Île aux Bénitiers

Embrace a slow pace of life at Île aux Bénitiers, an island just off the southwest coast of Mauritius. It sits in a lagoon near Le Morne and measures just 2 kilometres by 500 metres. It’s the perfect place to switch-off and do very little. A day trip here is all about picnicking on the dazzling beach, bird watching and taking a look around the small coconut farm. You can snorkel through the lagoon to the clam-shaped Crystal Rock or spend time on the soft white sand. That’s about as taxing as it gets!

You can get to Île aux Benitiers on a local fishing boat from La Gaulette or Case Noyale – keep an eye out for dolphins, as you may be lucky enough to spot them on the boat ride over. Alternatively, catch a catamaran or speedboat across to this small, uninhabited and unspoilt island on an organised day trip. Many include a barbecue lunch, so tuck in!