Best Places to Stay in Mauritius on Your Mauritius Holiday

A jewel in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is just off the south-east coast of Africa and packs a punch that’s way over its weight. A holiday on this island is nothing short of magical and exciting especially when you think of the tropical temperature, crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked golden sandy beaches, clear blue skies and thriving Creole culture and they’re all a standard on a Mauritius getaway. What makes this island all the more great is that it offers something for everyone - whether you’re looking for adventure activities like hiking or diving or you want to unwind in a luxurious resort or enjoy the lively nightlife. While a holiday sounds nothing short of thrilling, thinking of where to stay in Mauritius can drive you into a tizzy.

Where to stay in Mauritius north or south or east or west?

The easiest way to determine where to stay in Mauritius is to divide the island into four - north, south, east and west and next match your expectations and interests with the parts that appeal to you. In short, if you’re after a holiday with lots of sightseeing and one that’s action-packed, then the bustling western and northern beaches are perfect. Whereas, if you’re after a ‘doing nothing much’ vacation, the southern and eastern beaches are ideal.

The island is small enough that you can rent a car and drive yourself from one corner to the other to visit specific attractions or landmarks. You don’t need to be stuck in one place. An added bonus is the picturesque view from the coastal road along with plenty of places of interests to stop by en route such as pretty gardens, welcoming towns, mountainous interiors and nature reserves.

Where is the best place to stay in Mauritius?

The North

The northern parts of the island are one of the most developed parts. It’s more tourist-oriented than the other parts and brimming with several hotels, resultants, malls, nightlife and activities.

You should stay in the north, around Pereybere, Trou aux Biches or Grand Baie if:

• You come in the months between June and October. The trade winds do not affect the north and the west as like the south and east.
• Although you will find some of the top resorts in Mauritius on this side of the island, it also offers a plethora of other offerings like many bars, restaurants and activities which will make you get out of the resort/hotel, especially around Grand Baie. This is not the case in all parts of the island. 
• You’re not looking for a luxurious stay and even small hotels in Mauritius work for you.

A few things you can include in your itinerary when you’re in the northern part are L’Aventure du Sucre museum, Port-Louis, Pamplemousses botanical garden and Château de Labourdonnais.

The East

For those looking for luxurious Mauritius hotels and beautiful, peaceful beaches, the eastern part is the place to be. While the resorts are booming with activity, there isn’t too much available to do outside of your place of stay in terms of attractions, nightlife, and activities. It’s ideal for lounging around the resort, enjoying the sun and sand and soaking up on a lot of vitamin sea.

The east is the place to be if:

• You’ve come for the serene, beautiful beaches and you’ve come to de-stress with the ocean by your side. The beaches here are less crowded than the ones on the northern side.
• Serenity, tranquillity and isolation are the top three things on your itinerary.

If you are looking to get out of your comfortable resort, the places you can explore close by are Blue Bay Beach, Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Mahéboug Village, Frederik Hendrik Museum and the National History (Naval) Museum.

The South

The south offers some of the best panoramic views of the island. When it comes to where to stay in Mauritius in the south, the popular areas that tourists typically visit are the south-west near Le Morne or South East near Blue Bay. Both offer some of the best resorts to stay in Mauritius.

The south is the best for those:

• Looking for natural beauty. Both Le Morne and Blue Bay have excellent beaches along with Blue Bay’s word-class marine park and snorkelling and Le Morne is also an UNESCO heritage site.
• Akin to the east, the south is not as developed especially if you compare it to the west and north.    
• Plus, Blue Bay is close to the airport. If you are here for just a couple of days, it is convenient and easy.

Try not to leave this part of Mauritius without visiting verdant reserves like the Ile aux Aigrettes islet, Chamarel or the Black River Gorges National Park. Even the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne Brabant is unmissable. Other activities include La Roche qui pleure, Gris Gris, La Vanille crocodile and tortoise park and Bois Chéri tea plantation.

The West

The tourism boom has hit both the north and the west, especially the Flic en Flac area. Although the west sees a lot of tourists, it’s quieter and less breezy. You will find a plethora of comfortable, budget and luxurious options which are some of the best resorts to stay in Mauritius. While the area isn’t as busy as Grand Baie, it comes with plenty of advantages.

If you want to visit the west, it would be because:

• You are visiting during the winter months.
• You’re looking for a lively environment outside of your resort or a larger selection of top resorts in Mauritius.
• You want to be close to the popular places to visit in Mauritius which include Le Morne, Casela Nature Park and Black River Gorges National Park.

Here are some of the best resorts to stay in Mauritius:

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa, Blue Bay

For more than 65 years, Beachcomber Hotels have served the island of Mauritius with top notch resorts. They’re also one of the pioneers in the hospitality industry. The Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa is spread across nearly 57-hectares and is one of the first fully inclusive 5-star resorts on the island. It’s set on a private peninsula and enveloped by the impressive Blue Bay Marine Park. You’ll find plenty on-site like the Beachcomber Spa, a dive centre, a sailing school, a 9-hole golf course and three beaches. It’s the perfect getaway for families as well as couples.

Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa

This 36-acre property is set amidst lush greenery and tropical gardens in the pristine and unspoiled south. The resort is a peaceful spot that is situated between Le Morne and Blue Bay Marine Park. It’s an informal boutique hotel made up of suites and villas that have walkways lined with tropical foliage and balconies that face the sea or the garden.

The on-site Shanti Spa is award winning and still one of the region’s largest and offers everything from alternative health workshops to Africology and Ayurveda. There are plenty of activities when you’re at this resort-like two floodlit tennis court, an 18-hole golf course, a PADI Dive School, kite surfing and paddle boarding. The food is one of the best with Mauritian and Creole cuisine and speciality cocktails like vanilla and banana infused rum and cardamom and lime-infused rum. It’s a great resort for both families and couples.

The St Regis Mauritius Resort, Le Morne

Quietly nestled on the southwestern part of the island, is a breathtaking location in Le Morne amid lush greenery and stunning views of the Indian Ocean is the St Regis property. Both couples and families will have an unsurpassed vacation thanks to the turquoise lagoon and soft white sands of Le Morne Beach. For the ultimate holiday filled with relaxation, away from all the stress, this property is the place. The colonial-style architecture adds to the appeal of the place. The surrounding spectacular views, the ample facilities and activities make St Regis the place to unwind and re-energise your body, mind and soul in a hassle-free manner in a tranquil setting.

La Pirogue, Flic en Flac

With its warm atmosphere, beautiful beach, exclusive restaurants, buzzing bars, a lavish spa and extensive sporting and recreational activities, this amazing property promises visitors an unforgettable vacation. This 14-hectare adobe is in the middle of gentle swaying coconut palms, landscaped gardens and the frangipani tree. It’s definitely an exotic hideaway on one of the best beaches. The rooms are extremely comfortable and offer stunning views. The many sports like kayaking, tennis, laser sailing and snorkelling certainly add to the fun. With signature experiences like multi-cultural food, fishing and sun gold, this is the perfect place for a big resort holiday.

LUX Belle Mare

LUX Belle Mare is one of the most lavish Mauritius hotels on the island. The pristine snow-white like beaches and the dazing lagoon welcome you with open arms. The colonial-style architecture will charm you instantly and the cosy atmosphere will transport you to a world far away from a busy and hectic one. It’s one of the best beach hotels in Mauritius located in a posh area and suited for those who appreciate extensive facilities, luxurious services, personalised services and are keen on experiencing the finer things of life. This is also one of the top resorts in Mauritius with the largest spa and swimming pool on the island, which is perfect for ample rest and relaxation. Along with this, there are diverse facilities and activities that keep you entertained and occupied during your entire stay. Undoubtedly, this will truly be an enjoyable vacation.

Tamassa, Bel Ombre

This is one of the best resorts to stay in Mauritius, which is all-inclusive if you’re looking for a zestful, effervescent hotel which attracts the young and the young at heart. It’s the ideal spot for fun and relaxation. The contemporary architecture effortlessly blends in with the mesmerising surroundings consisting of dense sugar cane fields, dramatic mountains and lush gardens. Expect to be greeted by cosy rooms with chic interiors and some rooms feature a balcony and private terrace that overlook the garden or lagoon. With a fun environment, great food and plenty of activities like a spa, fitness, swimming, and more you’ll have an amazing holiday here.    

Using the details in this article, you can come to a decision as to where to stay in Mauritius and what’s best for your holiday. Mauritius is well-known for its powder-white beaches, sapphire waters and ultra-luxurious resorts. Apart from the dazzling beaches, there’s more to do like hiking, diving, snorkelling, boat trips, botanical gardens and more. This diverse island offers a plethora of things to do, places to see, attractions to visit, foods to taste and culture to experience. So, whether you pick the north, the south, the east or the west, you’ll be able to have a great holiday, no matter what.