Mauritius

Opt for everything from budget hotels to cosy guesthouses and fully-equipped resorts in Mauritius.

For travellers on a budget, ONS Guesthouse (Mahebourg) is affordable but well-maintained, and only ten minutes from the beach.

Those looking for a mid-range option will find spacious rooms just seconds from a sandy beach at Coral Azur Hotel Mont Choisy (Coastal Road Mon Choisy, Mont Choisy).

For sheer luxury, the Beachcomber Royal Palm Hotel (Royal Road - Grand Baie - B13) offers suites with a private patio looking out to the tropical gardens, as well as three a la carte restaurants on-site. If you prefer the self-catered options, Heritage The Villas (B9, Bel Ombre) features an infinity pool and stunning landscape gardens.

Explore stunning craft markets in the heart of Mauritius at Central Market (Port Louis), where you'll find everything from baskets to spices. 

Galerie des Îles (Curepipe) showcases many different local designs and artisans in more than a dozen stores, while Le Village Boutik (Pamplemousses) sells a range of sugar gifts - including rum made from sugar cane - and is ideal for picking up a gift or two to take back home.

If you're looking for luxury retail therapy, you'll find trendy boutiques and gorgeous leather goods at Sunset Boulevard (Grand Baie), while Françoise Vrot offers a chance to purchase beautiful orginal art. 

With influences from all over the world, including Portugal, France and Africa, Mauritian cuisine is varied and delicious.

Famous for its seafood, you'll find exotic catches such as octopus and parrot fish served at restaurants all over Mauritious, or if you're feeling adventurous, why not opt to take a fishing trip and reel in your own dinner?

For those with a sweet tooth, here you'll find the flavours of coconut, vanilla and pineapple in everything from desserts to cocktails, to curries and tea. Rum is also the tipple of choice in Mauritious, so make sure you take a tour of the distillery and enjoy a sample or two during your stay.

Meanwhile, don't leave the island without sampling Palm Hearts. The cylindrical core of palm trunks are considered a delicacy in Mauritious, and are particularly delicious served with a fresh salad.

Chinese New Year

January/February

This brightly coloured celebration includes firerworks and a parade of dancing dragons and lions. Don the colour red - the symbol of happiness - and join revellers at the main celebrations in Port Louis.

Pure Grenada Music Festival

April

This six day event showcases local bands and artists who bring diverse music and performance to Calivigny Island in Port Louis.

Holi Festival

March

Make sure you aren't wearing clothes you value for this joyful celebration. This festival of colour sees the Hindu population of Mauritious (and many others) singing, dancing, and covering anyone in their path with coloured water and powder