Mauritius

An island paradise set in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is swathed by crystal clear turquoise seas and wrapped in powder-white beaches. Your dream holiday is waiting for you in exotic Mauritius. Feel like a king or queen in this glamourous location - lie back on unspoilt beaches framed by swaying palm trees and be pampered by a service which is second to none. Some have compared Mauritius to paradise, and there is no doubt you will be in heaven here. 

For a relaxing holiday in a tropical paradise, look no further than this island surrounded by a clear blue lagoon, mostly ringed by the world's third largest coral reef. Inland the scenery is just as spectacular, with lush green sugar cane plantations and three mountain ranges forming the island's backbone. 

Many visitors, understandably, cannot bear to leave the sandy beaches and rolling ocean, where the hustle and bustle of busy everyday life is far away. There are stunning beaches throughout Mauritius, and visitors really are spoilt for choice. 

For those who wish to explore a little more of this beautiful country, there are many tempting options. Standing proud in the north of this gorgeous destination is Port Louis, the island's cultural and shopping epicentre. Cradled by an amphitheatre of mountains, Mauritius' port capital blends graceful colonial buildings with its high-rise counterparts. Here you will be tempted by colourful markets, local craft shops, cafés and the National History Museum, where dodo skeletons are preserved forever. By day the Grand Baie area in the north of the island is bustling with local shops and beach-based activities to entice. At night it becomes equally lively offering a good selection of restaurants, bars and discos. 

West Coast Mauritius enjoys shimmering sunsets, family-friendly beaches, and is famous for its dolphins, big-game fishing and diving. The south west is home to some of Mauritius' most varied and picturesque landscape. Black River Gorges National Park is the perfect place to experience much of this natural beauty. The pretty coves and long sandy beaches of the east coast, along with the breeze from the Indian Ocean makes it very popular for kiteboarding and other water sports. Take your pick from sailing, windsurfing and some of the best game fishing in the world. Romantic ruins, monuments, sites of historic battles and museums make the south east a fascinating place to visit. Unspoilt scenery, parks, reserves and a feeling of old Mauritius will greet you to this delightful part of the island. 

Eating in Mauritius is an exciting experience, in which dishes from many culinary traditions are served reflecting the islands history of culture. Visitors can savour exotic dishes in European, Chinese and Indian cuisines, where seafood is a particular speciality. Creole inspired meals or delicious snacks cooked on the streets are also popular choices.