Mauritius

Port Louis, the island's capital, offers a vibrant array of shopping, art and dining attractions at the Caudan Waterfront and the Port Louis Waterfront and its Astrolabe. There are a number of preserved colonial-era buildings that are fascinating to visit: the Government House, the Parliament House, the City Theatre, and the National Museum. The city is home to the oldest racetrack in the southern hemisphere, the Field of Mars.

Ile aux Cerfs Island located within the east lagoon is the most famous of all the small islands that surround Mauritius. Enclosed by white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters, the island is perfect for picnics, walking trails, parasailing and swimming. There are a number of beach restaurants that serve local cuisine. Ile aux Cerfs is a must-see, for sure.

Located in the north of Mauritius in a natural cove, Grand Bay is a popular resort destination, arguably the most popular. The bay offers 4 pristine white sand beaches - a popular choice is Mont Choisy Beach - with a wide range of watersports including sailing, diving, skiing and jet-skiing. Grand Bay is also great for shopping and there's a multitude of entertainment amenities: trendy restaurants pubs, casinos and nightclubs.

A small seaside village nestled on the southernmost point of Mauritius, Souillac offers a different travel experience to the rest of the island due to its rugged landscape. Visit Gris Gris, a popular stop on the southern coastline with epic views of huge waves, black cliffs and golden sandy beach. Take a dip in nearby Rochester Falls, a stunning natural attraction. Sample local rum at Le Plantation de Saint Aubin. With 4x4 access, a visit to Le Souffleur viewpoint is well worth it for the awe-inspiring views.

Situated on the west west coast is the hammer-shaped peninsula of Le Morne. With a little coastal village set alongside rocky peaks and dense forests and a 4-kilometre deserted beach, it's a special place. But there's more. Le Morne is home to the UNESCO site Le Morne Brabant, a spectacular nature wonder that comprises an underwater waterfall. A unique phenomenon where emerald water flows from the coast deep into the ocean, an optical illusion created by strong underwater currents. The coral reefs and the sand inundation on the seafloor appear as streams of a bubbling waterfall. Truly a sight to behold.

Located in the southwest of the island in the village of Chamarel is a natural wonder known as the seven-coloured sands. The Chamarel sands appear in different shades of blue, green, red and yellow and are apparently the result of the erosion of the basalt volcanic rock which have oxidised. Alongside the sand is another popular attraction – the highest waterfall in Mauritius, Charles Antoine Falls, known more commonly as simply Chamarel Falls. Spot incredible giant land tortoises who live in a corral near to the falls.

Located close to the western coast of Mauritius between Flic en Flac and Tamarin, lies the zoo, safari park and wildlife park, Casela Park. In the park, animals and birds are enclosed and in the wildlife section, they roam freely. The park stretches over 350ha and is divided into 5 zones: Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Pangia Birds and Rides and World of Events. The attraction is great entertainment for adults and children.

Situated in the highlands of south-western Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park is the largest protected forest of the island. Attractions include some excellent hiking trails for beginner and experienced climbers as well as a feast for nature lovers as the park protects most of the island's remaining rainforest, and is home to many species of wild animals and birds, some endangered. Alexandra Falls is a must-see with pristine rivers, picnic areas, wide canyons and striking mountain ranges offering truly spectacular views.