Mauritius may be an idyllic speck in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but it is nevertheless a cultured and cosmopolitan place.

From the 16th century, the island served as a vital landfall for international traders, a halfway house between East and West. Its roster of influences include Europe, Africa, China and India. Which means a patchwork cultural landscape, plus a smorgasbord of cuisines to enjoy.

Then there’s the setting: rainforest and soft white beaches protected by virtually unbroken coral reef. So when you’ve had your fill of temples and mosques and markets, you can move on to trekking, fishing, swimming and diving. Or settle back into the comfort zone of some of the world’s finest resort hotels.