Mauritius looks small on the map, and it is, but the coast you choose changes your holiday more than most people expect. A week in the north and a week in the south east can feel like two different trips, and picking the right one is the first thing I help clients with.
Start in the north, around Grand Baie, Mont Choisy and Trou aux Biches. This is the lively, easy side of the island, with calmer water, plenty of restaurants and shops, and boat trips to the small islands off the coast. It suits first timers, families and anyone who likes having things to do within reach.
Travel round to the east and the mood slows down. Around Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce the beaches are long, the lagoon is wide, and the holidays tend to be resort based. That makes the east a good choice for couples and for anyone who wants to switch off. It can be breezier than the other coasts, especially in winter, so it is worth knowing before you book.
The south and south east are wilder, greener and less built up. Around Blue Bay the lagoon is calm and there is a marine park nearby, and this is where I send people who want a quieter, more natural holiday. Shandrani Beachcomber, on the south east coast, is honestly one of my favourite resorts on the island.
On the west coast, around Le Morne, Tamarin and Flic en Flac, the sunsets are the main event, along with the dramatic Le Morne Brabant mountain and a drier, sunnier climate. It is popular for kitesurfing, dolphin trips and long, relaxed evenings. Paradis Beachcomber sits at Le Morne, and Zest at Paradis is one of my favourite restaurants on the island.
Timing matters as much as location. Generally, May to October is cooler and drier, which many people find comfortable for sightseeing. November to April is hotter and more humid, and cyclone season mostly falls between January and March. December and the school holidays are some of the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year, so those dates need planning well ahead.
When a client asks me where to stay, I usually answer with questions. Who is travelling, and how old are the children? Do you want a lively resort or a quiet one? Would you prefer half board or all inclusive? Will you spend most days at the resort, or explore the island? Are you celebrating something special? Once I know those things, the right coast tends to become obvious.
If you are thinking about Mauritius, send me a message through the contact page. Tell me who is travelling and what a perfect week looks like, and I will suggest where to stay.
