Where in the world should an experienced sun worshipping traveler seeking a bit of adventure and a lot of relaxation go to vacation these days? It seems like all the great beaches have been discovered and those countries that were once a bargain are now too pricey for all but those who are in the high powered jet set. It is a conundrum, indeed.

One answer to this modern day riddle might just be a little place called Mauritius. An island nation located off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. Mauritius is not exactly on the well trodden backpacker path, but it has a reputation for being a place of stunning natural beauty. It also features of confluence of cultures and an economy that has been rapidly developing for the past couple of decades.

Getting to and staying on Mauritius will cost you, but sometimes you have to pay a little bit more for a hidden gem than you do for one that everyone is already wearing around their necks. [1] The Bella Mare resort looks like a wonderful place to stay on Mauritius and a wonderful place for you to soak up the sun knowing that you are off the beaten path.