Mauritius
Famed for turquoise seas, white beaches and luxury hotels, Mauritius also has much to offer travelers who want to explore beyond their chaises longues. The island offers plenty of historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and adventure sports. But perhaps its biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its welcoming people.
Mauritius is the most developed of the Mascarene Islands, but with a bit of effort and resourcefulness you can escape the crowds. The smells, noises and bustle of the capital Port Louis, Africa’s wealthiest city, are never far away. Busy garment markets can be found in the Central Plateau towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe, and Black River Gorges National Park’s virgin forests make for a wonderful day excursion.
But for many visitors, Mauritius is all about its beaches. From limpid lagoons and pristine coves to the picturesque offshore islands, there’s a different beach for every day of the month. Add to this the diversity of Chinese, Indian, French and African cuisine, the infectious beat of séga music and the party spirit of the locals, and you’ll soon slip off your shoes and drift into the rhythm of this
paradise island.
