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.

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.

Mahebourg
Mahébourg 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 Decaën. 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 Jonchée, 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 Rivière 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 the island was probably the first to start of Mauritius tourism industry. There are lots to see and do. The west also has lengthy sandy beaches and is good for big game fishing.

National Park Flic en Flac
Black River Gorges National Park is a 6,574 hectare park, proclaimed in 1994, it protects much of the remaining native forests of Mauritius and provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy spectacular natural scenery and unique endemic plants and bird life.

Albion
Albion is between the capital Port Louis and the major tourist centre of the coast, Flic en Flac. The coastal main roads are an easy way to get there. It is an idyllic location for a tranquil setting away from the crowds of the city centre. Albion has well-preserved beaches, used by local fishermen each morning. Standing on the cliff-top, are amazing sunsets overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Martello Towers
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers. They are a milestone in the island’s history. The towers represent the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration. Mauritius has 5 Martello towers. They were built by the British between 1810 and 1846 for defence purposes against their empirical enemies, the French navy.
The Martello tower of La Preuneuse was restored in 1999 and is now accessible for guided visits.

Chamarel (coloured earth)
A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel. Chamarel has landscape of different colours. The diverse shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The nearby waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life.

Salt Pans
Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius. It has exceptional high level of sunshine allowing this district to manufacture salt.

Casela Bird Park
Casela Bird park is situated between Bambous and Tamarin in the River Noire District. More than 140 birds from five continents may be seen there, but the main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon which is one of the rarest birds in the world. Other attractions include tigers, monkeys, giant tortoises, fish ponds, orchids. The park is open everyday from Monday-friday 9am – 5pm. The entrance fee is from Rs125-150 weekdays/weekends.

Yemen
Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there are still lots to see. You will be able to see herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic stalls available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea.

Port-Louis
Port Louis the capital and main port of Mauritius, was founded by the French governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. Off the main square, palm-lined Place d' Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially the Government House and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same period. The La Citadelle, is situated high above Port Louis, there are panoramic views of Port Louis’ city and of the harbor. Port Louis also holds the first ever race course in the southern hemisphere.

In the city centre visitors can explore the bustling central market. It is advisable to visit the market early, before the heat of the day (it opens from 6am every day including Sundays). There are also shops at The Caudan Waterfront from duty-free shopping, hand-made souvenirs and designer wear.

There are various museums to visit in Port Louis. The best ones are mentioned below.
The Natural History Museum (Chaussée Road) houses a reconstructed dodo and many stuffed bird species, rare shells and fish.

A new attraction is the Musée de la Photographie on the (Old Council Road).

The Blue Penny Museum
The Mikado Shell Museum opened in 1972 by Mr. Vic Chakowa. This museum was enriched by the private collection of Mr. Frédéric Descrozilles, a passionate collector since 1950. Mikado Shell Museum exhibits over 3000 shells of the world as well as endemic species from Mauritius.

The museum at Port Louis is on the first floor of Mikado.(Mikado sells jewelry and watches) not far from the central market. Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am– 5 pm. Saturday: 9am – 1pm.

Eureka – Creole Museum
Eureka House, located at Montagne Ory near le Reduit, Moka. Eureka House on a five-acre site is a typical colonial country house built in the 1830’s and surrounded by the waterfalls of Moka River and the Moka Range. The Creole House was restored as a museum housing Chinese and Indian antique household items. Antique maps grace the walls and sometimes art exhibits are held on the top floor.

L’Aventure du Sucre
L’Aventure du sucre is a modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugar mill. Visitors can discover the history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters. There is a tropical boutique with gifts and souvenirs. The "Le Fangourin" restaurant also offers Mauritian cuisine.
Open 7 days a week from 9am - 6pm.

Black River Gorges
This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. It is the highest part of the central plateau of the island. Visitors can enjoy spectacular natural scenery with various plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. The National Park is easily accessible from Vacoas or Curepipe via La Marie and Mare aux Vacoas.

Le Saint Aubin
The magnificent colonial house Le Saint Aubin built in 1819 offers a unique atmosphere and a 'table d'hôte' in the middle of an exotic garden. Visitors can discover a traditional and typical old Mauritius by visiting the tea factory and the museum at Bois Chéri. The estate produces Vanilla platations and anthurium greenhouses are also opened for visitors. Discover the traditional Mauritius by following the Tea route that starts from the Colonial house Les Aubineaux in Curepipe.

Bassin Blanc
Bassin Blanc is well known for the scenic lake nested in a volcanic cone.

Curepipe (Trou aux Cerfs)
Curepipe is the islands main urban town it’s not as busy as the capital Port-Louis, but still offers an excellent place for shopping and many restaurants. The main attraction in Curepipe is Trou aux Cerfs. It’s a spectacular dormant volcano 85m deep and more than 200m wide. The extinct volcano has a well-defined cone and crater. Panoramic views of Mauritius can be seen from the rim of the dormant volcano.

Rose-Hill
Rose-hill is athe second most commercial of all the towns. It has a number of shopping arcades and a market. An interesting feature of Rose Hill is its theatre, Le Plaza, which has become the most important landmark of the cultural life of the island. Plays, concerts and operas are regularly held within its walls. Next to it is the Max Boullé art gallery where Mauritian artists regularly hold exhibitions.

Phoenix
Phoenix is a lively fast growing town, and offers a large variety of shops including the nearby Jumbo Store supermarket (perfumery, clothes, jewelry and eatery). Phoenix is well known for its famous Phoenix beer, produced locally. The glass factory is also worth a visit. Visitors can see traditional methods of glass being recycled, it also has a showroom where stained-glass souvenir can be purchased.

Domaine les Pailles
Not far from Port Louis is Domaine Les Pailles, a nature park spreading over 3,000 acres at the foot of a mountain range where visitors can discover some old ways of living in an enchanting environment. There are also possibilities of driving in Land Rovers in the mountains where deer, monkeys and rare birds live. Riding in a horse-drawn carriage or in a train is also possible.

Le Val Nature Park
Le Val Nature Park is approximately 20 minutes from Union Park in Plaines Wilhems. Le Val is a natural reserve where giant fresh water prawns called Rosenbergis are bred in ponds and a rich flora consisting mainly of tropical trees, indigenous ferns, wide varieties of anthurium flowers (grown for export to Europe), tropical fruits and legumes. Natural pools, fish, stags, monkeys and tortoises are among the varieties of the Mauritian fauna. The restaurant also offers Mauritian cuisines. Due to the sub-tropical area it is advised to have mosquito repellant cream to keep them away.

Quatre Bornes
Quatre Bornes is a pleasant city. It has a various shopping centres and hotels. The best known being the Orchard Centre which has a supermarket, restaurants and many shops offering a whole variety of product. Another very popular shopping attraction in Quatre Bornes is its market, which it is held on every Thursdays and Sundays. It specialises in textile product that are sold at very attractive prices