What to do

The island’s pristine coral reefs, clear tropical waters and volcanic underwater topography make for some of the world’s most varied and accessible diving sites. The warm, shallow lagoons are ideal for snorkelling, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing and kayaking. And beyond the reef lies one of the world’s finest sport fishing grounds, patrolled by prized marlin, sharks, tuna and sailfish.

 

When the interior beckons, you can take to the hills on foot, mountain bike, horseback, or by four-wheel drive. When you want to relax, the island’s spas have a reputation as some of the best in the world. Thanks to year-round sunshine and some spectacular settings, the golfing is exceptional too. You will be spoilt by the choice of 18 hole or 9 hole championship golf courses throughout the island, fringed by white sands and vivid green mountains.

 

Thanks to its many religions, the Mauritian calendar is packed with fascinating and colourful festivals. At night, the island comes alive with the infectious rhythm of the Sega, the traditional music and dance of Mauritius. Modern entertainments abound too, in the shape of nightclubs, casinos and bars.

 

Shopping in Mauritius caters for everything from the basic to the extravagant – from open-air markets, piled high with tropical fruits, exotic spices and colourful handicrafts, to high-class boutiques and shopping malls offering designer labels, duty-free jewellery and hand-made model ships.

 

As for Mauritian cuisine, it’s a pure delight: gastronomic fusion of African, Indian, Chinese and European traditions, drawing on an abundance of fresh seafood and game, tropical fruits and vegetables, and aromatic spices. Enjoy the epicurian delights in the great restaurants or palm-thatched beach-cafés, rum punch in hand as the sun goes down. Life doesn’t get any better.