African Reservations

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about 800 kilometers east of Madagascar. In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic includes the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands. Mauritius Island is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion 200 km to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues 570 km to the northeast. Uninhabited until the 17th century, the island was ruled first by the Dutch and then by the French after the former abandoned it. The British took control during the Napoleonic Wars and Mauritius became independent from the UK in 1968. The main languages spoken in Mauritius are Mauritian Creole, French and English. English is the only official language but the lingua franca is Mauritian Creole and the newspapers and television programmes are usually in French. In terms of the ethnic composition of the country, the majority are Creole people. People of Indian descent are also an ethnicity. Furthermore Chinese and French minorities can be found on the island. The island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo. First sighted by Europeans around 1600 on Mauritius, this bird was an easy prey to settlers due to its weight and inability to fly. It became extinct less than eighty years later.

Half of the population in Mauritius is Hindu and approximately a fifth is Muslim. Both religions are descendent of indentured labourers that were brought during the British Colony to work in cane fields. The remaining population comprises mainly Chinese and Sino - Mauritians, Creole (descendants of African slaves) and Franco Mauritian (the original settlers of the island). The latter today still occupy many of the sugar estate and control almost all sugar plantation. Mauritius is a year-round destination. The island enjoys a mild tropical climate with average temperatures varying between 20°C and 32°C. The most equable climate is to be found on the west coast of Mauritius. Seven of Beachcomber's eight properties are located along this coast, with the eighth hotel occupying a prime location near the airport. The western part of the island is generally warm, sunny and sheltered during all seasons, ensuring year-round holiday enjoyment. A natural coral reef almost encircles the entire island of Mauritius. Clear, calm waters off the coast make conditions ideal for all kinds of water sports. Each hotel in the Beachcomber group has a comprehensive sports and entertainment programme, professionally managed by a specially appointed team of staff members. These activities are open to all residents and use of most of the facilities are entirely free-of-charge.

Facilities do vary from hotel to hotel and the necessary equipment is available on the spot. A nominal green fee is charged for golf and the hire of clubs is extra. At hotels where there is no course, golf can be arranged at a nearby Beachcomber hotel. There are 2 golf courses , one 9 hole golf course at Shandrani and an 18 hole championship course at Paradis. The course at Paradis is a typical Links course, designed to challenge the champion and entertain the novice. The spectacular setting makes a golfing holiday at Paradis very appealing. The Paradis Golf Academy is designed to assist beginners and seasoned golfers to improve their technique, building on their strengths and pinpointing their weaknesses. Personalised training and tailor-made coaching are devised using computer software, coupled with video technology to track problems. The 9-hole Mashie course at Shandrani is suitable for all golfers, from amateurs or experienced players. The 776 metre layout is a typical Links course, with ocean views from most of the holes. This island has so many suitable natural regions where abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking and hiking not only test the skills of the participants, but the scenery thrills its visitors. The programme is based at Shandrani hotel on the south of the island, where much of the adventure territory is located. Half day and full-day excursions are available which focus on all sporting disciplines. The Shandrani Sailing Club has been registered as a member of the Mauritius Yachting Association (MYA) which allows it to be recognized by the International Sailing Association. The courses are geared for tuition of both children and adults - children will learn dinghy sailing while adults will train on lasers, catamarans and windsurfers. For each activity there are two options, one for beginners and one for advanced levels. A Kitesurfing School is a popular attraction at Shandrani. Guests are able to master this popular sport under the guidance of expert instructors.

All of Beachcombers five star resorts have modern and elegant spas, using products and methods designed by leaders in health and beauty specialists, namely the house of Clarins. All spas offer a full range of balneotherapy, algotherapy, conventional massage and Ayurvedic treatments using the Clarins products. Specially trained therapists use natural elements for health and beauty treatments – sea salt as a rich source of minerals, clay for muscular and emotional tensions as well as for cosmetic purposes, and seaweed which plays a role in many of the treatments. Guests can choose from different methods of massage, aromatheraphy or balneotherapy. A recent addition is a section entirely devoted to Ayurvedic treatments recently introduced from India where special methods are administered by therapists trained by experts from the sub-continent. Beauty parlours are stocked with products from the Clarins cosmetic houses of Paris and offer the full range of facial treatments.