Admit it you never knew where Chagos was neither and why should you… this is atoll tale of British empire and Mauritius.
And how Britain has now meekly surrendered sovereign territory it has held since 1814.
To a group of islands in hock to the land-grabbing Chinese.
Of course that is only half, or less, of the story.
Whose atoll is it anyway?
With the UN and international law, which awkwardly does apply to Britain, saying they should give it back.
And China only guilty of expanding its trade routes as it has done across the Indian Ocean.
Leaving aside which of the colonial powers, the Arabs, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French or the British has rightful claim.
And the answer must surely be none.
The transferral of the uninhabited but strategically important atoll to Mauritius shines a light on that holiday destination.
Although, alas, not like other atolls in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives Chagos has yet to be turned into a holiday hotspot… although, here’s hoping.
Mauritians are coming
And how better to immerse yourself in Mauritian culture than signing up for the weekly ‘Mauritian Day’ at Veranda Point aux Biches.
Veranda Point is a family friendly boutique hotel on the north west coast with a barefoot eco chic vibe.
The weekly ‘Mauritian Day’ is where guests can take a Creole lesson, paint with a local artisan, learn how to dance sega (and no, that’s not an old video game) and play a traditional Mauritian musical instrument.
Located between two charming fishing villages, the hotel has three spectacular restaurants and two bars in addition to three pools.
While the Seven Colours Wellness Lounge provides a unique setting in Mauritius with spa cabins right on the beach and overlooking the lagoon.
From €2,412 for seven nights. £875 with British Airways from London Gatwick.
Maurice in wonderland
And the derivation of Mauritius… well, it’s named after a former Dutch royal, Maurice, the Prince of Orange.
So it’s Atoll tale of British empire and Mauritius but it transpires that it was Maurice’s island all along.
Just saying for all those Mo’s and Maurices out there.