MAURITIUS

A sun, sea and sand sensation

When it comes to Indian Ocean islands, Mauritius has carved itself a well-deserved place in the safari sun, thanks to its amazing natural beauty, wonderful melting pot of people and cultures and simply stunning beaches.

The island is lapped by warm, turquoise waters and encircled by pristine coral reefs and a handful of wonderful little islands and islets. Its interior is dominated by dramatic peaks and calderas that give a glimpse into its violent geological past, born as it was from volcanic fire.

Lush, green and lusciously tropical, Mauritius has a fascinating history that makes it worthy of exploring, from its early days as a slave trading outpost to the advent of colonial occupation and the sugar trade that gave rise to countless plantations and still provides its major export.

If it's total relaxation you're after, and the suntan of a lifetime, then the countless luxurious beach resorts are the way to go, including everything you could wish for and leaving you the sole job of deciding which swimsuit to wear before finding a spot on the soft white sand with your name on it.

Try your hand at snorkelling, scuba diving or a round of golf. Or just lay back on a lounger with a brightly coloured cocktail in your hand and wonder at how impossibly blue the ocean is. It's a tough call, but if you're game we're happy to help you live it!

Best Times To Visit

Things To Do

Visit Ile Aux Cerf or Ilot Gabriel

Take a catamaran ride to paradise with a day trip to either Ile Aux Cerf or Ilot Gabriel - two of the most beautiful little islands off Mauritius where you can soak up the sun, snorkel, swim and play "Lost" to your heart's content... Sample legendary Mauritian rum and imagine Captain Jack Sparrow coming to your rescue. Or Keira Knightley. You choose.
Climb Le Morne mountain

Get the best view on the island from the top of Le Morne Brabant, the magnificent mount that stands sentinel over one of the Le Morne Peninsula with its jaw-dropping beaches and spectacular reefs. The hike is one of the most popular on the island and gives you the chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the botanical gardens

The Pamplemousses Botanic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere and is located just a stone's throw from the Mauritian capital of Port Louis. It's well worth the visit, looking like a cross between Jurassic Park and Kew Gardens with some pretty amazing indigenous tropical plants on display and more than 85 species of palm trees gathered from across the world.
Crystal clear warm water and white powder beaches

At the end of the day, as fabulous as it is to explore Mauritius and discover its diverse heritage, there's little to beat the soft caress of the Indian Ocean on your skin and the powdery, white sand of a heavenly beach between your toes. This island's biggest drawcard is its coastline and all that it offers, bringing out the latent beach bum in all who visit. So be prepared for serious barefoot luxury and wearing as little as possible for most of the day. After all, life's a beach, and then you tan!