M auritius contains many unique geographical features that contribute to its serene beauty. Mountains forged from volcanic eruptions, pristine white sand beaches, subtropical forest, and crystalline turquoise waters tempt visitors from all parts of the globe. There is something here for everyone, from historical monuments relating the island s rich history back to the days of pirates to cultural attractions including museums, salt pans, and gardens to natural resources perfect for hiking, water sports and picnicking. Getting around Mauritius is quick and easy with rarely more than an hour s drive separating sites. One trip to experience its natural splendour, numerous attractions, and friendly people is all it takes to keep you coming back One thing for sure, there is no shortage of activities which will allow you to discover the island s cosmopolitan population with its ways of living, shopping till you drop and of course taste the delicious local food reflecting the various origins of the people. The following are just a few examples of the numerous activities which one can enjoy on the Island. All these activities will be offered to Accompanying Persons and tailor-made outings will be developed for Accompanying Persons. 84
SEA ACTIVITIES Catamaran Cruises South West Discover the wild south and its magnificent lagoon, by sea. The beauty and tranquillity of the South West Coast is not to be missed. On the way to Ile aux Bénitiers, admire La Roche Chrystal, one of the most beautiful spots of our lagoons. North Cruise on a catamaran around Coin de Mire Island (a sanctuary of sea birds), before anchoring in the turquoise lagoons of Ile Gabriel and Ile Plate, 14 km away from Grand Bay. South East to East Board the catamaran of Croisières Turquoises at Pointe Jérôme and enjoy sailing along the historical coast of Mahébourg towards South East Grand River waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs. Spend two hours sunbathing and relaxing on the fine white sand beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. 85
Deep Sea Fishing From the North to the West our island is known to be one of the best spots for deep sea fishing. The Mauritian waters abound with large varieties of fish: Black and blue marlins, dorados, tunas, barracudas and bonitos amongst others 86
Ile des Deux Cocos A private islet, three minutes away from Blue Bay, where you will discover the most beautiful marine park of our lagoons. A historic villa overlooks a white beach and translucent waters. Submarine Dive Try this most wonderful adventure of travelling under the sea by submarine or sub-scooter: A unique experience! 87
Undersea Walk In Mauritius, anything can happen, even walking under the sea! Having the opportunity of feeding fish is a memorable experience. Miniature Eden The Ile aux Cerfs The Ile aux Cerfs is a small paradise island surrounded by white sandy beaches and remains one of the most valued spots in Mauritius 88
LAND AND NATURE ACTIVITIES Flying Fox in St Felix Discover La Rivière des Galets, using a course of 11 speed zip-lines, thrill and excitement to be expected... Discover breathtaking sights, along with sugarcane fields, lush forests, banana plantations and waterfalls. Vallée de Ferney Further South, La Vallée de Ferney is an ecotourism site completely dedicated to the natural resources of one of the remaining Mauritian endemic forests. The site offers hiking circuits, by guides trained by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, with an information centre at the foot of the valley to allow visitors to get acquainted with the fauna and the flora of the region. 89
Domaine de l Etoile L Etoile offers several activities that give the unique opportunity to discover this magic place, one of which is horse riding. The Domaine is a superbly protected spot for exclusive trips in the greenwoods of Mauritius. Explore and admire the birds and other animals that roam these vast expanses of land, by quad, bicycles or 4x4. Casela & Yemen Ninety aviaries hosting around 1500 birds, a variety of mammals and a pet farm beautifully set amongst tropical flora; this is the enchantment of Casela. Enjoy a glimpse of the African savannah at the reserve of Yemen, which boasts deer, zebras and different species of African antelopes, from Single or Double quads. Unique encounters and walks with lions give rise to African sensations! 90
Walking down two Nepalese Bridges, swimming, zip lining with water landing, crossing of a canyon swimming and double zip lining are all that you need to experience intense emotions! Off the Beaten Track in a 4-Wheel-Drive Explore the hidden facets of Mauritius in a unique way, on board a comfortable 4x4! Travel off the beaten tracks right across the countryside, surrounded by endemic flora and fauna, and discover breathtaking views. 91
Adventure Park The park occupies 30 acres in Chamarel and offers unique attractions, between the very accessible botanical discovery itinerary and the Aventure obstacle course. 92
CLASSICAL AND CULTURAL CIRCUITS Mystical South After shopping in Curepipe, well known for its factory and duty free shops, proceed to Grand- Bassin the holy place of worship of the Hindu community Black River Gorges and the famous Chamarel waterfalls and coloured earths. 93
Authentic South Deep in the heart of a small suburb of Mahébourg, discover a unique handicraft manioc biscuit factory, over 125 years old. Then proceed to Pointe d Esny to go to Ile aux Aigrettes by boat. It is the last refuge of the Ebony forest, endemic animals and plant species. Enjoy typical Mauritian food in Mahébourg for lunch. Finish the day by visiting La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes. This park is the home to giant tortoises, reptiles, crocodiles and an impressive collection of butterflies and insects. 94
Tropical Fascination Get a glimpse in the way of living of the rainbow nation of Mauritius. Port-Louis, the capital, with its buzzing business centre, its crowded, colourful local market, its monuments and different places of worship, its modern shopping centre of the Caudan Waterfront. After the busy visit of the city, take a breath of fresh air at the Royal Botanical Garden of Pamplemousses, one of the most famous gardens in the world. 95
Tea Route Discover the history and the importance of tea in Mauritian life. Visit Les Aubineaux, the home of a tea estate owner, drive along tea plantations to Bois Chéri for a guided visit of the factory. Enjoy different flavours of tea before heading to St Aubin Colonial house for lunch. Stroll in the Anthurium green house, Vanilla & Rum house before a breathtaking sight of the cliffs at Gris-Gris. Mauritian Heritage After a visit to the famous botanical garden of Pamplemousses, you will be taken to L Aventure du Sucre, a sugar factory turned into a museum full of surprise, which recalls the 96
history of sugar and Mauritius. At the end, tasting of different varieties of sugar and rum! Have lunch with a Mauritian family to taste the typical way of living and good local food, before visiting an ancient colonial house, Eureka where tea and coffee will be served. Golf Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita 18-hole course in the East Designed by the South African Ernie Els, one of the top professional players in the world since the mid- 1990s, the Four Seasons Gold Club Mauritius at Anahita is a 7,580 yard (6,828m), 18-hole, par-72 championship course with large fairways and 5 sets of tees. It has 6 stunning oceanfront holes and has been built to USGA standards: the first of its kind in Mauritius. 97
Golf du Château 18-hole course in the South Le Golf du Château has the right balance and variation in length of holes, width of fairways and green sizes and has been designed with passion, love and attention to detail. The Legends & The Links 2 x 18-hole course in the East The two Hotels Constance championship golf courses in Mauritius are of International standard. Each 18-hole golf course is a real challenge for professional and amateur golfers alike, recognised by the PGA and various other federations. These courses were conceived to annually host a number of international competitions including the MCB Open (European Senior Tour). 98
Golf Le Touessrok 18-hole in the East A boat ride across the Trou D eau Douce Bay, to one of the world s most beautiful courses; 18 holes sculpted by Bernhard Langer and lit by the sun; a wayward drive towards the ocean on the dogleg 11th; a 3 iron recovery from the beach to the green The Golf Academy facilities include an indoor swing studio with the latest computer aided swing analysis software for both individual and group tuition. Le Paradis Golf Club 18-hole in the South-West The Paradis Golf Club stretches between natural boundaries formed by the historic Le Morne Mountain and one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Indian Ocean region. Two of the Beachcomber Hotels flagship properties share the exclusivity of the 18-hole par-72 spread along 5,924 metres; the only golf course in Mauritius to be built within a resort s ground. 99
Tamarina Golf, Spa & Beach Club 18-hole in the West A panoramic driving range with a PGA Pro and assistant. Starters and marshals will monitor play to make your round at Tamarina and enjoyable experience played at a realistic pace Helicopter Flip Discovering Mauritius differently: what could be more spectacular? Take a helicopter flip which takes you above the ivory beaches, turquoise reefs and brilliant green landscapes of the island! 100