IF you want beautifully hot winters without the long, stopover flights, then an island is about to be on your list.
The island of , just off the coast of Madagascar in East Africa, has seen a drop in passengers in recent years.
According to Travel Gossip , visitor numbers fell by 11 per cent, linked to the Middle East conflict due to the majority of flights operating via Dubai.
However, it also rose slightly back in August, with last-minute bookings to the island.
Airline Air Mauritius – who currently operates flights from – could add even more from the UK.
Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Air Mauritius has committed to increase its frequency back to five flights a week, maybe even six or seven.
“It didn’t commit to a timeline, but I think we will get extra flights from the UK by next summer.”
The UK is one of the island’s biggest markets, with as many 150,000 visiting a year.
Air Mauritius UK Country Sales Manager Allan Owen added: “We are looking at the tourist board to increase knowledge of and what it has to offer and we will increase capacity in line with rising demand.”
Direct flights from the UK to Mauritius take just under 12 hours.
However, the time difference can be as little as 3-4 hours, so jet lag is minimal.
Not just that, but January is one of its hottest months with highs of 30C, so its the ideal escape from the cold UK.
When it comes to visiting , the north is popular with fly-and-floppers with most resorts lining the beaches.
Otherwise the south of the island is more for the nature fans, with waterfalls and tropical jungles.
One of it’s most famous beaches is often named one of the best in the world.
We’ve found some very cheap holiday deals – local B&B breaks start from £739pp (with flights and seven nights) while beachside resorts start from £999pp on .
