Off major shipping routes, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the 16th century, allowing it to develop into one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots. It was favoured by pirates and occupied briefly by the Dutch before the French brought African slaves to work the sugar plantations. Captured by the British in 1810, Mauritius achieved independence in 1968. Its diversification into textiles, tourism and, of late, financial services, telecommunications and cyber services has been an Indian Ocean economic success story. So too has its stable multicultural society.

Descendants of Indian labourers brought in after the abolition of slavery in 1835 now comprise 70 percent of the population, and Chinese and Muslim traders add to a French and Creole cultural legacy. This friendly co existence of cultures expresses itself in croissants for breakfast and curry for dinner, and garish Indian temples near French colonial mansions.

With world class hotels offering the best service in the Indian Ocean and a renowned gastronomy as well as top spas and golf, Mauritius also offers more to do than many tropical islands, with trekking, mountain climbing and eco tourism playgrounds. With its signature sunny days, the worlds third largest coral reef surrounding a turquoise lagoon and silky blonde sandy beaches, this island certainly comes close to paradise.

Crime levels are low. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties.

The threat from terrorism is low. Travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

The cyclone season in Mauritius is generally between November to May.

Walk around the capital, Port Louis, to see fine colonial architecture such as Government House atop the palm lined Place d Armes. Gaze at one of the worlds rarest stamps at the Blue Penny Museum or gawk at dodo skeletons in the Natural History Museum.

Stroll around Pamplemousses Gardens the third oldest botanical gardens in the world, created in the 18th century. Its international collection of plants includes giant Amazon lilies and the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies.

Visit Mauritius Aquarium in the north, populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges originating from the waters around the island. It also has a touch pool for children.

Snorkel or take a glass bottom boat out to see the fish and coral in Blue Bay, Mauritius only Marine Park.