Mauritius is a fascinating, world-in-one- island slice of paradise. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from the daily grind of beach and pool. But perhaps its single biggest asset is the relaxed charm of its warm and welcoming people. Mark Twain once wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. While Mauritius is rightly famed for its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts, there’s also bird-watching and hiking in the forested and mountainous interior, or world-class diving and snorkeling. Catch a boat trip to near-perfect islets and excursions to fabulous botanical gardens and colonial plantation houses.