Mauritius

The tropical island of Mauritius is best known for its luxury hotels on white sand beaches with volcanic mountain backdrops. It is an island for exploring, with Indian temples, colonial houses, botanical gardens, and opportunities to spot rare birds or fauna, horse ride or swim with dolphins. Mauritians are renowned for their hospitality and visitors to the islands generally wax lyrical about the service.

Plentiful water sports, world-class spas, top-class golf courses and gourmet cuisine make it hard to leave the gorgeous resorts, but Mauritius has plenty to see and do; from French colonial houses and imaginative animal parks to nature walks, quad biking, sightseeing and horse riding.

The northern regions offer the best combination of beaches, cuisine and nightlife. Further west, the capital, Port Louis, is famed for its waterfront complex of restaurants, shops and casinos, as well as the colonial-era central market.

The east coast hosts some of Mauritius’ most famous hotels and arguably the most beautiful white sand beaches, while the flat, calm beaches of the west side are favoured by families.

Flight Time: Approximately 12 hours to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (direct from London Hearthrow)

Weather: The island's peak season extends from November to April, which is hot, humid and rainy, with a slight risk of cyclones January to March. The island’s winter, from May to October, is warm and dry.

Currency: Mauritian Rupee

Language: English and French (with French being the most dominant).

Time Difference: GMT +4 hours