Choosing the right area to book your hotel in Mauritius isn’t easy, that’s for sure.
Mauritius isn’t just a monotonous tropical island of palm trees and cocktails – although there’s certainly plenty of that too.
The north coast offers a lively atmosphere and the best nightlife, the west coast has incredible sunsets and some of the world’s best kitesurfing, the south coast is wild and untouched, and the east coast has the most photogenic lagoons you’ve ever seen.
In this guide I’ll go through the best areas to stay in Mauritius with hotels across several price ranges.
Whether you’re on a honeymoon, family holiday or adventure trip, you’ll find the right place to stay in this guide (I hope).
Where to stay in Mauritius? Let’s get started with the guide.
Best Areas in Mauritius
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Mauritius:
- Grand Baie (north) – The island’s tourist capital with beaches, shopping and nightlife 🏖️
- Flic en Flac (west) – Long beaches, fantastic sunsets and family-friendly 🌅
- Le Morne (southwest) – Luxury resorts, kitesurfing and UNESCO World Heritage 🏔️
- Belle Mare (east) – Dream beach with luxury hotels and total tranquillity 🐚
- Trou aux Biches (north) – Fantastic beach, snorkelling and calmer than Grand Baie 🤿
Click on the area name to see the best hotels in that area.
- One important thing many people overlook: the weather in Mauritius varies significantly from coast to coast. During the winter months (June-September) the southeast coast can be windy and overcast, while the north coast is still bathed in sunshine. It’s a detail that can make or break your holiday.
1. Grand Baie – The Island’s Tourist Capital 🏖️
Quick Info – Grand Baie
- Distance from the airport: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
- Transport: Good bus connections. Taxis and car hire easily available
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (wide range from budget to luxury)
- Beach: Several beaches – La Cuvette is the best for swimming
- Atmosphere: Lively, social and tourist-friendly
Grand Baie on the north coast is the obvious choice for first-time visitors to Mauritius. This lively coastal town has everything: beautiful beaches, good shopping (both local markets and shopping centres), a varied restaurant scene and Mauritius’ best nightlife.
Here you’ll find everything from local rum bars to elegant beach bars, and the atmosphere is relaxed but social.
See the best hotels in Grand Baie.
The beaches in and around Grand Baie vary in quality. The Grand Baie bay itself is more for boat trips than swimming, but La Cuvette Beach (10 minutes’ walk) is a little gem with clear water and white sand. Pereybere and Mont Choisy beach are also within a short drive and are fantastic.
Grand Baie is also the starting point for popular boat trips to Île aux Cerfs and the northern islands.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, solo travellers, those who want buzz and options.
Places to Stay in Grand Baie
LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of Mauritius’ newest and most stylish luxury resorts. LUX* Grand Baie is designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy and combines modern elegance with tropical luxury. The hotel has several restaurants, a fantastic infinity pool, spa and direct beach access. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with sea views. Wellness is a central part of the experience – from morning yoga to advanced spa treatments.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A fantastic hotel in every respect. The design is stunning, the food is world-class, and the staff make you feel truly special.”
Check prices and availability at LUX* Grand Baie
20° Sud ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautiful boutique hotel with just 34 rooms and an intimate, personal atmosphere. 20° Sud sits on the west side of Grand Baie with thatched buildings, hammocks between the palm trees and a romantic feel. Rooms have four-poster beds and sea views. The restaurant serves excellent Creole-French fusion cuisine. A perfect choice for couples who want luxury without a huge resort.
Check prices and availability at 20° Sud
A really good mid-range choice right by the beautiful Bain Boeuf beach. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, good breakfast and a relaxed atmosphere. There’s a pool, water sports and an all-inclusive option. The rooms have sofa beds that can accommodate a child – a good family choice at a reasonable price.
Check prices and availability at Coin de Mire Attitude
2. Flic en Flac – Family-Friendly Beach and Fantastic Sunsets 🌅
Quick Info – Flic en Flac
- Distance from the airport: Approximately 50 minutes by car
- Transport: Good bus connections. Car hire recommended for excursions
- Price level: 💰💰 (moderate – good value)
- Beach: Long white sand beach with a protected lagoon
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, family-friendly, local feel
Flic en Flac is Mauritius’ most popular beach destination on the west coast and a fantastic choice for families. The long white sand beach is protected by coral reef, creating calm, shallow water – perfect for children.
The west coast is also the sunniest part of the island all year round, and the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.
See the best hotels in Flic en Flac.
The town has a good mix of resorts, local restaurants and supermarkets without feeling too touristy. Here you can eat fantastic Creole street food by the roadside, buy fresh fish at the local market and enjoy a rum cocktail while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Flic en Flac is also the starting point for dolphin swimming at Tamarin and hikes in the Black River Gorges National Park.
Best for: Families, couples, budget-conscious travellers who want beach and sunshine.
Places to Stay in Flic en Flac
Sugar Beach Mauritius ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautiful five-star resort in colonial style with a long private beach, tropical gardens and a fantastic pool. Sugar Beach has several restaurants, spa, water sports and a kids’ club. Rooms are spacious with elegant decor and most have a balcony with sea views. The hotel’s sister property La Pirogue is right next door and guests can freely use the facilities at both.
Check prices and availability at Sugar Beach Mauritius
A charming three-star hotel directly on the beach with a nice blend of Mauritian tradition and modern comfort. The hotel has a pool, spa, fitness centre and a cosy restaurant. Rooms are nicely decorated with warm wood details and balconies. One of the best mid-range options in Flic en Flac.
Check prices and availability at Aanari Hotel & Spa
3. Le Morne – Luxury, Kitesurfing and UNESCO World Heritage 🏔️
Quick Info – Le Morne
- Distance from the airport: Approximately 1 hour by car
- Transport: Car hire necessary – limited public transport
- Price level: 💰💰💰💰 (expensive – primarily luxury resorts)
- Beach: Spectacular beach at the foot of Le Morne Brabant
- Atmosphere: Exclusive, calm, scenic
The Le Morne peninsula in the southwest is crowned by the majestic Le Morne Brabant – a 556-metre basalt mountain that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the foot of the mountain you’ll find some of Mauritius’ very best beaches and most exclusive resorts.
The area is also famous for its kitesurfing – the lagoon in front of the One Eye spot is one of the world’s best locations for kiters.
See the best hotels at Le Morne.
Le Morne is more remote than the north coast, and that’s part of the charm. Here it’s all about relaxing in luxury, waking up to the view over the turquoise water with the mountain in the background, and forgetting everything about everyday life.
From here you can also take a boat trip to see the famous “Underwater Waterfall” – an optical illusion created by sand currents that, from the air, looks like a waterfall beneath the sea.
Best for: Honeymooners, couples on a romantic holiday, kitesurfers, those who want ultimate luxury.
Places to Stay at Le Morne
Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An iconic Mauritius resort with a spectacular location on the Le Morne peninsula. Paradis has one of the island’s longest private beaches, an 18-hole golf course, fantastic spa and six restaurants. Rooms are elegant with tropical decor and most have direct sea views.
The service is impeccable – staff remember your name and your preferences. It’s the ultimate Mauritius resort.
Check prices and availability at Paradis Beachcomber
JW Marriott Mauritius Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A modern luxury resort on the tip of the Le Morne peninsula with a private beach, infinity pool and five excellent restaurants serving everything from Asian to French cuisine. The spa is one of the island’s best, and the hotel offers a wide range of water sports including kitesurfing. Perfect for those who want international five-star standards.
Check prices and availability at JW Marriott
4. Belle Mare – Dream Beach and Total Tranquillity 🐚
Quick Info – Belle Mare
- Distance from the airport: Approximately 45 minutes by car
- Transport: Car hire recommended – hotels are spread out
- Price level: 💰💰💰💰 (expensive – mostly large resorts)
- Beach: Possibly the island’s most beautiful – long, white and perfect
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, exclusive, romantic
Belle Mare on the east coast has what is arguably the most beautiful beach on all of Mauritius – a seemingly endless stretch of powdery white sand with turquoise, crystal-clear water.
This stretch of beach is home to several of the island’s most exclusive resorts, and the atmosphere is peaceful and luxurious.
See the best hotels in Belle Mare.
Be aware of the weather: during the winter months (June-September) the east coast can be windy and a bit cooler. On the other hand, it’s fantastic from October to May.
From here you can take a boat trip to the famous Île aux Cerfs – a small island with one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and paradise beaches.
Best for: Honeymooners, couples, beach enthusiasts who want the most beautiful of the beautiful.
Places to Stay in Belle Mare
One&Only Le Saint Geran ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mauritius’ most iconic hotel. One&Only Le Saint Geran has been the island’s flagship for over 50 years and, following a massive renovation, has reclaimed its position as the absolute best hotel on the island.
The hotel sits on its own private peninsula with a mile of white sandy beach, new suites with infinity pools, an enormous spa and six world-class restaurants. The service is in a league of its own – no wishes are overlooked here.
Check prices and availability at One&Only Le Saint Geran
Constance Belle Mare Plage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A large but elegant resort with over 200 rooms spread along a stunning stretch of beach. Belle Mare Plage has several pools, two golf courses, a fantastic spa and a varied selection of restaurants. Despite the hotel’s size, it never feels overcrowded thanks to the enormous grounds. An excellent choice for families who want luxury and space.
Check prices and availability at Constance Belle Mare Plage
5. Trou aux Biches – Fantastic Beach and Great Snorkelling 🤿
Quick Info – Trou aux Biches
- Distance from the airport: Approximately 1 hour by car
- Transport: Bus connection to Grand Baie and Port Louis. Car hire recommended
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (moderate to expensive)
- Beach: One of the island’s best – white sand, crystal-clear water, fantastic snorkelling
- Atmosphere: Calm, refined, nature-focused
Trou aux Biches on the north coast is one of the best spots in Mauritius for snorkelling directly from the beach. The reef is close to shore, and the water is crystal clear with plenty of tropical fish, turtles and coral. The beach is long and white with a gentle slope – perfect for children and adults alike.
See the best hotels in Trou aux Biches.
The area is significantly calmer than Grand Baie (which is 15 minutes’ drive north) and has a more refined atmosphere.
Trou aux Biches is ideal if you want the north coast’s sunshine and proximity to Grand Baie, but prefer a calmer and more scenic base.
Best for: Couples, snorkelling enthusiasts, families who want beach and tranquillity with proximity to town life.
Places to Stay in Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of Mauritius’ best all-round resorts with a fantastic location along Trou aux Biches beach. The hotel has suites and villas with private pools, six restaurants (including excellent Indian and Japanese), spa, water sports and a well-regarded diving and snorkelling centre. Tropical gardens create a sense of privacy despite the hotel’s size. Perfect for both couples and families.
Check prices and availability at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber
A good mid-range resort directly on the beach with pool, spa and an all-inclusive option. The hotel is set in beautiful tropical gardens and has a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable and functional. A good choice for families who want a great beach and reasonable prices on the north coast.
Check prices and availability at Casuarina Resort & Spa
Where NOT To Stay in Mauritius ❗️
Too close to the airport. The area around the airport in the southeast isn’t particularly appealing. Unless you’re only in Mauritius for 1-2 days, it’s worth investing in the transport to one of the better coasts.
The south coast without a car. The south coast is beautiful and wild, but hotels are spread out and there’s almost no public transport. Without a car you can feel very isolated.
The east coast during winter (June-September). The southeast winds hit the east coast hardest during this period. It’s still beautiful, but you’ll get more sun and calmer water on the north coast or west coast.
Travel Tips: Important Things to Know About Mauritius
I don’t think I can write a guide on where to stay in Mauritius without also sharing a few travel tips – because there are a couple of things you should know about planning a trip to Mauritius:
The weather varies from coast to coast. This is the most important thing to understand about Mauritius. The north coast and west coast are the sunniest all year round. During the winter months (June-September) the east and south coasts can be windy and more overcast. If you’re travelling during that period, you should prioritise north or west. During the summer months (November-April) all coasts are fantastic, but the south and east have the most spectacular lagoons.
Hire a car. Mauritius is surprisingly small – the longest drive between two points is under two hours. With a hire car you can easily explore the entire island regardless of where you’re staying. Do drive carefully though – you drive on the left (a legacy of the British colonial era), and the roads can be narrow and unpredictable.
All-inclusive is the norm – but not always necessary. Most large resorts offer all-inclusive packages, and they can be good value since restaurants on the island are generally expensive. But if you want to get out and experience local food, half-board (breakfast + dinner) is a better option. The local markets and street food spots – particularly in Port Louis – are an experience in themselves.
Cyclone season is January-March. Mauritius sits in the cyclone belt, and there’s a risk of tropical storms in January-March. That doesn’t mean you can’t travel there, but be prepared for rain and check the weather forecast. October-December and April-June are the most ideal travel months with good weather and fewer tourists.
The flight time is long – but it’s worth it. From Europe the flight takes approximately 11-13 hours (often with a stopover in Dubai, Istanbul or Paris).
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is in the southeast, and most hotels arrange transfers.
Mauritius is one of those destinations that truly lives up to the dream of a tropical paradise. Whether you choose to relax in a luxury villa at Le Morne, snorkel with tropical fish at Trou aux Biches, or explore the local nightlife in Grand Baie, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday.
Dreaming of other exotic islands? Also have a look at my guide on where to stay in Zanzibar or the guide on where to stay in the Maldives.
Have a wonderful trip to Mauritius.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?