The tropical island of Mauritius is situated 2,000 kilometres off the south east coast of the African continent. Mauritius is surrounded by more than 150 kilometres of palm-fringed sugar-white sandy beaches and the lagoons are protected from the open sea by the world’s third largest coral reef, which surrounds the island.

Where the ocean waves break upon the outer edges of the reef, a translucent almost pencil-thin white line divides the deep blue of the Indian Ocean from the iridescent green of the lagoon. Just off the coast of Mauritius lie some 49 uninhabited islands and islets, some of which are nature reserves for the protection of endangered species.

Mauritius is a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun. The beaches are endless and the Mauritian sea never fails to enchant: multi-coloured fish, such as the clown, box and trumpet fish, weave through the coral gardens and moray eels lie in wait in coral caves, while busy crustaceans clean the ocean floor and game fish such as barracuda, marlin and sailfish race through the open seas. There are many ways you can enjoy the wonderful marine life: diving, snorkelling, on a glass-bottomed boat, on a sight-seeing submarine, or on a sailing vessel.

The people of Mauritius are friendly and welcoming, and are a unique multi-cultural blend: French, British, Asian, African and Creole. This delightful mix is reflected in the local cuisine and music. The coast of Mauritius is lined with beautiful hotels and resorts, many of which specialise in honeymoons or family holidays. Mauritius received the World Leading Island Destination award for the third time and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Mauritius also has one of the highest rates of returning tourism visitors in the world – and that perhaps says it all!