A tropical treat! Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the island country of Mauritius consists of two large and several small islands, the largest island being the capital, Port Louis. The tropical climate creates a rather pleasant temperature. If you find you want more than the heavenly white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of Belle Mare, Blue Bay and Baie du Tamarin then you can head to Black River Gorges National Park. This forested nature reserve offers spectacular scenery and unique plants. Or you can explore the botanical gardens of Pampelmousses, containing exotic plants, such as the talipot palm tree that blooms only once in 60 years.