Hemingway set the bar rather high when he proclaimed Mauritius to be heaven on earth, but once you set foot in this tropical paradise you’ll soon see why he fell in love with its natural beauty, balmy climate and generous people.

White, sandy beaches border much of the island, and are, quite naturally, a main draw for many visitors to Mauritius. Soft, turquoise water lapping on sparsely populated white sand definitely qualifies the island’s beaches as some of the best in the world.

The northern part of Mauritius is the tourist hub, centered around the Grand Bay area. Hotels, restaurants, and much of Mauritius’ nightlife are located along the Grand Bay beaches allowing for daytime lounging with a plethora of evening activities. Flic en Flac Beach is located more centrally on the island, easily accessible from Port Louis, but with limited options when it comes to lodging and dining. The Southern section of the island, particularly the area around Le Morne, is where you’ll find those elusive, secluded beaches where you’ll oftentimes find yourself completely deserted. This… is… paradise.

With a population of just over one million, you’ll be hard pressed to find big-city malls and bustling downtown areas on Mauritius. Then again, it’s most likely not why you come here in the first place. Regardless, if you (for reasons unknown to us) tire of the lapping waves and feel the urge to mingle, head to Port Louis where some traditional city perks are on offer. Here you’ll find local food and produce sold right next to touristy goods and services. The unique Caudan Waterfront area is even home to a casino, should you feel lucky in that regard. And right next door you’ll find the Central Market where the locals will fight you for the ripest fruits and the tastiest dishes from the street vendors.

Hiring a driver for the day is an ideal way to gain access to some of the off-the-beaten-path activities on Mauritius. Black River Gorges and Tamarind Falls offers challenging hikes that take you from the edge of sugar cane fields into deep, tropical foliage. While we recommend you bring sturdy shoes, you’ll need little else. Except a swim suit, that is… Numerous waterfalls provide rather deep pools of water along the trails and offer a nice break from the tropical heat and humidity.

Need more? Trou aux Cerfs is one of the dormant volcanoes on Mauritius, and the small island town of Curepipe surrounds the summit. It is a free attraction and since you are already venturing outdoors it’s definitely worth the visit.

South African Airways offers daily, convenient connections from its hub at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport to Mauritius.