Mauritius: Best for eco-adventures and family fun
Visit a natural paradise
Why go? “Mauritius offers something for everybody,” says Dr Karl Mootoosamy, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
While the destination has stunning beaches there is more to it than sunbathing. Activities include scuba diving - there are more than 30 dive sites, snorkelling in crystal clear waters around the world’s third largest coral reef which surrounds the island; golf – there are eight 18-hole or five 9-hole golf courses; deep sea fishing; and for those that want to be pampered a large choice of spas including some of the world’s most famous brand names such as Clarins, Givenchy, Guerlain, La Prairie and Shisheido.
TOP PICK: For nature lovers, Mauritius is a paradise. Top things to do include hiking round the Black River National Park, the biggest nature reserve on the island extending over 6,754 hectares, which is home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius; and visiting the Chamarel Waterfall which plunges more than 100m against a scenic backdrop of forests and mountains.
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Where to stay: There are over 100 hotels to choose from. A number of major brands have opened in Mauritius such as Oberoi, Four Seasons and the One & Only Le Saint Géran. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will be in service by the end of the year.
What’s on at Eid? “Obviously, Eid is a time for families and unlike other paradise islands; Mauritius has a very wide choice of things to do,” says Mootoosamy.
“For the family, most hotels offer kids clubs, entertainment, an amazing choice of food (including halal), and water sports. But there’s plenty to do away from the hotel such as hiking, cycling, nature parks, diving, shopping, golf, dolphin watching, walking with lions, horse riding, excursions, and deep sea fishing.”
He adds: “Mauritius has a pleasantly tropical climate with daytime temperatures averaging 22 degrees during Eid time, an ideal escape from the intense heat of the Gulf area.”
who to sell to: “Mauritius will appeal to all including couples looking for an exclusive getaway to families looking to have fun,” says Mootoosamy. “Most of the five-star properties offer apartments or private villas, ideal for larger families.”
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: Emirates flies 9 times a week from Dubai.
Sample Packages: Shanti Ananda Maurice is a heavenly hideaway located on a natural beach and surrounded by lush forests in the southern most unspoilt part of Mauritius.
With 61 villas and suites, Shanti Maurice offers exceptional privacy. For couples or single travellers, the world-renowned Ananda Spa is the perfect place to restore harmony and balance. The resort is offering 50 percent off double occupancy until 31 October 2010. Reservations@shantiananda.mu / www.shantimaurice.com
Visas: Most nationalities including Gulf Arabs, Indians and Europeans, don’t need visas.
MALDIVES: EID OFFER
A newcomer to the Maldives resort scene is Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa – the first luxury resort in the Maldives located south of the equator.
The all-villa resort includes nearly two kilometers of sandy beach. The five different accommodation styles range from private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses – a first for the Maldives.
A unique aspect to this resort is that guests can explore by bicycle the five neighbouring islands connected by a 17-kilometre road. The resort is a 70-minute flight from Malé and an eight-minute boat ride from Gan Airport on Addu Atoll.
Eid package: The resort has a special four-night package valid from 8 -18 September 2010 from US$1,050 per night. Valid for Beach Villa and Deluxe Pool Villa stays, it includes: one complimentary night, return domestic flights from Malé to Gan for two, daily breakfast for two, one complimentary Arabic dinner, two complimentary extra beds for children under the age of 12 and a discount of 25 per cent on the second villa rate when booked for the same party.
reservations.slmd@shangri-la.com / www.shangri-la.com.
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