The island of Mauritius is around 60km long and 40km wide. The north of the island is flat and rocky and has the only resort town on the island, Grand Baie. It is a cosmopolitan and bustling centre with a good range of bars, shops and restaurants. In the east, the prevailing winds provide ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing and some of the most exclusive and private resorts can be found situated along the coastline. On the west coast, there are long stretches of beach with a spectacular mountainous backdrop and in the little developed south, quiet idyllic coves and beaches are easy to find. Other highlights of the island include the tropical forests of Domaine du Chasseur with its monkeys, wild boar and exotic orchids, the world’s oldest botanical gardens at Pamplemousses and the colonial architecture and palm lined streets of the island’s capital, Port Louis. It is possible to combine your time in Mauritius with a stay on the peaceful island of Rodrigues; this undeveloped paradise has a relaxed feel and has world class windsurfing and kite boarding.