Mauritius

Mauritius has long held a reputation as one of the world’s finest luxury island destinations, and it more than lives up to that billing. The island is fringed by a coral reef that creates a series of calm, shallow lagoons of extraordinary colour — from the pale aquamarine of the west coast to the deeper blues of the east. Belle Mare Plage, Flic en Flac and Le Morne are among the finest stretches of beach, each with a distinct character and excellent resort options.

But Mauritius is far more than its beaches. The island’s interior is lush and mountainous, with the Black River Gorges National Park offering hiking through native forest past cascading waterfalls to dramatic viewpoints. The Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel — where volcanic soil creates a shifting palette of reds, purples, greens and yellows — is one of the island’s most singular natural curiosities. The botanic garden at Pamplemousses, established in 1770, is one of the oldest and finest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures — Indian, Creole, French, Chinese and British influences have blended over centuries to create a genuinely unique society, and that diversity is most evident in the food. Street markets overflow with curries, rougaille, dholl puri flatbreads and fresh tropical fruit. Grand Baie and Port Louis offer excellent restaurants ranging from authentic Creole kitchens to refined French-influenced fine dining.

The island is warm and largely sunny year-round, though the shoulder months of April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant conditions. Mauritius is deservedly popular for honeymoons and special occasion travel, offering an exceptional standard of resort hospitality in some of the most beautiful natural surroundings in the world.