ISLAND OF MAURITIUS : tropical destinations
Once upon a time, the islands of the Indian Ocean were virtually unknown as a tourist destination. Most people's thoughts of palm trees and trade winds, white sands and blue seas conjured images of the South Pacific or the Caribbean. Not anymore. The seventh sea is finally coming into its own, and travellers will be cheered to note that prices are actually coming down to honour it, enticing visitors of every budget to see what they've been missing. Mauritius is making a name for itself as the most accessible island in the region, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique and, better still, offering it at a bargain. Well, a bargain once you get there, anyway.
Though nestled up alongside eastern Africa, Mauritius is actually more influenced by its British and French ties and massive Indian workforce than by the African mainland. Here, you can enjoy a dish of curried chickpeas or a nice Yorkshire pudding on the terrace of a French cafe, sipping imported wine or a thick malty ale while listening to Creole music and the conversation of locals in any number of lingoes. Mauritius' range of visitors' facilities runs the gamut from pamper-happy beach resorts and organised excursions to locals who'll put you up in their homes and rent you their cars for daytrips. If you're looking for a lazy beach vacation, you could certainly do worse, but don't forget the rambling interior and the multicultural capital St Louis.
Apart from the busy Christmas to New Year
period, Mauritius doesn't really have a high or low season. The depths
of Mauritian 'winter' occur from July to September, when daytime
temperatures drop from sticky to balmy. With less rain and humidity,
this is one of the choicest times to visit. Weatherwise, the least
agreeable period is from January to April, when the long days can prove
too hot and humid for some and the threat of cyclones is in the air.
Visitors should be prepared to spend several days cooped up indoors
during extra-heavy rains. December through March is the best time for
diving, when the waters are at their clearest; June through August is
best for surfing; and October through April is excellent for big game
fishing, when the large predators feed close to shore.
