Circled by pristine white sand beaches, and with a stunning interior of mountains, rivers, gorges and waterfalls, an equitable all year round climate, fascinating multi-ethnic heritage, a friendly, welcoming local population and high level of service, Mauritius features high on any list for those looking for a relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings. It also offers a wide range of activities, including golf, family friendly beaches for watersports, coral reefs offering superb deep sea diving, fishing, delicious cuisine and good shopping, making it a destination which can truly be said to suit all tastes, ages and budgets.

The name Mauritius dates from 1598 when the Dutch landed here and named the island after Price Maurice van Nassau. The island was then claimed by the French in 1715, who ruled for around 100 years, until they ceded it to Britain in 1814, on the basis that the French language, customs and traditions were respected. The next 100 years saw the abolition of slavery and the arrival of labourers from India and China, making up the harmonious ethnic mix which is Mauritius today. Mauritius became independent of the British crown in 1968 and finally a republic in 1992. English is the official language on the island, but a strong French influence still prevails, with French place names and the French language widely used.

Our Mauritian programme features a selection of some of the best independent villas available for rent on the island. All have daily maid service and most have idyllic beachside locations. Our local representatives will meet guests on arrival, arrange car hire and advise on the best shops, restaurants and sights to visit. At some villas, we are also able to offer an optional ‘hotel like’ service. A chef, butler, wine waiter can be arranged throughout your stay, along with additional maid service, babysitters, massages and shopping service. Meal suggestions and prices can be provided on request.

For those who prefer to dine out, there are numerous restaurants to choose from, offering the best cuisine of Asia, India and Europe, as well as local Creole dishes and making full use of the local seafood, tropical fruit and vegetables, and indigenous spices available. Shopping choices range from the friendly, beach vendors selling everything from fresh pineapples and coconuts to colourful sarongs, baskets and jewellery, to stylish shops selling designer cotton and cashmere goods at very competitive prices.

If the attractions of lying on a perfect beach all day begin to pall, there is much else to explore on this fascinating island, including the spectacular Pamplemousse Botanical gardens, the Casela Bird Park and the Domaine les Pailles, with its original working sugar mill, a safari park and several restaurants, each dedicated to a different national theme. The capital, St Louis, is worth a visit, with its Chinese quarter, modern business centre and lively market.

There are flights to Mauritius from London/Gatwick with British Airways and from Heathrow and Manchester with Air Mauritius. There are also direct flights from most major European cities, including Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna and Rome.