Mauritius is best known for its beach holidays and watersports, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving all popular activities. But there are plenty of things to do away from the coast.

Venture in land and you’ll find a whole host of attractions waiting to wow you. Visit wild spots like Le Morne Brabant and explore protected forests including Le Domaine deL’Etoile – the biggest private nature reserve in Mauritius – which teams with rich fauna and protected wild flora. Here, you can go quad biking, horse riding and hiking.

Other must-see sights in Mauritius include the coloured earths at Chamarel, which have evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals.

One of the island’s best days out is the Casela Nature Park – an expansive zoo with African animals and zip-line adventures. Rum distilleries, sugar museums and the stunning Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden are some of the other draws, as well as lively Grand Baie on the north coast, home to vibrant restaurants, bars and shopping. 

Any holiday to Mauritius is bound to involve lots of beach time. This Indian Ocean gem is famous for its pearly white sands and turquoise seas. The best beaches in Mauritius tend to be on the east coast, but that’s not your only option. The north coast is peppered with sandy coves, while the west has blonde beaches and stunning sunsets. Surfers, meanwhile, will feel most at home in the south, where the waves are somewhat wilder.

When you’re researching your Mauritius beach break, you’ll find that some names pop up time and time again. On the east coast, Belle Mare – literally meaning ‘beautiful sea’ – is one of the best beaches in Mauritius. The powdery sands are perfect for relaxing, and the water is lovely and calm thanks to the off-shore reef. Trou aux Biches in the north is incredibly tranquil, while Le Morne in the south is great for watersports. If you fancy a day trip, head to Ile aux Cerfs. Floating just off the east coast, this pint-sized island offers pristine beaches and fantastic snorkelling.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic adults-only resorts or an all-inclusive Mauritius holiday, there are some truly beautiful hotels on this island – and our experts will help you select the right one for you.

If you’re looking for colonial elegance, consider staying at The Residence Mauritius in the Belle Mare area. You can go for a dip in the pool overlooking the bright blue sea, or enjoy a relaxing treatment in the spa.

Alternatively, take your pick from the trio of LUX* hotels that are dotted across the island. At LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Grand Gaube and LUX* Le Morne you can expect first-class service, plush rooms and decadent dining.

Or, escape to the northernmost pocket of Mauritius when you stay at Zilwa Attitude. Right on the soft sands of Anse la Raie, this beachfront hotel has a PADI-certified dive centre as well as a wide range of watersports.

Mauritius has a tropical climate, so temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with some occasional rainfall. And, because it’s in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius’ seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. It’s also worth remembering that the northern and western parts of the island are warmer and drier than the eastern and southern regions.

Generally speaking, the best time to go on holiday to Mauritius is between April and June or September and December, when the weather is pleasant and humidity is lower. But, if you’re really into scuba diving, consider visiting in the hot summer – November to April – when the lack of rain means underwater visibility is fantastic. In the winter months – May to October – the days are much cooler, and temperatures can drop as low as 20°C on the coast in August. It might not be sunbathing weather, but keen surfers should bear in mind that the surf season runs from June to August, when prevailing winds blow over the island from the east.

• Visa: Not required for holidays
• Language: English is the official language, though French Creole is spoken across the island
• Currency: Mauritian Rupee
• Time Difference: GMT + 4 hours
• Flight duration from London: A direct flight takes around 12 hours
• Capital city: Port Louis