Four Seasons Offers a New Way to See Mauritius

More often than not, tourists to Mauritius tend to embark upon traditional sightseeing tours with trained guides who show them the way. While this method of seeing the Indian Ocean island is certainly a viable one, those who prefer a more adventurous sightseeing tour done independently of large groups now have an interesting new option. The new program is being offered by the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius located at Anahita, in the south east of the island.

So what is this adventurous new sightseeing program? It is something being described by the hotel chain as a "top-down" tour. The tour is developed by the Four Seasons staff tailored to show tourists the best parts of the island that would particularly appeal to their tastes and interests. The tour data is downloaded into the satellite navigation system of a convertible Mini Cooper that the registered guests then use to embark on their own tour, at their own schedule.

The best thing about these tours is that there are four different itineraries to choose from. The choices are designated as Adrenaline (for those looking for exciting adventure), Culinary (focused on fine dining and food), Family (packed with family oriented activities), and Scenic (dedicated to showing guests the best of Mauritius' natural beauty). The scenic tour takes guests to the Black River National Park and the World Heritage Site at Le Mourne.

The tours are marketed as a great alternative for Mauritius family holidays because they allow for parents and their children to experience a wide range of activities they might not otherwise be exposed to. Where mother and father might prefer a culinary tour on one day, they could satisfy the desires of the children with a family tour on the next. Having such a good variety means there is something for every family member to enjoy.

In addition to driving the Mini Cooper from one site to the next, guests will engage in other activities such as hiking, biking, kite surfing, windsurfing, and dining at some of the world’s most interesting restaurants. Far from just sitting in a car all day, these new mini tours provide plenty of activity to keep guests busy for hours. Though they may be tired at the end of the day, it will be with the satisfaction of knowing great things experiences were enjoyed by all.

The tropical environment and natural beauty of Mauritius makes this island the ideal place for The Four Seasons mini tours. If they prove to be successful here it is possible the hotel chain will implement them elsewhere. If you're heading to Mauritius for a holiday this winter, you could be one of the first guests to utilize the service. The Four Seasons would be happy to provide you with your own customized tour that will make your stay in Mauritius a memorable one.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the luxury holiday company based in the UK, is your best option for Mauritius family holidays, beach weddings, and romantic honeymoons.

New Mauritian Dam to Spur Further Economic Development

A project to build a new dam in Mauritius, set to get under way on December 1, is expected to help further economic development in the country's capital city of Port St. Louis, as well as some of the smaller towns downstream. The project will create an artificial reservoir through a dam across the Terre Rouge River, on the north-west portion of the island. When it's complete, the 14.2 million m³ reservoir will become instrumental in the Mauritian effort to maintain responsible water conservation.

The new dam is being built by China's Three Gorgeous Corporation, the operator of that country's largest and most notable water conservation project. It will cost a projected USD $112 million with a completion schedule of about three years. The new dam has already been given a name: the Bagatelle dam.

A similar dam project developed around the turn-of-the-century was an immediate success in helping Mauritius control its potable drinking water supply. Although she is a tropical island in the midst the Indian Ocean, potable water has long been a problem in Mauritius as the government pours most of its resources into the tourist industry, leaving inland towns and cities with poor infrastructure. Building these dam projects means that clean drinking water will be available in those areas as well.

Furthermore, building dams such as Bagatelle help to create a more inviting environment for business development. When dams go in, new towns and their accompanying businesses are born. The Mauritian government is hoping that the economic activity resulting from this new dam will be good for everyone, especially the tourist industry. Tourism still accounts for the largest percentage of the Mauritian GDP and foreign currency, so it must be preserved.

Holidays to Mauritius should only get better with the building of the new dam. But even without that project, this island nation has been a favourite European holiday destination for generations. Being able to visit an island that has been significantly influenced by both the British and the French, means Europeans are able to get a glimpse of a colonial past in a tropical environment where peace and tranquillity are the norm.

The island has always been known for incredible natural beauty, crystal-clear water alive with water sports, an intriguing indigenous culture, interesting and tasteful cuisine, and of course, near-perfect weather year-round. In recent years Mauritius has also been trying to develop itself as a great getaway for sports-related activities. They have been developing their golf industry as well as attracting professional sports like surfing and kite-surfing.

As many of the downstream towns and cities realize a consistent supply of potable water economic development will soon follow. That means more opportunities for business, more places to see for visitors, and a healthier environment all the way around. The Mauritian tourist industry extends an invitation to you to consider visiting their island on your next holiday trip. They are ready with plenty of bed capacity and all of the amenities necessary to make your trip one you'll never forget.

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LHW Bringing Father Christmas to Mauritius

Leading Hotels of the World, operators of the Royal Palm Hotel in Mauritius, have announced plans for this year's Christmas day celebration. It includes bringing Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus in other parts of the world, to the beach-side resort on the morning of December 25. The program is designed to provide Christmas entertainment and celebration to the resort's guests during the Christmas holiday season.

According to the announcement, Father Christmas will make the rounds visiting all of the LHW properties around the world, finishing up his travels on Mauritius on Christmas morning. After appearing in Seychelles he will make his way across the Indian Ocean and arrive in Mauritius on water skis. At the conclusion of the aquatic program the jolly old elf will disappear from view and reappear in the resort's lounge area. From there the children will be invited into the hotel's kids club to receive gifts. The entire celebration will close out with a special Christmas show.

LHW decided to provide the Christmas celebration so that parents won't have to miss out on an age-old tradition if they choose to take holidays to Mauritius. Having the island play host to the final appearance of the season also plays into the long-held tradition that Father Christmas takes a tropical vacation after finishing his global rounds. It's an added bonus for the younger kids who can then lay claim to the fact that they enjoyed the tropics with one of the most famous international celebrities.

November through January marks the peak travel season in Mauritius so interested travellers should not delay in making the reservations if they want to be at the Royal Palm on Christmas morning. In addition to the special Christmas day program, guests will be treated to a fine luxury resort which knows how to cater to their guests every whim. From the accommodations to the beach to the resort facilities, the Royal Palm is a quality resort.

Elsewhere on the island, guests at all of the resorts will enjoy the perfect tropical weather while relishing the fact that their loved ones back home are fully ensconced in winter. Golfers will be enjoying one of the island's eight championship-level courses in shorts, T-shirts, and sunglasses. Kids will be building sand castles on the beach while couples will go on for long strolls among tropical green gardens. There's no better way to spend your Christmas holidays then an extended stay on Mauritius.

If you've already made plans for Christmas, there is still occupancy for October, November, and even next spring. Regardless of the season you visit, Mauritius always has plenty to offer by way of culture, history, water sports, shopping, and other activities. The island also boasts resorts and hotels to fit every budget and taste. So if you're planning to leave home to travel abroad for holidays, there's really no reason for you not to consider Mauritius.

To book All Inclusive Mauritius Holidays contact Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK .

Mauritius to Open New Tourism Academy

Hospitality and tourism is at the centre of the Mauritian economy, so what better place to open a tourism and hospitality academy than this tropical paradise. That's the plan, according to an official announcement from the country's Minister for Tertiary Education. The announcement was made last week as part of the opening of a conference attended by representatives from 20 different countries focusing on sustainable tourism.

Among the conferences attendees were representatives from Bedfordshire University in London, who are expected to land support in terms of technical assistance and quality assurance. They also will be acting in an advisory role in helping the new academy offer educational programs worthy of globally accepted diplomas. It's not yet clear whether the Academy will remain independent or become part of the Mauritius University system. One thing is for sure, the new school will be targeting students from both home and abroad.

The government's announcement to build the school is the latest in an ongoing flow of good news coming out of Mauritian tourist industry since the start of the year. It follows on the heels of a recent announcement that the Emirates would be increasing its flights servicing Mauritius from 9 to 11 weekly. In addition, air Mauritius has increased its own flight schedule and reached agreements with British Airways and a prominent Asian airline to bring more flights in. All of this activity is motivating further economic investment in Mauritius, which is good for everyone.

Tourists looking for Mauritius luxury holidays stand to benefit the most, however. The number of options in terms of resort locations, flights, activities, and prices is steadily increasing with each passing month. And as economic options increase, more and more travellers are expected to take advantage of them. Already Mauritius is seeing about 5% increase across the board for 2011. That increase portends good things as the Indian Ocean turns the corner into the fall season.

Of course, the biggest draw for this island is its gorgeous tropical weather and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors coming from Europe, Asia, and North America, where climates can be extreme between the four seasons, find the consistent tropical climate of the Indian Ocean area very inviting. They also find peace and relaxation in the quiet surroundings of the Mauritian Island. Without endless traffic, activity, and the distractions of everyday life, travellers are able to enjoy a week or two in total, tropical bliss.

Mauritius hopes to train both its own native sons and students from abroad how to make the most of tourist opportunities. The success Mauritius has enjoyed thus far should translate into high-quality, educational programs that benefit tourism operators around the world. And as an added bonus, students wishing to learn all about the tourist trade now have one of the most heavenly places on earth to receive their education.

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Emirates Adds Additional Weekly Flights to Mauritius

Travelling from the UAE to Mauritius will now be somewhat easier with the announcement that Emirates Airline is adding two more weekly flights to its schedule. The first of the two flights begins November 4 while the second follows a little more than a month later on December 6. With the addition of the two flights Emirates will now be servicing Mauritius 11 times per week. The increased schedule is expected to boost current capacity by about 22% weekly.

The increase comes at a time when many are sceptical of the international tourist trade. Where many tourist destinations are working hard just to stay afloat, Mauritius and Dubai have had an ongoing relationship of mutual benefit for quite some time. In fact, the Mauritian government made it known a couple of months ago it was working with airlines from other countries to help fill in the service gaps left by Air Mauritius. Apparently, the deal with Emirates Airline is part of that ongoing relationship.

For Europeans headed to a Mauritian holiday, the addition of the Dubai flights provides an extra bonus. Mauritius twin centre holidays (Dubai makes a great stop over when going to Mauritius) will now be a bit more inviting with the opportunity for more flight options. And as Europeans are given more options, they are more likely to utilize whatever can give them of the most value for their money. Several nights in Dubai before heading off to Mauritius is just one of those options.

Both Dubai and Mauritius are popular holiday destinations for both Brits and the French. They offer warm and sunny weather, plenty of natural beauty to explore, cultural and historical sites, and the ability to simply relax and unwind in a resort environment. And both destinations are well-versed in adorning guests with the ultimate luxury holiday experience. For example, imagine playing golf in Dubai on Monday, then again on Mauritius on Tuesday. Being able to experience both on the same holiday trip is certainly a trip never to be forgotten.

From the Mauritian perspective specifically, the additional flights from Dubai is a big help. While Air Mauritius provides a significant service for travellers coming to and from the island, it can't be denied that there are real gaps in their service. The airline needs help from outsiders in order to make the best use of the nation's airport and available flight schedules. Thankfully, Mauritian officials have negotiated with two other airlines for increased flights in the future.

If you've not yet begun to plan your fall holidays for 2011, or you're thinking about starting to plan for 2012, you should consider a twin centre holiday to Dubai and Mauritius. All inclusive packages are available to offer you the best possible deals and most welcoming accommodations. And now with increased flights between the two destinations, you have greater flexibility than ever before.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the luxury holiday company based in the UK, is has great deals on Mauritius twin centre holidays featuring a stopover in Dubai, Seychelles and South Africa.

US Naval Ship Arrives in Mauritius

The Mauritian Capital of Port St. Louis welcomed the USS Samuel B. Roberts this week for an eight-day stay that will see a cooperative training effort between the U.S. Navy and the Mauritian Coast Guard. The visit is seen as a goodwill gesture between the two countries that will also provide a means for helping to secure Mauritian coastal waters. The visit is part of the Africa Partnership Station program.

While in port, the ship's crew will conduct training classes involving search and rescue operations, at sea fire fighting, electrical maintenance, and on-board damage control. The training is designed to help improve on-board operations throughout the Coast Guard's fleet. The visit will also include a special public service project with a children's school and a soccer game with the Mauritian Coast Guard. According to the commander of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, his crew has been looking forward to the visit.

"Sammy B. is really excited to arrive in Mauritius for classroom training with the coast guard and police here," said Commander Angel Cruz. "The training will culminate with an underway exercise where we'll put all our knowledge into practice. This is our primary mission."

Although the operation is not normally associated with Mauritius' travel industry, it is in a roundabout way. In other words, holidays to Mauritius are made safer and much more enjoyable when coastal waters are secured. By helping to train the Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy is adding to the overall safety of the region and making holiday travel in the area more inviting. The fact that these types of visits are happening all over the region only makes the Indian Ocean more secure.

As for the tourists themselves, most will enjoy the sun and surf of luxury resorts without ever knowing about the maritime operations. They'll be enjoying deep-sea fishing, diving, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing, and all of the other water sports the island nation is famous for. They will be having morning coffee overlooking a peaceful, turquoise-blue lagoon, then spending long hours strolling through lush, tropical gardens.

During the afternoon hours a round of golf at one of Mauritius' championship-level courses may be in order. History and culture lovers may visit one of the island's historic sugar plantations or visit Port St. Louis to see some of the historical buildings. They may take the kids on a trek through the foothills of the Mauritian mountains or rent some bicycles for a leisurely ride along the coast. When evening comes, a beautiful sunset and ocean side dining awaits.

Since tourism is so vital to the Mauritian economy, the training provided by the U.S. Navy can only be seen as a benefit. The more secure the country's Coast Guard can keep the waters around the island nation the better things will be for visitors-regardless of where they hail from.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK, specializes in finding the best holidays to Mauritius for their customers.

Private Villas Add to the Accommodations on Mauritius

When it comes to luxury holiday destinations Mauritius is at the top the list regardless of where you're coming from. The island boasts plenty to offer including some of the world’s finest resort properties. But now there are enterprising hoteliers adding to the accommodations with a new option: private island villas. Many of these villas were one-time residences of the wealthy which have been purchased by resort companies and are now rented out.

It's not uncommon to find these private villas apportioned with as much a luxury as the standard ocean-side luxury resort. Furthermore, many of these villas are on private islands or in remote areas along the coast as yet untouched by larger properties. They are the perfect option for couples looking for private Mauritius honeymoon packages. What could be more romantic than your own private island villa complete with maid service, butler service, and your own chef?

It is these types of options that continue to bring people to Mauritius from all over the world. Europe continues to supply most of the area's visitors, at about 70% annually. But travellers from China, North America, and the Middle East are beginning to come with more frequency as well. All of this adds up to a vibrant tourist industry that has grown by about 5% so far in 2011.

Regardless of whether you come to Mauritius for your honeymoon or just an annual holiday you will be swept away by the incredible tropical environment. One of the first things many new visitors notice is how crystal clear the water is. That's because natural coral reefs protect the coastal waters from the churning Indian Ocean. This provides an environment in which the turquoise blue waters come alive with natural animal and plant life as well as colours that will blow your mind.

Water is the centre point for most Mauritius holidays, with plenty of water sports available. You can try your hand at water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, or even PADI diving. Many resorts have access to glass-bottomed boats as well as local companies offering island hopping tours and deep sea fishing. If you love time on the water, you will absolutely love your Mauritius holidays. And even if water is not your thing there's still plenty for you to enjoy.

For the golfer Mauritius offers several championship level courses surrounded by beautiful mountain and ocean views. Nature lovers will enjoy long walks through lush gardens, hiking along nature trails, or bike riding from town to town. And for those who are into history and culture, Mauritius has more than enough to satisfy. Between the historic sugar plantations, colonial architecture, and cultural sites, you'll learn all about Mauritius and its native people.

When it's time to plan your next holiday trip you should seriously consider a visit to Mauritius. It is a place where memories are made; a place where you'll enjoy the closest thing to paradise on earth. So take advantage of last minute deals right now, or start making your plans for 2011.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the Mauritius holiday specialist based in the UK, is your provider of Mauritius honeymoon packages and other Mauritius luxury holidays.