MAURITIUS - the paradise island

From the 16th century, the island served as a vital landfall for traders, and its influences include Europe, Africa, China and India. This translates today into a fascinating multicultural society - evident in the mix of religions, architectural styles, varied cuisine and of course, the people themselves. Explore temples, mosques and markets, or enjoy some wonderful diving and jungle trekking.

The island is renowned for its extremely high standard of hotels. There are world class resorts here, much favoured by celebrities, but there are also great value hotels. Two and three star properties are often overshadowed by the big name groups but punch well above their weight and will not disappoint. And of course, wherever you choose to stay you have some of the world's most stunning beaches right on your doorstep.

NORTH COAST 

Home to Grand Baie, the only resort style town in Mauritius, with plenty to keep you busy in the evenings. Most tourists head for Trou Aux Biches, which offers white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Transfer time from airport, approx 1hr 15 min.

• Les Cocotiers - 2* - 7 nights bed and breakfast from £899pp
• De Conti - 2* - 7 nights all inclusive from £969pp
  
• Le Palmiste - 3* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1044pp
• Casuarina Resort & Spa 3*+ - 7 nights self catering from £1070pp
• Calodyne Sur Mer Resort & Spa 3* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1032
  

EAST COAST

Synonymous with some of the island's premier resorts. More isolated and spread-out then other areas of the island, resorts are positioned on their own stretch of secluded beach. Transfer from airport approx 1 hour.

• Silver Beach - 3* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1074pp
• Bougainville Hotel - 3* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1008pp
• Jalsa Beach 4* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1087pp
  

SOUTH EAST COAST

More rugged then other parts of the island, with spectacular waterfalls and the Black River Gorges National Park, home to the largest forest on the island. The south is also the perfect home for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Transfer from airport approx 40 mins.

• Blue Lagoon Beach Hotel - 3* - 7 nights all inclusive from £964pp
• Laguna Beach Hotel 4* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1109pp
  

SOUTH WEST COAST

The beaches at Flic en Flac and La Morne provide excellent windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling and diving. La Morne is more isolated and has developed as an upmarket tourist destination. Containing areas of great beauty with wild mountains and what remains of its indigenous forests. Transfer from airport approx 1 hour.

•  Pearle Beach Resort - 4* - 7 nights all inclusive from £1199pp
• Sands Resort 4*+ - 7 nights half board from £1187pp