Mauritius

A speck in the Indian Ocean, this multi-cultural, English-speaking island packs so much punch it’s hard to know where to begin, but the beaches make a good start. Head north for hidden coves, east for talcum-white sands, watch the sun set in the west, or go surfing in the south. Peel yourself off the beach for Indian temples, colonial mansions and botanical gardens, then enter the national parks to hike up volcanic peaks, zip-line over waterfalls, and spot pink pigeons in old-growth ebony trees. Reward your efforts with vanilla rum and creole fish, or take your rupees to the capital of Port Louis for local crafts and duty-free shopping.