To the south - dramatic views of the ocean, pounding against the reefs, provide an ever-changing spectacle. On its north coast - white sandy beaches border the Blue Bay Maritime Reserve, one of the best places for snorkelling in Mauritius, with superb corals and a wonderful array of brightly-coloured tropical fish.

Native vegetation has been planted on the island in recent years and guests can walk around the island or just laze under palm trees and ‘filaos’, watching the sparkling ocean by day or the twinkling lights of Blue Bay at night.

But this is not just an outstandingly beautiful, private island. The tone is set by a small villa, built more than a century ago by the then British Governor, Sir Hesketh Bell, who used it for entertaining. He created a magical place!