The best places to stay in Mauritius

The north of the island is one of the best places to stay in Mauritius, not only because it’s well-developed, with a wide range of accommodation in all budgets, but because it’s also one of the sunniest coasts. Grand Bay is a hub for tourists, thanks to its year-round fantastic weather, stunning beach and vibrant nightlife. You have your choice of parties and bars, restaurants to suit all tastes, and plenty of accommodation too. The snorkelling opportunities are also incredible. Locals and savvy tourists head to Pereybere, just a short walk away, where the main beach is 150 metres of white-sand paradise with a tranquil, shallow bay. Just 20 minutes away on foot you’ll find the same story at Bain Boeuf Public Beach. Mont Choisy is quieter – perfect for the peace-seeking traveller – but still a stone’s throw from the main hub. The beach is one of the longest and least-crowded in the North, giving you ample options to find a spot, and you can stay dawn till dusk, catered for by the food vendors.

Adventure-seeking couples and families should head to the romantic and untamed east coast of Mauritius. The main lagoon here is sheltered by a coral reef, making for calm waters and dreamy snorkelling conditions, but a frequent breeze means there are also plenty of opportunities for various water sports and it’s not too sweltering either. You can go fishing, diving, take boat excursions and even golf here. The coast is lined with romantic, luxury accommodation too, and with guaranteed views of the stunning sunrise, it’s no wonder honeymooners flock here in their droves. Besides lounging on Belle Mare public beach, you’ll also want to spend at least a day visiting Bras D’Eau National Park and exploring the lush forest, magical trails and mysterious ruins there. Finish off your daytrip at Bras d'Eau Public Beach for a feeling of being in a truly far-flung paradise. You should also visit the Grand River South East waterfall, an epic and iconic falls with a breath-taking mountainous backdrop and primate residents.

Naturally, the west of Mauritius, sunset side, is popular with couples. Flic en Flac is one of best places to stay in Mauritius, with something to satisfy every traveller – it’s well-developed with shopping, gastronomy and nightlife, almost-always sunny with stunning beaches and there’s a national park and hiking too. Formerly a fishing village, Flic en Flac is now bustling with luxury resorts and the beach here – a languorous stretch of white sand flanked by sparkling azure sea – will enchant anybody. Tamarin beach, very close by, has a popular surf school with great opportunities for beginners. Don’t miss Black River Gorges National Park while you’re here. Trails cross-cross the swathes of forest and mountains, leading walkers along gorges, to dramatic falls, gargantuan trees and close to impressive birds and wildlife. Hike to the high points in the park to find unrivalled views across the entire island. The coast near Flic en Flac is interlaced with hiking trails and an epic coast path, starting at La Corniche. Expect stunning sea views, cacti the height of humans and waterfalls tumbling into the sea.

On the adventure-lovers’ south-west coast, close to the exceptional Black River Gorges National Park, you’ll find Le Morne, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region’s symbol is the majestic Le Morne Brabant peak, towering over the coast and cloaked in dense forest. Le Morne peninsula is criss-crossed with trails and hikes; steep scrambles reward you with out-of-this-world views out to sea. It also boasts a sunset-facing beach with an equally stunning, mountainous backdrop, Lagoon Le Morne with a surf school for surfing and kite-surfing, and several prime snorkelling spots. Head to nearby Charmarel to see a 270-foot waterfall plummeting into the dense jungle, and explore an ebony forest. There’s also an adventure park offering ziplining and high-ropes courses, as well as the Coloured Earth Geopark, home to multi-coloured sand dunes. The south-west coast also boasts the indescribably beautiful Île aux Benitiers. This coral island is open for daytrips, revealing a world of unspoilt beaches with sugary sand and the much-photographed Crystal Rock.

Those who’ve come here primarily for the sea will find the south-east coast one of the best places to stay in Mauritius. With its pristine marine environment, calm waters and boat trips into deeper, more exciting waters, Blue Bay is a prime base. The public beach is a snapshot of paradise – cerulean sea, snow-white sand and a backdrop of tall trees waving in the breeze. La Cambuse public beach is also nearby, offering a huge expanse of white-sand with few crowds and a serene vibe. Bustling Mahebourg, with its pretty waterfront and lively restaurant scene, is also popular for an afternoon or evening excursion. Otherwise, head out on a glass-bottomed boat, book a diving trip or explore the dramatic cliffs at Pont Naturel. Pont Naturel, Le Souffleur and Savinia Beach showcase Mauritius nature at its best. Foam-topped white waves crash into jagged, jet-black rocks causing a mesmerising swirl of blues in every imaginable shade. At Savinia Beach, pretty birds fish along the shoreline and you’re treated to an almost-deserted green backdrop. Other popular trips include Seneville Cliffs and Rochester Falls natural park with its incredible geology.