The volcanic island of Mauritius, anchored off the south east coast of Africa amidst the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean, packs a big punch when it comes to spectacular beaches, luxurious hotels and underwater adventure.

The east coast is pure white sand bliss, with spectacular sunrises and trade winds that are ideal for parasailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. On the northern coast, the golden sands of Grand Gaube melt into turquoise seas, and thanks to an unbroken coral reef, the diving here is superb, with a kaleidoscope of butterfly and lion fish gliding through crystal clear waters. The sugary sand beaches and shallow waters of the west coast make it popular with families, and lighter winds and spectacular sunsets draw couples and honeymooners too.

We know from experience how hard it is to tear yourself away from such blissful surroundings, but inland you’ll find a stunning natural paradise of lush hills and valleys, home to endangered pink pigeons and brightly coloured parakeets. You can drive to the rim of the dormant volcanic crater at Trou aux Cerfs, go rafting through the forest at Black River Gorges National Park, and visit the most sacred Hindu site on the island, Grand Bassin’s crater lake. Golf lovers meanwhile are spoilt for choice, with a series of remarkable courses including the Bernhard Langer-designed 18-hole Île aux Cerfs, set on its very own island, and the Ernie Els-designed championship course at Anahita.

Mauritius is a vibrant mix of European, Creole and Asian culture, and this is reflected in the distinctive cuisine. We recommend getting out and about and acquainting yourself with the superb street food scene; you’ll find sizzling hot curries, Chinese fried noodle dishes and succulent fruit served with fiery mazavaroo chilli paste. The resorts themselves generally offer both casual and fine dining, and many a Michelin-starred chef has given their name to a restaurant on the island over the years.