THE 5 BEST Grand Baie Hotels with Boats

Miles of powder-white beaches hug the coast at Belle Mare, where championship golf courses, posh resorts, a family-friendly water park and abundant aquatic sports ensure activity-filled days. Deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin and mako shark is especially popular in this eastern Mauritius enclave. Belle Mare also serves as a convenient base camp for a trek to 1,575-foot Lion Mountain, where sweeping views reward those who make the challenging hike to its peak.

Mauritius is arguably Africa’s wealthiest destination, a tropical paradise with tons to do. Port Louis, the modern capital of this 38-mile by 29-mile island, is a bustling port with a revitalized waterfront and a busy market. But most visitors gravitate toward resort areas such as Mont Choisy, quiet Trou-aux-Biches and the more bustling Flic en Flac, popular with scuba divers. Rivière Noire is ideal for those looking for great deep-sea fishing.

Kite surfers, paragliders and deep-sea fishermen flock to windswept La Morne, a small village on the southwest side of Mauritius. Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a dramatic basaltic rock peak dotted with caves that once harbored runaway slaves, presides over luxury resorts and a wide beach widely regarded as the best on the island. Throw in a shimmering turquoise lagoon and gorgeous sunsets and calling the town "paradise" doesn't seem like a cliché.

The Indian and colonial influences in this South African beach city can’t be missed, and the blend of cultures and architecture makes Durban unique in South Africa. Durban’s Golden Mile is a destination for surfers, families and fisherman, due to its blend of natural beauty and modern resort. Major-city attractions abound, making this a good destination for families and couples alike.

Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.

Gallipoli may be best known for its wartime history, but Apulia’s island-like fortress retains a southern Italian charm all its own. Colorful fishing boats dart around the old city walls, while resilient stone churches peer across a medieval bridge to the mainland port.