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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2014 38 JUST off the coast of Madagascar, close to the African continent, the little island of Mauritius offers a taste of paradise with its clear blue seas and coasts of fine white sand. Why go? Almost every inch of the coast of Mauritius, made famous by a stamp said by collectors to be among the most valuable in the world, is cov- ered in white sand and turquoise seas that remain between 20 and 25C all year long. The coral reefs that surround the island not only protect divers and swimmers from currents and rough seas, but are also home to a myriad of marine species, making diving, or just snorkelling a real treat on the holiday island. What to do? Take a walk up to the Trou aux Cerfs for the best views on the is- land. The volcano, which was active millions of years ago, is now extinct and is choked with silt, water and dense vegetation. Though it is pos- sible to scramble down the sides of the 300m diameter crater to the lake below, caution is strongly ad- vised. To the west catch a glimpse of Rempart Mountain, flanked to the right by the three peaks of Trois Mamelles, the Mauritians call the three beasts. Other mountains rise and fall around the crater like papier mache replicas dumped on the land- scape by a child. Whether you're driving, taking a bus or going for a walk, the Black River Gorges National Park is not to be missed. The only national park in Mauritius is covered in spectacu- larly wild expanse of thick forest covering 3.5% of the island's surface and is home to over 300 species of flowering plants and nine species of bird unique to Mauritius including the pink pigeon, which is making a comeback from the brink of extinc- tion. A network of hiking trails cross the empty Black River Gorges National park and though maps are available it is best to check the current status of the trails before setting off at the visitor's centre. Check out the picture-postcard scenery of the north of the island aboard a luxury catamaran and ex- perience the thrill of sailing on the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Visit the La Palisades, the sheltered part of the Flat Island and the protected side of the Gunner's Quoin Island where there is great snorkeling opportunities for ma- rine life enthusiasts and pure white sands for sun worshippers. Mauritius is not all sun, sea, sand and nature walks. Take a trip to the Balaclava Ruins for a more histori- cal perspective of the island. Just a few metres away from Turtle Bay, lie the ruins of the first fort built in the 1700s under French rule. Rent a bicycle and explore the fort from the inside, just remember to obtain permission before entering the old ruins. Where to stay? Inspired by the famous fishing boats of Mauritius from which the resort takes its name, La Pirogue's, www.lapirouge.com, unique ar- chitectural style is enhanced in its guestrooms by the added rustic warmth of wood and thatch. The cottages, which all open privately on the resort's magnificent palm-grove of over 1000 coconut trees and on the sea, feature new warm shades and great comfort throughout. The resort boasts a magnificent pool of over 1000 square metres, that merg- es into the Indian Ocean. Le Touesserok, www.letouesserok. com, lies on a picturesque stretch of sandy coast overlooking the Trou d'Eau Douce Bay. Out in the lagoon are two beautiful islands, including Ile aux Cerfs with its spectacular 18-hole championship golf course. The resort offers extensive water- sports and land based activities and a renowed Givenchy Spa for re- laxation. The Resort also features three spectacular waterfront Vil- las, which offer ultra-exclusive and spacious accommodation, using the latest technology to meet the high expectations of the most discerning guests. Over 12 hectares of tropical gar- dens and plantation style architec- ture and over half a kilometre of sandy beaches, the Sugar Beach Re- sort, www.sugarbeachresort.com, is in an old Manor house and also in- cludes 16 luxury villas, 10 of which have 12 rooms while the remaining six have 10 rooms each. Where to eat? Offering Colonial Style atmos- phere, overlooking the historical Ruins of Balaclava, the River Citron and the dreamful Turtle Bay and surrounded by an equestrian centre, the Château Mon Désir restaurant offers the best of in fine dining. Served in a beautiful tropical es- tate, classical elements and modern inf luence of French cuisine meets the Mauritian spirit in a unique blend of tastes. The Hidden Reef is a quaint res- taurant set in a tranquil and ro- mantic garden atmosphere with a warm and welcoming ambiance. A balanced menu ensures a great dining experience whatever your tastes. Be it wholesome meat dishes or our more delicate sea food dish- es there is excellent wines at great value to accompany any selection. La Terrasse is family-owned where traditional recipes are handed down with much skill. La Terrasse situated beside the sea, specializing in Mauritian, Creole, European and Chinese cuisine of- fers a cozy and intimate dining experience, for very affordable prices. How to get there? Emirates are offering daily f lights to Mauritius via Dubai. Flights de- parting from Malta on 20 February, returning on 6 March were priced at €965.55 including taxes, at the time of going to print. TRAVEL Perfect white sands of Mauritius The white sandy beaches of Mauritius are protected by the coral reefs ensuring still warm waters throughout the year Cycle around the Balaclava Ruins for a more historical take on Mauritius The Black River Gorges National Park is home to the pink pigeon, a species of bird unique to Mauritius that has slowly come back from the brink of extinction Take a trip to the top of the Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano, clogged up with silt water and thick vegetation