Incredible tropical island with 26C temperatures in April and '£20 resorts'

With the temperatures rising and the summer holidays fast approaching, now it’s the perfect time to plan a tropical escape. For those looking for an early taste of the sunshine, there’s one dreamy country that’s been declared the safest in Africa: Mauritius.

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is surrounded by beautiful and scenic nature, sandy beaches and temperatures reaching 26C in the month of April. Although it’s a 12-hour flight from London, the time difference is just three hours, meaning jetlag is minimal and visitors can enjoy their trip right away.

The month of April marks the transition from summer to autumn in Mauritius. Nonetheless, the weather is sunny and warm all-year round, making it a popular destination for tourists to visit, when the temperatures remain bearable compared to other months. It’s also recommendable to pack an umbrella, as April receives occasional showers and thunderstorms.

According to the Global Peace Index for 2024, Mauritius took the first place as the safest place in Africa, and the 22nd place globally, above popular destinations such as Spain. It also provides around seven hours of sunshine, allowing locals and visitors to make the most of the sun.

Its warm temperatures are perfect for beach activities and water sports, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and parasailing. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning beaches, dramatic waterfalls and sky-high mountains.

Some of the best places to explore are the Chamarel Coloured Earth, Black River Gorges National Park, and Le Morne Brabant hike, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To learn more about their culture and history, visit the Chateau de Labourdonnairs and Aapravasi Ghat, another UNESCO site.

Other places recommended are the islands off the coast, such as Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, and the Gabriel Island & Flat Island. There’s a lot of wildlife, with the best places to witness it being La Vanile Nature Park and Casela Nature Parks.

The Mauritian gastronomy is also top-notch, with a blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, African and French influences. This is reflected in the delicious dhal puri, biryani, boulettes (dumplings), rougaille (tomato stew) and other local cuisines. The country is also known for its locally produced run, which is often a mixture of vanilla, coconut or other tropical fruits.

Hotel and resort prices in Mauritius vary based on the location and time of the year, as well as the type of luxury holidaymakers are seeking. For more budget accommodations, prices range from £20 to £50 a night, compared to luxurious stays, where prices can go around £184 to £334 per night. However, visitors might be able to get some good deals in accommodation prices, when booked three to six months in advance.

If you’re looking for culture, relaxation and adventure, this tropical beauty will not disappoint you. Whether you’re going on a family holiday, with friends or alone, Mauritius is the destination for you.