Tel:  02-6651-2747  or  1300-738-888
Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au

 

Mauritius

It is easy to run out of adjectives when attempting to describe the natural beauty of the small tropical Indian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius. The volcanic island Republic, covered with lush forest, streams and waterfalls, and fringed with palms, dazzling white sands and teeming coral reefs, lies east of Madagascar just south of the Equator. Mauritius, covering just 1,864 square kilometers, is the archetypal dream destination for an idyllic holiday, equipped with modern resorts that have been carefully developed to preserve the island's beauty and ecology.

Mark Twain is quoted as having said that 'Mauritius was made first, then heaven was copied from it', and anyone who has experienced the island would no doubt agree with him.  Along with its natural beauty Mauritius has a valuable tourist resource in the warmth and friendliness of its multi-cultural population. Since being officially 'discovered' in 1505 by the Portuguese, the island has been occupied by the Dutch, the French and the British. All have added to the melting pot that constitutes the island's human heritage, along with injections of African slaves, Arab traders and Chinese indentured labourers over the centuries.

Most of the tourist resorts are situated along the 330km coastline, with the capital Port Louis, on the west coast, being the centre of operations for most visitors. The bulk of the population, however, reside on the central plateaux around Curepipe, the island's other major town.

Although everyone who visits Mauritius comes for the sandy beaches and blue lagoons, most are delighted to discover that the island has plenty of other attractions too, from some of the world's rarest stamps to the first ever race course to open in the southern hemisphere. Of course no holiday would be complete, either, without good food and entertainment. Mauritius offers both, with some delicious local cuisine that makes use of tropical fruits and vegetables, and the chance to learn the island's indigenous wild dance, the Sega, which originated among the African slaves of yore.

 Main Attractions:

 Central Market:  The diversity of the Mauritian population is never more obvious than during a visit to the lively, bustling and colourful Central Market in Port Louis. Inside the market is a whirl of Muslim traders, swarthy Indian touts, Chinese and Creoles, all demanding attention as they offer their wares.  Be prepared to have your senses assailed with a variety of odours from the fruit, herbs, spices, potions and lotions and various other goods offered for sale.

 Natural History Museum:  Port Louis' Natural History Museum is well visited mainly for one single important exhibit: a replica of the flightless bird, the legendary Dodo, which has been extinct since the end of the 17th century. The bird was found only on the island of Mauritius, and was discovered by the Portuguese explorers around 1505. The bird became extinct because of the predators such as dogs, pigs, rats and monkeys that were introduced to the island by European colonisation.
 

Blue Penny Museum:  The lively Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis features the Blue Penny Museum, which is primarily devoted to Mauritian art and history, but whose place of pride is given to two of the rarest stamps in the world: the Mauritian 1847 'Post Office' Penny Orange and Twopence Blue, estimated to be worth more than US$1million apiece.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses:  About 11km northeast of Port Louis, lies the island's premier tourist attraction, the Pamplemousses gardens.  The gardens were first laid out in 1735 around a mansion house called Mon Plaisir as a vegetable garden to supply ships calling at Port Louis. Later the house was bought by horticulturalist Pierre Poivre, who introduced plant species from around the world interspersed with indigenous species. A great attraction is a pond full of the Giant Amazon water lily.

 Beaches:  The beaches of Mauritius are close to perfect, with fine white sand and clear water running to heavenly shades of blue.

Domaine Les Pailles:  A short taxi ride to the south of Port Louis is the Domaine Les Pailles cultural centre and nature park, covering more than 3,707 acres and offering plenty of entertainment for visitors including horse-drawn carriage and train rides.

 Moka:  Those who enjoy seeking out some culture along with their sunshine holiday should visit the town of Moka, 12km south of Port Louis, which is not only Mauritius' academic centre but also blessed with some beautiful scenery and impressive historic manor houses.

Chamarel:  In the southwest corner of the island a twisting road winds from the village of Case Noyal to an interesting geological attraction, the 'Seven Coloured Earth'. This is an undulating mound of varied coloured sand, swirled with patches of blue, green, red, purple and yellow earth, apparently caused by the weathering of volcanic rocks. There is also a scenic waterfall nearby set amid jungle vegetation.

 Curepipe:  Curepipe sits atop the high central plateaux of inland Mauritius 20km from Port Louis. Its main attraction for visitors, is an extinct volcano, Trou aux Cerfs, west of the town near the botanical gardens, with a massive wooded crater floor.

 

Bush & Beach    -    Africa & Mauritius
 Enjoy the perfect combination of an African safari and an exotic beach holiday in Mauritius.  14 days from $5999* per person twin share.   Includes return flights, 8 nights in Mauritus with breakfast and dinner daily, 2 nights in South Africa with breakfast daily, 3 nights at Protea Kruger Gate Lodge breakfast and dinner daily plus morning and evening game drives, most airport/hotel transfers and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

To find out more information email: roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au
 

      Did you know.......


Mauritius gained its independence from England on the 12 March 1968.

The highest point on the island is Black River Point at 828m.

The mascot of Mauritius is the Dodo Bird.

Mauritius produces 13 different types of sugar.

Sega, the traditional music of Mauritius , is of Creole origin, sang and danced to by slaves to celebrate, and to forget their oppression.

There are no poisonous animals native to the island of Mauritius.

At 1.2 million people to its 1.865 km2, Mauritius has one of the densest populations on the planet, with almost 600 people per km2.

The EEZ (exclusive economic zone- area of water around the island belonging to it) of Mauritius is an enormous 1.9 million square km for such a small country. All of India has got 2.1 million.
 


Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
   


Resort of the Week: Novotel Ningaloo, Exmouth
 


Located on Sunrise Beach in the Exmouth Marina, Novotel Ningaloo is your gateway to the Ningaloo Reef and the Cape Range National Park. Enjoy a relaxing holiday escaping the winter chill or an action packed holiday taking part in the many nature based activities the region has to offer.

Ningaloo Resort has opened 44 of the planned 150 rooms, servicing the growing popularity of the nature based tourist destination.  The 24 million dollar development includes a range of studios and 2 or 3 bedroom self contained apartments, and free-standing one and two bedroom villas, each with their own spa bath. The complex also contains a restaurant, bar, lounge, resort-style swimming pool and gym plus direct beach access.

The apartments and bungalows at Novotel Ningaloo Resort feature king size beds, air conditioning and private spa baths in which to relax.  All rooms are spacious with high ceilings and large cool floor tiles and have private balconies from which to enjoy the views and capture the breeze.
 

Exmouth:  Novotel Ningaloo
 Novotel Ningaloo Resort is located on Sunrise Beach, part of Exmouth's new marina development.  2 nights from $269* per person twin share land only.  Includes 2 nights accommodation at the 4-star Novotel Ningaloo Resort in a 1 bedroom Pool View Studio.   READ MORE >>

To find out more information, email:  haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au
 
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

News Flash:

Due to popular demand, Contiki have added additional departures to their popular US and Canada trips between June to September 2008.  So if you were thinking about touring the US or Canada but couldn't get an available tour... now is the time to book!
 

  ASIA:


Thailand:  Bangkok & Phuket Combo
 From $1632* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 8 nights accommodation in Phuket (for the price of 4), 2 nights accommodation in Bangkok, full breakfast daily, return airport transfers and taxes payable from Australia.

PHUKET BONUS: FREE upgrade to a Deluxe Room
BANGKOK BONUS: FREE late check out until 4pm
 READ MORE >>
 


Shangri-La Ethnic
 12 nights from $4202* per person twin share.  Save $211* per person!  Includes return flights and taxes flying Cathay Pacific to Shanghi and out of Chongqing, domestic flights Shanghai/Kunming, Kumming/Dali, Zhongdian /Guiyang and Guiyang/Chongqing, 12 nights accommodation, 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 1 dinner, transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees and an English speaking guide.  READ MORE >>

Phuket Family Package
 From $1898* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Phuket, 8 nights accommodation at the Holiday Inn Phuket (for the price of 5 nights), return airport transfers, full breakfast daily and taxes payable from Australia.  BONUS:  2 children (12 and under) stay FREE and eat breakfast FREE, when using existing bedding.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email sarah.luck@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  SOUTH PACIFIC:


Vanuatu on Sale!
 From $849* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Port Vila, 5 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, return airport transfers, 1 bonus tour, 1 bonus lunch and taxes payable from Australia. READ MORE >>
 


Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa:  FREE BREAKFAST... FREE LUNCH.... FREE DINNER!
From $5029* per person twin share.  Includes return flights, 1 night in Papeete, 5 nights at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, return transfers throughout, domestic airfares to Bora Bora, FREE BREAKFAST, FREE LUNCH, FREE DINNER DAILY and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>

FIJI - Weddings, Honeymoons & Romance at The Naviti Resort:  Stay 7 nights, Pay for 5. 
From $1359* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Nadi, 7 nights accommodation (for the price of 5), return airport transfers, full buffet breakfast daily and taxes payable from Australia.
WEDDING PACKAGE:  From $1509* per couple.  Includes wedding co-ordinators service, return transfer to Sigatoka registry office, registration and documentation fee, ceremony location, set-up and wedding flower decorations, minister of celebrant fee including transfers.   READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  CRUISING:


P&O - Pacific Explorer Special from Brisbane
 Cruise from Brisbane and explore New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu on Pacific Sun.  12 night cruise from only $895* per person QUAD share or from $1095* per person twin share. Hurry!   READ MORE >>
 


Alaska Southbound
 7 nights cruising on Carnival Spirit from $1269* per person twin share cruise only.  Includes 7 night cruise onboard Carnival Spirit with all meals and entertainment onboard the ship, port charges, government taxes, prepaid gratuities and fuel surcharge.  Whittier - Cruise Prince William Sound - Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Alaska - Cruise Inside Passage - Vancouver, Canada.
READ MORE >>

South Korea & Japan
 FLY / CRUISE:  15 nights cruising on Costa Classica from $3429* per person twin share.  Includes return airfares to Hong Kong with Virgin Atlantic, 15 night cruise onboard Costa Classica with all meals and entertainment onboard the ship, port charges, government taxes and prepaid gratuities.  Hong Kong - Cheju, South Korea - Nagasaki - Tokyo - Kobe - Naha, Japan - Keelung, Taiwan - Hong Kong.  READ MORE >>

For more information, email dawn.smith@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  NEW ZEALAND:


Circle the South
 7 nights from $1079* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Christchurch, 7 days car hire, unlimited klms, 7 nights accommodation taking in Christchurch, Takepo, Queenstown and Dunedin, ice skating and thermal pools entry in Takapo and taxes payable from Australia.  READ MORE >>
 


For more information, email belinda.parmenter@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  USA & CANADA:


Rexall Edmonton Indy!
 3 days of WILD!  See the Superstars of the Indycar Series Scream!  There is nothing like it on earthy:  the sound of 650 horsepower howling past you at full throttle in a blur of colour and noise.  Stay 3 nights from $255* per person twin share land only. Includes 3 nights accommodation at Sandman Hotel Edmonton and return airport transfers.  READ MORE >>
 


Waikiki on Sale!
 6 nights from $1669* per person twin share.  Includes return flights to Honolulu, 6 nights accommodation at Waikiki (for the price of 5 nights), continental breakfast daily, return airport transfers with Lei greeting and taxes payable from Australia.    READ MORE >>

Treat the family to a Disneyland Resort holiday!
 Adults from $2297* per adult.   Children from $1612* per child.  Includes return flights to Los Angeles, 5 nights accommodation (for the price of 4), return airport transfers, 2 day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Ticket and taxes payable from Australia.  Based on 2 adults & 2 children sharing. READ MORE >>

For more information, email peter.elks@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  EUROPE & UK:


Cathay Pacific Winter in Europe Earlybird.
 Take off to Europe from only $2177* per person.  Includes return flights to Europe with Cathay Pacific, $300 credit to use towards accommodation, car hire, sightseeing or tours and taxes payable from Australia.   READ MORE >>
 


Captivating Croatia
 Discover Croatia, one of Europe's best kept secrets!  Grand Tour of Croatia with Mostar & Sarajevo.  8 days / 7 nights from $1463* per person twin share land only.  Includes return transfers in Dubrovnik, 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking escort, sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary.    READ MORE >>

Renault Eurodrive European Summer Special
 Car leasing with Renault Eurodrive is simple, yet exciting way to experience Europe at your own pace.  17 day lease from $1340* per VEHICLE land only.  Includes 17 days BRAND NEW Renault car leasing, unlimited klms, full insurance with no excess in 43 countries, no additional driver charges, no taxes, 24 hour roadside assistance and a full factory warranty.  PLUS BONUSES if you book before 30 June 2008.   READ MORE >>

For more information, email roger.atwal@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

  AROUND AUSTRALIA:


Spoil yourself in the Red Centre
 Escape on a trip to Australia's heart for a romantic getaway.... 4 days from $450* per person twin share land only.  Includes 3 nights accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort, Sounds of Silence dinner and return airport transfers.   READ MORE >>
 


Discover the Romantic TOP END
 Relax in the tropical Top End on a romantic getaway with the one you love.... 6 days from $679* per person twin share land only.  Includes 5 nights accommodation in Darwin, 1 day Litchfield Waterfalls Tour, 1 day Kakadu Day Safari with Yellow Waters Cruise, Darwin City Explorer Tour and Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise.   READ MORE >>

For more information, email haydee.payer@escapetravel.com.au or CLICK HERE for website.
                                                   1300-738-888

 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 
 


Mauritian Chicken Bryani
Mauritius is a paradise for the palate where the ethnic diversity of the local people is reflected in its cuisine. The cuisine of Mauritius is a testament to the influence of the culinary traditions of France, India, China and Africa that the people of Mauritius have incorporated with their local fruits, vegetables and other ingredients.
 

INGREDIENTS:
Chicken cut into pieces and half cooked
3 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
1/4 teaspoon yellow powder
1/2 cup melted ghee
2 big onions, sliced
1 cup yoghurt
1 teaspoon ginger/garlic mixture
1/2 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon powdered clove
4 cardamoms (split)
1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric
2 tablespoons powdered cumin

4 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
6 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
2 green chillies
Salt
1/2 Kg Basmati rice (half-cooked in salted water with a cinnamon stick and a few cloves and drained)
Some saffron strands (jaffran)

METHOD:
Add some salt and half of the yellow powder to the potatoes. Mix well and fry in the ghee for 1 or 2
minutes. Remove.
In the same ghee, fry onions till brown. Keep aside.
In a large pot, put the half cooked chicken pieces, the potatoes and all the other ingredients except onions, yellow powder and saffron strands. Pour in 1/4 glass of water and add some salt. Mix carefully.
Spread over half of the rice. Top with half of the fried onions and ghee.
Dissolve remaining yellow powder in 1/4 glass of hot water. Stir in the saffron strands.
Sprinkle yellow mixture over rice/fish mixture.
Spread remaining rice on top and proceed in the same way with remaining ghee, fried onions and yellow mixture.
Cover tightly and simmer till all moisture evaporates and rice is cooked through.
Serve hot with tomato chutney and cucumber and carrot salad.

Source:  http://www.mauritius.org.uk/recipes.htm
 

Email:   coffsharbour@escapetravel.com.au
 

Airport Parking in Coffs Harbour
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1300- 738 -888


 * Prices are per person, twin share (where accommodation/car hire is included, unless otherwise stated), subject to availability at the time you make a booking and conditions apply.  Travel date restrictions apply. Prices may vary due to changes in taxes, currency and flight routings.  Travel agent booking fees may apply in addition to prices quoted. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please see our website for further details.
   

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 Suite 3, 144-148 High St,
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Phone: (02) 6651-2747
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