Our Mauritius specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Mauritius inside out.
Practical Information
There are many luxurious hotels on Mauritius and we have carefully chosen our favourites.
These hotels are all set in extensive gardens above quiet beaches, with good staff, delicious food and a relaxed and peaceful environment.
Language
Creole is the everyday language buy many Rodriguans also speak French. English has been neglected, with the result that young Rodriguans' aspirations to work in government services (for which a credit in English is compulsory) are thwarted. Efforts are being made to improve the standard of English teaching in schools. Away from the tourist hotels few people will speak English and you will need to speak French.
Food and drink
The cuisine in Mauritius includes a variety of flavours and aromas inherited from the different periods of the country's history. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations.
Depending on the region, rice or a variety of flat bread called chapattis or roti called farata by the local people, is eaten with curries. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and herbs like thyme basil and curry leaves are the common ingredients that provide some powerful, yet subtle, flavours.
Dal, a variety of lentil soups, are many and varied according to which type of lentil is used; vegetables, beans and pickles accompany the dishes. Dholl puri and roti, originally an Indian delicacy, have become the fish and chips of Mauritians.
Tipping
Tipping in restaurants is usually left to your discretion, although you should check that a service charge is not going to be added to the bill before you dish out tips. In restaurants where no service charge is added, you could leave 5% to 10% of the bill, according to your satisfaction with the service. In basic eateries tipping is not expected.
Porters should be tipped accordingly, although hotel porters do not linger waiting for a tip. Rs20-40 is about right for airport porters. Taxi drivers don't expect tips but they are gratefully received.
Money
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee. The exchange rate in May 2007 was £1 = 63 Rupees. You can buy the Rupee on arrival in Mauritius at the airport and it is very useful for shopping. All hotels also accept payment by credit cards.
Social issues
Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere, but revealing clothes should be avoided since they may cause offence, particularly in towns and villages. More than half the population is Hindu, so respect their traditions and religion.
Dress appropriately when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts, etc.) and remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. Do not take pictures of people without asking permission.
Under The Skin
Read
'Paul et Virginie' by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. This 1787 classic is regarded as acclaimed French writer Bernardin's finest work. With Mauritius as the setting, it tackles themes of love, colonialism, slavery and equality, ideal material for a perfect beach read.
Listen
Indigenous Mauritian music is known as Sega and incorporates traditional African music with European and Latino influenced dancing. A trio perform the music on a triangle, drum and mavarane, while brightly attired dancers take centre stage in a series of exuberant arrangements. During a visit to Mauritius you will have the opportunity to watch a Sega performance.
Watch
'Mon Pere Ce Heros' is a classic French film starring Gerard Depardieu which was filmed entirely in Mauritius. Depardieu also starred in the dreadful Hollywood remake 'My Father the Hero' which was instead filmed in the Bahamas.
Eat
Mauritian food deliciously reflects the cultural influences on the island over the centuries. You will taste Indian, Chinese, European and Creole food, often combined in the same meal. Seafood is another speciality, with fresh crayfish, lobster and prawns widely available. Sugar cane has long been the major crop, meaning there are various types of sugar that taste great in coffee.
Drink
Phoenix and Blue Marlin are two excellent, strong lagers that have won awards on the international stage. Locally produced rum is also a speciality.
Word
'Tapeta' (Cheers).
Trademarks
Beaches, dolphins, diving, fishing, sailing, spas, relaxation, mountains, sugar, rum, golf, luxury, mixed cultures, dodos.
Replicas of dodos, jewellery in the duty free shops, hand crafted miniature ships (if you like that kind of thing).