Situated in the Indian Ocean is the cosmopolitan island of Mauritius - a convenient four-hour flight from Johannesburg. Surrounded almost entirely by one of the largest, unbroken coral reefs in the world, this exotic tropical island is a paradise to visit almost all year round. In addition, a journey to this fascinating place can be greatly enhanced by flying business class on Air Mauritius where the cuisine gives new meaning to fine dining!
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The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in Flic en Flac, located on the western side of Mauritius, is an exclusive haven of solitude and luxury, overlooking Tamarin Bay at Wolmar Beach. What is most appealing though is how spacious and airy their luxury villas are, with the central emphasis placed on its outdoor lounge, living and dining area - not to mention having its very own private swimming pool, as well as a spectacular view of the beach! An added plus is that the hotel provides bicycles free of charge - which is an excellent mode of transport for touring the nearby facilities in Flic en Flac.
A melting pot of cultures.
There is a remarkable ethnic diversity that makes up the Mauritian society; Indian, African, Chinese and European. On February 18 each year, Grand Bassin - a sacred lake situated in the south -sees thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over the island dress in white, walk to the lake to fetch holy water and purify their bodies to celebrate Maha Shivatree, an important celebration in honour of the god Shiva.
Not exactly for the faint at heart, is the drive from Grand Bassin along the magnificent route of Plaine Champagne. A series of hairpin winding roads, flanked by thick forests, takes you to the village of Chamarel near the Black River area where the Coloured Earths - coloured dunes of volcanic ash that form a natural pattern of seven colours, caused as a result of weathering - are situated.
Mauritian cuisine is eclectic - with a wide array of choices ranging from Creole, Indian, Muslim, Chinese, French and European food. The Coast2Coast restaurant in theTaj Exotica Hotel has a large veranda in the style of a Mauritian plantation house, which overlooks a perfectly manicured lawn as well as the sea. Private dinners can be enjoyed in the small gazebo tents erected on the lawn in front of the restaurant - in particular, a typical Creole meal, while listening to the lyrics of saga music.
Visit www.tajhotels.com for information on the Taj Exotica. Air Mauritius flies daily from Johannesburg to Mauritius - contact details (2711) 444 4600
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