Mauritius

“First Mauritius was created and then paradise, inspired by the island”, wrote Mark Twain. This island country is the easternmost on the continent, located 550 km east of Madagascar, and is today known for its beautiful beaches, but was a crucial port of call for the slave trade before and for labourers after abolition, so much so that 70% of the population is of Indian origin and the Hindu religion shapes their daily life.

If you decide to take a trip to the country, you will certainly be attracted by its tropical beaches, and with good reason: here you will find secluded coves and arches of soft white sand that are among the most beautiful in the world. From Pointe d’Esny near Blue Bay to Belle Mare, both on the eastern side of the island, from incredible diving and snorkelling around Flic en Flac to whale and dolphin spotting off Tamarin on the west coast, to remote Rodrigues, perhaps the most exotic and furthest from the noise of the world.

Inland, for those who want to ‘disconnect’ from sea life, there are other treasures, such as the Black River Gorges park, a wild expanse of hills and primeval forests that are home to nine endemic species of birds and over 4,000 Mauritian flying foxes, or the mountain resort of Chamarel, where unforgettable excursions can be made, visiting its waterfalls, the ‘lands of 7 colours’ and the distillery that produces excellent rum. Or the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden with its gigantic water lilies, the colonial architecture of Eureka illustrating the history of 19th-century plantations, and the site of Aapravasi Ghat, a gathering place for Indian immigrants during the period of British rule.

And it is the Indian cultural heritage that is one of the most striking aspects of the island: from the pilgrimage of over 500,000 Hindu worshippers to the lake in the Grand Bassin crater during the Maha Shivaratri celebrations, to the lively and colourful Holi festivities, from penance over hot coals during the Teemeedee, to tasty delicacies such as the carri and the dhal puri.