Dive into THE INDIAN OCEAN

With turquoise waters and sublime beaches, the Indian Ocean feels like paradise. Our writers test drive resorts to help you find your dream break

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CULTURAL MAURITIUS

Charlotte Richards says there's more to this island than lazing on a beach

Watching the sun setting over the white sand and turquoise sea, cocktail in hand, felt like the classic beachside break. But the arrival of a troupe of dancers performing the local Sega dance in the shadow of the jawdropping Le Morne mountain made the experience uniquely Mauritian.

This country's rich culture is all around. The teardrop-shaped land mass east of Madagascar has a unique history that packs quite the punch for an island that's 65 km long. Mauritius began as an uninhabited volcanic paradise famously home to the dodo until the first of many European colonists arrived, bringing slaves and labourers from across the globe. Today, it is a vibrant culture where French, English, Indian, African and Chinese influences collide.

The local Beachcomber Resorts group offers the perfect combination of exciting activities and Mauritian flavour. My base was The Dinarobin, on the peaceful Le Morne Peninsula to the south-west of the island, decorated in a traditional style with thatched palapa-roof villas dotted along the beach. With small, peaceful pools surrounded by palm trees, it never felt crowded despite the busy mix of couples and families.

The Dinarobin is next to another Beachcomber property, the Paradis, which has a more sporty vibe - guests can use facilities at both. I could wind down in the peaceful surroundings at Dinarobin or hop on a buggy through the pristine communal grounds to visit Paradis for snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips or a round on the championship golf course. I could also dine at all seven restaurants, from Japanese fine dining to traditional Mauritian curries.