Mauritius has long been a favourite beach destination. Perfect for families and honeymooners alike. Popular with golfers and also outdoor enthusiasts, this tropical haven is alive with sun filled activities, warm water, excellent food and rich, warm, welcoming culture.
Each side of the island offers its own appeal and many argue which is the best? We believe that they are all worth a visit and there is no side of the island that will not offer a magical experience.
South coast
The south coast is known to be a quieter, more nature focussed side of the island. The landscape is lush and wild, with forests and hidden waterfalls. The ocean waters along these beaches are choppier for swimming, however the beauty of the area makes up for it. The South is the least built up of all the coasts and offers only a handful of hotels.
Heritage Le Telfair was the first place I evber stayed in Mautitius, and I have loved it ever since. A stay here extends an invitation to wander along the alleys of time, back to when Mauritius was a strategic stopover along the Sugar and Spice Routes.
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the resort offers spacious and luxury accommodation combined with a decor reminiscent of olden day Mauritius, refined cuisine with a thousand and one flavours as well as an abundance of leisure activities, both on land and water.
Swim, sail, kitesurf or just relax by one of the pools. From yoga in the nature reserve to a round of golf on a European Tour branded golf course, the wide selection of land and water based activities is sure to entertain the most adventurous types.
North coast
The north coast is known as the busier, more vibey part of the island. Near to the Grand Baie hub, this town has a wonderful tourist atmosphere dotted with restaurants and pubs. Beaches of soft sands and lovely swimming and diving areas, the north is also protected from the cooler wind in the Winter months.
There are many great hotels along the north coast, howvere I have always been fond of the romantic and beautiful Lux Grande Gaub. A gentle stroll from a quiet fishing village on the north coast of Mauritius, Lux Grand Gaub is tucked away in one of the island’s most beautiful locations, the hotel offers spectacular ocean views.
An excellent 5* PADI diving centre, allows anyone from beginner’s lessons and certification to reef diving along the nearby underwater playgrounds. From the bustling markets of Goodlands to the buzzing bars and boutiques of Grand Baie, the north of the island has many attractions. Settle in to the rhythm of Mauritian life with colourful displays of traditional music and dancing.
West coast
The west coast offers a warmer climate in winter months and is a haven for water sports, long beaches dotted with resorts and picturesque sunset year round.
This is one of the most popular areas of the island and there are a great number of hotels to choose from along the great expanse of white sad beaches. Situated and the more secluded end of the pristine white sandy beach at Flic en Flac, the Sands Suites Resort & Spa is a hideaway for anyone seeking tranquility, comfort and personalised service.
Overlooking the translucent blue and turquoise lagoon of Tamarin Bay and the legendary rock of Le Morne Peninsula, the scenic lagoon in front of the hotel is ideal for a wide range of water sports, including glass-bottom boat, kayaks – single and double – paddleboats, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing (laser boats). If you would rather keep on shore, the hotel also has a wonderful infinity pool with great views of Le Morne in the distance.
East coast
The east coast is more exclusive and has some of the islands most luxurious hotels. The beautiful white sands of Belle Mare Beach and Ile aux Cerfs make this side of the island very appealing. As the east coast offers the largest selection of luxury hotels we have chosen two for this coast and what a hard decision it was as you are really spoilt for choice here
Incomparable and distinguished, the One&Only Le Saint Geran nestles peacefully on its own private golden peninsula at the northern tip of the renowned Belle Mare coastline, surrounded by 60 acres of tropical gardens and thousands of swaying coconut trees.
The enviable stretch of beautiful white sand is an idyllic place to relax, or a total of 3 heated pools, including a stunning infinity pool at the tip of the peninsula, offer families and couples their own dedicated spaces to unwind. The azure ocean views must be seen to be believed.
The certified PADI Gold Dive Centre offers guided diving and introductory courses, or the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are ideal for kitesurfing or laser and hobie cat sailing. The calm waters of the enchanting lagoon provide ideal conditions for paddleboards and kayaks, or experience deep sea fishing on board a professionally equipped boat.
The 5 restaurants are some of the most highly recommended places to eat on the island, with each offering its own mouth-watering recipes and flavours. Chic Mauritian beach-vibes meet decadent cocktails as you take in the beauty of the views from the bars and lounges. Or indulge in an evening of private dining on silky soft sands, with no-one else in sight.
Another wonderful choice on this side of the island is the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita. This is a secluded and spacious luxury resort where you can spend all day coasting across the water in your own sailing boat, playing golf on the oceanfront Ernie Els designed golf course, tour a former sugar plantation, make friends with a giant tortoise, and afterwards fall asleep under the stars. Your stay here invites romance and endless possibilities for adventure amid the dramatic landscape and the vibrant colours of Mauritius.
With waterskiing and all non-motorized water sports complimentary to guests, why not master a new skill? The protected lagoon waters provide a fantastic learning area, and there’s plenty of choice to keep all ages happy. Additionally, there are complimentary excursions from the Boathouse twice a day for both snorkelling tours and glass-bottom boat trips. The resort also has two secluded beaches within its 26 hectare grounds.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to a picturesque cove on the eastern side of nearly island Ile aux Cerfs, famous for its stretches of white sandy shoreline.
In the evening there are a range of waterside dining options where you can enjoy some wonderful food in a truly romantic waterside setting.
By Paul Campbell