Mauritius

Mauritius is the Indian Ocean at its most romantic - powder-white beaches, turquoise lagoons and a lush volcanic interior, all wrapped around resort living at its finest. It has long been the honeymoon destination of choice, and it is easy to see why: speedboats whisk you across the lagoon to Ile aux Cerfs, a picture-perfect island playground with water activities and undersea walking.

Inland, the island surprises at every turn. The surreal Seven Colored Earths at Chamarel shimmer in bands of ochre and violet, the forested Black River Gorges plunge dramatically towards the coast, and the famous Pamplemousses Gardens showcase giant water lilies and centuries-old botany. The capital adds its own flavour with the Citadel, the bustling Port Louis market and the Caudan Waterfront.

Between excursions, unhurried days at leisure belong to the beach, the spa and long dinners by the sea - with a visa on arrival for Indian citizens, paradise has rarely been this effortless.