Located on top of a vast underwater mountain range, the Maldives is a string of idyllic islands, encircled by the translucent, ever-changing waters of the Indian Ocean. The complex and vibrant coral atolls truly live up to the hype – the sheer beauty of the coral reef, the cyan-blue waters, the skyline of coconut palm trees, whiter-than-white sand beaches, isolation, and inviting people all to contribute to this tropical oasis.

Dive into the rich Maldivian waters, discovering overhangs, oddly-shaped pinnacles, underwater caves, and gardens of coral. Spot graceful turtles, whale sharks, reef manta rays, and even the colossal whale. Snorkel the lagoons among shoals of colorful fish inhabiting the underwater coral-caverns. For those more comfortable above water, embark on a catamaran sailing trip, watch whales breach and dolphins frisk, or indulge in the island’s vibrant nightlife.

Located just off the southeast coast of Africa, some 900km east of Madagascar, is the island nation of Mauritius. Surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, the island is 2040km2 in size and forms part of the Mascarene Islands, with La Réunion to the southwest and Rodrigues to the northeast. As a Republic, it also includes the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues, and the Agalega Islands, while its capital is the city of Port Louis.

The volcanic island, covered with lush forest, streams, and waterfalls, and fringed with palms, dazzling white sands, and teeming coral reefs, lies east of Madagascar just south of the Equator. Mauritius, covering just 720 square miles (1,864 sq km), is the archetypal dream destination for an idyllic beach holiday.

Sri Lanka boasts diverse wonder and mysticism of the Orient – from beaches that stretch endlessly, to ancient ruins, temples, and elephants, Sri Lanka is an alluring haven of natural beauty.
You might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. Scores of travellers have passed overhead on their way to someplace else, but years of uncertainty kept Sri Lanka off many itineraries.

Now, however, all that has changed. The country is moving forward quickly as more and more people discover its myriad charms. Lying between the more trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and natural beauty are undeniably alluring. It’s the place you haven’t been to yet, that you should.

Set between the African coast and the Indian Ocean, Portuguese Island is a small, uninhabited island: one of the enchanting destinations of an MSC cruise to Southern Africa. It is located at the external limit of Maputo Bay, host to the capital of Mozambique, under the cover of Inhaca Island, the chosen location for some of the most luxurious resorts of the entire continent.

During your holiday, take some time between dips in the warm, crystalline ocean waters to stroll around this island. It is six kilometers long, about an hour walk on sand that caresses the soles of your feet (during the central hours of the day, it is best to wear open sandals because the sand becomes very hot), with only the blue of the water and the green of the low vegetation for company.
The mild effort involved will be repaid in kiosks serving refreshing beverages and local food. If you like rum, try the Tipo Tinto, which is distilled from local sugar cane. There is also no lack of beach activities: in addition to all the services available for those who just want to lay in the sun undisturbed, such