South Africans particularly, love to travel and the lockdown has severely impacted plans for going abroad as we have suffered some of the strictest travel bans globally.

But wait, there are a few rays of tropical sunshine filtering through the lockdown gloom, so get those passports ready and grab that sunblock!

Mauritius, that favourite Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and a South African much-loved destination, will be re-opening it endless beaches, effective 1 October 2021 following an acceleration of its vaccination programme. The island will be open to fully vaccinated South African visitors, while all children under 18 will be accepted with a negative PCR test at the time of travel.

Now again available to tourism, is the recently renovated Sugar Beach resort, situated along the sheltered bay of Flic-en-Flac spanning over 12 acres of tropical, manicured gardens. The resort runs alongside the mild, twinkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and is perfect for families to spend a fantastic family December vacation, once again.

A five-star Sun Resort, Sugar Beach is a blend of Colonial and contemporary architecture, an idyllic setting for families, honeymooners, or groups. It offers a medley of restaurants, as well as a diversity of land and water activities, including kayaking, diving, snorkelling and motorised and non-motorised water sports and pool-based activities. Home to the unique Aura Spa & Hammam Fitness Centre, exclusive in Mauritius, Sugar Beach also offers a preferred access to Tamarina Golf Club and Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club.

With sea-facing or garden-facing rooms and suites to choose from, the resort is ideal for every taste and requirement for the discerning holidaymaker. Private balconies afford endless vistas of the landscaped gardens and the aquamarine ocean, while each of the ground floor rooms have a fully furnished private 10-metre-square patio, offering a private relaxation space.

The fully inclusive Sun Kids programme caters for all ages, including movies on the beach under endless starlit skies, talent shows and golf lessons, taking the stress out of childcare while parents do their own thing.

End the day with delicious sundowners at the large outdoor swimming pool while reminiscing about your day’s activities.

Also open to travellers and holidaymakers in time for the December break, five-star Long Beach Golf & Spa Resort Mauritius is another Sun Resort masterpiece.  

This magnificent resort runs along one of the island’s longest and widest natural beaches, the famed Belle Mare beach. Situated on the untamed side of the islands’ East coast, this truly spectacular resort is surrounded by dense tropical gardens.

With 255 rooms tastefully laid out in three semi-circles with magnificent views over the bottomless, clear waters of the lagoon, the coral reef and endless Indian Ocean beyond, luxurious relaxation is assured.

Three pools, including adult-only, kids’, and lap pools accommodate every swimming enthusiast, while water sports, snorkelling, PADI-certified diving, and excursions are available. A Kids’ club, and a teen club cater for the youngsters while free greens fees and transport to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club have the golfers in mind.

Tennis courts, a fitness centre with TechnoGym equipment, and a sport centre cater for the more active holidaymaker while the full European spa with Turkish hammam serve those craving relaxation and pampering.

Five restaurants cater for every palate, a casual beach/pool bar and a lively cocktail bar offer a range of drinks and vibes, while with unparalleled, attentive service and modern luxury, Long Beach provides the ultimate refuge for guests pursuing a combination of relaxation and activity in a magnificent environment.

Mauritius’ response to the pandemic was ranked among one of the best globally, with the government promptly imposing strict control measures and protocols. The country continues ensuring that visitors remain a top priority.

So, grab that face mask and sunblock and head for one of the most beautiful countries on the planet.