The exquisite tropical paradise of Mauritius offers some of the best windsurfing in the world at the famous location of  Le Morne in the south of the island, and the lesser known lagoon of  Anse Le Raie in the north. With incredibly reliable winds between June and September, and a variety of windsurf conditions to be found on the island, from amazing flat water lagoons to great wave spots, Mauritius should definitely be at the top of your list for a windsurfing holiday.

But this incredible location is not all about the windsurfing, with stunning all-inclusive beachfront hotels and a rich melting pot of cultures, the island has so much more to offer than just windsurfing. Here are 5 things Planet Windsurfing Holidays suggests you can do in Mauritius when you are not out on the water:

1. INDULGE IN DECADENT CUISINE
With a rich cultural history, Mauritius is home to a variety of cultures and ethnicities which reflects magnificently in the island’s cuisine. Creole is a term used to describe both the island’s language and the delicious offering that is a combination of fresher-than-fresh seafood, curried dishes and local tasty creations. Many of the top resorts also are home to French chefs who combine these local flavours with their own to create modern dishes served up in some of the best beachfront locations. You can also do a cooking class at some of the resorts if you want to learn how to recreate these island specialities in your own home

2. GO RUM TASTING
No paradise island is complete without palm trees and rum and Mauritius is no exception. The island is home to a number of unique chateaus – once the homes of Mauritius’ elite and early government – which have been lovingly restored and turned into museums. At these locations you can learn about the island’s history and also enjoy unique island rum tastings from their opulent rum distilleries.

3. PLAY GOLF
The tiny island of Mauritius is amazingly home to over eleven different golf courses, which stand among the best in the world. Take a swing amongst resident deer, over pristine lakes and lagoons and overlooking the incredible beaches and lagoons that Mauritius is famous for.

4. TAKE A TOUR OF THE ISLAND’S CULTURAL SITES
A tour of the island is definitely recommended during your time in Mauritius, whether you go with a guided trip or on your own steam in a hired car. Discover colourful Tamil temples, exquisitely positioned seaside catholic churches, Chinese pagodas in the city centre and rich local markets at Port Louis. Marvel at old forts, learn how model ships are made, take in the views over the Black River Gorges National Park, discover exquisite plants and giant water lilies at the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, sip on a cocktail in Grand Baie and see the unique phenomenon of the seven coloured earth at Chamarel. Say a prayer at the Grand Bassin crater lake, the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius, before marvelling at one of the tallest statues of the god Shiva in the world. And thanks to the island’s tiny size you can do all this in one day or a couple or space out the activities for the odd afternoon or morning when the wind isn’t blowing.

5. DELIGHT IN A NUMBER OF OTHER WATERSPORTS
There are are a number of water based excursions you can enjoy in Mauritius including sunset sailing charters, trips to the nearby surrounding islands, diving off the incredible reef systems, learning to kitesurf and the adventurous activity of parasailing. The island’s best resorts, such as the St. Regis which is located at the windsurfing spot in Le Morne, offer a number of all-inclusive water sports from sailing to kayaking, SUPing, waterskiing and snorkelling. Planet also offers a number of special offers at the St Regis including 55% off your accommodation with complimentary upgrades to full board or extended free night offers if you book at the exclusive villa at The St. Regis!