TOP TIPS FOR the hottest honeymoon destinations, from tried and tested Indian Ocean locations to exotic up and coming soon-to-be classics

Mauritius

Mark Twain once said that God modelled heaven on Mauritius, and those who have been agree that it is as close to a paradise on earth as it's possible to get. It is a relatively small island (no larger than Surrey), bathing in the hot tub of the warm Capricorn Sea, in the coral reef belt of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius offers golden powder-soft beaches boasting coconut palms and translucent lagoons.

It's not all about beach holidays though; there are also dramatic mountain ranges, tropical forests, tumbling waterfalls... As well as everything that nature has to offer, it's not lacking on the chic hotel, sophisticated food and water sports front either.

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WHEN TO GO: Mauritius has a sub-tropical climate with fairly high temperatures and humidity all year round. The wettest period is January-March. At this time of the year, cyclones are an occasional hazard, with very high winds and torrential rain.