DUBAI E MAURITIUS

Dubai rises where the desert meets the Persian Gulf, a futuristic metropolis born in the span of a few decades and become a symbol of ambition and modernity. Its skyline is dominated by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, at whose feet stretch the Dubai Fountain and the colossal Dubai Mall. Along the coast extends the artificial palm of Palm Jumeirah, while the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel has become the icon of the city's luxury. Yet Dubai also keeps an older soul: in the historic Al Fahidi district, with its wind-tower houses and the lanes of Bastakiya, and along the Creek, the waterway crossed on traditional abra boats to reach the gold and spice souks of Deira. The surrounding desert invites dune safaris, dinners under the stars and 4x4 rides, while the cuisine ranges from Emirati delicacies to high-end international dining. Among golden beaches, man-made islands and futuristic attractions, the city never stops reinventing itself: new districts like Dubai Marina and Downtown sparkle with lights at night, and Bluewaters Island is home to the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Shopping is an art, from climate-controlled malls to fragrant markets, and Arab hospitality is felt everywhere. Dubai is a gateway between East and West, where Bedouin tradition and a vision of the future coexist in a perpetual play of superlatives.

Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean synonymous with turquoise sea, lagoons protected by the coral reef and white sand beaches fringed with casuarina trees. Volcanic and lush, it alternates paradisiacal coasts with a mountainous green interior, where sugar-cane plantations, forests and waterfalls trace spectacular landscapes. The capital Port Louis pulses with colourful markets, its waterfront and a melting pot of Creole, Indian, Chinese and European cultures reflected in its cuisine and festivals. Among the unmissable sites stand out the seven-coloured earths of Chamarel with its waterfall, the Black River Gorges plateau with its trails, and the sacred village of Grand Bassin with its Hindu temples overlooking a volcanic lake. At the south-western tip rises the Le Morne Brabant peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbol of the memory of runaway slaves; in Port Louis the Aapravasi Ghat, where indentured labourers disembarked, is also recognised by UNESCO. The lagoons of Belle Mare, Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches invite snorkelling, diving and water sports, while the botanical gardens of Pamplemousses enchant with their giant water lilies. Mauritian cuisine, fragrant with spices, blends curries, samosas and fresh fish in an explosion of flavours. Between relaxation, nature and warm hospitality, Mauritius is the very portrait of the tropical dream.