When it comes to romance, Mauritius can deliver much more than delectable dining experiences and sunset cruises. If your idea of romance is to get outside into nature with the one you love, have a look at our selection of romantic island walks – from gentle beach strolls to lush forest hikes.

Bras d’Eau Reserve

Declared a natural reserve by the Mauritius government in 1993, the forest of Bras d’Eau is an alluring spot for a romantic wander. Shaded by exotic species like teak and eucalyptus, the three kilometre walking trail also winds past an orchard bursting with mango and litchi trees, and if you’re really lucky you may catch a sighting of one the island’s most beautiful rare birds; the endemic Mascarene Paradise-flycatcher. Parking is available at the visitor’s centre opposite the trailhead.

Belle Mare

If you’re looking for a beach that seems to go on forever, the 10km sands of Belle Mare Plage is a pretty good place to start. Situated on the upmarket east coast, its reputation as a show-stopper is well-deserved: powdery white sands shelve into gin-clear waters, backed by a long line of coconut palms. Walk from north to south, passing luxurious resorts like Constance Belle Mare Plage, The Residence and LUX* Belle Mare, and you’ll soon reach the equally beautiful beach of Palmar before arriving at the village of Trou d’Eau Douce.

Ganga Talao

Ganga Talao – also known as Grand Bassin – is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in Mauritius. The sheltered lake lies within the crater of an extinct volcano, and though it is best known for its role in the Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri, it’s idyllic setting makes it a popular year-round spot for walkers – tourists and locals alike – who come here to stroll around the lake path, sit in quiet contemplation, or make offerings at the nearby temple.

La Vallée de Ferney

In the southeastern corner of Mauritius you’ll find the Ferney Valley; a 200 hectare ecotourism sanctuary dedicated to protecting some of the last remaining endemic forests on the island. As the natural habitat of the mega-rare Mauritius Kestrel and other endangered species, this bucolic spot is far removed from the hubbub of mainstream tourism, making it an ideal excursion for wildlife-loving walkers. A 3km track winds through the forest, offering far reaching views of Mahebourg Bay and its islands. Four wheel drive transfers from the park office to the trailhead depart every half hour between 10am and 3pm.

Win a stay at Sofitel So Mauritius

After a long day of walking, there’s nothing better than returning to a luxury hotel, and if you enter our new Romance Made in Mauritius competition you could win a week’s stay at one of the island’s best: Sofitel So Mauritius on the less-discovered south coast.

Over the next three weeks, we’re giving away three 7-night holidays at some of Mauritius’ finest luxury hotels, including return flights on any of Air Mauritius’ direct routes and the chance to experience a number of exciting activities, both at your hotel and around the island.

Our second week’s giveaway is a week’s stay at Sofitel So Mauritius. To enter the competition, simply visit the Romance Made in Mauritius app and build your dream romantic holiday from the choice of flight and transport add-ons, plus the activities you’d most like to experience while you’re here. And if you’re not successful this time, you still have one more chance to win. Stay tuned to find out where you could be staying in week 3. Good luck!

Photos: Bras d’Eau Reserve, Belle Mare, Ganga Talao, La Vallée de Ferney, Win a stay at Sofitel So Mauritius