Mauritius

Long before it was a luxury getaway, Mauritius was a favourite stop for sailors. This was bad news for the endemic dodo birds, which said sailors hunted to extinction. However, those sailors laid the foundations for what would become the trading hub city of Port Louis, eventually developing into a tourist destination.

Port Louis displays a strong French influence in its architecture and culture. Visitors should visit the Central Market, then wander over to the Caudian Waterfront for a shopping and dining experience.

The rest of the island has a wide range of activities and amenities. Retreat to one of the hundreds of beach resorts. Relax with a cocktail or try a new water sport at Grand Baie. Take a tour to the multi-coloured sand dunes at Seven Coloured earth and see the impressive Chamarel waterfall. Climb to the Grand Bassin high on the island to see a Hindu temple to Shiva. Or explore the hiking trails of Black River Gorges National Park.

Summer: November to April. This is the warmest time of year it is also the time that most rainfall occurs especially during February. Scuba diving is best between December and March while people looking to go deep-sea fishing will find the best conditions between October and April

Winter: May to October. Temperatures drop during this period with prevailing winds that blow from the East and South-East over Mauritius. August is when temperatures drop to there lowest at 20C and we would recommend staying in the northern or western parts during this period