The Best Honeymoon Destination: Mauritius

A tropical island gently caressed by the warm Indian Ocean has to be the perfect honeymoon destination for newly-weds, and Mauritius, off the East coast of Africa, does not disappoint.

For eons, well-heeled lovers have made for the island to enjoy the privacy and rare beauty of a picture-perfect honeymoon and there is no doubt that for millennia to come the young and the love-struck will make their way to the island for this self same reason.

Mauritius really has it all – majestic mountains, cool fresh rivers, tropical rain forests and soft white beaches where turtles clamber to the safety of the shore to lay their eggs.

The island is renowned for its diverse avifauna and national parks, and conservation areas abound where visitors can stroll quietly and watch the animals and birds at work and play.

A Mauritius holiday generally focuses on the sun-kissed beaches and sensual waters of the warm Indian Ocean and, with over 300 km of coastline at the visitor's disposal, it is unlikely that your dreamy vacation by the sea will be disturbed by others; an important bonus to all newly-weds!

Once the splendour of the natural surroundings begins to pall, there are a number of trendy destinations for the gallivanting couple. For a taste of the local night life, it is recommended to follow in the footsteps of the locals and make for Grand Baie. It not only boasts some of the island's best beaches but a fine range of restaurants, bars and discos too.

If the new bride is missing her weekly shopping fix, she need not despair, Mauritius is the manufacturing centre of many big brand clothing and apparel stores and there are bargains galore at a fraction of the price. For the more genuine Mauritian arts and crafts, as well as locally produced fruit and vegetables, make for the market at Flacqe – it is the biggest and most colourful outdoor market on the island.

There is an astounding array of activities to choose from. For the best surfing waves, make for Tamarin; and if diving is the preferred pleasure of the bride and his groom, the tiny atoll of Rodrigues should be their chosen destination. There are also a number of great hiking trails near Mount Limon and the island has become world renowned for its 18-hole golf courses.

With an exotic and delectable cuisine and a pleasant tropical climate, Mauritius has to be the tour operator's tip of the century for newly weds.