In the past thirty years Mauritius has made its name as a dream destination. This tiny island was once a British Colony and has become one of the main players in exotic luxury holidays – a hideaway for the rich and famous, a dream come true for lottery winners and the ideal spot for honeymooners. With its fabulous beaches, warm climate, palm trees, white sand and turquoise lagoons there is no wander. However, the country has much more to offer. Taking one or two organised tours alone will not allow anyone to differentiate Mauritius from other similar Indian Ocean destinations. The French author ‘J-M. G. Le Clezio, whose grandparents were Mauritian, once wrote a few words in the visitors’ book at a boarding house he was staying at in the South of the island. It read ‘Every thing changes here at every instant, the sky, the sea, the rocks, the wind. We leave richer than we arrived. Thank you dear friends for having opened this window.’ It doesn’t take long to realise that one of the islands greatest assets is its people. Mauritians are smiley, welcoming and serene. Their laid back way of life is part of their charm. Perhaps this is the reason how a melting pot of cultures (African, Chinese, Indian and European) can cohabitate so peacefully and when life throws disaster their way such as when cyclones blowing through destroying years of work, the friendly smile and their easy going approach remains. Mauritians are so welcoming that given a half a chance you’d be invited for a meal or to a Sunday picnic on the beach with their families. In Mauritius you re learn how to be open with one another and also to nature, the light, the smells and the sounds. The powerful smells of the frangipani flowers, the light rippling of the sugar cane leaves in the breeze and the sound of the coconut leaves swaying in the wind. Just as it is in your dreams or in your imagination, natures beauty and richness is perfectly balanced, there for your pleasure...It’s neither too tropical nor too civilised.