9-Nights The Best of Dubai and Mauritius

Mauritius

Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique at a bargain price. Though nestled up alongside Africa, it's actually more influenced by British and French ties and massive Indian workforce. Enjoy a dish of curried chickpeas or a nice Yorkshire pudding on the terrace of a French café, sipping imported wine or a thick malty ale while listening to Créole music and the conversation of locals in any number of lingoes. Its range of visitors facilities ranges from pamper-happy beach resorts and organised excursions to locals who'll put visitors up in their homes and rent their cars for daytrips. Visitors looking for a lazy beach vacation shouldn't forget the rambling interior and multicultural capital Port Louis.

Dubai

Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Now modernized, Dubai continues to attract many with its international facilities and its exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai has the best prices in the Arab Gulf states for gold, electronics, perfumes and is a tax-free city. It also has good beaches and excellent resort hotels. The town was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.