The Villa Book launches The Mauritius Villa Book with a tantalizing collection of beachside properties, ranging from luxury villas to quality family beach houses.

To coincide with an inevitable increase in the popularity of Mauritius as a holiday destination, following Virgin's new twice weekly service, starting in November 2007, luxury villa company, The Villa Book Ltd, has just added 14 new villas in Mauritius to its portfolio. Each with an outstanding beachside location, these represent some of the best independent houses available to rent on the island.

Circled by pristine white sand beaches, and with a stunning interior of mountains, rivers, gorges and waterfalls, an equitable all year round climate, fascinating multi-ethnic heritage, a friendly, welcoming local population and high level of service, Mauritius features high on any list for those looking for a relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings. It also offers a wide range of activities, including golf, family friendly beaches for watersports, coral reefs offering superb deep sea diving, fishing, delicious cuisine and good shopping. Mauritius already has a fabulous selection of 5 star hotels. The advantage of a villa holiday, as well as offering more independence and flexibility, is that in many cases, it is a much more economical option for a family or group of friends.

The Villa Book's locations include the popular east coast near some of the island's best hotels, enabling villa guests to enjoy some superb golf facilities within a short drive of their property, or to visit the nearby Iles aux Cerfs, a small island with fine golden sand, clear turquoise waters, several restaurants, and a top golf course. The island can be reached by regular speedboat service which takes only 10 - 15 minute speedboat from the village of Trou d'Eau Douce, Villas to look at here include the enchanting Les Chaumes, a luxurious thatched villa, set in over 2 acres of tropical gardens, with swimming pool. This villa sleeps 10, and prices are from £5110 per week. Other Villa Book properties are on the north coast, near the centre of Grand Baie; for example Merville Bay, sleeps 6, and rents at just £1225 per week all year round. In the south-east of the island, Pointe d'Esny is a superb family villa, right on the edge of a sandy beach, close to the historic village of Mahebourg. This villa sleeps 8 and prices are from £2415 per week. There is even a small, private island, Ilot Malais, to rent just 200 metres off the mainland at Le Morne Bay in the west of the island, reachable by two jetties and a short boat trip in between. Set within tropical gardens, there is a swimming pool, with coconut tree feature, and wonderful sunset views. The villa sleeps 8 and prices start at £1540 per week.

The villas all have air conditioning and are well equipped with satellite TVs, DVDs and internet access. All have daily maid service and at most, extra services can be arranged. A local representatives will meet guests on arrival, arrange car hire and advise on the best shops, restaurants and sights to visit. At some villas, there is an optional 'hotel like' service including a chef, butler, wine waiter, babysitters, massages and shopping service.

There are also flights to Mauritius from London/Gatwick with British Airways and from Heathrow and Manchester with Air Mauritius. Air Mauritius offer flights from many European cities, including Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, Zurich, Milan and Rome.

www.thevillabook.com