Mauritius boasts endless sugar-cane plantations, dramatic mountains, a vibrant cultural mix and some of the finest beaches and aquamarine lagoons in the Indian Ocean. The island offers a distinct Indian flavour, seasoned with African, Chinese, French and British elements. You can enjoy a dish of curried chickpeas or a Yorkshire pudding on the terrace of a French cafe, sipping imported wine or a thick malty ale while listening to Creole and the conversation of locals in any number of tongues.

Best time to visit

July to September.

Essential experiences

Lazing on the long, casuarina-fringed beach of Belle Mare; diving at the northern end of the island; hunting for bargains in the downtown market in Port Louis; strolling around the beautiful Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses; hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park which is a must for nature lovers.

In a few words, Mauritius is

Home to the extinct dodo, sugar plantations, coconut palms, pamper-happy beach resorts and Indian-fusion cuisine.

Did you know?

Undersea walks are becoming increasingly popular in Mauritius where participants don lead boots and diving helmets and stroll along the sea bed feeding the fish, while oxygen is piped in from the surface.