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Casey Gamba, co-founder of
Mango African Safaris and one of our top Mauritius & Africa
travel specialists at TheBigDay Travel,
gives her advice on traveling to Mauritius in the following interview.
That's Casey at right, chatting up a meerkat in Africa.
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| What's the best time of the year to go to Mauritius? |
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Mauritius enjoys a great tropical climate with mild temperatures all year round.
Winter lasts from May to October with a temperature range of 17 - 23 degrees Celsius (63 - 74 degrees Fahrenheit).
The coldest months are June - August. During this time of year golfing and hiking the interior are pleasant activities.
However, sunbathing on the beach in your new bikini might be a little chilly.
Summer ranges from November to April with temperatures ranging from 23 - 33 degrees Celsius (74 - 92 degrees Fahrenheit).
The hottest months are January - February.
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Those searching for a respite can look to the Eastern part of the island where
Indian Ocean breezes can bring cooler conditions.
| What's special about Mauritius compared to Hawaii or the Seychelles? |
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Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons,
Mauritius has long been a dream destination to countless European and Asian travelers.
Although well developed with all the amenities one would expect from a world class resort destination,
it has remained virtually unknown to most American travelers.
Mauritius is a very diverse island nation. People of European, African, Indian and Chinese origin arriving
during the various population movements of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries have made Mauritius a unique
blend of different races, cultures and religions.
They have created a multiracial society where the various cultures and traditions flourish in peace and harmony.
Mauritius is all about choice. Here you will find 5 star beach resorts, outstanding beaches and water sports,
world class golf courses, incredible deep sea fishing, high end boutique shopping, eco-tourism and hiking,
and world renowned cuisine - all with quick and easy access.
Its location off the coast of Africa also makes Mauritius an ideal add-on to
an African Safari.
Dust off from the bush, sleep in late, and recharge for a few days before heading back to your real world.
Le Prince Maurice
has welcomed Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones and Claudia Schiffer.
Prince William has enjoyed Le Saint Geran.
Naomi Campbell, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Brown stay at One & Only Le Touessrok.
Actor Joseph Feinnes has vacationed at the Oberoi.
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| Where in Mauritius can we get the most for our money? |
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The mature and diverse development of Mauritius has led to many great accommodation choices.
There is something for everyone. Two of our favorite properties that really give value to the vacationer are:
Paradise Cove Hotel - a family run hotel with a stunning outlook across the brightest of turquoise waters to stark
granite islands outlined against the sky.
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Personal service is of the essence at Paradise Cove and
guests are welcomed with heart warming hospitality and treated as honored visitors in a private home.
Recently refurbished, the rooms and suites scattered around the bay are decorated with the chic simplicity of island style.
Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa
is enclosed in ravishing scenery, this stylish 5-star hotel, set at the foot of the
majestic Le Morne mountain, exudes luxury and disseminates its unique Suite-units on a string of white pristine beach.
Guest have access to neighbouring Paradis Hotel & Golf Club allowing use of all its facilities, its 18-hole international
golf course, and its 4 restaurants, which, combined to the Dinarobin's 3 restaurants offer the best selection of
exquisite venues of Mauritius yet.
| What are your favorite "hidden gems" of Mauritius? |
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One & Only Le Touessrok is a pinnacle of tropical luxury.
The contemporary haute-chic elegance finds a natural home in one of the most romantic places on earth.
Guests are greeted by a dramatic, light-filled lobby with views straight out across the free-form swimming pool to the lovely
curve of Trou d'Eau Douce Bay. A spectacular wooden bridge links the resort grounds to Frangipani Island, where guests discover the
Givenchy Spa, the Asian-inspired Barlen's restaurant and Junior and Ocean Suites.
A short boat-ride away is the extraordinary Ile aux Cerfs, home to the 18-hole Bernhard Langer designed championship golf course,
and Ilot Mangénie, the resort's own island retreat, is just five minutes away by private boat.
The Oberoi Mauritius
is set on an unspoiled private beach with azure waters, and offers a unique experience of European, African and Asian cultures.
The resort consists of 20 acres of the most beautiful sub-tropical gardens in the world.
Many guests never leave the resort...it's so gorgeous and serene.
The hotel Villas, each with its own lush gardens and dining gazebo overlooking a private swimming pool with, naturally,
views of the sea make an exclusive and luxurious retreat for those seeking privacy.
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Oberoi Hotels are well known
throughout the world for their fine cuisine. The Oberoi Mauritius is no exception.
The restaurant features a soaring roof of palm-thatched timbers and panoramic views across the Indian Ocean.
Dine inside among the pillars, or outside under the stars on a fabulous menu.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Wolmar was designed with no detail overlooked. At this beautiful beach-side getaway interiors are inspired by French Colonial, Indian, African, and Arabic design. Guests can bask in the warm glow of our excellent service and spacious surroundings. Guest Villas have been designed with exquisite furnishings and so much comfort and privacy that it's often hard to leave. But just outside guests enjoy a fabulous spa, incredible beaches and water sports, and more world class cuisine.
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