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Paradise island

Like many before her, Avi Vince discovers the delightful island of Mauritius.

Mauritius Island

Discover the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk...

Open Every Day (Except Christmas Day) From 9.30am to the last walk at 4pm (Closes at 5pm) | Suitable walking shoes recommended | Car and bus parking available.

333 Geissmann Drive (off Tamborine Mountain Road) North Tamborine, Qld | 07 5545 2222 or 07 5545 2333

www.rainforestskywalk.com.au | info@rainforestskywalk.com.au

Explore the beautiful Rainforest in a different and thrilling way ...

The spectacular elevated Canopy Skywalk, the Skywalk Cantilever and the Creek Lookout are all linked by winding paths along the forest floor.

Spend some time in the Rainforest Interpretive Gallery, browse in the Gift Shop or relax at the Birdwing Café.

While its neighbour Madagascar steals the attention on the big screens,

870 kilometres east lies Mauritius – an island of true paradise tucked away in

the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius is relatively small, only 45 kilometres wide and 65 kilometres long.

You could easily drive around it in a day. And its location makes it a perfect

stopover on your way back from Europe, the Middle East or Africa. As I stepped

onto the tarmac from my flight from South Africa, I could immediately sense the

island’s laidback atmosphere of complete acceptance.

Over the years, many nations have wanted a piece of Mauritius with its blue

sea and corals surrounding the white sand beaches. In the 10th Century it was

the Arabs, before the Portuguese officially discovered the island in 1505. It was

then stolen by the Dutch in 1598, taken by the French in 1715 and later given to

the British in 1814 before finally becoming independent in 1968.

The population of Mauritius was not damaged by its changing historical

owners. Instead, they have done what very few nations have; adopted everyone’s

culture. The main languages are Creole, French and, of course, English for the

many tourists that flock to this Island. And the main customs are Hindu, Creole,

Chinese, Muslim and European. In fact, of the 15 official public holidays, eight

are reserved to celebrate not only your religious holiday, but your neighbours

too. When I asked the tour guide if, like the rest of the world, the difference in

religion caused any problems he said, ‘Definitely not, the most important thing

is to respect each other’.

But the true beauty this island has on offer started even further back in history.

It has a volcanic origin, which means its soil is rich in nutrients, providing a dense

forest inland in its not-so-high 828 metres above sea-level mountains. Among

its mountain range, there is a cliff that points south west. My guide informs me

that this is where slaves who sought freedom would come to jump. >>

Paradise island

Like many before her, Avi Vince discovers the delightful island of Mauritius.

Le Victoria Resort pool

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+61 7 5577 9211www.covetravel.com.au

Email: info@covetravel.com.au Fax +61 7 5577 9928Mobile service available by appointment

Jabiru House, Masthead Way Sanctuary Cove, QLD 4212

But below the cliff is what attracts tourists. As a result of its volcanic

eruptions, Mauritius is surrounded by fine white sand beaches which spill into

clear blue water. Within five metres of stepping into the ocean water, which

hovers at 27 degrees Celsius in the summer months, coral begins to spread out

like a spider’s web filled with colourful fish and, a little further out, dolphins. It

was one of the best snorkelling experiences I have had, not only for the marine

life which swims so close you need to be careful you don’t kick one in the face

with your flippers, but because I never felt cold in the water. At the time, the

ocean was the same temperature as the air.

Mauritius’ biggest income earner is tourism and they have capitalised on the

stunning beaches. The coast is lined with all-inclusive resorts that are idyllic for

families looking for a summer holiday and couples looking for a romantic one.

The resort that I stayed in was Le Victoria, situated north of the capital Port

Louis facing the sunsets on the west coast. While I am not a fan of all-inclusive

resorts because of their stereotypical cheap meals and watered down drinks,

Le Victoria changed my opinion.

As you enter the hotel, you are greeted with the view of the pool, which

seems to almost spill onto the beach. Le Victoria boasts three restaurants (one

showcasing a seafood buffet with lobster on offer), a bar and a disco if you are

feeling in the mood to boogie later on.

But the best part was when I soaked up the sun on a deck chair under the

thatch umbrella on the white sand and ordered my cocktail and snack from

the roaming waiters before dipping into the ocean to cool down. For those with

a more adventurous streak, there are the free water sports like windsurfing

or snorkelling.

Mauritius may be a secret dot in the wide blue ocean, but it is one

worth visiting.

Tamil temple on Mauritius Island

Marine life in the Indian Ocean