Exotic Holiday Destinations
Mauritius
About Mauritius
The island of Mauritius lies southeast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, blessed with endless white-sand beaches, hospitable people and a happily diverse culture.
Weather and climate: Warm and humid sums up Mauritius's weather; south-easterly trade winds keep oppressiveness at bay.
Summer is experienced December to April. Relative humidity is high. Winter is experienced May to November. Cool and dry, an ideal time to visit.
January and February are cyclone months; avoid them, especially if water sports are your passion.
Culture and language : Long before 'multi-culti' became a trendy moniker, the island's social fabric has been knit into a relatively harmonious whole by Africans (Creole), Indian, Chinese and French inhabitants. English is the official language, but Mauritian Creole and French are widely spoken. Hotels to checkout: |
Paradis Hotel and Golf Club: This luxury resort is on the south-western tip of Mauritius with a view of Le Morne Mountain and white sand beaches to die for.
 | Shandrani Resort & Spa: Set on the shores of the Blue Bay Marine Park, the Shandrani has three beaches and superb water sports facilities. 
| Trou Aux Biches
A village-style resort and spa, Trou aux Biches offers suites and villas in an intimate setting perfect for honeymooners. 
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Zanzibar
About Zanzibar
The Spice Islands! Historically, the archipelago of Zanzibar in east Africa has been a trading hotspot, where African, Arab and Indian communities have co-existed for hundreds of years. Zanzibar¿s natural beauty and cultural diversity make for a delightfully different travel experience.
Things to do
Lose yourself in the crazy maze of historic Stone Town. Soak up its centuries-old ambience with traditional Arabic and Indian-style architecture. Chattering, colourful bazaars are perfect for people watching. Drop in at Beit el-Ajaib (House of Wonders), the 19th century national museum for a primer on Swahili civilisation and Zanzibar's Arab settlers. Visit spice plantations in west and central Zanzibar. En route, view Kidichi's Persian bath, built for a princess, and the Maruhubi Palace ruins. Swim with dolphins off coastal Kizimkazi. Watch the setting sun paint the sky on a dhow cruise or enjoy a beach bonfire and seafood grill at Mercury's, named after Zanzibar-born Freddie Mercury, of Queen fame. Hotels to checkout: |
Breezes Beach Club: This family-owned luxury resort consistently rakes in awards for excellent service and delightful ambience. It is also famous for its attention to detail, intimate and private dining. 
| Diamonds La Gemma Dell' Est: Located in Zanzibar's northwest, this beach front hotel offers a boatload of sporting activities. The sunset bar out on the wharf is a great place to restore your tissues. 
| Ocean Paradise Resort: Getting married? Planning an offsite? Or simply getting away? Ocean Paradise, on the scenic north-east coast takes care of it all for you. 
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Seychelles
About the Seychelles
Paradise unlimited. That's Seychelles Islands, 115 gems dotting the Indian Ocean and an ecotourism success story. At Mahé Island, explore Jardin du Roi, a spice garden or Cousine Island Special Reserve, a rehabilitated granite island that protects the endangered Seychelles Warblers, nesting Hawksbill turtles and lizards of all kinds. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the three main islands, tempt vacationers with surfing, snorkelling, swimming in deliciously warm waters or simply lying on a satin-soft beach. Every island offers varied activities from bird-watching and big-game fishing to visiting craft villages. Trek around Morne Seychellois National Park. Hike up to Morne Blanc, a stunningly lovely trail leading through mist forests, caves and holes.
Weather and Climate
Pick a month to visit the Seychelles depending on activities that interest you. South-easterly trade winds in October-March bring cool, windy weather best suited for sailing. April/May and October/November are good for swimming and diving when the water is a sensuous 29 °C and visibility sometimes extends to 30 metres!
Hotels to checkout:
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Sainte Anne Resort and Spa: The island of your dreams, just a 10-minute boat ride from Mahé! Luxuriate in a private villa. Explore the treasures of the sea, trek around Saint Anne Island and enjoy the quiet beach...bliss! 
| Paradise Sun: An aptly named hotel, for Praslin Island is the legendary site of the Garden of Eden. Plan a romantic wedding here. Enjoy nature walks, rock fishing, aqua aerobics and more. 
| Constance Lemuria Resort: Quietly luxurious lodges overlook the sea in this lush Praslin Island resort. A golf course, spa and plenty of child-friendly activities make this a great family getaway. 
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