Book your getaway to marvellous Mauritius

With white sandy beaches and the opportunity to try everything from kitesurfing to catamaran sailing, discover how to get the best of all this Indian Ocean island has to offer

According to author Mark Twain, who visited in 1896, God used Mauritius as the template for heaven. Today it still has the wow factor; an island in the Indian Ocean with a melting pot of cultures including Creole, Indian and French. You’ll find centuries-old sugar cane plantations next to beautifully-tended golf courses and above all, some of the world’s most attractive beaches.

Beach beautiful

In in the east of the island, on the Belle Mare peninsula, the Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort has a glorious 1.3km stretch of milky white sand and gentle waves. Its striking modern architecture contrasts with its lawns and extensive sports facilities, including three swimming pools.

Ultimately, Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort is ideal for both couples and multi-generational travel. The 225 rooms and suites all have a terrace or balcony and blend mid-century-style decor with cutting-edge gadgets. Families can book interconnecting rooms and the resort has one of the best kids’ clubs on the island, with professional nannies and babysitters. For older children there are campfires, live music sessions and a chill-out area.

Befitting Mauritius’ French heritage, Long Beach’s five restaurants are of uniformly high quality. The Tides specialises in fish fresh from the ocean while other restaurants, set around a central piazza, are devoted to Japanese, Chinese and Mediterranean food. Feeling peckish? A buggy also travels the beach with drinks and snacks.

The Chopsticks restaurant at Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort

Wonderful watersports

Mauritius is a deceptively large island: with room for mountains, waterfalls and national parks, there’s plenty to keep visitors active on the resort. There are tennis courts and a fully-equipped fitness centre with a pool devoted to lane swimming and even a climbing wall.

Extensive watersports include kayaking, catamaran sailing and kitesurfing. The reef that keeps the waves gentle also provides some of the best snorkelling and diving in the island, with PADI tuition available. A short boat ride away is Ile aux Cerfs, a private island with a series of fantastic beaches. For guests of Long Beach Golf and Spa, there are no green fees and free transport to the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, with its course designed by Bernhard Langer.

In search of something more serene? The Cinq Mondes spa (above) - hidden away in a secluded part of the resort - has treatments from around the world and classes in yoga and qigong. As night falls, the choices remain; private meals on the beach or the terrace of your room plus Bombora, the Long Beach Golf and Spa Resort’s own nightclub.

British Airways flies direct to Mauritius up to five times a week from London Gatwick. Save up to 40 per cent on your hotel stay at luxury Sun Resorts in Mauritius. Savings applicable to the following resorts: Long Beach, Sugar Beach, La Pirogue and Ambre. Valid for selected resorts, room types and travel dates. Terms apply. To find out more and to book, visit ba.com/sunresorts