A big, beautiful bay — as the name suggests — Grand Baie is the largest hub in northern Mauritius. Set close to the tip of the island and overlooking a gorgeous lagoon and the craggy Coin de Mire beyond, it’s a brilliant starting point for exploring the island. Home to a lively community, the town boasts bars, restaurants and shops aplenty — as well as some striking beaches. Many of the best places to stay in Grand Baie face the bay itself, promising mesmerising views both day and night.

Amble along to the beach to savour sizzling street snacks from the brightly painted stalls clustered in the shade of the casuarina trees. Opportunities for sailing, kayaking and swimming abound, and there are snorkelling and diving spots just a short boat ride away. The centre of the bay itself is filled with bobbing fishing boats and elegant yachts, but the fringes are calmer and better for swimming. The chic boutiques of Sunset Boulevard showcase mostly Mauritian designers, whilst the nearby La Croisette mall — though far from picturesque — boasts a cinema and more international retailers.

A short drive away, the Château de Labourdonnais offers a reflective insight into the island's sugar plantation past, whilst the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens are a revelation for nature lovers. Soak up the sunshine at nearby Mont Choisy or La Cuvette beaches, play a round of golf at Mont Choisy Le Golf, or join Mauritians for live music at N-JOY and Banana Beach Club on weekend evenings. Don’t miss savouring fresh seafood and zingy island cuisine at the town’s excellent eateries, or at our pick of the best places to stay in Grand Baie. There’s no shortage of superb spots for sundowners, either!

The Best Places to Stay in Grand Baie

For Boutique Indulgence

• 20° Sud is a beautiful boutique hotel on the western side of Grand Baie, with charming thatched roofs, draped four-poster beds and lovely sea views in 28 bedrooms and six suites, some of which have 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. 

For a Central Seaside Hotel

• Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa sits right on the eastern edge of Grand Baie, within easy walking distance of lively bars, shops and eateries. Fresh, airy interiors are decorated in pale blue and warm terracotta tones, complemented with lots of natural materials. The 25-metre swimming pool offers views of the ocean, plus there are two eateries and a buzzy bar. Relaxed, central and easygoing. 

For a Luxury Resort

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

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 travel for just under 1.5 hours along the island's main highway to Grand Baie by car. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance, and there are taxis or hire cars available at the airport. 
• 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 — 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?

• Expand your search to explore our list of the best places to stay in Le Morne.
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the best places to stay in Mauritius.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.