Twin Peaks
Sold alone or ‘twinned’ the Indian Ocean gems of Mauritius and Réunion never go out of style, says Karl Cushing
Mauritius has long featured on many UK travellers’ bucket lists. A Creole melting pot of infl uences– from French to African to Indian– it’s more culturally and topographically diverse than the Maldives and more affordable than the Seychelles, around 1,100 miles to the north. And while visitor numbers dipped
W
somewhat in the ‘noughties’ the last few years have seen a return to robust sales.
ith its luxury hotel stock, rich culture and balmy Indian Ocean waters
“Mauritius is a great alternative to
the Caribbean,” says Virgin Holidays’ Product Executive Sara Luxford. “The beaches are idyllic, many of the hotels are all-inclusive – and of a great standard – and tactical air fares mean it can sometimes be cheaper.” Elegant Resorts’ Product Manager,
Tara Taylor, points to its year-round appeal. “Its winter months (the UK’s summer months) are perfect for families, with lovely warm temperatures and without the humidity, and this is the time hotels have good offers.”
While the east coast is best
for beaches, Travel2 Product and Purchasing Manager Michael Creighton recommends the north for clients looking to explore and the choppier south-west around Le Morne for quieter stays and watersports. “Mauritius offers the perfect mix of tropical beaches, interesting culture, scenic countryside and fantastic hotels,” he says. Western & Oriental has tripled the Mauritian properties it features, from seven to 21, for its 2013/14 Indian Ocean & Middle East brochure and added twin-centre options. Indian Ocean Product Executive Erica Moore says: “We’ve seen a substantial increase in families to Mauritius year on year, with deals like The Residence’s family offer, where
20 December 2013
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80