Destination: Mauritius
The most popular of the Mascarene Islands off the coast of Africa is the stunning beach paradise that is Mauritius. Its location in the southern hemisphere makes it the perfect escape from northern winters, with warm, sunny days and crystal clear waters kissing the white sands of the many beaches. No wonder many have compared the island to heaven.
The island of Mauritius was formed millions of years of ago by undersea volcanic eruptions. It was discovered by Austronesian and Arab sailors and then settled by the Portuguese, Dutch and French before being ruled by the British. It achieved independence in 1968 and joined the British Commonwealth as a republic in 1992.
In addition to the stunning ocean views, the island has a central plateau surrounded by picturesque mountains. The lush forrests, glossy lagoons, and beautiful waterfalls add to the island’s allure. Black River Gorges National Park offers breath-taking scenes and divers will want to explore the gorgeous coral reefs ringing the island.
While Mauritius is fabled for its natural beauty, the island has developed a thriving tourism industry that offers comfort and variety to all visitors. The luxury hotels on Mauritius have all the technology and conveniences of the 21st century. The restaurants on the island serve heavenly dishes from Africa, China, France, and India as well as the spicy Creole local recipes. Shoppers can stroll through modern shopping centers or explore the traditional Flacq Market.
A perfect day on Mauritius might involve a relaxing ocean swim, hours spent visiting the Balaclava ruins, dinner at one of the charming local restaurants with a stunning ocean view, and then dancing all night to the popular sega music in one the island’s many clubs.
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