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Friday afternoon at Heathrow Airport, and myself and five other Travel Agents from around the UK, along with representatives from Air Mauritius, Travel Trade Gazette and Sun Resorts Limited, raised a glass of bubbly to the exciting four night luxury Travel Agent trip to Mauritius that was about to follow.

Twelve hours and a non-stop overnight flight later, we were in the Southern Hemisphere, and arrived at 8am to 25C and glorious sunshine.

After a transfer of just over an hour, passing large sugar cane plantations, and travelling through tiny local villages on the narrow, meandering coastal road, we arrived at the newly opened 5* resort Long Beach at Belle Mare on the East coast.

After check in, following a late breakfast, I just had time for a spot of sunbathing and a quick snorkel in the warm inviting waters of the sea, where I spotted many species, including a very long pipefish swimming amongst the coral.

Lunch followed at Tides Beach Bar followed by a tour of the hotel itself. A spot of sea kayaking from the beach proved to be the most strenuous activity of the day, and afterwards I was in need of some well earned R&R besides the infinity pool overlooking the beach.

That evening we had a very low key dinner at Le Marche restaurant before retiring early, looking forward to the day ahead.

After our late breakfast pretty much rolled into our early lunch, we dined at the Italian Deli restaurant Sapori, where only the freshest ingredients are used throughout. Delicious!!!!

Next to try out some more watersports, and more precisely donuts, and what a blast!! Myself and Spencer were treated to breakneck speeds over the waves by a determined speedboat driver who did everything he could to capsize us, but to no avail…..great fun!

That night we were treated to yet another gourmet meal at the unusually styled “Chopsticks” Japanese restaurant on the Piazza, where all four restaurants and the `Café Mambo like’ Shores Cocktail Bar, are located in resort.

Monday, and we were picked up early for the short 15 minute drive to Trou D’eau Douce, to board our catamaran for the morning cruise.

We headed further South along the coast to the longest river in Mauritius, the Grand Riviere Sud Est, where we enjoyed the spectacle of the waterfall. A really great spot and the spray of the waterfall was a welcome relief on our skin, as the sun was particularly fierce that day.

Whilst returning to the catamaran, we spotted four monkeys playing alongside the riverbank in the trees. They were very curious and just sat looking at us, giving ample opportunity for everyone to take a photo.

Back on board, we sailed over to the private island of Ilot Mangenie, one of three islands exclusively owned by Le Touessrok, where we anchored offshore, and waved goodbye to the crew, before boarding a small boat to visit the island for lunch.

Later we were picked up by boat and taken to another private island of Le Touessrok, Ile aux Cerfs, where the 18 hole championship Golf Course is located. After a whistle-stop tour of the course by golf buggies, we now know why this is one of the most challenging golf courses in the world!

A short water taxi ride later we arrived at the jetty of the magnificent Le Touessrok resort.

We dined that evening at Barlen’s Restaurant on Frangipani Island, which is linked to the main resort by two ornate footbridges, before setting back to the hotel.

Final day in resort, and we indulged in another treat…..undersea walking. After a short boat ride offshore, we disembarked on what can only be described as a pontoon with a square hole cut in the middle. After safety briefings, we donned our `Goldfish Style’ helmets and proceeded into `the hole’, to a depth of about three metres.

Walking on the sandy seabed viewing the myriad of fish in the surrounding coral was an amazing experience, and something I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the island.

Back on terra firma, and after being treated to cocktail lessons by the resident mixologist at Tides Bar preceding lunch, we all had our final sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming experiences.

Our final evening and we were treated to a hosted dinner at the a la carte Japanese restaurant “Hasu” whilst witnessing some very energetic Sega dancing being performed on the piazza.

Amazing trip………brilliant friendly people and fabulous hotels......................... just go!!