CRYING OUT FOR MAUR

ROSS GREGORY FINE DINES AND UNWINDS IN THE SUN, SEA AND SPAS OF MAURITIUS

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FOR a long time, Mauritius was renowned for being the home of the dodo, a bird whose claim to fame now is that it's long extinct.

And after a week-long trip to the Indian Ocean hotspot, I can report that everything else about this stunning island is alive and kicking. Gorgeous beaches, clear-blue water, sports and fun, but also with plenty of opportunities to kick back and chill, it has something for everyone.

That might be why it is such a popular holiday destination for parties ranging from families to couples, young to old. It's a home from home - English speaking, along with a strong French flavour, driving on the left and lots of golf - but with warm weather, blue skies and incredible food.

It was my first trip to Mauritius, and while I wanted to relax and unwind, there was also lots to keep me occupied during my stay at two Constance-owned resorts, starting with Belle Mare Plage and then Prince Maurice.

And relax...

Before the activities, though, a chance to enjoy the Belle Mare spa. A 10-hour overnight flight and then an hour by road to the hotel was followed by a spot of breakfast, a first lie on the resort's golden beach, and then a massage to work out the journey's knots and niggles.

I could have done with another one the following morning after an early start for circuit training took my breath away - literally - followed by exerting aqua aerobics. A great, energetic start to the day.

In the swing

The energy didn't stop there. A leisurely cycle ride off resort was part of the activities on offer, as was a spot of table tennis.

But while Premier League football is all the rage - and locals were only too keen to talk about it - it is golf that Mauritius is embracing.

Belle Mare Plage has two 18-hole courses, the Legends and the Links, which host championship competition and Pro-ams featuring celebrities and sport stars.