I recently made my first visit to the Indian Ocean to discover what Mauritius had to offer the incentive and meeting market. Was it all going to be sun, sea, sunloungers and sundowners?

In a word – no. The island has all that in abundance - and from experience, groups appreciate the time to chill – but it has so much more to offer. It provides an opportunity to experience something different – be it active, cultural, fun, frightening.

So here are a few highlights from my 5 days.

First major factor to note is the direct flight from Heathrow – overnight as well, so it doesn’t eat too much into the programme. Plus the time difference to the UK is only 3 hours.

Arriving at the airport, we were whisked to the Yu Lounge - a private terminal and VIP lounge via Porsche Caymans for fast-track check-in and refreshments. 

We then visited the first of 3 Beachcomber Hotels – 

The Shandrani Resort & Spa in Blue Bay on the South East tip of the island. Naturally, we made time to enjoy the spa facilities before heading off on a private boat trip into the Marine Park for an hour of snorkelling.

Then it was time to kick off the shoes for dinner on the beach – nothing better than cool sand between your toes whilst enjoying authentic Mauritian cuisine – whilst the 3 piece acoustic band entertained with tunes from Bob Marley to Oasis.

Day 2 we hopped onto another boat for a 5 minute transfer to the private island of Ile des Deux Cocos - available for exclusive hire and famous for its private parties…and home made rum. Some combination!

Then onto Chateau Mon Desir for lunch - a fine dining restaurant located in a beautiful colonial-style building, overlooking the Ruins of Balaclava. Perfect for private dinners for up to 38 people, or 500 outdoors in front of the spectacular Ruins.

Then onto the next hotel, Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa – a 5* + hotel on the north west coast of the island. Time here for some friendly competition as the group took on a cocktail making challenge (rum based naturally). As the sun set, there was more tasting than making! 

Day 3 was time for some team-based fun. A Mini Cooper Rally gave everyone the chance to experience the island close-up in convertibles. Cryptic clues took the group on a journey across the island, taking in sights, soaking up history, meeting locals and collecting local ingredients for cooking up lunch at Eureka – a colonial house and museum in the heart of the Mauritian countryside. 

A serious ‘high’-light of the trip came next. After checking-in at the 5* 

Le Paradis Hotel and Golf Club, golf buggies whisked us to the golf course. But not to tee-off, but to take-off – for a 20 minute flight with stunning views of the South West corner of the island.

Day 4 was again, time for something different – and a little scary!

Casela Lesiure and Nature Park offers a host of outdoor activities from zip wires to walking with lions. We took on the Nepalese Bridge, - a wooden (and wobbly!) bridge suspended 60 metres above a canyon – and three zipline rides of 150-200 m long.

After a spot of lunch at Le Chamarel – with stunning views of the coastline – it was onto the Rhumerie de Charamel, a rum distillery. As well as learning about the rum-making process, the group tested their cocktail making skills against each other, with three teams making a traditional Ti'Punch and a Daiquiri. 

The evening was rounded off with a white-themed gala dinner held in one of three villas on the beachfront of Le Morne peninsula at the DinaRobin Hotel Golf & Spa Resort. The group enjoyed a Mauritian-style barbecue with drinks on the beach and around the pool.

And finally, day 5. The last day, but nothing slow-paced about this morning. In pairs, the group took to the ocean on Sea-Karts – a cross between a jet ski and a go-kart. Outrageous, adrenaline-fuelled, fun – and exclusive to Mauritius. Lunch was a more serene affair – fresh seafood on a catamaran.

Then return flights – again overnight. So back in time for a day in the office, and to download a few GB of photos!