Mauritius
Beyond the pristine beaches and clear waters of this Indian Ocean island nation, you will discover a seductive fusion of Asian, African, French, and British cultures and a unique natural beauty throughout. Luxury hotels on white sand beaches with volcanic mountain backdrops occupy history-filled sites where pirates once roamed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The stunning coast rings a less-explored yet spectacular interior: tall swaying grasses of seemingly endless sugar-cane plantations, forested ridges and gorges, bright tropical flowers and palm trees, green meadows and arable land. Plentiful water sports, world-class spas, top-flight golf courses, and gourmet cuisine may make it hard to leave the hotel, but Mauritius has plenty to see and do. You’ll find a plethora of activities from touring Indian temples, French colonial houses, and botanical gardens to riding quad bikes, zip-lining, and horseback riding to bird-watching, wildlife parks, and swimming with dolphins. Mauritians are renowned for their diversity and hospitality, and visitors to the islands rave about the extraordinary service. It’s heavenly, indeed!