Clear luminous aqua waters and white sands, Mauritius is a real haven of tranquility in the sun. Situated in the South West Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs and is composed of a central plateau with some breathtaking mountain scenery. Covering 1,865 sq kms crisscrossed by rivers, waterfalls and streams Mauritius is an enchanting island. Prepare to be dazzled by its beauty that will entice you to return time and time again.

Mauritius has a diverse blend of cultures and religions testament to its 18th, 19th and early 20th century population movements. It is a society which is truly able to flourish in peace and harmony. Visitors to the island will find the Mauritian people they meet to be kind and full of hospitality. The official language spoken is English however most Mauritians speak the real language of the people, Creole- a pidgin language evolved from French masters of the 18th century. French is also widely spoken.

Many describe the island as ‘enchanting’ and a ‘real life tropical paradise’ and it’s not hard to see why. The island has the world’s third largest coral reef encompassing a lagoon and several beaches. The natural beauty of the island is impressive and you will be astonished by the mountains, wildlife and nature reserves. If you are looking for a laidback relaxing holiday you can take advantage of the endless number of white sandy beaches and lagoons. Pereybere beach is ideal for soaking up the sun, sea and sand. Between the Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux its one of the best spots on the island. For more active beach activities and sports the Grand Bay beach offers a choice of sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. On the South East of the island Blue Bay beach is also a popular location for windsurfing, sailing, sunbathing and passing the day away.

Enjoy some of your most happy experiences on the island. Whether you are diving, playing golf or exploring the island, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Mauritius has developed as one of the world’s best destinations over the years. It is a cut above the rest in the Indian Ocean, offering world class hotels and service and is renowned for having top spas and cuisine.

The best time to visit for diving holidays is between December and March when aqua waters are at their clearest whilst the Mauritian ‘winter’ offers a less humid climate between May to November and is a more agreeable time to visit in terms of temperature. Coastal temperatures vary from a low 22°C in winter up to 34°C in high summer.

Mauritius is also a favourite amongst honeymooners and is a special place to get married. The mechanics of getting married are simple and ceremonies can be conducted on the beach or at selected hotels.

Spa relaxation, hospitality, escape and adventure, culture- A holiday in Mauritius is the place to live, breathe and realize your dream holiday!

Malachite Travel are specialists in tailor-made holidays to Mauritius.

About the Author

For more information on luxury holidays to Mauritius please visit http://www.malachitetravel.co.uk

 

Perhaps Malaga owes some of its worldwide popularity to the fact that Picasso was born here, or maybe it’s simply because the city and its neighbouring areas have so much to offer to a diverse range of interests and tastes. From Baroque architecture and striking Moorish fortresses to miles of sandy beaches and a never ending pub and club culture, there is something for everyone in Malaga.

When you have exhausted the city’s wealth of offerings, Andalusia will not disappoint with a range of attractions to keep you aptly active for as long as you have.

Benalmadena is only a short 12-mile (19km) journey from Malaga International Airport and offers visitors a welcoming list of things to do. One of the best ways to get a wide spanning view of the Andalusian countryside is on the cable car, which ascends 700 metres into the mountains. The landscape is a masterpiece of white-washed houses among the luscious green of pine forests.

If you don’t feel thoroughly invigorated by the splendour of the natural views, visit Tivoli World. This amusement and theme park is built with intermittent walkways, gardens and fountains, over 30 rides and fantastic themed shows for a full day of entertainment for all the family.

Selwo Marina is a fascinating, underwater, walk-through park with a range of species from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Located along several miles of Andalusia coast, Benalmadena’s promenade is the prime location to enjoy the lapping of the Mediterranean waves and watch the world pass you by.

Around Malaga, there are number of towns and cities that have expanded simply through tourism. Most are charming places with large selections of bars, restaurants and of course, prime seaside locations. Fuengirola and Torremolinos are two, both located a matter of minutes from Malaga.

Fuengirola is probably best-known for its five miles of sandy beaches, but it is also a great place to go for some of the best markets in the region. Tuesday is the day for the lively and large street market, while Saturday is the day for bargain hunters with a great boot leg market.

Torremolinos was once a sleepy fishing village, but it has rapidly expanded to become one of Spain’s top tourist draws. It hosts a number of tacky yet highly entertaining attractions, including Aqualand, Crocodile Park and Magic Palace, where three internationally respected performers give daily shows, perfect for all the family.

A tour of the white towns and villages hidden in little pockets throughout the mountains of Andalucía will transport you back in time. The picturesque boroughs offer an insight into the tranquil life of locals and their traditions, having changed little in many years. Although many of the villages, including Mijas, Frigiliana and Ronda, are accessible by bus, it is worth renting a car to explore the countryside at your leisure.

Besides the charm and relaxed ambience of the villages, the scenery along the winding roads is spectacular, with each corner turned uncovering yet another breathtaking sight. Frigiliana is widely and officially considered the most picturesque village in Spain, with a wealth of history, documented on tile plaques in each section of the town. Bring a picnic for an easy afternoon of relaxation or sample some home cooked rural specialties.

Granada, about 90 minutes drive from Malaga is the capital of the region and another of Andalusia’s treasures, an ancient and curious place with its main attraction being the Alhambra. This is a brilliant compound of mighty palaces and beautiful gardens offering some outstanding examples of Moorish architecture.

The hill opposite the Alhambra is a labyrinth of narrow streets and those unmistakable white-washed houses. A rewarding stroll to the top offers breathtaking views of the city’s beloved monument. Granada has a decent selection of shops, restaurants and cafés overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After, why not treat yourself to a glass of Spanish wine and enjoy the quiet buzz of this historic oasis?

Tarifa, about 112 miles (180kms) from Malaga, is a haven for adventure and nature tourists alike. The rugged coastline of the most southern tip of Europe is not only a surfer’s paradise, but nature lovers will find an abundance of plant and animal life. There is a host of adventure activities to choose from, including horseback riding, hand gliding, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and diving.

The town itself is a charming oasis of narrow cobbled stone streets and 8th century buildings, with a number of quaint caféés, tapas bars, some cool surf shops and trendy clothing stores, making Tarifa one-of-a-kind in Andalusian Spain. On a clear day, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Rif mountains of Africa, across the ocean.

If you are more drawn to the glitzy glamour that Spain has to offer, Marbella is the place to go. A 28-mile (45km) journey will transport you into a cosmopolitan world of small town charm. This is Spain’s answer to St Tropez, with an ambience of refined sophistication, art galleries, stately buildings, chic bars and bistros.

It is a bustling hub of activity day and night, and the pristine coastline and one of the most pleasant promenades in the region offer visitors the perfect spot to watch the who’s who of Marbella’s rich and famous. There is a spectacular amphitheatre which hosts summer performances and everything in sport is available from tennis and golf to sailing and horseback riding. The Marbella nightlife is alive with alfresco bars, live music venues and discos open until the early hours of the morning.

About the Author

Travel writer and website reviewer A. Burrows knows Andalusia inside out, he especially likes to explore Malaga Province and the surrounding areas of natural beauty. His recommendable online services: http://www.comparecarhire.co.uk/ and http://www.comparecarrentals.com/