You could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve accidentally arrived in the Caribbean when you touch down on the gorgeous shores of Mauritius. Don’t panic. Those sugar-white sands, pea-green peaks and aquamarine waters are exactly where they should be, around 1,200 miles off the east coast of Africa and plonked on this petite dot on the map.

Mauritius is an upmarket destination, where five-star hotels greet guests with sublime service, incredible views and food that wouldn’t be out of place in the world’s best restaurants. Spa hotels are particularly popular – what better way to unwind on holiday than with a clutch of relaxing treatments, in your ears the sound of gentle waves rolling over the sand? Golfers adore Mauritius too, soaking up the sun as stroke by stroke they mosey across the lush courses on the island.

But Mauritius is so much more than a place to simply snuggle into the sands with a riveting read. The history of the island is peppered with influences from around the world; you’ll discover a pinch of British, a dash of Indian, a little Chinese, some peppery Creole and even a soupçon of French when you tuck into the delicious culture and fare of Mauritius.

Book Mauritius car hire and this sensational platter of holiday pleasures is yours for the taking. Pre-booking car rental is essential to secure a vehicle that suits you at the best available price. You can collect your pre-booked car when you arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). Compare prices now using the TravelSupermarket search tool. 

The main resorts on Mauritius are located just metres from the ring of soft sandy beaches and dazzlingly clear waters that lap the shoreline. The most popular include Belle Mare, Grand Gaube, Grand Baie, Trou d’Eau Douce, Bel Ombre and Flic en Flac, among a handful of others. From these resorts you can simply hop in your hire car and make a beeline for more beaches, golf courses, talked-about restaurants, or the tourist attractions that dot the landscape.

Port Louis is worth a visit. It’s a surprise to see such a built-up city by the sea on an island the size of Mauritius, but the capital offers a fine variety of boutique shops, lively markets and eateries where you can taste authentic local dishes. See horse racing at the Champ de Mars racecourse, which has been hosting events since 1812, or check out the chequered history of Mauritius at sites such as Fort Adelaide and Aapravasi Ghat – a former immigration depot for Indian slaves.

For a look at natural Mauritius, drive to the Black River Gorges National Park in the south of the island, where waterfalls slip down fertile mountainsides and the trees sing with the calls of native birds nestling within the canopy. Other worthwhile day trips include the Sugar Museum and the Botanical Gardens, both in the northern district of Pamplemousses.

Water sports are popular in Mauritius, so having a car makes it easy to access bays where the action is at its best. You could also drive to popular diving and snorkelling sites to see the kaleidoscope of life beneath the waves, or sling your walking gear in the car and hit one of the many trails that criss-cross Mauritius.