MAURITIUS A TROPICAL PARADISE

Mauritius offers a wonderful blend of luxurious retreats, cultural experiences and natural beauty that makes it a standout Indian Ocean destination.

For couples seeking romance, Paradise Cove provides an intimate atmosphere with its adults-only policy, while Maradiva's private villa experience offers ultimate seclusion. Dina Robin and Victoria Beachcomber also excel at creating romantic settings with exceptional service.

Families are equally well-catered for with Heritage Awali offering outstanding kids' clubs and activities. Long Beach, Lux Grand Gaube, and Shangri-La Le Touessrok all provide excellent family-friendly facilities while maintaining that sense of tropical luxury.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, though it's worth noting that July and August can be quite breezy on the South and East coasts.

The cyclone season runs from November to April, with January to March being the peak period.

Interestingly, many travellers still choose to visit during these months – and for good reason. The temperatures are warmer and the vegetation is lushly green. While there is a risk of tropical storms, many days remain perfectly sunny, and when rain does come, it's often short-lived rather than lasting all day.

Many of my clients have enjoyed wonderful holidays during this period, particularly in December which offers a lovely tropical Christmas escape.

Mauritius boasts some truly superb sandy beaches, with Flic en Flac on the west coast being particularly popular. However, there's so much more beyond the perfect shorelines.

The Black River Gorges National Park is fantastic for walking enthusiasts, with hiking trails that wind through lush vegetation past stunning waterfalls. The birdlife here is exceptional – keep an eye out for the rare pink pigeon, a conservation success story.

For marine adventures, the west coast offers wonderful dolphin and whale watching excursions. I've had some magical encounters with spinner dolphins here, watching them play in their natural environment. Blue Marine Park provides excellent snorkelling opportunities with its vibrant coral gardens and abundant sea life – a genuine underwater paradise.

Plant enthusiasts shouldn't miss the botanical gardens with their impressive variety of tropical species, including giant water lilies and numerous palm varieties.

The island's cultural diversity is reflected in its capital, Port Louis – a bustling hub of activity where you can sample local restaurants and browse the markets for authentic crafts and souvenirs. For a more spiritual experience, Grand Bassin's sacred Hindu site offers fascinating cultural insights.

Mauritian cuisine deserves special mention – a delicious blend of Indian, Chinese and Creole influences. Most hotels offer international dishes as well, but do venture out to try local specialities for a true taste of the island.

A few practical tips from my experiences: bring beach shoes as the coral can be quite sharp (sea urchins are also sometimes present); always confirm taxi costs beforehand (the local buses are much cheaper and provide a more authentic experience); and while English and French are widely spoken, a few words of Creole are always appreciated.

Don't forget to pack a good insect repellent, and stick to bottled water for drinking. The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee, though US dollars and Euros are accepted in some tourist areas.

The west coast generally offers calmer waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, being more sheltered from the trade winds. However, if you're seeking more untouched landscapes, the south coast provides a wilder, more rugged beauty that's equally captivating in its own way.

Whether you're looking for romantic seclusion, family adventures, or cultural immersion, Mauritius delivers with a warmth that goes beyond its tropical climate – it's found in the genuine hospitality of its people and the diverse experiences this special island offers.