In Mauritius, the first choice is not the hotel but the coast. The island is small, but driving from one side to the other takes an hour or two, and each coast has a different climate, beach and mood. Pick the area that matches the trip you want, and you will spend your days enjoying it rather than sitting in traffic. Here are the five bases we recommend, with our pick in each.
The east coast: for calm lagoons and grand resorts
The east, from Belle Mare to Trou d’Eau Douce, has long white beaches, wide turquoise lagoons and the island’s most famous day out, Ile aux Cerfs, just offshore. The trade winds keep it fresh, and the sun rises over the sea. Shangri-La Le Touessrok is our splurge: 189 rooms and suites plus beach villas facing the lagoon, five restaurants, a spa, a kids club and exclusive access to its own small island, Ilot Mangénie. It suits honeymooners and families who want a polished resort to come home to.
The south-west: for mountains, hikes and sunsets
Le Morne is the most dramatic corner of the island, with the UNESCO-listed mountain rising above a lagoon famous for kitesurfing and some of the best beaches in the country. Chamarel and the Black River Gorges are a short drive inland, and the dolphin boats leave nearby. LUX* Le Morne sits right beneath the mountain, with five pools, a tree house on the beach, Japanese omakase and Thai restaurants and a lively, stylish feel. It is the base for active couples and families who want to hike and explore without long transfers.
The west coast: for dolphins, sunsets and value
Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Black River face the sunset and are the best base for the dolphins, Casela and the national park. The area is more relaxed and better value than the big-resort coasts. Veranda Tamarin Hotel and Spa is our budget pick, a cheerful three-star on Tamarin Bay with a surf-town vibe, an adults-only rooftop pool and bar, live music, a small spa and a kids club. It is ideal for young couples, surfers and families who plan to be out most days.
The north: for restaurants, nightlife and boats
Grand Baie is the island’s busiest resort town, with shops, bars, restaurants and boat trips to the northern islands, and it is the closest coast to Port Louis, Pamplemousses and L’Aventure du Sucre. Mauricia Beachcomber Resort and Spa is our mid-range pick, right on the bay and a walk from the village, with a free kids club, free water sports, a spa and an optional all-inclusive package that lets you dine at sister hotels nearby.
Port Louis: for a night in the city
Few visitors stay in the capital, but a night or two here is the best way to enjoy its markets, food and history without a daily drive. The Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel is the leading five-star city hotel, on the Caudan Waterfront with 105 rooms and suites, a pool and good restaurants, a few steps from the start of the Port Louis street food tour and a short walk from the Central Market and the Aapravasi Ghat.
Matching base to trip
For a classic luxury beach holiday, Shangri-La Le Touessrok. For hiking, sunsets and great food, LUX* Le Morne. For families who want value and a lively town, Mauricia Beachcomber. For dolphins and a budget, Veranda Tamarin. For the capital, Labourdonnais Waterfront. On a longer trip, combine two: a few nights in the west or south-west for the outdoors, then the east for the lagoon.
Practical tips
Book early for Christmas and New Year and the European summer holidays. Check what your meal plan includes, as resort dining is expensive and half-board or all-inclusive packages often save money. Ask for transfers when you book, as the airport is in the south-east and journeys to the north and west take about an hour.
