Mauritius is a small island in splendid isolation in the warm south-west Indian Ocean, just inside the Tropic of Capricorn. It lies like a green emerald in the turquoise waters of the ocean, surrounded by brilliant coral reefs and masses of tropical fish. A year-round tourist destination, Mauritius enjoys a warm climate, white sandy beaches and equally hospitable people.

• Mauritius Accommodation

Within the island’s 177 km’s of coastline are roads lined with bougainvillea and flame trees, impressive mountains and gorges, extinct volcanic craters and waterfalls, forests and streams, coloured earth and green sugarcane fields. The island also offers visitors a wide variety of leisure activities like snorkelling, sailing, big game fishing, golf, nature walks and shopping for locally crafted jewellery, model ships, baskets, pottery, clothing and silks.

Mauritius is a honeymooner’s paradise! Hotels and resorts on the island offer detailed wedding and honeymoon packages, and who could imagine a more gorgeous location for an intimate wedding ceremony? You could choose to have a private occasion on a sparkling beach, or perhaps a more adventurous ceremony under the sea.

Add to this the wonderful mix of cuisine on the island, ranging from French to African, and the infectious party spirit of the locals dancing to the rousing beat of Sega music, and you have all the ingredients for an enchanting island holiday.

Besides the coastal delights and range of water activities available in Mauritius, there are other attractions on the island for visitors. Port Louis, the bustling capital city, is where you will find the Central Market – a meeting place for Mauritians looking for anything from mangoes to curry powder to local gossip. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses are also not to be missed; with giant water lilies and huge tortoises over 100 years old, it makes for a fascinating excursion.

The coloured earths of Chamarel in the west of the island are a rare natural phenomenon. Erosion has caused volcanic ash to come to the surface and form dunes. The colours are due to high proportions of mineral oxides in the ash, and vary from blue to red, and yellow to orange.

Grand Baie, situated on the north coast, is the island’s liveliest resort full of shops, restaurants, bars and discos. It is also a water sport enthusiast’s paradise where you can snorkel, sail, feed fish on undersea walks and enjoy glass-bottomed boat trips.

Prepare yourself for this oasis of peace and tranquillity, where luxury and relaxation reign supreme. Be pampered in deluxe resorts while basking in this enchanting setting, and let yourself be rejuvenated in true Mauritian style...