I escaped to this Indian Ocean island for a dose of winter sun, and found myself immersed in the rich culture and history

"Mauritius could be the destination that ticks all your checkboxes. It may be an exaggeration to call Mauritius underrated, after all, it's an island already known for its beauty, but compared to its competitors, the Maldives or the Seychelles, it's definitely something of an underdog."

"As we drove along the meandering coastline to our first destination, LUX* Belle Mare in Quatre Cocos, the island's diversity and vibrancy became instantly apparent. On one side: white sand and clear blue sea. On the other: the Bambous mountain range, lush with greenery and volcanic earth."

"On a single stretch of street, I saw a Mandir, a mosque and a church sitting side by side. Chinese medicines were sold next to an Indian restaurant, outside a shopping centre filled with tourists from Africa, Europe and Asia. The population is multilingual, speaking Mauritian Creole, with English and French widely used."

Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean off Africa's southeast coast, presents an attractive destination for travelers seeking winter sun and paradise experiences. Despite its renowned beauty, it remains relatively underrated compared to competing Indian Ocean destinations. The island showcases remarkable diversity, featuring white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush volcanic mountains with agricultural fields. Its population reflects a rich multicultural heritage resulting from colonial history, with residents speaking Mauritian Creole, English, French, Bhojpuri, and Hindi. The island's cultural landscape displays religious and commercial diversity, with temples, mosques, and churches coexisting alongside varied cuisines and shopping experiences attracting visitors from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Read at CN Traveller