For the start of my new series, let’s begin with my own honeymoon destination – still a tropical dream!

An island country in the Indian Ocean, 2,000 km off the coast of East Africa and east of Madagascar, it is part of the Mascarene Islands of volcanic origin, and a true melting pot of cultures, religions and languages – where just over a million of Mauritians of Indian, Chinese, French and Creole origin live together peacefully. The capital city Port Louis is home to a daily market with an overwhelming selection of fresh fruit and local spices – you’ll never forget that aroma, nor the aroma of the multicultural Creole cuisine with Indian, French and African influences. I learned cooking curries there… and it has stayed with me to the present day!

Mauritius is a dream honeymoon destination, with turquoise waters and white powdery sand on postcard-perfect beaches—for example Belle Mare and the serene lagoons of Le Morne.

Beyond sunbathing and every watersport imaginable, newlyweds can hike in the lush Black River Gorges, enjoy local culture ….

… swim with dolphins, encounter the diverse wildlife ….

… go on a helicopter tour of the island, or take a catamaran to uninhabited islets.

Sunset beach dinners, private villa stays, and spa experiences make it easy to unwind and disconnect from the daily grind. Chances are, you simply want to stay there… for the rest of your married life!