Famously beautiful, the palm-fringed volcanic island of Mauritius sits amidst a protected lagoon in the Indian Ocean. Mark Twain praised the island in 1896, writing “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied from Mauritius” — and the line has stuck. A land of white sand beaches, verdant mountains and swaying fields of sugar cane, Mauritius has long fascinated both relaxed beachgoers and keen explorers. Many of the best places to stay on the island are luxurious beach resorts but our Gurus have also highlighted a growing crop of charming eco-lodges and boutique hideaways, reflective of the island’s emerging entrepreneurial spirit.
Some of our Mauritius Collections:
Head north to the pretty town of Grand Baie for excellent restaurants, boutiques and bars set close to a stunning bay. Yachts and fishing boats bob in tranquil waters, and the nearby white sand beaches are lined with characterful volcanic rock bungalows topped with blue and green roofs. Watersports enthusiasts will adore swimming, sailing, diving and water skiing around the island. The west coast, with activity-focused Tamarin and magical Le Morne, feels wilder, and brilliant for surfers, kite surfers and keen hikers, whilst the east coast is home to gorgeous resorts on vast stretches of sandy coastline. Remote Rodrigues, part of Mauritius yet 1.5 hours' flight away, is ideal for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-track escape.
Though many of the best places to stay in Mauritius are marvellous seaside resorts, it’s well worth venturing into the island’s interior to discover verdant mountains, refreshing waterfalls and abundant birdlife. Chamarel is a great starting point for eager ramblers; it's close to the Ebony Forest Reserve and the Black Gorges National Park. Further north, well-preserved plantation houses such as le Château de Labourdonnais — now a reputable rum distillery — and Euréka, as well as L’Aventure du Sucre Museum reflect the island’s sugar-producing past. Finally, no trip is complete without a day amongst the bustling markets, intriguing museums and heritage buildings of Port Louis — also the top spot to savour Mauritian street snacks!
The Best Places to Stay in Mauritius
For Boutique Indulgence
- 20° Sud is a beautiful boutique hotel on the western side of Grand Baie, featuring buildings with charming thatched roofs, draped four-poster beds and lovely sea views in 28 bedrooms and six suites, some of which have their own plunge pools. A tranquil haven for romantics with a small private beach, delectable cuisine and a classic boat for gastronomic cruises. Lovely and indulgent.
- Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is utterly gorgeous. Amongst the island's most romantic hotels, this 75-room adults-only hideaway boasts a top-notch spa & wellness centre, as well as four trendy bars & eateries — including vegan fine dining. Exceptional.
- Constance Tekoma is a tranquil haven on Rodrigues' secluded east coast. Ocean-view villas boast draped four-poster beds, big bathrooms and warm teal tones. The 1528 Restaurant & trendy Kreek Beach Club offer great gourmet cuisine, the serene spa promises rejuvenating treatments and the diving and snorkelling are exceptional. Very romantic.
For a Classic Honeymoon Resort
- The Royal Palm has long been one of Mauritius' most iconic hotels. An opulent choice with 69 sophisticated rooms and suites featuring dark wood and warm orange and red tones, the resort will delight fans of classic luxury. Expect three gourmet restaurants, a sublime spa, tennis courts and water sports galore. All facing gorgeous clear waters.
- Constance Le Prince Maurice offers 89 guest rooms, suites and villas on an impressive 150 acres of verdant seaside grounds. Boasting the largest wine cellar in the Indian Ocean, this luxury resort has long been a honeymoon favourite. Think exceptional service, a sleek spa and infinity pools for unwinding, gourmet fare in a floating restaurant and a classic sense of style.
- The Oberoi Mauritius, on gorgeous Turtle Bay, promises all of the glitz and glamour that the group's reputation suggests. Romantics will adore the lavish interiors of spacious suites and villas, the excellent cuisine and the fantastic spa. Stargaze in leafy gardens, soak up the sunshine by your private pool and enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments.
- One&Only Le Saint Géran opened in 1975, and has been amongst Mauritius' top hotels ever since. Beautifully restored and refurbished, the resort offers sophisticated guest rooms, suites and villas with white-on-white interiors, expansive east coast views, and water sports galore. Hugely romantic.
For an Eco Escape
- Kaz'alala Hosted B&B offers four cottages — whose rooms are booked individually — within leafy gardens on the Bel Ombre estate, to the south of Le Morne. Pick this place for the abundance of charm, and the appealingly laid-back feel. Expect big breakfasts, a pretty pool, and delicious Mauritian fare for lunch and dinner. Guests have access to the nearby Château de Bel Ombre and the facilities of the adjacent resort.
- ORIGIN Eco Chalet is a collection of just four chalets tucked within verdant grounds in Rodrigues' interior. Owned by a couple from Mauritius and run by a welcoming team, the lodge prides itself on its strong eco-focus, use of reclaimed materials, and fantastic farm-to-table eatery. Expect to slow down and connect with off-the-beaten-track Rodrigues through hikes and bird-watching walks.
- Bakwa Lodge, on Rodrigues' south coast, boasts beautiful sea views. It's also a wonderfully intimate hideaway with rustic, white-painted guest cabins oozing old-school charm. Think sliding doors revealing wooden decks shaded by craggy casuarina trees, excellent fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe. The multi-bedroom villa is ideal for groups or families.
- Lakaz Chamarel is a chic hideaway with luxurious suites featuring draped four-poster beds, wooden antiques and uninterrupted mountain views, in south-western Mauritius. The best suites have private pools. There's an excellent restaurant and serene spa, too. A romantic eco-lodge with a real sense of character and charm.
- La Vieille Cheminée offers a collection of rustic, individually designed lodges on a small organic farm in the hills of Chamarel. Inspired by traditional Creole design, open-sided spaces have sitting rooms with cosy fireplaces, big decks and simple kitchenettes. Take little ones to feed the ducks and chickens, savour generous breakfasts of homemade bread and jam, with fruit and eggs from the farm, and enjoy days of hiking and horse riding. The shared plunge pool atop the hill boasts glorious views.
For Contemporary Elegance
- LUX* Le Morne is a gorgeous seaside resort with sophisticated white-on-white guest rooms and suites boasting private balconies, big sink-into tubs and high ceilings. A mindful, eco-conscious ethos is at the heart of the resort, which feels appealingly tranquil and romantic. Sundowners in the treehouse, gourmet dinners and dolphin swims are all highlights.
- Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has 133 beautiful contemporary villas with clean lines, crisp linens and soothing natural tones. Sublime spaces have an elegant feel — reflective of the Four Seasons' iconic brand — plus multiple bedrooms, plunge pools and dazzling sea views. A fabulous resort with four pools, a serene spa and activities aplenty.
- LUX* Grand Baie is a design-led luxury resort on the powdery white sands of Merville Beach, just along from Grand Baie itself. Swish suites and villas have monochromatic interiors, futuristic mod cons and arresting ocean views. Gather at the excellent rooftop bars for sundowners, kick back under bright red umbrellas beachside, and savour gourmet Asian & Lebanese-Mediterranean fare. Superb.
For a Family-Friendly Resort
- Paradis Golf Resort & Spa promises a five-star island escape. Interiors have a classic feel, with polished wood and blue and white patterned upholstery. Families will adore the children's swimming pool, spacious suites and wealth of activities. The resort's golf course is also stunning, and includes an excellent Golf Academy. Wonderful.
- C Rodrigues Mourouk has a fresh, playful feel, with bold pops of colour in communal areas, striped fabrics and pink-and-yellow deck chairs set around the pool and on white sands. The hotel faces a gorgeous lagoon — one of the best places on the island to learn to kite surf. Enjoy big buffet breakfasts and dinners, sundowners at the beach bar, pool dips and kayaking, sailing and kite surfing. A fun, friendly choice for active types in remote Rodrigues.
- Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort faces the ocean in beautiful Bel Ombre. Chic white-on-white guest rooms have an elegant feel, with ocean views and draped four-poster beds. Take the whole family to the multiple pools, enjoy fantastic fresh fare, and hone your kayaking, kite surfing or paddle boarding skills. The beach club is great fun, and the golf course stunning.
- LUX* Grand Gaube, a few minutes' drive east of Grand Baie, has it all. Indulge yourself and your loved ones at the serene spa and excellent restaurants — including gourmet Peruvian eatery INTI — after days of water sports and sunbathing. The kids club is brilliant, and the resort's atmosphere chic and sophisticated. Sensational.
- Shangri-La Le Touessrok is a spectacular seaside resort on the east coast. Generous guest rooms, suites and villas are ideal for families, who will adore the kids club and plethora of activities. The private island is magical, as are the many eateries — and access to two golf courses. A luxurious choice for active holidaymakers of all ages.
For an Apartment or Villa
- For those seeking some additional privacy, we recommend visiting our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and continue to your destination by taxi or airport transfer. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance.
- Small and easy to navigate, Mauritius is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- A year-round destination, Mauritius is blessed with wonderful weather. Expect the highest rainfall in January and February — this is also cyclone season in the Indian Ocean. The winter months of June and July are slightly cooler, but the shoulder seasons of March-April and September-October are ideal for holidays with fewer crowds.
STILL NOT SURE?