Day 1 – Bel Ombre

Join your tour group at the hotel and discover the blinding white sands, rustling palms and sugar-cane clad backdrop of our all-inclusive base for the next seven nights. Commanding a privileged beachfront position on the unspoilt south-west of the island, we’re sure to be blessed with some of the best sunsets in Mauritius.

Day 2 – South Mauritius

Home to soft white sands and crystalline waters, Mauritius understandably wears the crown as one of the best beach destinations in the world. But beyond the beach lies an island rich in history and culture, where Hindu temples sit comfortably amongst Creole fishing villages, and melting pots of mouth-watering cuisine smell like French, Indian, African and Chinese flavours. Today we feel the spray of the mighty Chamarel Waterfalls – one of the island’s greatest natural wonders. Surrounded by thick jungle, at 100m high, it’s the tallest waterfall in Mauritius. Turning water into rum, we finish our adventure with a tour and tasting at a local rum distillery. Later, we head for the hills, winding our way deep into the forests and mountains to Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao) – a deep green crater lake surrounded by colourful Hindu statues and temples. One of the most sacred temples on the island, Hindus believe it was formed after Shiva spilt a drop of water from the River Ganges.

Day 3 – Bel Ombre

The day is free. Spend it relaxing by the pool – or snorkelling in the lagoon’s sheltered turquoise waters.

Day 4 – The Tea Route

This half-day tour is everyone’s cup of tea. For a start, despite it being a tea tour, it also includes rum tasting. We explore the green patchwork of tea plantations, colonial mansions and salon de thé of three producers, including Bois Chéri – Mauritius’ oldest tea producer, dating back to 1892.

Days 5-6 – Bel Ombre

Two free days to enjoy the resort. Sandwiched between Frederica Nature Reserve and a protective wall of coral reef, the sheltered beaches and warm waters of Bel Ombre are the perfect place to relax. Or, if you haven’t already, why not head to the spa for a pampering treat or two?

Day 7 – Mahébourg

Getting a taste for true island life, today we head to the south-east of the island to Mahébourg – a traditional town home to candy-coloured fishing boats, local markets and museums. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century French mansion, we learn about the island’s colonial and maritime past at the Naval Museum, before sweetening the deal with a visit to a family-run cassava biscuit factory.

Day 8 – Bel Ombre – Souillac – Balaclava Bay

Leaving Bel Ombre for the north of the island, we first stop at the picturesque seaside village of Souillac. After exploring the historic centre and visiting Telfair Gardens – oceanfront gardens curated by the Irish botanist, Charles Telfair – we have lunch and head north. Our home for the next few nights is located on the palm-dotted white sands of exclusive Balaclava Bay, and each beautifully decorated room has views across the Indian Ocean. Paradise also comes with its private island, two pools, including a shimmering oceanfront infinity pool, a swim-up bar and wellness spa.

Day 9 – Pamplemousses Botanic Garden

This morning, it’s time to smell the roses – plus over 650 other species of plants and flowers, including three-metre-wide giant lily pads. Over 300 years old, this exotic plant-based paradise is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere and is also home to giant tortoises, deer and stags. Set in a historic sugar mill within the luscious surroundings of a sugar cane plantation, we also visit nearby L’Adventure de Sucre. More than just a sweet treat, this museum is critical to understanding the island’s three centuries of colonisation, the role of the slave trade, and its rum production.

Day 10 – Balaclava Bay

Today is free to relax, take advantage of the watersports at the resort.

Day 11 – Cap Malheureux

We head for the northernmost tip of Mauritius and the fishing village of Cap Malheureux. Named ‘Cape Misfortune’ by the French after the number of ships that were shipwrecked here, the scenery is anything but – with immaculate white beaches and aquamarine waters dotted with sailboats and distant islands. After visiting the Historic Marine model ship factory, we travel to nearby Grand Baie, a lively town that’s home to dazzling beaches, luxury hotels and sunset bars. A place where all the island’s influences meet under one roof, there’s time to shop for Indian patterned scarves, Creole batik fabrics and Chinese herbs at the Grand Baie Bazaar.

Day 12 – La Vallée de Ferney Nature Reserve

Today, we take a walk on the wilder side of the island on a guided hike through La Valleé de Ferney – a 200-acre protected reserve that’s a refuge for native flora and fauna, including the rare Mauritian Kestrel. There are some steep steps and inclines, so the walk requires a good level of fitness, but it will reward you with breathtaking views across the south-east of the island. Plus, there’s the promise of lunch and free time at the resort to spur us on.

Days 13-14 – Balaclava Bay

The last couple of days are free for ‘me’ time.

Day 15 – Balaclava Bay

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.