Mauritius

It’s a place to embrace every energy - Calming, euphoric, curious, adventurous…

Bewitching Mauritius ticks all the boxes for a tropical escape with dazzling beaches, sparkling azure sea and a backdrop of lush forests, shimmering sugar cane and rugged volcanic hills. If that’s not enough to get you packing, there are some surprisingly affordable luxury hotels, diverse culture, a superb climate and tantalising cuisine all wrapped up with laid-back Creole charm.

For those seeking nothing more than sun, sand and sea there are fabulous beaches island-wide. The greatest concentration are in the north and include the sheltered waters of lively Grand Baie, the small bays and rocky headlands of Grand Gaube and the aptly named Turtle Bay. On the northwest coast, peaceful Pointe aux Piments’ coastline is long and wide, bordered by sheer cliffs and boulders with fine white sand, turquoise lagoons and bays as well as coral reefs close to the shore.

The east coast’s immaculate beaches include Belle Mare which is one of the longest on the island and is fringed by casuarina trees on one side and a lagoon on the other. There’s also Preskil Beach Resort’s idyllic southeast setting on a natural private peninsula while Bel Ombre in the southwest is Mauritius at its authentic best. Occupying a headland on the west coast is spellbinding Le Morne, which sits at the foot of the majestic  mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also on the west coast is Flic en Flac, which particularly appeals to families thanks to its calm, shallow beaches and plentiful array of activities and sights nearby.

Should you bore of the sun lounger, Mauritius has all the ocean-based sports you can think of and is particularly renowned for its diving and kitesurfing spots. On land, enjoy top-flight championship golf courses, indulgent spas, nature reserves and national parks with a variety of eco trails, including Black River Gorges. A top attraction is Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (or Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden), which houses an extraordinary array of native and endemic plants. Another key attraction is the Seven-coloured Earth in Chamarel, where an unexpected geological phenomenon gave the earth a unique palette of seven colours.

Make time also to browse the capital Port Louis, a vibrant, colourful city steeped in history and culture, with ample places to shop or idly wander. And, if rum is your favoured tipple, you’re in luck as this is one of the island’s flagship products, so perhaps pop into a distillery for a tasting.