coming soon) flying out of the UK.

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Mahé and Praslin are the two main islands, where you can relax on some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, from long stretches of white sand to small, secluded coves - Mahé alone has over 70. Beau Vallon Bay is Mahé’s main tourist area, where you can enjoy numerous watersports and diving in fascinating underwater landscapes.Valleé de Mai on Praslin is home to the rare black parrot and the unusual coco de mer (coconut of the sea) that the Seychelles are famed for. To really get the most from your stay in the Seychelles, we strongly recommend spending a few nights on exotic Bird Island as well, a quiet, intimate retreat is a perfect way to spend some of your holiday, especially when linked with the busier feel of Mahé or the delightful charm of Praslin.

Mahe Praslin Beach

“Choosing one’s island is as important as choosing one’s hotel. For those who know the Seychelles well, Praslin is the perfect island. It has everything: the Vallée de Mai, a botanical Eden which is the only one of its kind in the world, as many white-sand beaches and coves as you need to be alone in the world including Anse Lazio, which may be the most beautiful of them all. Praslin is the second largest island of the Seychelles, not too big, not too small. It has two villages where people are friendly, where every day is a beautiful day and where there are roads that can lead you to any part of the island within an hour. Praslin has kept the big hotel complexes away; life still goes peacefully by, braced by the gentle tropical trade winds. It is here, in the exceptional surroundings of Anse Gouvernement.”

Mahe is the main island of Seychelles and is home to a variety of reef and beach breaks. It is the largest island in terms of size and there is therefore a great surf potential. Many beach-breaks with multiple reef breaks which need a +- 40m paddle are the most commom breaks. Few point-breaks which may be mahe only downfall. Water is warm all year round and weather is fairly consistent.

Many visitors arrive here only to carry straight on to their hotels on one of the other islands, but Mahé is certainly worth a look if you have the time and inclination. Away from the beaches, the landscape climbs up hills covered in dense rainforests frequently shrouded in mist. There are also plenty of art and cultural attractions. On the east coast of Mahé is Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Mahé’s main tourism centre is at Beau Vallon, on the west coast just opposite Victoria.

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The magnificent botanical garden, located in the proximity of Port-Louis, has come to be known under various names, ranging from “Jardin de Mon Plaisir”, to “Jardin des Plantes” or still, “Jardin Botanique Royal”. Finally, in 1988, it has been renamed to “ Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden ”, in honour of the man who led the country to independence and who once, was the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Although this name is quite a recent one, it seems to be scarcely used, even ignored by the visitors. The garden is frequently known as “Jardin de Pamplemousses” ( Garden of Pamplemousses ), which clearly originates from the adjoining village. The garden owes its origins to François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, governor of Ile de France (ancient name of Mauritius island), who bought the property at Mon Plaisir, and had his house built and a vegetable garden created there. However, Pierre Poivre, a predestined name, was the genuine and passionate creator. When this botanist and explorer, once a seminarist, visited Ile de France, he turned out to be a real “missionary of spices”.

Pamplemousses Garden

18th century… Poivre is a young man having a keen sense for adventure and he wants to ban the Dutch monopoly on the spices market. He has decided to import the spices in the French colonies. Consequently, he landed on the island with trunks full of seeds and shrubs that scented the holds of his ship! He had chosen them with great care during his voyages, or at times, the plants were cleverly absconded at his own risk. As such, nutmeg trees, clove trees, and pepper plants will gradually adapt to the climate prevailing at “Jardin de Mon Plaisir”. Unfortunately, Fusée-Aublet, a jealous horticulturist, sabotaged his cultures whenever Poivre was not looking! Even though Poivre returned to France , disillusioned from the experience, he did not admit defeat nonetheless, as a great determination characterised this man who has seen worse.

As a matter of fact, he came back some ten years later, in 1767, but this time, as the administrator of Bourbon Island (Réunion) and Ile de France. Pierre Poivre was a one-armed person (during a naval battle, a cannonball tore away his wrist and he had to undergo an amputation), but his skill, his knowledge, his tenacity and his experience helped him to overcome all obstacles. He introduced numerous trees and spices from all over the world in the Pamplemousses garden, whose names invited us on a worldwide tour: the Caribbean’s laurel, China ’s camphor tree, the Philippines bread-root, or Cochin-China’s litchi… as well as many indigenous species as possible. Pierre Poivre, a noble and kind gentleman - besides, he was also against the ignominy of slavery - will be the originator of the first laws on the protection of nature. Together with his wife and daughters, he lived in the residence at Mon Plaisir (now destroyed, but substituted for an equally beautiful building, pompously named as “Château de Mon Plaisir”) till he decided to return in France , in Lyon , where he died in 1786. He was then sixty-seven years old.

Pamplemousses Garden

His successor, Nicolas Céré, a botanist, tried his best to go on with the works of Pierre Poivre. He dedicated his life and fortune to enrich them with flowers and trees. Under such circumstances, the garden came to be highly valued by the most famous naturalists and is renowned worldwide today.

However, as from 1810, the British practically abandoned this magnificent garden. Yet, in 1849, James Duncan picked it up from abandon and brought back the garden’s original charm. He introduced new species such as ferns, araucarias, orchids, and bougainvilleas. The whole credit of planting numerous species of palm trees should be attributed to him. Nowadays, the royal palm, one of the varieties of the palm trees, adorns two magnificent avenues of the garden. Various botanists, horticulturists and landscape gardeners succeeded him and carried on with what is known as a “work of art”, which will enchant visitors in search of beauty, serenity and poetry. We can only hope that they will not be disappointed of the effect of mankind on the garden’s spirits in the future

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Most northerly outpost of the Seychelles, the tiny coral island of Bird is the escapist hideaway par excellence - though only 30 minutes’ flight (daily services) from Mahe. A private enclave ringed by turquoise waters and glittering white-sand beaches, it’s renowned for its fishing, snorkelling and prolific bird life - including the famous migratory sooty terns. A unique retreat from the outside world, this romantic mid-ocean cay of just 170 acres offers a dream-like sanctuary where would-be Crusoes will feel quite at home.

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Beside secluded Anse Petite Cour Bay, La Reserve is one of beautiful Praslin’s most distinguished small hotels. Its traditional Seychellois-style decor and accommodation, dotted around the lawns and tropical gardens, reflect an attractive old ‘colonial’ mood (enhanced by the large four-poster bed in each room), and a sense of tranquil relaxation pervades the property. The narrow sandy beach, sheltered by the hills and the offshore island of Curieuse, offers good snorkelling, except at low tide, when the water can often be quite shallow.

Located on its own secluded cove on Praslin’s north-west coast, bordering Curieuse Marine Park, La Reserve has recently (2007) reopened after a major refurbishment with new luxury accommodation and is now indisputably one of Praslin’s most distinguished hotels. The beautiful Jetty Restaurant is an attractive and romantic centrepiece of the hotel, with more casual dining by the lovely Pool. The property’s setting and
ambience contribute to making this a romantic hideaway with personalized service.

ACCOMMODATION is in villa blocks of 4 rooms: 8 Superior rooms (partial seaview or Seafront) each have air-conditioning, private shower, TV, minibar and terrace • 32 larger Deluxe rooms (Seaview or Seafront) additionally have bathtub and separate shower.

Facilities Common to all Rooms

Set in a 200 acre estate of beautiful landscaped gardens, La Reserve provides individually decorated rooms all giving a particular Creole feel.  8 Superior Rooms are placed in either of the two colonial style buildings, one on the hillside, the other directly on the beach.  32 new Deluxe Rooms, all on the beach, are beautifully designed with an abundance of space and extensive bathrooms with sunken bath and walk-in shower.  All rooms feature king-size four-poster bed, air-conditioning, mini-bar, coffee/tea-making facilities, bath (Deluxe Rooms only), shower, satellite television, safe and hairdryer.

Amenities: Radio ~ Safety Deposit Box ~ Satellite TV ~ Television ~ Balcony/Terrace ~ Air Conditioning ~ Hair Dryer ~ MiniBar ~ Shower ~ Tea/Coffee Making Facilities ~ Telephone ~ Room Service

Superior Room

4 Superior Rooms with partial sea view are placed in a colonial style building on the hillside.  Set in lush tropical gardens, the Seychellois style décor and architecture reflect an old colonial mood.

Amenities: Four poster beds with mosquito drapes

Superior Sea Front

With the same amenities as the Superior Room, 4 Superior Sea Front Rooms are placed in a colonial style building directly on the beach.

Amenities: Four poster beds with mosquito drapes

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Rooms with partial sea view are beautifully designed with an abundance of space and extensive bathrooms with sunken bath and walk-in shower.

Amenities: Four poster beds with mosquito drapes ~ Bath ~ Ceiling Fan

Deluxe Sea Front

With the same amenities as the Deluxe Room, all Deluxe Sea Front Rooms are located directly on the beach, beautifully designed with an abundance of space and extensive bathrooms with sunken bath and walk-in shower.

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Sunset Resort Seychelles

Seychelles Sunset Beach

Elegant, yet low-key in mood, this is the perfect base for a quiet and relaxing Mahé stay, especially suited for honeymooner s and couples, offering modern comforts in a very attractive and romantic setting. This unique and luxurious little proper try nestles in greener y above the rocks on a promontor y with exceptional views of Beau Vallon Bay and ocean. A pathway leads to a secluded sandy cove around which most rooms are located and where excellent snorkelling can be enjoyed from the beach. An appealing little hideaway lending a tranquil setting with a gentle charm- true Seychell  is style!

A new handsomely refurbished Seychelles ‘boutique’ retreat, Sunset Beach offers a haven of peace from which a pathway leads down to a beautiful secluded sandy cove edged by a protective rock promontory. An attractive pool and sundeck set above the rocks offer an alternative venue for sunbathing and swimming - while the good snorkelling is another key pastime. Informal and low-key in mood, this is an pleasant base for a quiet but comfortable Mahé stay, and will appeal especially to honeymooners and the romantically inclined.

ACCOMMODATION 15 Deluxe Ocean view rooms; • 9 more spacious Junior suites with separate sitting area; • 2 delightful two-bedroom Villas, all air conditioned and tastefully decorated with ocean view, bath and shower, TV, radio, ceiling fan, garden and patio. Children under 10 year not accepted.

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Stylish Sugar Beach Resort is for the discerning guest seeking a relaxed beach holiday in a gracious setting - with the bonus of excellent service and sports facilities. Adjacent to sister-resort La Pirogue on Mauritius’ sheltered west coast, near Flic en Flac village, this superior first-class resort is reminiscent of a colonial plantation house in its design, with an almost Victorian feel - but one enhanced by modern luxuries (including an especially large swimming pool) and framed by 20 acres of tropical gardens, resplendent with perfumed shrubs and waving palms.

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Hilton Resort Mauritius

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SPA

Welcome to a stylish fusion of world-class comfort and Mauritian warmth, the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa seamlessly unites two complementary traditions of hospitality. Lying on the sheltered west coast at Flic en Flac, its’ low-rise colonial-style buildings face across a winding lagoon pool and lush gardens fronting a white sandy beach. Many imaginative touches distinguish the property to include stunning seaward facing rooms, the impressive leisure facilities, a tempting range

of dining venues such as the romantic gourmet Melanzane restaurant, a Kid’s Club and many free watersports, attracting discerning guests of all ages. For keen golfers, the newly opened 18-hole championship golf course, Tamarina Golf Club, is only a 15-minute drive from the resort and special rates are available for hotel guests. Relax and unwind at the Spa or watch the sunset with a cocktail at the stylish Aqua Bar or even explore the region with Casela Nature Park only a stones throw away. Family friendly, shallow beaches and attentive staff make this resort a haven for children.

Set on the island’s western shore of the famous Flic en Flac’s beach and protected by a lagoon, this stylish hotel enjoys an idyllic setting and boasts a superb choice of sporting and leisure facilities, including one of Mauritius’s largest spas. The charming village of Flic en Flac is just a five minute walk away.The relaxed yet elegant Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa marries the world-class Hilton standards of comfort and service to a gentle Mauritian charm, seamlessly uniting two complementary traditions of hospitality. Lying on the sheltered west coast at Flic en Flac, protected by a lagoon, its low-rise colonial architecture blends easily with lush vegetation and a coral sand-edged sea. Many imaginative touches distinguish the property - among them a swimming pool lagoon that winds its way through the gardens - while a tempting range of dining venues and free watersports add to the pleasures of your stay.

Facilities:

• Restaurants (4)
• Bars (2)
• Swimming pool
• Whirlpool
• Full service spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Fitness centre
• Beauty salon
• Hairdresser
• Tennis courts (3)
• Horse riding
• Mountain bikes
• Volleyball
• Football
• PADI dive centre
• Water sports including windsurfing, kayaking, water-skiing, deep sea fishing
• 9 Hole mini putting green
• Children’s club (4-12 yrs)

Accommodation: Deluxe Sea View rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite bathroom with bath, shower, satellite television, telephone, mini-bar, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, bathrobes, safe and balcony or terrace with partial seaview.

Upgraded room types (supps per person per night from):

• Junior Suites are larger with a sitting area £64
• Deluxe Suites are also available £121
• Single room £55
• Elite Package £90

Optional All Inclusive - What’s Included: Elite Package: Selected spirits, cocktails and imported wine, French champagne by the glass, soft drinks, juices, water, coffee/tea, draft beer in bars and restaurants • á la carte 3 course lunch in Les Coquillages restaurant• 15% discount on Spa treatments • Priority check in/check out • Dive trial session • Day excursion with chauffeur driven car, and many other benefits (Minimum stay 5 nights).

Location: West coast at Flic en Flac, on the beach Transfer (approx): 1 hour Number of Rooms: 193 Board Basis: Half Board

ACCOMMODATION 175 air-conditioned Seafacing (Deluxe) rooms with balcony, bath and separate shower, TV, DVD and internet access; • 8 spacious Junior and 3 larger Corner Suites have a sitting-area; • 4 Deluxe and 2 larger Senior Suites each have a separate lounge. Interconnecting rooms are available on request.

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Enjoying a secluded setting on the east coast, Constance Hotels’ charming Le Prince Maurice is one of Mauritius’ loveliest little deluxe properties. A Relais & Chateaux member (the only Mauritius hotel and one of just 17 hotels worldwide to receive the accolade of ‘purple’ status), it sets an effortlessly impressive standard of club-like exclusivity and refined elegance.

Named after Prince Maurice of Nassau, a pioneer of the island’s ancient spice trade, it nestles by a lagoon-lapped beach, screened by lush tropical vegetation - a romantic backdrop with which the classic simplicity of the hotel’s Indian Ocean architecture (featuring natural wood, granite, and sweeping thatched rooflines) blends to perfection. With an elegant, intimater and understated luxury, Le Prince Maurice offers truly pampered escapism. Guest suites, classically simple and spacious in design, are air-conditioned and in one and two-storey thatched units set over the waters of the barachois, in the gardens or by the beaches. Eight Junior Suites and three Senior Suites are on stilts over the barachois.

All have private bath and shower, balcony or terrace, television, video, minibar, CD-player, safe and internet access. Senior Suites feature a separate living-room, courtyard with sunken alfresco marble bath and garden shower - and 9 have a private deck with pool. For the ultimate in luxury choose the Princely Suite - with a Senior and two Junior Suites and a second pool.

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The Legends Hotel Mauritius

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SPA

A contemporary and up-to-the minute resort, the stylish Legends nestles around a tranquil little beach-fringed cove and lagoon at Grand Gaube in the north-east of the island and only a drive away from Grand Bay town for a glimpse of the shops, bars and restaurants. It offers a fresh and modern setting of cool, stylish and subtle elegance - tastefully designed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui. This resort is ideal for small families in search of classic Mauritius and welcomes honeymoon couples and wedding groups. The hotel offers excellent leisure and sport facilities with something for all ages- from water sport activities, diving and beach sports to the more relaxing option of yoga and Tai Chi, an in-house cinema and a Thalaspa ‘The Source’ – with its combination of Thalasso and Spa – you are sure to unwind! Excellent dining options are available with 6 great restaurants to choose from and an especially appealing variation on an ‘all-inclusive’ beach resort theme with the ‘Pure Discovery Experience’ option.

An evocative new hotel name opened only in 2002, stylish Legends nestles around a tranquil little beach-fringed cove and lagoon at Grand Gaube in the north-east of the island. It offers a fresh and up-to-the-minute setting of cool, stylish and subtle elegance - tastefully designed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui. Sister-property of Beau Rivage, it marries the accomplished management and operation of Naiade Hotels to an especially appealing new variation on the Indian Ocean beach resort theme.

This relaxing hotel is set on a beautiful secluded bay in the fishing village of Grand Gaube. Designed to reflect the principles of Feng Shui, rooms are themed around the five elements. Excellent cuisine, a walk-in wine cellar, and a cinema make this hotel the perfect choice.

Facilities:

• Restaurants (6)
• Beach bar and grill
• Pool bar
• Swimming pools (3)
• Spa
• Children’s club (3-11 years, 9am-10pm) and teen’s club (12-17 years)
• Cinema
• Water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and canoeing
• Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing (at charge)
• Tennis, bicycles, pitch and putt and a golf driving range (at charge).

Accommodation: Superior rooms have air-conditioning, bath, separate shower, telephone, television, mini-bar, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities and balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. Upgraded room types (supps per person per night from): Deluxe rooms (£7) are by the marina in a small private cove • Junior Suites (£29) are on the top floor with a sitting area and a spa bath. Senior Suite £53. Single Superior room £26. Full Board £19. All Inclusive £55. Optional All Inclusive - What’s Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks daily at a choice of 5 restaurants (excluding Karma House) • Beer, Wine, premium brand spirits, sparkling wine & soft drinks • Mini-bar • 24 hr room service • Tennis with a 30 minute lesson • Golf driving range with a free lesson • One 20 minute massage per stay • Unlimited watersports including water skiing, windsurfing • Yoga & T’ai Chi class • Full day excursion • Choose 2 bonus activities in resort.

Location: Grand Gaube, on the beach Transfer (approx): 1 hour Number of Rooms: 198 Board Basis: Half Board

ACCOMMODATION 128 Superior rooms all air-conditioned with private bath and shower, seaview balcony/ terrace, ceiling-fan, air-conditioning, TV, and internet access; • 46 larger Deluxe rooms; • 23 Junior Suites with sitting area, DVD and whirlpool bath; • 2 Senior Suites have separate lounge; • Emperor Villa with 2-4 bedrooms, whirlpool bath, terrace with barbecue and private pool, private beach area.

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Belle Mare Plage Mauritius

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SPA

Delightfully situated on the east coast of Mauritius, amid 15 acres of exotic tropical gardens, this appealing and sophisticated Constance Hotels resort directly overlooks what is undoubtedly one of the island’s finest stretches of beach, protected by a natural coral reef. Designed in cool, white-walled Mauritian style, it offers not only a truly relaxing setting with an appeal for all tastes and ages (from honeymooners to families) - but one that also boasts an especially impressive quality range of activities for the sports-minded (with the majority being complimentary), as well as no less than seven restaurants.

The Resort boasts no less than four generously-sized swimming pools, for example, while Belle Mare Plage is also the only island hotel with two 18-hole championship golf courses - The Legend and The Links, both available to guests with complimentary green fees and offering challenging play for both amateurs and professionals.

Fully refurbished in November 2002 after a £36m refit, the 237 air-conditioned rooms are scattered throughout the grounds, and handsomely furnished in contemporary style in wood and marble, with private bath and shower, sea-facing terrace or balcony, sitting-area, satellite television, DVD, internet access and minibar. Prestige rooms are in the gardens around the free-form pool; spacious Junior Suites offer a sofabed, dining-area and luxury bathroom with walk-in dressing room; Beachfront Deluxe Suites are similarly equipped, but with separate lounge and extra shower and luxurious bath.

Enjoying a perfect location, overlooking a stretch of white sandy beach, with a diving centre perfectly placed for exploring the protective offshore coral reef. Priding itself on its extensive sports activities, which include two exclusive championship 18-hole golf courses, the resort was awarded the Best Golf Resort of the Year 2005.
Facilities:

• Restaurants (7)
• Bars (4)
• Swimming pools (4)
• Whirlpools (2)
• Furnished sun terraces
• Reception (3)
• Boutiques (3)
• Shopping arcade
• Two 18-hole Championship golf courses (complimentary green fees) •
• Floodlit tennis courts (4)
• Mini-golf
• Squash court
• Watersports including pedaloes, windsurfing and waterskiing
• Spa

Accommodation: Rooms have double or twin beds and feature bath, shower, air-conditioning, television, minibar, safe, telephone, hairdryer and a balcony or terrace with garden or beach view • Junior Suites have
exclusive décor and fully furnished terrace • Deluxe Suites have a separate lounge. Upgraded room types
(supps per person per night from): Junior Suite £18. Beachfront Junior Suite £35. Deluxe Suite £79. Pool Villas, Beach Front and Presidential Villas are available on request. Single Prestige Room £NIL.

Location: Belle Mare Plage. Transfer (approx): 1 hour. Number of Rooms & Villas: 256 Board Basis: Half Board.

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7 NIGHTS FROM £1779

SPA

Beau Rivage Resort located on a spectacular white sandy beach this resort has natural class and a relaxed elegance. The welcoming environment combined with legendary Mauritian hospitality and a truly exotic setting on a  turquoise lagoon evoke a real feeling of tranquillity.

Facilities:

•  4 Restaurants
• 3 Bars
•  Shops, including a delicatessen 
•  2000 sqm. Swimming pool and children’s pool
•  2 Floodlit tennis courts
• Volleyball 
• Windsurfing
• pedal boats
• kayaks
• snorkelling
• glass bottom boat trips
•  mini-sails and water-skiing
• Elemis Spa with sauna
•  steam room
• hairdresser
• and a wide range of beauty treatments and massages (at extra charge)
• Fitness centre 
• Children’s club (3-11 years) daily.

Accommodation:

Junior Suites in Beau Rivage are on the ground floor with terrace and direct garden access. They have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, bath and shower, television, mini-bar, telephone, safe, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, small dressing room, sofa bed and private butler service. Upgraded room types (supps per person per night from): Lagoon and Honeymoon Suites are more spacious, closer to the beach and have their own spa bath £33 • The luxurious villas have their own pool and a private garden with outdoor shower and gazebo £59. Single Junior suite £45. Full Board £24.

Location:

East coast at Belle Mare, on the beach Transfer (approx): 1 hour Number of Rooms: 174 Board Basis:  Half Board

The Millennium saw the opening of this stylish ‘new generation’ beach resort of Naiade Resorts - boasting a lovely setting at Belle Mare on the east coast. Impeccably designed to harmonise a serene mood of discreet luxury with an easygoing and quintessentially Mauritian warmth, Beau Rivage offers its pampered guests the very latest in international style, comfort and innovation - and makes a perfect base from which to enjoy the Mauritius Experience at its most relaxing.

The extensive Beay Rivage Resort lies right beside one of the island’s loveliest reef-protected lagoons, with a spectacular white-sand beach - to which its huge pool and delightful thatched roof architecture bring their own supremely compatible man-made touch.

Vibrantly contemporary yet distinctively Mauritian in design, the resort’s spacious villa-style accommodation is of an especially high standard - and boasts luxury marble bathrooms with oversized double baths for the ultimate indulgence (and jacuzzi in suites)! In all there are 162 Superior (on the upper floors) and Deluxe (ground floor) rooms, with 12 highly recommended suites (Junior/Honeymoon, Senior - and the wonderfully sumptuous Maharajah Suite, which has both indoor and outdoor jacuzzis) for that added touch of holiday luxury!

All accommodation categories feature a sitting-area, large balcony or terrace with wide ocean views, television/video, internet access, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar and tea/coffee-maker.

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