Mauritius Hotels and accomodation
Mauritius is an island nation hundreds of kilometres off the coast of Africa, and a popular tourist destination. There are dozens of hotels in Mauritius tailored to different tastes.
Much of the island is a plateau with high picturesque mountains. Lush tropical gardens are typical, and the warm waves of the Indian Ocean break on white sandy beaches.The island's famed natural beauty was noted by Mark Twain who wrote: "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius."
Mauritius was the only known habitat of the large flightless dodo bird which became extinct within a few dozen years of European contact.
Mauritius is surrounded with coral reefs so much of the waters around the island are relatively shallow and calm. Activities such as deep sea fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, cruising in yachts and even submarines are widespread. Land-based leisure activities include deer hunting, quad and mountain biking, zip lining, horse riding and trekking. If the hotel organises such activities, it usually means discounts.
Most of the hotels in Mauritius are located on the ocean coast and can offer instant access to the beach. Even the budget accomodation in Mauritius is usually close to the shore. Instead of standard rooms, some hotels offer bungalows and garden huts - with the same level of amenities and services.
The colourful culture of Mauritius combines influences from Europe, Asia and Africa, and the population is at least bilingual, with French and Creole used by most of the people and English reserved for official matters. Hotels in Mauritius are usually staffed by people fluent in English.
Local cuisine blends Indian, Creole, Chinese and European influences. Rum production is traditionally widespread. Local folk music form, sega, has African roots, and the accompanying dance is often erotic. Some of the Mauritius hotels include a show with local dances in the entertainment programme offered to guests.
Mauritius was known to Arab sailors about a thousand years ago already but the first Europeans landed there in 1507. A few dozen years later some Dutch ships that were blown off course named the island after the then-ruler of Netherlands, Prince Maurice of Nassau. Dutch colony was abandoned, and France established its presence on the increasingly prosperous island which was then known as Île de France. During the Napoleonic Wars Britain successfully invaded the island, used as a base by French pirates, and returned its original name.
Mauritius gained independence in 1968. It is thought to be among the best-governed and most secure African countries. Mauritius hotels and other tourism infrastructure are the backbone of the local economy, and the government spares no effort in making the island attractive for foreign visitors.
The republic's government plans to make Mauritius a duty-free island within the next few years, and duty has already been eliminated or reduced for the majority of goods. Another plan is for Mauritius to become the first nation to have coast-to-coast wireless internet access - at the moment the wireless hot spot covers about 2/3 of the island. Public transport in Mauritius is free for students, disabled, doctors and senior citizens.
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