Referred to as the gem of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is acclaimed for its soft beaches. Mauritius lies just off the coast of South Africa and is well known for its biodiversity and multiculturalism. Once home to the now extinct dodo bird, the places of natural beauty rank as some of the most exciting things to do on a Mauritius holiday. The seven-coloured earth, a natural phenomenon that causes the soil to turn seven colours, is famed worldwide.

Mauritius holidays provide for those who love breath-taking views, white sands and the bluest waters. Perfect for couples looking for an all inclusive escape, or families who are looking to please mum and dad, as well as the little ones, this island has a lot to give. Regarded as one of the Indian Ocean’s top culinary destinations, holidays to Mauritius boast the odd celebrity chef and even a few Michelin stars.

When you decide to pull yourself from the island’s breathtaking shores, make the most of the range of exciting attractions and activities on offer. Flic en Flac to the east is home to the island's largest open-air market, providing the perfect opportunity to hone your haggling skills. Alternatively, simply settle yourself down on the beach and maybe dabble in one of the many watersports on offer. From scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing and swimming, the Indian Ocean is a water sport lovers’ paradise.

Local cuisine boasts influences from India, China and France so be prepared to set your taste buds free when dining during your Mauritius holiday. Using locally produced exotic fruits and splashes of vanilla in their food, expect the unexpected. Give some Mauritius fusion food a try or take advantage of being in pescatarian heaven and delight in fish straight from the ocean. If you're looking to eat like the locals do, then head over to Rose-Hill and grab yourself a dholl puri or two from a street vendor. When the evening stars call, head over to Port Luis or Grand Bale for silver service and gourmet paradise. Don’t forget to ask for the local cuisine at your all inclusive hotel, the staff will love it!

Splash around all day in sparkling waters or delve deep into the forest for some frenzied fun, either way you're sure to have the most memorable holiday in Mauritius. With family-friendly holidays, as the all inclusive hotels offering comprehensive kid's entertainment programmes, there's little chance of you all running out of things to do during your 2017 Mauritius holiday. Combine your day trips to make the most of your time and explore the islands natural environment. On the west coast of the island lies the Yemen Natural Reserve Park, where you will lose track of time. Hiking through the forest you will meet wild boars, macaque monkeys and fruit bats.

If all the adventure wears you out, then simply hop on a boat and go whale watching or swim with the dolphins. Other top Mauritius attractions for families also include travelling by style in a submarine or even on an uber-cool underwater scooter.

From waterfalls to water sports, helicopters to hiking, you'll find an abundance of things to do in Mauritius. With rentals, available from bikes to boats, there's all sorts of ways to get around the island. Start your adventure at the Blue Bay Marine Park in Mahebourg and spend hours exploring some of the ocean's finest species. For adventures on land, try the Crocodile and Giant Tortoise Park and admire some of the biggest tortoises in the world. Mauritius Safari and Bird Park, located close to the Rempart Mountain, boasts magnificent views and exhilarating wildlife. Walk with the lions and cheetahs, glide along a zip line or make your own way around the park on a rental Segway. If you don’t know where to start, ask the concierge at the desk of your all inclusive hotel, they’re there to help!

Nothing compares to the beaches of Mauritius. While there are plenty of things to do on a Mauritius holiday for the active, there are equally as many choices for those seeking relaxation. The all inclusive hotels feature their own private beachfronts, so if you like it personal, take a look at booking one for your 2017 Mauritius holiday. Take a trip to Ile Aux Cerfs Beach, just off the east shore and float your troubles away in the calming waters. Of course, no tropical island would be complete without a spa or two and Mauritius is no exception. Take your pick from some of the finest spa resorts at an all inclusive and treat yourself to a full body massage, facial or luxurious treatment, while unwinding to the sound of the waves crash around you. A trip to a secluded beach on horseback is also a fail-safe way of bringing a new-found serenity to your day. Canter along the smooth, silky sand and bask in the sheer beauty of your surroundings. Spas and twilight horse rights along picturesque beaches? What are you waiting for?

Follow up a mouth-watering meal with a boogie and a drink at one of the island’s most loved hotspots – Grand Baie is the island’s go to area for evening entertainment, boasting mega clubs, international DJs and full moon parties. You have a choice of places to go to party, lots of parties happen on the all inclusive resorts and around Grand Baie, but there are also beach parties and bars with excellent DJ’s all over Mauritius. The Banana Beach Club has local speciality beers, an outdoor grill with music on the beach as well as a club for dancing upstairs. The C Beach Bar is the oldest beach bar and holds a Brunch party on the first Sunday of every month as well as a Chill lounge bar where local DJ’s play and you can grab a good cocktail. For a more sophisticated night out, Lakaz Cascavelle is your place, tables under the sand and a dance floor or for beer connoisseurs, Lambic has 30 different beers and is housed in a 19th century colonial house. It's likely that your all inclusive hotel will feature its own evening entertainment: perfect if you're looking for a chilled evening.

Mauritius is a popular honeymoon destination as it is the picture perfect romantic holiday spot. In the southern region of Morne there are incredible 5-star all inclusive, luxury hotels, perfect for a 2017 romantic holiday date. These hotels will feature spa facilities and lush landscapes. The long sandy beaches are highly conducive to romantic holidays whatever you choose to do, or whichever all inclusive hotel you choose to stay at. There are lots of luxury hotels ideal for a romantic get away, with access to beaches and gorgeous views. There are markets to stroll around and buy unique gifts for each other, 

There are lots of beautiful walks to take together discovering coves and lush surroundings whilst on holiday. Even if you choose to stay put at your all inclusive hotel, you will find excellent luxury service and friendly people everywhere.

As a culturally diverse island, Mauritius is home to many distinctive art galleries. The sort of arty treasures worth leaving your all inclusive hotel for. Xavier Le Juge was one of the most famous artists on the island and much of his work is displayed across many of the islands galleries today, including Gallerie Didus in Port Luis and Vaco Art Gallery, Grand Bay. When in the vicinity of Port Luis, it's worth stopping by from the Mauritius Photography Museum, which displays a number of vintage cameras and projectors, as well as impressive photographs of the island over years gone by. Delve deep into the rich heritage of the Indian population of Mauritius at the Indian Immigration Museum in Moks for an eye-opening experience. The one Mauritius attraction that would be a sin not to explore is The Natural History Museum; the oldest and most renowned museum on the island, it notably pays homage to the dodo bird.