Beaches, temples, lagoons, rainforests, reefs, waterfalls, shopping, dining, Mauritius has it all – whether you decide to stay in your resort or venture out to explore the island. For the adventurous and active, there’s scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, deep sea fishing, and kite surfing while those looking for something more relaxed can enjoy yoga, indulge in gourmet cuisine, relax at the spa, or simply relax pool side.

Mauritius is a place of rich multicultural diversity, evidenced in both the languages spoken here as well as the melting pot of cuisines you will find on offer. Of course, one of the main attractions of Mauritius is its stunning beaches. Whether you're into water sports or simply want to relax under the palm trees and soak up the sun, Mauritius has a beach for you. Venture inland and you’ll also discover breathtaking waterfalls, enchanting gardens and national parks with hiking trails and panoramic views.

Mauritius is known to South Africans as a honeymoon destination bit it’s not only for couples, it also has an impressive array of activities to enjoy as a family – from exhilarating zip lining to cultural temple visits. There are even a good number of excellent golf courses on the island. And with over 150 kilometers of coastline, you'll find beaches for every taste, from secluded coves to bustling resorts.

Friendly, inviting and relentlessly beautiful, Mauritius is one of our favourite island holiday spots. It is located just a short direct flight from Cape Town or Johannesburg, making it really easy to visit for a week’s holiday with the family, and there are hotels to suit every single budget. You name it, Mauritius has got it.

Mauritius is blessed with a tropical climate and is a fantastic year-round holiday destination. Temperatures range from the low to mid-20s°C in the cooler months (April to October), up to the late 20s°C and early 30s°C during the gorgeous summer months from November to March.

Mauritius is 2 hours ahead of South Africa. The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs) which is divided into 100 cents. Major currencies such as US Dollars and Euros, and even South African Rands, are accepted in most hotels and by many vendors. One fantastic thing to note that Mauritius is a visa-free destination for South Africans (in fact all of the locations offered by the Holiday Factory are visa-free!)

Take along your best beach and casual wear, perfect for the day. In the evening, the dress-code for dinner is usually smart casual and gents are required to wear long trousers. You may also want to take some swimming shoes as there are urchins in some places and the corals can be sharp. But whatever you leave behind, take it as an opportunity for some retail therapy. Mauritius is a living and working island so you will be able to get most things you might need. In fact, you won’t regret a trip to the shops or markets.

Exclusive to The Holiday Factory, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa enjoys an enviable location at Balaclava on the north west coast and oozes soul, style and atmosphere. This great all round resort is the ultimate destination for a peaceful and rejuvenating escape in a truly luxurious and glamorous setting.