A small town of only 6,000 people, Souillac was originally the busiest port on the island. Today it is home to fishermen and sugar-cane farmers, a quiet regional centre that sits amongst green fields and the lapping waves of the south coast.

Mapou - Rivi're du Rempart District

On the northern tip of the island sits Mapou. Being a small town (it is not even the largest in its own district), tourists tend to favour the nearby resort of Grand Bay or the markets of Goodlands. However, the quiet atmosphere makes this a uniquely attractive location. A number of Mauritius luxury holidays also offer accommodation in the nearby village of Grand Gaube, which contains a variety of hotels as well as a golf course.

Rose Hill - Lower Plaines Wilhems District

Positioned on the island's higher plains, Rose Hill is the third largest town in Mauritius and boasts levels of commerce second only to Port Louis. Its elevation also means cooler temperatures, fewer insects and the sweet odour of flowers and fruits that thrive in such conditions. A great choice for some of the most stylish of Mauritius? luxury hotels.

Triolet ? Pamplemousses District

Regional capital by virtue of its size, Triolet is in fact the largest village in the Pamplemousses district. Rich in traditional culture, the village stands out amongst the thick, green fields of sugarcane that surround it. It is also home to the Maheshwarnath Temple, the largest of its kind on the island. Though seldom visited exclusively for its own appeal, it is extremely close to the tourist resort of Trou-aux-Biches.

Quartier Militaire ? Moka/Flacq District

The occasionally cool town of Quartier Militaire (cold by Mauritian standards being an all time low of 6? C) is an educational centre of some 67,000 souls. Facilities include a bustling marketplace and a multi-lingual school where classes are held in Italian, German and Arabic. An interesting stopping point for anyone heading across the island on their Mauritius holidays.

Mah?bourg ? Grand Port District

On the south-east coast sits Mah?bourg, a small town with a pleasant waterfront development and a selection of small inns and shops to detain the traveller. Those in search of something a little more adrenalin-fuelled may enjoy the recently built casino, designed to cater for local and international visitors.

Centre de Flacq ? Flacq District

Many of Mauritius? luxury hotels are based around the coastline of the Flacq district, a region that is characterised by its exotic beaches (amongst them the Belle Mare Plage) and attractive lagoons. The historical market in Centre de Flacq is one of the most revered on the island and is often visited by tourists.

Tamarin ? Black River District

The Black River District is the least populated region in Mauritius. Coated in thick tropical forests, it is not unusual for wild deer to be hunted throughout the winter. As it faces the west coast, the sunsets in Tamarin are famous throughout the island, and the waters surrounding the town are some of the best places in Mauritius to enjoy surfing and other watersports.

Port Louis ? Port Louis District

Towering above the regional capitals of the island, the Mauritian national capital of Port Louis is the prime entry point for any Mauritius luxury holiday. With the highest per capita income of any other African city, this is a wealthy urban centre of high-rise buildings and colonial architecture fringed by swaying palm trees. No journey to this island nation would be complete without exploring the prosperous streets of Port Louis.