Mauritius: More than just paradise. Here’s our guide

All you need to know (plus a little bit more) when planning your dream trip to this Indian Ocean gem.

Ringed by powder-white sands, cradled in coral reefs and dotted with swaying palm trees, Mauritius is a place that captures the imagination long before your plane even touches down.

Although its glorious beaches may be the most obvious allure, beyond its postcard-perfect shores lies an island bursting with flavours, landscapes, and adventures.

It’s not just an island for beach lovers. It’s for explorers; for those wanting to immerse themselves into the diverse, gentle culture of the local Mauritians and it’s for nature lovers.

This is an island where the days unfold slowly. Where sunsets turn the sky to fire. And where memories are made.

Want to know more? This guide will help you plan your perfect escape, answering your key questions. We also share a few of our insider tips – but don’t tell anyone else!

Mark Twain wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. It’s easy to see why.

This pear-shaped jewel sits in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean skirted by the most glorious talcum-powder soft sands. Just off the shore sits a protective coral reef that circles the entire island, keeping the waters shallow and crystal clear (and free from predatory sharks!).

While lying on the beach and enjoying no end of watersports is of course central to pretty much everyone’s holiday in Mauritius, what should not be ignored is what lies beyond.

Step inland from the shore and you’ll discover an island blanketed in thick, lush greenery. National parks, sculpted volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, leafy tea plantations, white salt pans, verdant valleys and plunging waterfalls await.

All of this can be explored in exhilarating adventures. Hiking up mountains, zip lining through the forests and even walking with lions is on the cards.

We’d even recommend you simply get out there and go visit the towns and villages yourself to see local life unfold.

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, so it’s easy to explore independently if you don’t want to take a tour (and the driving isn’t to be too manic).

It’s never more than an hour’s drive between start and finish points. Just hit the road and pull over whenever you see a cove, a cafe, a church, temple, market or spectacular view that looks intriguing (be prepared for lots of stops!).

What you’ll find is a culture made up of a melee of religions and nationalities all living harmoniously side by side.

Next to a colourful Buddhist temple you’ll find a Catholic Church and just down the road will be a mosque.

This sums up the Mauritian people perfectly – they’re a friendly, tolerant melting pot of cultures from India, China, Europe and Africa.

And the food is equally diverse, with flavours from all corners combined with the freshest of fish and sweetest of fruits.

With so many reasons to visit, no wonder some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and beach resorts are found on Mauritius. And this has given rise to sumptuous spas and top-class restaurants all within their glorious grounds.

While the beaches on Mauritius are equally as stunning as those you’ll find on these Indian Ocean contemporaries, in our opinion Mauritius offers this and so much more.

While we adore the Maldives and Seychelles (who wouldn’t?), if you want more than just a beach holiday in a glorious hotel resort, then we think you may prefer Mauritius.

There’s far more variety on offer for an all-encompassing holiday, combining adventure, culture, activities and nature.

Unlike the private island resorts in the Maldives, there’s so much to explore beyond your hotel in Mauritius.

Whether north, south, east or west depends on what you’re after and when you’re going.

The north of the island, especially around Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches, is the most vibrant, lively and developed. Here you’ll find lots restaurants, bars, nightlife and shopping, with calm beaches ideal for swimming and sailing.

On the west coast, including areas like Flic en Flac and Tamarin, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sunsets, a laid-back vibe and great opportunities for snorkelling and dolphin watching.

It’s on the west that you’ll find the island’s cultural capital of St Louis, a (very small) city heaving with hidden treasures and backstreet adventures.

As you head south the scenery gets increasingly more dramatic. In the southwestern corner sits the imposing and iconic Le Morne Brabant Mountain, towering to more than 500 metres.

Overall the south is much less developed than the rest of the island, capturing the more traditional side of Mauritius. Nature is the biggest attraction here with areas like Bel Ombre and Black River Gorges inviting you to explore.

If you’re seeking tranquility and natural beauty, the east coast, particularly Belle Mare and Palmar, offers some of the island’s most breathtaking beaches and luxury resorts.

Finally, the central highlands, like Moka and Curepipe, offer a cooler climate and a more authentic, local feel, though in our opinion they're better for day trips than overnight stays.

However, when determining which area to choose as your base, the time of year of your holiday is a big factor... so read on to the next question.

While Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate with year-round warm temperatures, it has two distinct wet and dry seasons.

The seasons are largely opposite to us here in the UK. Winter is roughly from May to October, while the summer kicks in from November and runs through to the end of April.

The higher temperatures of summer coincide with the region’s rainy season and you might have to contend with some heavy downbursts that last anything from a a couple of minutes to a few hours.

And bear in mind that because of the topography you get lots of little microclimates, which means it could be sunny where you are but chucking down with rain just up the road.

As a general rule of thumb, the central plateau and east coast catches the lion's share of the wet weather.

Come winter things dry up and the temperatures begin to subside. You’ll find that the east coast tends to take the brunt of the winds during these winter months – which is great if you want to wind or kite surf.

That said, many of the resorts on the east coast have been designed with the wind in mind with plenty of sheltered spots to enjoy the largely sunny days.

Thanks to the mountainous central plain, the north and west coast is sheltered from these winter winds.

This small island certainly packs a punch. We could easily write a whole guidebook on the many attractions in Mauritius, but we’ve tried to whittle it down to a few of our favourites (in no particular order).

Le Morne Brabant

One of the most iconic natural landmarks on the island is Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting in the southwest of the island at Le Morne. This mountain is steeped in history and mythology. If you don’t want to climb to the top – which is well worth the effort – then hop onto a speed boat and admire it from a different perspective.

You’ll find the boats waiting to take you on a tour of the bay sitting on the sands beside hotels such as Lux Le Morne or the next door Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This is no ordinary garden. Here you’ll see ginormous water lilies and equally enormous roaming tortoises to name just a few wonders.

Flacq Market

Fancy a market? Then head to the open air market in Flacq held every Sunday. You’ll find this to be far less busy and less chaotic than the Port Louis market, but it’s just as colourful. Spices, woven baskets, fresh fruit and veg are all on display. Plus, because the island is a big producer of textiles, there’s lots of clothes and throws for sale, all with a Mauritian twist.

Port Louis Market

But don’t dismiss Port Louis. It’s in its Central Market where you truly capture the hubbub of local life – it’s a noisy and at times raucous affair but always enjoyable.

Caudan Waterfront

Join the workers in the city parks and shopping malls. Caudan Waterfront is a great place to start exploring Port Louis and it’s an easy walk to the shop-lined walkways where colourful umbrellas hang overhead.

Victoria Urban Terminal Shopping Mall

You can browse the big-named shops in Victoria Urban Terminal shopping mall and combine a shopping trip with a visit to Caudan Arts Centre, a cultural hub that offers art exhibitions, theatre productions and music concerts.

The Seven Coloured Earths

The Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel are another unmissable sight—albeit a little touristy these days. But the rolling dunes in different shades of red, purple and ochre formed by volcanic activity is really a surreal sight. From here a short walk will bring you to the glorious Chamarel waterfall, the nation’s tallest single-drop waterfall where the thunderous waters plunge 100m.

Casela World of Adventures in Cascavelle

Casela World of Adventures in Cascavelle, south Mauritius, is as much an attraction as it is an activity. Though the 11-hectare park hosts around 1,500 birds (over 150 species), turtles, giraffes, giant tortoises, lions are its biggest lure and you’ll get to join its ‘walking with lions’ tour. It’s as much a safari park as it is an adventure park, offering quad biking and zip lining. Again it’s a bit touristy but it makes a fantastic family day out.

Take a Catamaran Cruise

As if the beaches on the island aren’t idyllic enough, a catamaran cruise will see you anchor down and step ashore on castaway islands that are the stuff that Robinson Crusoe dreams are made of.

Aux Cerfs Island

Just off the east coast is Ile Aux Cerfs island. This can get pretty busy in the summer, so we suggest heading out to one of the quieter isles, such as Ilot Gabriel or Flat Island off the north coast or Ile d’Ambre off the east coast. Off the south coast sits Île des Deux Cocos. This is a privately-owned island, so can only be visited on organised boat tours, but it makes for a perfect ‘get away from it all’ kinda day.

Ganga Taloo

If you venture inland then make sure Ganga Taloo is on your itinerary. This is a very special place. Located in the south-central plains, this volcanic crater lake is a sacred Hindu site with an array of shrines, statues and a colourful temple that sit on the water’s edge. This is one of our favourite spots for a serene picnic. However, if you happen to be holidaying on the island during February or March, this spot is the gathering place for tens of thousands of Hindus during the festival of Maha Shivaratri – some travel here from as far away as South Africa. According to legend, Ganga Talao’s water is of the same sacred quality as India’s holy river, the Ganges.

Again, it’s a tough ask to list all the activities on offer, so we’ll whet your appetite with just a few for starters:

Hiking 

If you want to really see Mauritius then don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes. There are too many hiking trails to mention, but one of our favourites is to venture into the Black River Gorges National Park. This is a hiker’s paradise, with 31 miles of trails winding through dense forests, waterfalls and lookout points. The ancient ebony trees provide a safe haven for a number of the island’s endemic birds.

Nature Parks

Nature parks are dotted about the island. Big kids particularly enjoy a zip through La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park. You won’t find a more exhilarating way to travel one mile through the lush tropical canopy than on a zip wire. Alternatively, tiptoe across the skywalk that hangs 350m over a deep ravine.

Snorkelling and Diving

* A trip to Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without a spot of sightseeing – below the surface. A whole world awaits under the sea if you don a snorkel or even venture down on a diving expedition. To be honest, all around the entire island the fish and coral are just as colourful and plentiful. Of the more than 100 dive sites, there are a few standout spots.

The Cathedral is among the most mind blowing. Just a 10-minute boat ride away from Flic-en-Flac, this site is full of natural arches and caves lit by filtered sun rays. The cave walls are coated in sea fans and hard corals and it’s home to massive shoals of angel and clown fish.

Meanwhile, a small island facing the north coast of Mauritius, Coin de Mire offers a plethora of beautiful dive spots, including Confetti Bay and the Carpenter Reef, The Wall and Djabeda Wreck – a 10-metre-high Japanese fishing vessel that since its sinking in 1998 has grown into an explosion of corals and now the home to schooling fish, moray eels and octopus.

The sheltered bays and coves are ideal for stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, while kitesurfing and surfing is big on the east and southwest coasts, especially around Le Morne, where the wind conditions are ideal.

Whale & Dolphin Spotting

One of the most memorable boat trips you’ll ever take is on a whale or dolphin watching tour off the coast of Tamarin. If you happen to be visiting Mauritius between July and November then you’re likely to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale as they make their way towards the equator. Meanwhile, sperm whales and dolphins are year-round residents. The west coast is their favourite playground and you can see both bottlenose and spinner dolphins here, often travelling in pods of 20.

We’re particularly pleased to report that Mauritius has strict guidelines and laws in place for such companies running such tours – we wouldn’t be promoting it otherwise. So we do urge all our customers to choose reputed companies very carefully.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice. Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels offers the best golf facilities on the island with the Paradis Golf Club, a 5,924m, 18-hole par 72 championship course and Mont Choisy Le Golf, an 18-hole course of 6,200m as their preferred partners. Meanwhile, at Canonnier Beachcomber, golfers can take a swing on its mini-golf course by the sea, an exact replica of the last nine holes of Mont Choisy Le Golf course.

The food in Mauritius is a vibrant melting pot, shaped by centuries of cultural blending. You’ll find dishes with Indian, Creole, Chinese and French roots — all with a tropical twist. Street food is a big part of the culinary culture, and you won’t want to miss trying dholl puri, a flatbread filled with spiced split peas and served with chutneys and curry. Another staple is rougaille, a tangy tomato-based sauce served with meats, seafood or fresh veg.

Seafood is plentiful and fresh, and local specialties like octopus curry, grilled red snapper and seafood vindaye (a mustardy, tangy dish) are a treat.

For dessert, look out for gateau patate (sweet potato cakes) or try local fruits like lychees, mangoes and pineapples.

Don’t forget to sip a chilled alouda — a sweet milky drink with basil seeds — and sample the locally distilled rum, which comes in a variety of spiced or fruity blends.

While the street food is eclectic and we urge you to get out there and savour it, it’s within the walls of the five-star resorts where you’ll find the kitchens home to world-class chefs.

There’s a huge danger here of being able to launch a whole culinary guide to dining in Mauritius, since the hotel restaurants are so spectacular.

One restaurant that always seems to be singled out is Amari by Vineet Bhatia – a Michelin-starred chef considered one of the most influential Indian cooks in the world – who created his restaurant at Lux Belle Mare. Amari is run by Bhatia’s longstanding right-hand man, the prodigious chef Subi Mungroo, who’s worked in Europe as well as Mauritius.

Meanwhile, at sister hotel Lux Le Morne, the private eight-seater dining room, Kawaii, is much a culinary theatre as it is a restaurant. Here Chef Mart Origens, puts on a mouth-watering 12-course show as he skilfully creates his delicate Omakase sushi dishes. The result is a taste sensation.

Equally sensational is a meal at Dinarobin Beachcomber’s Umami restaurant. On the menu are sashimi, nigiri and maki, Kobe beef and Australian lamb all cooked on the in-house robata grill in the show kitchen. You’ll get to pair your food with some saké — there are at least 30 types in the cellar.

And the settings take some beating too. At Le Barachois restaurant at Constance Prince Maurice, you’ll be floating on five pontoons on a vast, still lake reached via a lantern-lit boardwalk through a mangrove swamp.

Well, let’s make one thing clear – this ain’t Ayia Napa!

Don’t expect a raucous nightlife scene here on this sophisticated island. Having said that, you can expect to find lively, fun bars and a few nightclubs, particularly around the Grand Baie area.

One of our favourite late-night hotspots (and judging by crowds it’s a hit with the locals too) is the Banana Beach Club in Grand Baie. This place is usually buzzing until the early hours with live bands playing jazz, blues and rock and DJs keeping everyone on the dance floor.

Meanwhile, be prepared to dance on the sands at Flic en Flac, where parties unfold on the beach well into the starlit night.

Nightlife in the hotels and resorts tends to be a bit tamer, perhaps with a live singer or Sega dance troupe. However, in its own trendsetting-style, Lux Grand Baie it has its own nightclub, Club Ai KISU – an apt addition for this Insta-worthy, standout hotel.

Now there’s a question! And one that’s honestly too difficult to answer here and now because there are so many outstanding hotels and resorts to choose.

Suffice to say, there’s a hotel to suit every taste – and budget (it’s a common misconception that they’re all expensive five-star resorts).

To give you an idea of what’s on offer, we check out five options before you check in:

For Families

This is a tricky one because lots of hotels tick the family box. We particularly love the Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa.

It’s a sure-fired family favourite because of its generous room sizes as well as two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments. Its location on the protected northwest coast, means that the waters tend to be calm, making it safe for swimming and water sports. It also boasts a wide range of activities for children, including a kids' club and various sports and water sports, as well as a spa for adults to relax.

For Adults Only

There are only a small handful of adult-only hotels on Mauritius. Two of our faves are the strikingly colourful Salt of Palmar in Belle Mare and 20 Degres Sud Boutique Hotel in Grand Baie.

Both of these small hotels are stand-out properties. We particularly love the design of Salt and its ethos of encouraging guests to get out of the hotel to explore the island and meet the locals.

For Sporty Types

When is a gym not a gym? When it’s the gym at Lux Grand Baie. If you don’t want to forgo your exercise while on holiday, or you want to set up a new fitness regime, then this hotel is for you – and we’ve been told a number of professional athletes. Not only does it have all the high-tech equipment, it also has a spin and fitness class studio, plus an open-air rooftop gym, Muscle of the

Beach, where instructors will put you through your paces.

Fitness classes and personal training can be combined with a variety of glorious treatments in the hotel’s Lux Me spa to create bespoke three, five and seven-day health packages. We’ve been informed that your instructor will even follow up with you two weeks after your stay to check you’re keeping up with your fitness programme.

For Wellbeing

The wellness facilities at Shanti Maurice Resort and Spa are truly impressive. This 365-day Yoga Retreat is set midst lush vegetation where guest can enjoy up to three complimentary yoga and meditation classes each day, with options to try hot yoga and aerial yoga.

Private sessions can also be booked upon request. The fabulous Shanti Spa is one of the largest in the Indian Ocean, with 25 treatment rooms, where you can indulge in detox mud wraps to vanilla massages.

There’s a dedicated Ayurveda section, a wet area with a lap pool, Watsu pool and spa bath and a hammam. Alongside the fitness centre, you’ve got two floodlit tennis courts, a floodlit jogging track and a pitch-and-putt course. Other activities include mountain biking and golf on the 18-hole championship course at Avalon Golf Estate, including complimentary green fees.

For Luxury

This is a tough one because there are too many properties that tick the uber-luxury box. We could have gone for the legendary One&Only Le Saint Géran; the exclusive Royal Palm Beachcomber; the glamourous Shangri-La Le Touessrok or the exceptional The Oberoi Beach Resort.

But for now we’ve opted for the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

This resort features sprawling villas (all with private pools), a championship golf course, a private beach on Île aux Cerfs, and extraordinary service. It’s ideal for celebrity-style luxury or families looking for total comfort with enough to do for every age group.

As you can probably tell, we love this tropical idyll. This is the sort of island that dreams are made of – and we’d love to make your dreams come true.

We’ve got the know how to curate a tailor-made itinerary just for you so your holiday to Mauritius can be uniquely yours.

This island holiday is one that’s all about relaxation – and that should include the booking of it too. Let us do all the ground work for you. We can make booking your holiday feel like a holiday, so you’ll be stress free even before you’ve taken off. And the (other) great thing is that we don’t charge a penny for our service! So what’ve you got to lose?

Give us a call and we can help you make unforgettable memories in Mauritius.

Flight time?

Flying time from the UK to Mauritius is 12 hours with direct flights offered by Air Mauritius and British Airways.

Visa requirements?

Most travellers don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius for short stays. Visitors from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to 60 or 90 days, depending on nationality. You'll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation.

When we visited recently we were required to fill in a form online before take off, after which we got a QR code sent to our phones. Even though we weren’t asked, you may have to show this at immigration once you’ve landed.

Currency?

The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist areas, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash, especially if you’re visiting markets, food stalls or remote villages. ATMs are easy to find in towns and near popular beaches.

What’s the weather like?

We addressed this question above, but in summary, while you’ll find warmer climes year-round on this tropical island, the winter months from May to October are drier and less humid. The summer runs from November through April and this is when you’re likely to encounter some tropical downpours interfering with your sunbathing – these might only last a few hours (or even just minutes) each day.

Mauritius is the kind of destination that leaves a mark on your soul – but planning the right trip here takes more than a quick Google search. That’s where we come in.

We don’t just book holidays. We design them around you. And we do it all at no extra cost.

Here’s why letting us take care of your Mauritius holiday is the smartest move you’ll make this year:

Expertise you won’t find on a booking site

We don’t just know which resorts are good — we know which one is right for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of a beachfront villa with a private pool or a charming boutique retreat full of local character, we’ll match you with the place that suits your style, pace and budget.

Because we’re completely independent, we’re not here to sell you a particular resort — just to help you find the one that’s the perfect fit.

Tailor-made for you

No two holidays should be the same. That’s why we design every itinerary around you – your travel style, your wishlist and your budget. 

Want a twin-centre adventure? Stopover in Dubai? Or want to pair Mauritius with a safari? We’ll bring your perfect plan to life.

Make booking your holiday feel like a holiday

We’ll take care of everything – from flights and transfers to excursions and special requests. 

No trawling comparison sites. No booking admin. 

Just one trusted contact from start to finish. 

Great value – and no hidden fees

You won’t pay a penny for our service. 

In fact, we can often save you money with exclusive offers and perks you won’t find online. 

And if you’d prefer to spread the cost, we’ve got flexible payment plans too.

Real people, real peace of mind

We’re not bots, and you’re not a booking number. 

You’ll have one friendly travel expert looking after you every step of the way – someone who genuinely cares about your trip and will go the extra mile to make it unforgettable.

Let’s chat

Whether you’re still dreaming or ready to go, we’re here to help.

It all starts with a simple conversation. We’ll get to know what you love (and what you don’t), then suggest some ideas we think you’ll really like.

If you'd like us to create a holiday proposal, we’d be delighted to – but only if you want us to. No pressure, no obligation.

So if Mauritius is on your mind, get in touch today and let’s start turning that dream into a plan.