Getting away - Mauritius

And after this, you can choose from sea fishing, sailing, golf, windsurfing...

Idyllic Mauritius is no longer just for newlyweds gazing into each other's eyes--Anita Singh discovers there's plenty to keep the most active families entertained, too

With its powdery white beaches, beautiful sunsets and clear seas, it's no wonder the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is a favourite with honeymooners. But the exclusive Paradis Hotel & Golf Club resort has set out to prove the island is not just a destination for couples.

One of the oldest hotels here, it certainly has the most spectacular setting, occupying its own peninsula on the south-west tip of the island with the mountain of Le Morne as a towering backdrop.

The resort provides the perfect family holiday. Younger children can attend the Bob Marlin Miniclub, where a team of dedicated staff keep the little ones entertained with face painting, crab hunting and fish feeding.

And for teenagers and parents there are tons of activities--guests can try out sailing, diving, windsurfing, water-skiing and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, much of it free of charge.

The dive school is first rate and the Le Morne peninsula offers some of the best diving in Mauritius. If you prefer to snorkel, boats take you out to the coral reef where you can spot an abundance of colourful underwater wildlife. If you tire of watching the fish, you can even add deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean to the list of activities--the hotel's chefs will even prepare your catch for dinner.

Back on dry land, the 18-hole golf course is the hotel's pride and joy.

Until I came here, I had never picked up a club in my life--but after a 45-minute esson with Rajesh, the hotel's wonderfully patient golf pro, I felt like a Tiger Woods in the making. The staff who spent the next 45 minutes retrieving my golf balls from trees, bushes and the lagoon probably didn't agree.

But if this all sounds a bit too energetic for you, don't worry. The Paradis is also the ideal place to unwind. You can spend lazy days relaxing on a sunlounger, cocktail in hand, in perfect peace and quiet.

And if you feel like a pampering session, head for a heavenly massage at the spa at Dinarobin, the sister hotel to the Paradis and a short stroll along the beach.

The spa is an oasis of Zen-like calm where the scent of frangipani fills the air and the treatments are out of this world. After a relaxing massage here, you simply float back to your room in a state of bliss.

The accommodation is comfortable and stylish, with huge bathrooms and views of the sea or the lagoon behind--and if your budget stretches to it, you can choose one of the deluxe villas with their own private stretch of beach.

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, the island is well worth exploring--driving from coast to coast takes around an hour so everything is within easy reach.

The Mauritian people are friendly and welcoming. The main religion here is Hinduism, but Christians and Muslims also live here in harmony.

English is the official language, while French and Creole are widely spoken, and the delicious food reflects this varied history.

Visit the capital Port Louis for its bustling market and pretty colonial buildings, or take a trip inland to the Black River Gorge national park for its waterfalls, wildlife and rare birds.

After all, why should those newlyweds have it all to themselves?

Travel file

* Anita Singh was a guest of Beachcomber which offers seven nights' half board in a Junior Suite at Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Mauritius from £1,365 per person based on two sharing in the 2005/6 programme.

* This includes return economy class Air Mauritius flights from London Heathrow and private hotel transfers in Mauritius.

* For departures from Manchester and Glasgow, and any other UK departures, there is a supplement of £120 per person.

* For more information or to book, call Beachcomber on 01483 445 685 or visit www.beachcombertours.co.uk