For those who are looking for Indian Ocean vacation prospects for the upcoming All Saint's Day holidays it couldn’t be easier spending a dream vacation on your favorite island, and there are plenty of flights from various destinations around the world. These days most continent are linked to Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Maldives by non-stop air travel.

To top it off, each resort and hotel has what you are looking for to ensure your arrival, visit and getting-about are cool and laid back. Plus there are a number of exciting options for island-hopping to outer islets and atolls that are sprinkled throughout the region, whether it is via small aircraft, a seaplane or helicopter, gliding over-water in a cruising catamaran or riding the waves on your own chartered speedboat.

Pearl of the Indian Ocean

At 20 degrees south of the equator, Mauritius is well-known for its glistening white beaches, iconic mountain ranges peaking in the distance, and its friendly populace formed from an eclectic blend of Asian, European and African cultures.

Serviced by no less than 16 airlines operating from Europe, Asia, India, the Gulf and Africa, Mauritius is well within the time zones of its visitors. Getting around the island is easy: hire a chauffeur-driven private car, rent a vehicle or order a taxi cab. These options are available at the airport or through your hotel, and may be booked prior to your stay or once you arrive. For a particular style of transport which allows a broader view of the landscape, the local bus transport is reliable and vibrant, meandering through the villages and towns, into the countryside, up the mountains and along the winding coastline.

The 20 Degrès Sud is a charming 36-room boutique hotel situated in the north, near the tropical parallel of the island. A member of the exquisite Relais & Châteaux group of hotels and the only one of its kind on Mauritius, this hotel offers massages and body treatments, sea sports and nature activities – in short everything to ensure you experience an unforgettable holiday. The restored 1920’s era boat sits along the lagoon jetty and is perfect for dining cruises and evenings under the stars. 

The hotel team will make efforts to guide you to wherever you want to go in your discovery of the sumptuous surroundings. Featured sites are Ile aux Cerfs, le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges, Port Louis and Flic-en-Flac, Ganga Talao and 7-Coloured Earth. Don’t stop there! A number of other places and things to do exist, as well as an array of restaurants and cafés dotting the island to enjoy while you are here.

Barefoot Luxury

Already in the region? Then visiting Rodrigues is a must. Trek around this volcanic island, situated 500 kilometres east of Mauritius and encircled by an extensive coral reef. It is said that Mauritian hospitality has been relocated here, and why shouldn’t it – since Rodrigues is one of a handful of its outer territories! Regular flights are available from Mauritius or Reunion, alighting at Plaine Corail airport where you will be enchanted immediately by the unique and authentic hospitality of this tiny island where time stands still and nature belongs to you exclusively.

The Tekoma Boutik hotel is situated on the wild northeast coast, overlooking a natural turquoise bay, typifies this sentiment, with only 15 individual dwellings and plenty of wide open space in every direction.

While you’ll want to wear hiking shoes when trudging about the rocky jagged terrain where traveling by foot is the norm, or don a pair of pedal pushers for bicycle tours inland, you are most likely to be caught foot loose and fancy free: this is the place to partake in extreme outdoor sports like no other, from kiting, diving, surfing, to traditional fishing, boating and more.

Day trips can be taken in a vehicle – the smaller the better for squeezing through narrow roads and tropical woods sagging with fruit laden foliage. Navigating the hilly landscape is a joy as you come alongside walking locals who are all too happy to chat for a moment or point you along the right – and only – course.

Points of interest include strolling Port Mathurin town and its lively market, the underground stalactite cave at Caverne Patate, Trou d’Argent beach where you will find beautiful blue bottle shells – please take empty ones only, the Tortoise Park and Cave Reserve, and Mont Lubin. Days are not complete without a stop at one of the many animated restaurants and table d’hôtes which will entice your olfactory senses with aromas and tastes beyond this world.

Island-Hopping at its Finest