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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Blanketed in green, punctuated by mountains and skirted by coral islets, white-sand beaches and safe, crystal blue lagoons, Mauritius was once described as having inspired heaven. Resting 20 degrees south of the Equator, with ideal weather year-round, this ancient volcanic island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar has long been a dream destination.

Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, Mauritius was officially "discovered" in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas. The old sugar mills and plantation houses that can be seen on the island today are vestiges from centuries of successive colonial rule by the Dutch, French and British. An independent republic since 1968, Mauritius now shares a diversity of cultures, including Hindu, Chinese, Creole, European and Muslim.

Situated on the island's unspoiled east coast, the Anahita Wilderness Sanctuary stretches along 6 kilometres (4 miles) of uninterrupted shoreline. Just a 45-minute drive from the airport, the hideaway of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita occupies one of the sanctuary's most brilliant settings, a vast lagoon sheltered by coral-reef barriers.

Time zone

MUT (UTC+4)

Language(s) spoken

English is the official language; French is also spoken.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 volts. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Some shops are open until 12:00 noon on Sundays and public holidays.

Please note that shops in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre Bornes are closed on Thursday afternoon, and shops in Port Louis are closed on Saturday afternoon.

Working hours

Private sector:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 4:15 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon (some offices)

Public sector:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon (partial service)

Time and distance to city centre

Port Louis: 1 hour/50 kilometres/31 miles

Time and distance to shopping

Central Flacq: 15 minutes/14 kilometres/8.75 miles

Port Louis: 1 hour/50 kilometres/31 miles

Curepipe: 1 hour/45 kilometres/28 miles

Grand Bay: 1 hour 10 minutes/60 kilometres/37.5 miles

Time and distance to financial district

15 minutes/14 kilometres/8.75 miles

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Seasonal highlights

January

Maha Sankranti, also known as Thai Pongal, celebrates the harvest of crops. At this festival, cows are served rice puddings because they are considered symbols of prosperity.

At Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, fireworks displays are held to ward off evil spirits, and traditional wax cake is distributed among family and friends.

March

On March 3, at the major Hindu festival of Holi, people throw coloured powder on each other to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Independence Day is celebrated on March 12 at Champ de Mars, where the national anthem is sung and flag ceremonies and cultural programmes are held.

July

Sugar cane production is the largest industry in Mauritius, and the harvest takes place in July.

September

Each year, thousands of devotees flock to the shrine of 19th-century missionary Père Laval, known as the Saint of Mauritius. In his lifetime, he fought against slavery, and his resting place is believed to have healing powers.

November

Divali is the festival of light, joy and good fortune, when the island of Mauritius is set aglow with lamps and candles.

December

The Creole Festival celebrates Creole culture with concerts, culinary exhibitions and special events.