What better way to see the countless lagoons that make up so much of the island's coastline than on a sunset cruise aboard a 45ft plus luxury catamaran, with a glass of bubbly in your hand? The options for cruising around Mauritius are endless, but one of the most popular two-hour excursions on the east coast leaves from Pointe Jerome, near Blue Bay, and takes you around Ile aux Aigrettes and towards Ile de la Passe, where the famous naval battle took place. Expect plenty of drinks, snacks, live music and a breathtaking sunset.
Both a restaurant and a museum, Eureka, La Maison Créole, is renowned for its dry beef curry and other dishes with a thousand flavours. You will be surrounded by a beautiful and idyllic setting, transporting you to another era. Finished your dessert of vanilla ice cream topped with toasted coconut? Head inside to visit the grand colonial house from the 1830s. It has remained largely intact, with its original furniture. What would our life be like within these walls, in this other life?
It may be the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, but the magnificent Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (better known as the Pamplemousse Garden) is not just a garden. You'll see turtles and over 650 varieties of plants. You will also see a breathtaking arrangement of giant water lilies in the lotus pond. Tours will be tailored to your interests. The Jardin de Pamplemousses is not the only botanical garden in Mauritius, but it is undoubtedly the most popular and most visited on a daily basis.
Visit the island's largest and most beautiful national park. Explore the wilderness of dense forest with over 300 species of native plants. Covering an area of 67.54 square kilometres, the park has 60 kilometres of trails. In addition to hikes of varying difficulty, there are private recreation areas for romantic picnics for two.
28 km south of the capital Port Louis, Tamarind Falls. A peaceful group of waterfalls buried in dense vegetation explored. Hiking and swimming in its deep ponds remain popular pastimes, but canyoning trips make the most of its large jumps, numerous waterfalls and zip lines.
There's something special about this small area of sand made up of seven distinct colours, the result of basaltic lava being converted into clay. It's most beautiful at sunrise, so bring your own coffee to go and take an early lookout.
Don't want to take home a suitcase full of embroidered dresses and trinkets? No matter, spending a few hours browsing the mountains of spices, textiles and handicrafts in this bustling market (also known as the main Port Louis market or bazaar) is not so much about possession, but about immersing yourself in the colourful theatre of the national capital's heartbeat. And that bright sari that you'll surely leave with? Think of it as an entrance fee.
Formed when a large shield volcano erupted three times about 10 million years ago, Murice Island is still home to four major volcanoes: Trou aux Cerfs, Trou Kanaka, Grand Bassin and Bassin Blanc. Trou aux Cerfs, with its 350-metre wide crater offering a 360-degree view of the nearby town of Curepipe and the coastal plains.
Mauritius has a long and rich history - discovered by the Portuguese, it was then colonised by the Dutch, the French and the English. And fortunately! It's a blessed mix that is reflected in the street food you can find in the streets of Port Louis, or even Rose Hill, and in the villages. The farata in particular is not to be missed, as well as the dholl puri, the "gateaux piments", the alouda, and other specialities.
Located at about 449 metres above sea level, this lake is a crater (better known as the Great Basin) and is considered the most sacred place for Hindus on the island. This is largely due to the temple, dedicated to the God Shiva, which is filled with holy water from the Ganges River in India. Although many shrines dedicated to different gods dot the shoreline, the most impressive is undoubtedly the 33-metre high statue of Shiva, which greets you at the entrance.
The underwater walking tours include boat transfers, safety instructions and experienced guides who will stay by your side. No swimming skills are required for the adventure. With its crowded white sandy beaches and cafes, Ile aux Cerfs may not be the ideal of everything Mauritius should be, but there's a reason why everyone is there: there's simply no more beautiful place in Mauritius to swim. How do you get there? Book in a catamaran transfer, then leave your towel a little further north of the main beach for an afternoon of uninterrupted bliss.
You may not be Tiger Woods (yet), but with more than a dozen golf courses strategically located atop cliffs and in the shadow of lush mountains, where better to indulge? Two of the best are considered to be the Ernie Els-designed 18-hole course at the Four Seasons Anahita and the Bernhard Langer-designed Touessrok. Can't decide? A golf pass that allows you to sample four courses will set you straight.