The beaches are not the only reason to take cheap flights to Mauritius, although they are considered to be among the best in the world. This little country - just 45km wide and 65km long - lies about 900km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It's part of the Mascarene Islands, which includes Réunion and Rodrigues.
Mauritius has a fascinating history, which features the Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, French and British. Its past occupiers' influences are evident throughout the country; it's a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Port Louis, on the east coast, is the capital. Here, stately houses and colonial-era buildings, cathedrals, a pagoda and a mosque, bustling markets and craft galleries fill the streets.
Inland, there's a wealth of natural wonders to explore, including Trou aux Cerfs, a volcanic crater in Curepipe; the Rochester and Tamarin Falls; Jardin Botanique de Pamplemousses; the Black River Gorges National Park and La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes.
The beaches are legendary. Fine-white sands are framed by Casuarina trees and lapped, gently, by clear, blue waters. Some of the best are Grand Baie (where Mauritians go to party); Pereybere; Blue Bay, Ile aux Cerfs and Flic en Flac (which, in Dutch means, Free and Flat Land).