They know all about five-star hotels in Mauritius. The island might well be just a dot in the Indian Ocean but it certainly sets new standards for tropical beach resorts. Almost without exception they manage to be both delightfully exotic and reassuringly luxurious, having taken the best aspects of their Indian, French and Creole heritage and turned them into something quite their own.

Their architectural designs, either elegantly colonial or stylishly modern, are all pleasingly sensitive to their tropical surroundings. Their gourmet cuisine is sourced from around the world and matched only by their exemplary service levels. Their golf courses are championship quality,whilst their designer spas pay homage to theworld’s finest treatments. And if you add to this their white-sand beaches and reef-enclosed lagoons you have the recipe for a memorable stay.

Yet it would be a pity to come all this way and not explore the island itself. Scenically it offers anything from tranquil lakes to mountain ranges, its coastline dotted with quaint fishing villages and its interior studded with tropical gardens, nature reserves and bird parks. The bustling capital Port Louis has had a bit of a facelift recently, its colourful markets enhanced by a waterfront development with trendy shops and restaurants, whilst fashionable Grand Bay is where everyone heads to when they want to explore chichi boutiques or party ‘til they drop.

WHEN TO VISIT: WEATHER WISE, APRIL TO JUNE AND SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER ARE THE MOST PLEASANT TIMES. YET MAXIMUM DEMAND STILL FALLS BETWEEN THE HOTTEST AND RAINIEST MONTHS OF DECEMBER AND APRIL - CYCLONES, THOUGH RARE, CAN ALSO BE EXPERIENCED AT THIS TIME.

HOW TO VISIT: AIR MAURITIUS AND BRITISH AIRWAYS BOTH OFFER REGULAR FLIGHTS FROM HEATHROW– JOURNEY TIME ABOUT 11½HOURS. VIRGINATLANTIC FLIES TWICE WEEKLY FROM GATWICK AND EMIRATES ALSO OFFERS SERVICES FROM A VARIETY OF UK AIRPORTS VIA DUBAI.