The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is a melting pot of people and cultures, and is one of the world’s most exotic destinations. Karen  loves the destination. The island of Mauritius seems like just a small dot on the map hundreds of miles off the African coast, but as soon as you arrive you’ll find out there’s a surprising amount to it, and while Mauritius may be seen to many as a place to soak up the sun and relax on the beach, there’s plenty more to see and do. Golf is hugely popular here with a range of excellent courses, the most spectacular of which is probably the Bernhard Langer course on Ile Aux Cerfs, a beautiful island just off-shore. Take a quad bike through the sugar cane plantations, go diving on the coral barrier reef that encircles most of the 200 mile coastline, learn to cook creole-style or be pampered in an award-winning spa. Mauritius offers some of the world’s best hotels, with properties such as Shangri-La's Le Touessrok and Le Saint Géran ...

I just got back from  Mauritius  yesterday and I have to say, what an amazing place. I was on a bit of a flying visit, only 4 nights but I managed to fit in the odd Spa treatment, went shopping in Port Louis, a cookery class and even went Quad biking. We flew with British Airways which offers a direct service from Gatwick to Mauritius  ( Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport - which was named after the first Prime Minister)  My trip started off in Grand Baie which is a lovely little place at the North of the island, about an hour and a half from the airport. The area has a good range of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a lovely little beach. The area has a great relaxed laid back vibe with really friendly people. Just off the beach you have street stalls selling local food and locals play French Bowls as the sun sets over the bay.   On of the great bars in Grand Baie I stayed at the Veranda G...