As Mark Twain once said: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

The best part is that, this paradise island of Mauritius, is just a short flight away from Johannesburg.

It is legendary for its pristine white sandy beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, beautiful accommodation which ranges from rustic to high-end luxurious hotels, and then there is the mouth-watering cuisine which is topped by the most welcoming warm hospitality.

Whether your interest is beach-bumming or adventure, looking for a connection to nature, travelling with friends, a romantic holiday, a relaxing time-out or a family get-away – Mauritius is the perfect destination.

Children are always having fun in a safe environment. Most hotels offer kids clubs with entertainment programmes for children and teens, as well as baby-sitting facilities to allow parents to enjoy a care-free evening till late.Many resorts offer rooms that can accommodate up to two children in a family room as well as the all-inclusive options that includes all meals and offer great value for money.

If you’re able to drag yourself away from the white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters, why not explore this tiny island surrounded by rugged mountains, lush tropical vegetation and coral reefs.
Take a local bus into town and get the real feel of the Mauritian lifestyle.

Then walk around the harbour city of Port Louis and its famous market which is filled with the colours and sounds of an old traditional market and where you can buy anything, from vanilla pods to a new bikini!

It’s also the place to try the famous national dish of Mauritius, a ‘Dhollpuri’ snack – a flat bread stuffed with spicyground yellow split peas, rolled up to eat on the go – too delicious!

If it’s excitement you are after, then a visit to the famous Champs de Mars race course is a must. The oldest and probably the most picturesque race course in the Southern Hemisphere has raceday on Saturdays.

The more adventurous can zip line across jungle ravines at Casela Nature Park, where interactions with giraffe, zebra and lions are also possible.
For a more physical challenge, take your pick of cycling, abseiling or hiking the mountains throughout the island.

It’s worth taking a stroll through the world famous Pamplemousse Botanical Garden where you will find exotic trees that produce fruit, nuts and spices. There’s also an enclosure for giant tortoises to roam around. The main attraction at the Park is the giant water-lily pond, which is filled with the amazing aquatic plant that is actually native of the Amazon River basin.

Go and experience a holiday thrill by parasailing off a speedboat to get a bird’s-eye view of the island!

Mauritius offers the most extensive range of attractions, activities and tours without the hassle of a long-haulflight – there’s something to meet the requirement of every traveller.

Spoil yourself with a week in paradise at the popular four star plus Le Victoria Resort and Spa from only R22 280.00 per person sharing.

Situated on a pristine beach between the tourist hub of Grand Baie and the capital city of Port Louis, Le Victoria is a perfect family resort, renowned for its spacious sea-facing rooms. The lifestyle of this hotel appeals to all age categories.

The package includes:

• Return flights from Johannesburg to Mauritius
• Airport/hotel/airport transfers
• 7 nights’ accommodation in a superior room
• breakfast daily
• dinner daily
• free land sports
• free non-motorised watersports
• complimentary Wi-Fi access in selected areas
• kids club for children aged 3 to 12

For your peace of mind, the hotel offers the optional ‘all-inclusive’ package at an additional cost, which covers all meals and drinks during your holiday and it is interchangeable with Le Victoria’s sister hotels Le Cannonier and Le Mauricia. The all-inclusive package includes:

• all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• unlimited selected wines and drinks during lunch and dinner
• unlimited selected drinks including a wide selection of imported brands  at Le Bar
• sandwich selection from 10am to 5pm at Le Bar
• pancakes from 4pm to 6pm at Le Bar
• Beach service from 10am to 5pm
• Mini bar: soda, fruit juice, beer and water replenished once a day
• Picnic basket
• Access to the sauna and Hammam