Legend has it that the islands of Mauritius
came about after an oversight by the god Shiva, who, when passing through the
Indian Ocean, carelessly dropped two drops of the River Ganges River into a
volcano, and thus created a piece of paradise on Earth. Legend or not, one
thing is certain: anyone who visits these islands, known as the Mascarene
Islands, east of Madagascar, with the Indian Ocean as their backdrop, says
there is no place on the planet that is so fascinating, so natural, so full of
turquoise sea and white sand.
With this journey we want to take you to the
middle of the Indian Ocean, 800 km from the coast of Madagascar. The island,
surrounded by a coral reef and a calm sea, whose white sandy beaches and blue
sea fill the eyes, is a real paradise, where the lush vegetation blends with
the surrounding idyllic scenery. There are historic sites to visit; there is
culture and a warm and welcoming people to greet you. There is an island to be
discovered.
For anyone who was unaware, Mauritius was
discovered by the Portuguese. They appear as if painted emerald green and
turquoise. The capital, Port Louis, also known as «Land of Vanilla», is a city,
which, through its buildings, reflects the origin of most of its people
(descendants of workers who arrived there from India after the abolition of
slavery by the British Empire). Some of these buildings are symbolic of the
struggle for freedom, such as the old hospital and several ruins that form
Aapravasi Ghat, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Just as the
landscape of Le Morne, a mountain that was used as a hideout by the slaves.
But the history of this island is much more
than this. Nature formed by magnificent beaches, coral bays, exotic fish and
unparalleled vegetation are constant attractions for the thousands of tourists
who touch down there. Tourism is one of the main local activities. By tourism
we mean one that is increasingly focused on luxury, as shown by Grand Baie,
Ille Aux Cerfs, which is an islet inside a coral reef and Blue Bay beach.
Nature is its trademark. Casela Park is a real haven for birds, and Tartarugas
Bay, near Grand Baie, is another place to visit.
The beaches stretch beyond the horizon. The
waters tempt you in, to do some water sports, scuba diving in particular. The
hospitality of its people – who strive to keep age-old traditions alive – is well-known.
There is a blend of cultures – Creoles, Hindus and natives – which in harmony reveal
perfection. The sweet and unmistakable aroma of vanilla prevails in markets,
and is served as tea in local bars and restaurants.
In Mauritius every step you make is accompanied
by the sound of sega, a kind of
reggae inviting you to kick your shoes off and dance. Perhaps it was all this
that led Mark Twain to one day write: «Mauritius was made first, and then
heaven». This is the home of unhurried living!
VILLAS&GOLFE Programme – Mauritius
20 pax (max)
Date of trip:
May 17-24
Contact
for reservations:
villasegolfe@villasegolfe.com or travel@across.pt
Flights
May 17-24:
KL1696 17MAY LISAMS 1535
1935
MK 073 17MAY AMSMRU 2140
1125+1
MK 062 24MAY MRUAMS 0855
1855
KL1697 24MAY AMSLIS 2055
2250
PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON TWO: €4,140.00
Programme includes:
• Flights with AF/KL and MK
• Airport taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodation at the Hotel Constance Belle Mara Plage, halfboard, in a double room
• Full-day excursion with lunch
• Half-day panoramic excursion from St. Louis
• Free shuttle to golf courses
NOTE:
• Green fees, caddie fees, practice balls, club car and rental clubs must be paid at the destination directly to the hotel.
• The hotel does not have twin rooms (2 beds), only double and single. Twin beds are made by two mattresses next to each other on a double bed base.