When to go: Mauritius experiences a hot summer, with temperatures from 25°C to 33°C, from December to April and a cooler, drier period from May to November when temperatures range between 18°C and 24°C. The prevailing winds are south easterly; the east coast tends to be slightly cooler than the west. These winds are at their strongest in July and August and the east coast can become a bit cooler, though this can be very pleasant.
GMT: +5 hrs, 3 hrs BST
Language: English is the official language and is spoken by all resort staff; French and Creole are the day-to-day languages.
Currency: Mauritian rupee.
Tourist/Visa/Health information: It is advisable that all immunisations and boosters recommended for life in the UK are up to date for travel to Mauritius. Yellow Fever immunisation is required if arriving from an infected country. For full details please contact your GP. British Passport holders do not require a visa for Mauritius but you have to have an onward or return ticket and your passport should be valid for at least 6 months on your date of return.
Dates for the Diary: 14 Feb 10: The Chinese Spring Festival celebrates the New Year; Oct/Nov Diwali (Festival of Lights); 1 Nov All Saints' Day; 25 Dec Christmas Day.
Flight information: The national carrier of Mauritius - Air Mauritius - offers up to 5 non-stop flights a week from London Heathrow. Other non-stop direct carriers include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Emirates offer a daily service from 6 UK airports operating via Dubai.