Mauritius

The area around Grand Bay (=Grand Baie) was the first one to develop mass tourism, and up to this very day, it still remains the centre of tourist attraction. The small town in the North is bustling with locals and tourists alike, as it boasts many leisure activities and charming boutiques, as well as a vibrant nightlife and – of course – the famous beach La Cuvette.

Housed inside an old sugar factory, this small museum offers a glimpse of the island's history, and its sugar cultivation in particular. While learning more about how plantations shaped Mauritian industry and society in the colonial era, you will also discover how people lived and worked back in the day.

Île aux Aigrettes is an island in the Southeast of Mauritius, and although it is quite small, it is home to a multitude of rare and diverse plants and animal species. Being a nature reserve since 1965, this islet attracts tourists and locals alike, both of whom come to see the famous pink pigeons, giant tortoises and the last surviving piece of Mauritian dry coastal forest.

Inside the Maritim Resort & Spa Hotel, you will find fascinating ruins that, back in the early 18th century, were built as a fortress by the first French governor of Mauritius, Mahe de Labourdonnais, in order to protect the island from possible incursions. The fortress, which also housed an arsenal, exploded in 1774 and since then remains as a remnant of Mauritian history. Visitors are advised to contact the Maritim Resort & Spa before visiting in order to check availability.