Whatever you are looking for on your summer or winter sun holiday, you are sure to find it in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Located just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius lies off the coast of Africa, approximately 1,800 miles from Mombassa. The small island has 330 km of beautiful coastline almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, ensuring that the beaches are calm and ideal swimming on a luxury holiday in Mauritius.



Mauritius is dominated with a central plateau rising to 600 meters, and marked by extinct volcanic craters. Much of the land has been given over to Sugar Cane plantations. The main towns include the capital, Port Louis on the North West coast, and Curepipe which is the central business district in the centre of the island.

One of the main economies of Mauritius is tourism, with a number of hotels located around the coast line. Generally the west coast line is considered as the ?better? side of the island, as the prevailing winds (should!) hit the eastern coast first! That said the whole island really is beautiful. A number of hotel chains are represented in Mauritius, including Sun International, Taj Exotica, One and Only and the Oberoi. The largest group who only operate in Mauritius (with one Spa Hotel in the Seychelles) is the Mauritian owned and operated Beachcomber Hotels. They have 8 hotels in Mauritius including the Royal Palm, Paradis Golf Resort, Dinarobin Resort and Spa, Shandrani All Inclusive, Trou Aux Biches, Le Victoria, Le Canonnier and Le Mauricia.

These hotels offer something for everyone as they vary in their offerings. The Royal Palm is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, and offers an intimate luxurious stay in tropical surroundings in the north west of the island, close to Grand Baie. This is a particular favourite of celebrities, heads of state and royalty who are looking for a discreet holiday.

For golfers, a stay at the Paradis Golf Resort or the neighbouring Dinarobin Spa resort would be perfect. There is a superb 18 hole course, with most of the holes having ocean views of some kind! There are 7 restaurants between the two hotels, each offering a unique flavour and dining experience. From personal experience you should visit the Creole Restaurant, La Ravanne on at least one evening. You arrive by boat, and are greeted by a superb saga dance with drums warmed by the beach fire. The experience is extremely romantic and unique to Mauritius.

For a barefoot romance holiday and ideal for weddings, is the Trou Aux Biches hotel. Located on one of the best beaches in Mauritius, the Trou Aux Biches is made up of chalet style accommodation dotted throughout the tropical gardens.

Families will love the offerings at Le Victoria, and if you have older children the Shandrani is also excellent. Both hotels offer all inclusive packages and all the facilities you would expect from a Beachcomber Hotel. Le Victoria is spoilt with very spacious rooms, and big balconies or terraces. The family suites have two rooms and wrap around balconies, plus a large entrance hall, ideal for dumping sandy buckets and spades! The Shandrani is a very elegant resort, with a 9 hole pitch and put golf course, plus a superb sailing school. Both are spoilt with a number of restaurants and bars, plus children's pools, and safe beaches.

The final two hotels offer excellent value for money in great locations in the North West of Mauritius. Le Mauricia and Le Canonnier are both all inclusive, with friendly welcoming staff, and a vibrant atmosphere. Choices of restaurants are available, as well as a number of land and water sports to keep you entertained during your luxury holiday in Mauritius.