Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Just 14km from Port Louis, Quartre-Bornes is the less busy alternative to the capital. Local craft is particularly rich, and ranges from jewellery to woven baskets, perfect for authentic souvenirs. There is also a good range of fresh produce and spices.

Wandering past the wide variety of local produce is a leisurely way to pass time. Make sure you engage in bartering to fully appreciate the market experience, and to reduce the expensive tourist rates.

Whilst diving is possible all year round in Mauritius, it tends to be more popular between the slightly warmer months in October to May, and the clearest water tends to be between April/May and September/October when the sea is calmer. Mauritius has many good quality un-damaged reefs, and unlike other busier scuba diving locations such as the Maldives, there is usually only one dive boat at a time in an area, creating a more personal diving experience. When choosing a diving school, it is important to look for members of the MSDA (Mauritius Scuba Diving Association) and the MMCS (Mauritius Marine Conservation Society) for a high standard of teaching and sustainable use of the reefs and Indian Ocean.

As far as diving locations go, the whole of the Mauritian coastline offers great diving, with dive sites easily accessible wherever you are staying. The underwater topography is varied across Mauritius, and it is the North West coastline that has a more sandy and gently shelving coral reef, arguably some of the best reefs are here, with excellent opportunities to spot tropical fish. The east coast is different, and slightly more dramatic with stronger currents and rocky boulders that fish hide behind; here you will find it more oceanic, with more open water, making it possible to see Eagle rays, octopus, and other bigger fish.

There are several interesting features on the west coast, and here at the bay of Tamarin and around the Riviere Noire area, there are opportunities to see dolphins. A few kilometres up the coastline is Flic-en Flac. Here the underwater “Cathedral” begins at 18m and then drops to 27m between two cliffs. This rock formation has extensive caverns and arches and is known for its high density of fish in the area such as stonefish, Lionfish and Moray Eels. For experienced divers, the wreck of Tug II, sunk in 1982, lies at a depth of 19m. This wreck is small, and also widely varied in marine life, and it is possible to see the uncommon scorpion fish. Here on the west coast, most Hotels such as the Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa, and Paradis Hotel and golf club will offer diving expeditions at an additional coast, and can be trusted with supplying a qualified diving instructor. A Scott Dunn recommended Diving school is the Blues Diving Centre that is affiliated with the Constance Le Prince Maurice hotel. Here, the Blues Diving Centre offers experienced yet fun tuition, allowing even a complete beginner to enjoy diving in Mauritius.

Locals say to avoid the last two weeks of July, however there are good year round weather conditions for golfers. The mid 20-degree temperatures in September and October are the chosen months for golfing enthusiasts.

The newest addition to the east coast is the Ernie Els designed golf course at the Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita. This 7440-yard, 18-hole golf course almost overlaps the sea with six ocean-side holes, wide fairways and elevated greens. One of the easier courses on the island, it is one of the best choices due to its exclusivity and attention to detail. Stay at the Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita to use golf carts and a one-hour introduction. Also offered are private and group tuition and well as full game analysis at an additional cost.

Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel on the east coast owns the two most well known golf courses. Opened in 1994, The Legends Golf Club is the oldest in Mauritius and has been rebuilt to USPGA specification. Set within thick forest, known for its comfortable clubhouse where deer roam in the evening, The Legends course at Constance Belle Mare Plage is a classic. The venue for the Mauritius Open Professional Tournament every December, The Legends golf course is definitely demanding, however its signature 160-yard 17th hole with spectacular views is worth the challenge. Its only fault is the dense vegetation that can occasionally affect a game. The second and newer Links course is 2km from the Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel and provides more space to perfect technique, with an area of over 5900m and several practice fairways. The big greens lay on the grounds of an old sugar plantation, and the undulating terrain make this an interesting course with several challenges. The double dogleg at the second hole where golfers can take on the blind spot across volcanic outcrop make The Links Golf Course a constant surprise to play.

The most challenging course in Mauritius, this 18-hole Bernhard Langer designed golf course at the Le Tousserok resort is unique. Located on the Ile Aux Cerfs island just off the east coast, it can only be accessed by boat. Made in 2003, this relatively new course has four different sets of tee decks for each hole meaning it is still playable for less advanced golfers. The intricate slopes need accurate play and make a short game quite tough. Not fun for a higher handicapped player, there are plenty of opportunities to lose balls, so it is important to relax and enjoy your game and take in some of the best ocean scenery in Mauritius. Being a guest at the Le Tousserok resort allows complimentary access to the golf course. The resort itself is a luxury to stay in, and the Frangipani Junior Suites at the tip of the Le Tousserok have the best views.

Chamarel is a small village in the south of Mauritius in the Rivière Noire area, it is a 19km drive from the village Flic-en-flac. For a break from white sandy beaches and coastal scenery, it is recommended to visit the otherworldly coloured earths and waterfalls of Chamarel.

Visit at sunset and watch the vibrant colours of violet, green, blue, yellow and red come to life. This geological phenomenon, with undulating and contrasting layers of earth, is a short drive away from the Chamarel Waterfalls, in which the Rivière du Cap plunges almost 100m towards the ground.