Regions of Mauritius : Welcome to Villa Mauritius, your complete guide to an unforgettable holiday in the sunshine island of Mauritius. From places to visit, through to various leisure and sports activities available, to useful information such as immigration, currency and transportation, this in-depth guide to Mauritius will make you discover the stunning island from within. Mauritius is situated South-West of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is an island of about 1,865 square kilometres with 330 kms of coastline almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, a central terrain and outstanding mountains. The north is a must-see place for visitors to the island. Full of energy and lots to see and do. Excellent beaches white soft sands for relaxing and water-sports. Pereybere Pereybere;s public beach is a favourite hot-spot for tourists and popular because of its varied shopping facilities, internet-cafes, restaurants and pubs. It can get busy during bank holidays and weekends. Water sports are available. Grand Bay Grand Bay is the place where Mauritians head for when they want a social night out (restaurants, bars and nightclubs). During the day Grand Bay also offers a wide range of shops and shopping-centres (Sunset Boulevard, Grand Bay Bazaar, Super-U), visitors can purchase locally hand-crafted souvenirs to designer clothes. Mont Choisy Mont Choisy is very near to Grand Bay. It offers one of the longest natural beaches on the island. Pamplemousse Gardens The 60-acre garden known to naturalists throughout the world dates back to 1735 boasts 500 different species of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees. The talipot palm is of particular interest which is said to flower once every sixty years and thereafter dies. In the 18th century, the famous French botanist, Pierre Poivre spent 5 years of his life to create the Pamplemousses Garden at the request of Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais. Mahe de Labourdonnais at one time even resided in the Chateau Mont Plaisir which still exists at the heart of these magnificent gardens. There is no entrance fee to enter the gardens. You can also take a tour guide for the garden for a small fee. The tour guide will give you lots of information about the plants. Aquarium Maurice The Aquarium Maurice at Pionte Aux Piments is an exciting place and offers enjoyment to the young and old alike. The Aquarium Maurice holds numerous tanks and pools. The various buildings contain examples of the rich aquatic life found on and around island of Mauritius. The largest tank 'The Deep', is more than 15m long and holds a variety of deep sea creatures, including sharks and a giant moray eel. A touch pool allow visitors a chance to interact with a variety of species. Pointe aux Piments also offers stunning views of the natural sea cove. The shop provides special gifts and souvenirs. The Aquarium is located on the Coastal Road Pointe Aux Piments. Entry fee required. Tel (230) 261 4561 Balaclava Ruins Not far from Baie aux Tortues in which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises found in the area are the ruins of the Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahe de Labourdonnais. The Labourdonnais Orchards The Labourdonnais Orchards set up in 1858 holds a large variety of tropical fruit trees and perfumed flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible Cap Maleureux Along the intertwining roads of the north visitors can not miss the striking red-roofed church at Cap Maleureux. There is a large community of fishermen in the local area. Majority of large hotels, long stretches of white sandy beaches. A place ideal for water activities. The Water Park Leisure Village Have a memorable day out at the Water Park Leisure Village, with water slides and various fairground rides. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed. Entry fee required. The Water Park is located on Coastal road, Belle Mare. Flacq Market Dating back in history Flacq is an important village in Mauritius. This is the country;s largest open air market. The extremely thriving market attracts a large number of people. Flacq also offers other tourist shops near-by (Winners) to high quality Mauritian made jumpers. Ile aux Cerfs The uninhabited island of Ile aux Cerfs is a tourist haven for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape. Ile aux Cerfs is 20 minutes by boat from Mauritius. The island is equipped with a bar, restaurant and shops, as well as water sport facilities from parasailing to windsurfing. Tickets for boat transfers are available on the spot. Belle Mare Beach Despite the numerous hotels on this coast, Belle Mare still offers some precious stretches of public beaches. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the warmness of the Mauritian waters in a tranquil environment. South-East of Mauritius. Rocky coastal area, lush green scenery, versatile landscape, good for trekking. Mahebourg Mahebourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaen. The recently completed Waterfront is an excellent place to visit with various shops, restaurants and entertainments. Domaine du Chasseur Domaine du Chasseur is 20 minutes away from the SSR International Airport, locatedat Anse Jonchee, on the south-east coast of the island, at the heart of the Grand Bois Forest. Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares and altitude of 300 to 500 meters. Stags, monkeys and boars live along the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside. Visitors can watch evarious species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Domaine L'Ylang Ylang Located also at Anse Jonchee, the Domaine L'Ylang Ylang is the neighbour of the Domaine du Chasseur. The Domaine L'Ylang Ylang has a unique plantation of some 15,000 ylang ylang trees. The island produces ylang ylang from which the yellow flowers are extracted and distilled in this unique distillation plant for the production perfumes. The Domaine produces pure essential oils, various types of perfumes including ylang ylang, perfumed gifts and accessories. The domain also has a panoramic view over the Bay of Vieux Grand Port and the neighbouring inlets. Ile aux Aigrettes Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world;s rarest birds, including the kestrel can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Souillac Souillac is a small seaside resort along the rocky coast in the Savanne district. What makes Souillac interesting is its landscape, it is not a bathing spot. The prominent high cliffs are a back-drop to the rough sea below, it;s an area where the sea-breeze is strong. A charming feature is the garden overlooking the sea, named after Dr. Charles Telfair. The southern end of the village is the popular view-point of Gris-Gris, where the sea crashes against the dark rock face. La vanilla Crocodile Park Near Riviere des Anguilles, in the wild South, is this farm breeding Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar. This site offers a vast park ofering nature walkways through the forest filled with freshwater springs. An insectarium holds 20,000 species of insects and butterflies from around the world. Rochester Falls Rochester Falls is well worth a visit. The road leading to the falls crosses a sugar estate. Spectacular joints have been formed by the contraction of the lava due to sudden cooling. The west-side of...

Testimonials from visitors to the villa. Flic En Flac: Villa Mauritius, #3 Le Tamier Date: November 8, 2004 Reviewer: A TripAdvisor User, Ombersley, UK Firstly, it was a pleasure dealing with Seyad the owner of the villa apartment when we were initially looking to book the holiday. At the airport we were met by his cousin Fawzi and then by his uncle when we arrived at the villa apartment. They were very helpful and friendly;;you have my number call me anytime you need something;. ACCOMMODATION: Tremendous value for money (especially compared to the exclusive resorts). 3 storey semi detached villa on a corner plot with small fenced garden area and patio. 4 bedrooms (1 master on suite), fully ?equipped kitchen, living room and garage. Dozen paces to the pool and sun beds. Very peaceful, with just a few other holiday makers around. Good quality tennis and squash courts, creche facilities. LOCATION: Flic en Flac is a fast developing sea side town, home to several of the luxury resorts. The positioning of Le Tamier in relation to the various facilities is a huge plus: BEACH: The public beach is about 4 minutes away, with safe bathing and snorkeling. RESTAURANTS BARS: There are about 8 restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. We had great fun exploring all the different cuisines (Indian, Chinese, Creole) at very reasonable prices 3 course meal with drinks for 4, £60. It;s not luxurious, but a great way of experiencing the local culture. SHOPS: W with Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss etc clothing actually manufactured on the island there are a number of factory shops with some great selections and reasonable prices (remember to barter). Again within walking distance there are about 10 clothes stores. For food there is an excellent new Spar about 10 minutes walk away and just around the corner a very handy;mini-mart;. TRIPS ACTIVITIES: A gain there are a number of outlets where you can hire a car or book boat trips (not cheap), inland trips etc all within walking distance. However, as keen divers it was a great ?bonus to find the dive centre at the hotel;Villas Carolina;. 3 minute walk to the centre, then 1 minute walk straight to the boat for a 5 minute trip to arguably the best dive sites on Mauritius - and all for a cost of about £15 including equipment. Submitted by: Simon Williams s.williams@arrivista.com for Origianl article