Sitting in the azure Indian Ocean off the East Coast of Africa, Mauritius boasts stunning beaches, mountainous scenery, colonial towns and some of the best hotels, luxurious spa experiences and golf courses in the world.
A holiday to Mauritius will allow you to immerse yourself in a diverse cultural mix blending Indian, European, Chinese and Creole influences. This, coupled with a warm welcome and exceptional personal service, ensures that Mauritius is one place you’ll never want to leave.

Surrounded almost entirely by reefs and lagoons, the coastline boasts stunning beaches which are home to the many glittering hotels. An array of opportunities for water-sports of every kind is on offer including water-skiing, sailing, fishing and snorkelling trips. A day trip to the beautiful Ile Aux Cerfs on a catamaran is not to be missed on your holiday to Mauritius.

Dining is a real pleasure and the eclectic cuisine represents the French, Indian, Chinese and African influences that have all played a part in Mauritius’ history.

A range of charming, romantic getaways and super luxurious resorts in Mauritius offer honeymooners special gifts, amenities, spa treatments and romantic candlelit dinners in a dream setting.

You don’t need to look further than Black River Gorges if you are raring to explore. The country’s largest national park covers roughly 2% of the island and is home to waterfalls and a variety of wildlife, including some of Mauritius’ most endangered species. Hikers in the park may be treated to a glimpse of the rare pink pigeon or echo parakeet, as well as deer, wild boar and cheeky macaques. Most trails can be completed in three to four hours – staff at the park’s two visitors centres will be able to advise you on which to choose. Pick up a map or consider hiring a Best in Life guide for insider tips and tales about the area.

Mauritius seems to have achieved the kind of multicultural harmony that many nations can only hope for: tolerant and accepting, whilst preserving a palpable air of spirituality. Temples, mosques and churches are scattered across the island, from grand old buildings to rudimentary shrines on the roadside. Mauritius is home to the third largest percentage of Hindus in the world after India and Nepal, and the religion is practiced by almost half of the Mauritian population. Christianity, Islam and Buddhism follow in numbers of followers, respectively. After a morning lounging on the white sands of Trou aux Biches, take a short walk inland to Maheswarnath Temple on the north side of Triolet village (near the bus depot).

It is Mauritius’ largest Hindu temple, comprising a cluster of white-washed buildings, each dedicated to a different god. Usual temple etiquette applies (bare feet and modest clothing), but don’t be afraid to interact with the locals – a simple smile may be returned with a story about Shiva or invitation to make an offering.

A short drive northeast from the capital takes you to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. Constructed in 1770, this 62,040 acres expanse of land is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, and hosts myriad indigenous and exotic flora such as giant lilly pads, lotus flowers and frangipani. However, visitors expecting a visual feast of floral colour should be warned. The predominated feature of the garden is its array of endemic and non-native palm trees. Hire a local guide at the entrance for a mere 50 rupees – they will help you to distinguish between the species (making it far more interesting), as well as test your ability to identify a variety of spices and scents. If you are lucky, the guide will introduce you to the eerily enchanting blood tree. There are no food or drink outlets within the garden – vendors sell water and snacks in the car park at the entrance.