Anse La Raie Holidays

North Mauritius is where you'll stumble across Anse La Raie, a tiny town between Calodyne and the fishing village of Cap Malheureux. The coastline harbours powder-soft beaches, while the big city feels of Grande Baie are just a 10-minute drive away.

The north boasts the sunniest days, so it's not surprising that its beaches take their job seriously. The sea's that special shade of turquoise that tends to banish all worries, and rustling palm trees add to the calm. Find a seafront hotel to bag a sunlounger and a cocktail.

Come to Anse La Raie for the peace, but don't ignore lively Grand Baie. A 10-minute drive away, this buzzing tourist hub picks up the pace with entertainment, restaurants and excursions. You'll leave an expert in the rhythmic dance that accompanies sega – Mauritius' traditional music. At Cap Malheureux, Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is one of the island's most photographed spots.

Find time to sample the national drink, rhum arrange – a rum flavoured with local fruits and spices – not to mention the street food. Mauritius' heritage means you'll find punchy Asian flavours vying for attention with traditional African dishes. Locals love dholl puri –thin, savoury pancakes packed with cumin and turmeric.