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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?

Ya dancer: Mauritius have got the Chagos back

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

Veranda standard: And lounge back and think of Mauritius

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.

It’s what every family needs now to get through the winter, a cache of hidden goodies and here’s where to find it…Mauritius Treasure Ombre Ombre.

Probably not the clarion call used by the pirate La Buse whose horde you will be hunting, but go with us here.

To the Bon Ombre region in the south-west of Mauritius.

La Buse would know his way around the Bel Ombre region he once plundered.

And this Bandanaman who could be a member of his pirate crew.

Pirate games

La Buse (Buzzard) was thus named for his speed of thought.

The story goes that he hid one of the biggest treasures in pirate history 300 years ago, estimated at over £1 billion.

And left behind a cryptogram behind with clues to its whereabouts.

Ombre offer families the chance to unearth the treasure.

The adventure starts with a riddle left with his jailer: “My treasure goes to whoever can find it” and follows with some clues.

Participants follow in his footsteps and roam the four corners of the Bel Ombre region, by car and on foot, in search of his colossal fortune.

Players will have to be observant and inventive to be the first to find the sacred treasure.

And it is reasonably priced at Rs 2250 for adult and child.

A hole lot of fun

Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is a staple of the adventurous Irish traveller and fave American cousins.

And the Mauritians are the kind of family-friendly people who will make your clan feel right at home.

Now we’re always tempted to get sporty wherever we go, following the maxim, go where the locals play and pray.

In nearby islands, the Maldives that means football and cricket with the Sri Lankan staff.

While in Mauritius it’s golf but with a twist… Kazino Golf where there are prizes on every one of the nine holes of the course.

And where the holes are bigger so even duffers like me can sink some putts.

It’s worth taking this fun seriously, of course, as the prices include complimentary nights at Heritage Resorts’ hotels.

While there’s also lunch at Le Chateau de Bel Ombre, a cocktail at C Beach Club and complimentary green fees up for grabs.

Priced at adults Rs 2500, children Rs 1250

Meet the locals

You want to get out and meet more of the locals… then they are aplenty.

The wild deer, pigs, monkeys, fruit bats and birds such as the rare echo parakeet and pink pigeon.

There is an opportunity too to swim in a tropical river basin.

And enjoy traditional Mauritian games and listen to the guide’s stories around a campfires.

And savour a picnic of typical Mauritian dishes. Price : Adult – Rs3200 Children (5-12 yrs.) – Rs 2000.

OK, so to stay, it’s all going to cost you about the price of heating your house for a weekend this winter.

It’s a deal

Stay at Heritage Le Telfair: Prices start from £347.00 per night in a deluxe seaview suite including breakfast.

Based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing the suite in January 2023.

All of which you’ll be able to pay out from your scavenge with Mauritius Treasure Ombre Ombre.