Destination of the week: Mauritius

Last week we brought you the magical Maltese islands but this week we are taking you all the way to the fascinating and beautiful island of Mauritius. Mauritius is an exotic paradise that you will find easy to call home during your stay there. Hearing the name Mauritius itself already presents an image of tropical luxury and sea adventures in your mind and luckily for you the island lives up to that exactly.The surroundings of the island are completely mood elevating from the cobalt blue seas to the white sandy beaches, there is a constant reminder that you are experiencing a piece of pure bliss.

Mauritius has so much to offer its tourists besides the amazing beaches; you will probably be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking an activity. The island has plenty of historic sites for you to visit and an array of outdoor activities like snorkelling, windsurfing and diving to name a few. If the island itself doesn’t make you fall in love with it then there warm and welcoming people who live there will.With its busy garment markets in the central towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and Black River Gorges National Park's dramatic virgin forests, Mauritius proves that it’s not just another beach destination and that there is plenty to do in this paradise on earth.

Every resort on the island is pretty much a slice of heaven, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to one of the best resorts called Constance Le Prince Maurice. Constance Le Prince Maurice is the ultimate beach hideaway located on the north-east coast of Mauritius.

This deluxe paradise is sheltered from prevailing winds and provides maximum privacy for its guests; it also offers guests 64 junior suites, 12 family suites and 12 villas to choose from. The resort has its own tropical gardens that consist of rare and luxuriant vegetation as well as its own natural fish reserve situated in the western part of the hotel, which adds to the uniqueness of the resort.

Take in the calming turquoise lagoon and green landscapes as you walk along the secluded beaches and after that treat yourself to luxury spa treatment at the Spa de Constance. 

The family friendly Constance Le Prince Maurice also has a ‘Constance Kids’ club’ where you can take your kids so you can enjoy some down time at the pool or on the 2 18-hole championship golf courses.

Lavish yourself in one of the resorts stunning private villas where you will be greeted by beautiful beachfront views in the morning and your own private heated pool. Each villa also has its own living room and dining room, Whirlpool bathtub and romantic outdoor plunge bath.

Mauritius is known for its diverse cuisine ranging from Chinese to African, which gives you a lot to choose from. However if you are looking for somewhere that is inviting with beautiful surroundings and great food then La Madrague is the spot for you. La Madrague is a restaurant that serves international food and a place mostly locals know about as it is hidden away from prying eyes.  It is decorated with a lot of stylish wicker and sleek wooden slatting, and to top it off a beautiful infinity edge swimming pool that is bedecked with shimmering marble for those dining to enjoy. During a hot day while your siting under the shade of a lovely coconut palm enjoy your food, you can also take a stroll onto their semi private beach below.

If you are feeling daring then you have to take a trip to Domaine de l'Étoile. The popular forest reserve is set on over 2000 hectares of unspoilt terrain, making it the perfect place to explore by horse or by quad bike. You can also go mountain biking, take guided hikes, dabble in archery or simply stare in awe at the several  Javanese stags hiding in the forest.

Experience some colonial architecture at Mansion Eureka, an interesting name for an even more interesting place. The perfectly preserved Creole mansion was built in the 1830s and is now a museum that provides insight into the islands vibrant plantation past. An impeccably preserved collection of period furniture, antique maps and more await you inside its walls. Its name is said to have come from the reaction of its former owner Eugène Le Clézio when he successfully won a bid to purchase the house at auction in 1856.

So let Mauritius sweep you off your feet, you won't regret it.