Mauritius

A little slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean, the island nation of Mauritius is known for glorious, powdery white-sand beaches, sapphire lagoons, and diving over diverse coral reefs. Its interior is mountainous, green, and full of gorgeous hiking trails, and there’s no shortage of things to do, including diving, snorkelling, boat trips, or simply exploring the island’s fabulous culinary scene.

Capital Port Louis is a buzzing destination for dining and shopping in the Caudan Waterfront precinct, and the city is known for elegant French colonial architecture, and expansive, serene Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, built in the 18th century. It’s also home to the great Blue Penny Museum, which explores the city’s history and contains the country’s national treasures, two of the world’s rarest stamps. There’s adventure to be found in the Black River Gorges National Park, where spectacular hills and steep, thick rainforests provide a refuge for many of the island’s rarest species and wildlife such as flying foxes. Head to the island’s east side for exclusive, pristine beaches, or explore its colonial history at 1830s Creole mansion, Eureka.