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.