The island has also been ranked the 23rd safest country in the world and the top in Africa.
According to travel experts at Travelbag, as well as safety Mauritius offers “a slice-of-paradise feel”, with crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand beaches and warm weather year-round.
It may only be 720 square miles in size, small enough to fit inside the UK 29 times, but it packs a big punch.
There’s also plenty to do. Visitors can hike in lush forests, zip-line through national parks, or abseil down waterfalls.
Others prefer to relax at one of the island’s many luxury resorts, soak up the sun, or dive into the warm Indian Ocean to explore coral reefs and spot tropical fish, turtles and even dolphins.
Mauritius is also home to some incredible natural wonders. In the small village of Chamarel, tourists flock to see the Seven Coloured Earths – rainbow-like sand dunes formed by natural minerals.
And if golf is more your style, Mauritius has some of the most scenic courses in the world.
When it comes to language, Mauritius has no official language written in the constitution, but English is generally recognised as the main language of government, courts and education, according to Mauritius Attractions.
French is widely spoken too, especially in media and daily life, but visitors will have no problem navigating in English.
Food lovers will also feel at home. The island’s Creole cuisine blends Indian, French, African and Chinese influences – think seafood curries, tomato-based stews and dhal puri flatbreads with spicy chutneys.
To sum it all up, Mark Twain famously once said: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven was copied after Mauritius.”