Destination Fly4free: Mauritius

Mark Twain once wrote, ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven was copied after Mauritius’. This small, multi-cultural island in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean is best known for volcanic mountains, biodiversity and luxury resorts on powder-white sand beaches.

Located just 20 degrees south of the equator, the tropical island is a year-round destination. Mauritians, a fusion of French, Indian, Creole and Chinese people, are renowned for their hospitality.

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Waterfalls

Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Chamarel Waterfall that plunges more than 85 meters down into the gorge against a scenic backdrop of tropical jungle. Another highly popular attraction is the 10-metre high Rochester Fall on the Savanne River. The rectangular flank rocks are columns of basalt lava, which are estimated to be around 2-3 million years old. This waterfall is famous among youngsters who often perform dives into the water below.

If you like scenic views and nature, you should also head to the Seven Waterfalls (Les Sept Cascades) on the Tamarin River. These falls are hard to reach but worth the effort. The incredible string of cascades, with its abseils, deep ponds, cliff jumps and surrounding lush green vegetation, represent one of the most spectacular natural sites of Mauritius. Bring something to swim in as there are numerous pools to take a dip in.

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How to get there:
Check out the best flight deals to Mauritius we published:

• Flights from Manchester to Mauritius for £261 >>
• Flights from London to Mauritius for £309 >>
• Flights from Rome to Mauritius for €393 >>
• Flights from Cologne to Mauritius for €401 >>
• Flights from Milan to Mauritius for €446 >>

Where to stay:
This splendid tropical destination attracts couples looking for some quiet time and it’s a great spot for a romantic honeymoon. Luxurious resorts in Mauritius are surprisingly affordable. The island has some of the best value deals in the region. The tourism hub is in the north around Grand Baie, which has the greatest concentration of hotels.

You can stay at 4,5* Mon Choisy Beach Resort with excellent reviews and stunning view. Studio room with garden view will cost you only €76 per night.

What to do:
Mauritius being a volcanic island has several breathtaking summits and valleys to explore on foot. Spend some time hiking the Black River Gorges National Park, enjoy a bike trip or live an exciting adventure by going down the waterfalls. You can also tour the south-eastern coastal region by a quad bike, 4-wheel jeep or a horse. Visit the sugar mill and rum distillery by train or horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy the spectacular nature walks and animal parks. The Yemen Natural Park is the setting for safari trips where you will be able to see zebras, ostriches, African antelopes, Java deer, monkeys, wild boars and many more.

The island, surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, boasts a huge range of sea treasures. Enjoy the wonderful water sports on offer. The highlights include kitesurfing, water-skiing, boat excursions to the beautiful islands of the lagoon, diving, snorkelling and the paddling activities. Take a glass bottom boat trip to look for dolphins, whales, multi-coloured fish and moray eels. You can also try deep sea fishing, the Seakart speedboat ride or a semi-submarine trip.

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