This new edition contains all the background and practical information you’ll need to make the most of your visit to the Mascarenes. Mauritius, in particular, has become a ‘dream holiday’ destination, especially popular with honeymooners and couples wishing to tie the knot on a classic white sand beach. It is easy to see why: luxurious hotels, a tropical climate, a glorious coastline, excellent diving and fascinating flora and fauna combine to make this island idyllic.
‘A splendid treasure house of practical, historical and geographical information’
Sun International, Mauritius
‘[The author has] combined her keen exploratory, natural history and cultural insight with a wealth of practical information.’
Silhouette, Air Seychelles inflight magazine.
‘Mauritius, Rodrigues, Reunion has good historical background and useful practical information.’
The Sunday Telegraph.
Alexandra Richards lived on Réunion. She now lives and works in Australia.
Sooner or later someone in Mauritius will tell you that when God made the island he liked it so much that he fashioned paradise in its image. Mark Twain is responsible for perpetuating that idea and I am grateful to the label on a bottle of the local Green Island Rum for the complete quotation: ‘You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.’
Like heaven, Mauritius exudes an air of exclusivity, partly because the government does not allow charter flights and pursues a tourism policy of quality not quantity. However, holidays to Mauritius needn’t be expensive, as I hope to show in this guide.
By contrast, the island of Rodrigues, although part of Mauritius, is a place of simple charm. I was struck by the tremendous sense of community and the laidback way of life is a lesson to us all. I am told that it resembles the Mauritius of 30 years ago. Tourism in Rodrigues isn’t only in its infancy – it has barely left the maternity ward. Although development of the island’s tourism potential has begun, with the expansion of the airport and creation of the island’s first ‘four-star’ hotel, tourists are still a novelty here and receive an incredibly warm welcome. My advice is to get to Rodrigues as soon as possible, before it all changes.
Whilst Réunion’s beaches may not rival those of Mauritius, its natural beauty is world class. The rugged, mountainous interior attracts hikers, naturalists and adventure sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Each of the Mascarenes has its own trump card, as I am sure you will discover. However, in combination they are unrivalled. If you visit just one you’ll love it, but if you can take in all three you’ll be smitten.
Most helpful customer reviews
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
Not very descriptive
By Peter Rau
I'm in Mauritius for close to two months for work. I've been able to check much of what this book says with locals with whom I work. At best the book's descriptions of places and activities lack detail, at worst they are flat out wrong. Wait for the new Lonely Planet addition (Jan 2014) or just do your research online before you get here.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
Complete
By Renato Ambar
Complete, but low pictures.
Hotel list complete
restaurants complete
turists places complete
I found who i vant to see.
very good
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