The vibrant, volcanic island of Mauritius has been providing visitors with five-star luxury on picture-perfect white sand beaches for over 20 years. Thanks to year-round sunshine, the island’s beaches are its key selling point, many lined with world-class hotels, top-notch spas, championship golf courses and gourmet restaurants. The east coast of Mauritius is home to some of the island’s most celebrated hotels and stretches of beautiful white sand beaches gently sloping in to a warm azure sea, most notably Belle Mare’s 10km stretch of powder sand. The south coast is the island’s wilder side, with clutches of hotels nestled in calm coves between pounding surf and cliff top walks. The west coast of Mauritius has flat golden sand beaches, shallow water and the best sunsets. It's also a hotspot for kite surfers, specifically the picturesque lagoon at Le Morne on the south-west coast.  

Mauritius' tourism hub is focused on the north coast around Grand Baie, which has the greatest concentration and variety of hotels, small coves, entertainment and shopping. But there is much more to this island than its stunning and varied coastline. The lively mercantile capital, Port Louis, is an intriguing melting pot of Indian, French, Creole and Chinese influences, whilst smaller towns like pretty Quatre Bornes are great for market browsing and befriending locals. The island’s interior is also well worth exploring, particularly Black River Gorges National Park, where you can trek through dense virgin forest and stumble across secret waterfalls. Luxury accommodation has been Mauritius’ forte for years, so there’s something to suit everyone’s needs whether you’re on honeymoon, a romantic getaway or family holiday.

OUR TO DO LIST

• The south-west coast of Mauritius is a perfect location for kitesurfing year-round

• Try the local rum, Shanti Maurice and LUX* Belle Mare both stock an excellent selection

• Take a private catamaran cruise with Four Seasons Resort Mauritius - stop for snorkeling, then climb back aboard for a delicious BBQ lunch, prepared by your very own chef

LUXURY

On the east coast, guests at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita will enjoy the privacy of the individual villas spread across the 64 acre nature sanctuary. In keeping with the Four Seasons high standards there is an excellent choice of food, entertainment and activities to choose from here, including complimentary use of the championship golf course. For a more ‘Mauritian’ feel Constance Le Prince Maurice is a Mauritian-owned resort set along a private lagoon on the north-east coast that fuses together French, Creole and Feng Shui design to create an opulent tropical hideaway. We particularly love the free-standing beach and over-water lagoon villas on stilts - unique for Mauritius – as well as the secluded garden spa, Barachois, the romantic floating restaurant reached via a lantern-lit walkway through the mangroves and the lovely staff, many of who have worked there for years, notably Akshada from guest relations. Guests also have unlimited free green fees for guests on the two 18 hole courses at sister property Constance Belle Mare Plage just 10 minutes away. Known for round-the-clock impeccable service, couples in need of pampering should head to the the Oberoi Mauritius on the north-west coast, where winding paths and Balinese style statues guide you to beautifully appointed villas and terrace pavilions offering panoramic views of the ocean. This is a place for couple and honeymooners to come and unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful tropical surrounds, and whilst kids are welcome it is really better suited for babies rather than older more active kids. On the west coast, The St Regis Mauritius Resort is set against the dramatic backdrop of Le Morne Mountain and edges on to one of the most scenic shorelines on the island. St Regis ticks a lot of boxes for us, we love the location, the one km stretch of sandy beach with the dramatic Le Morne in the background, the general style - shall we say 'Hamptons meets Mauritius'? - the amazing west coast sunsets, and excellent food - from the smoked marlin tartine at the beach bar to the delicious Asian feast at the Floating Market restaurant. There are facilities galore, including a huge spa and a proper in-house cinema with plush leather seats, and each room is assigned a butler who takes care of your every need. 

FAMILY

Mauritius has some of the world’s best family-friendly hotels, with great childcare and activities, family villas and connecting rooms. Most of the resorts we use and love welcome children, some more than others. LUX* Belle Mare on the east coast is not only ideal for young kids – with the fantastic kids club, flexibility on meal times and meal options, plus the amazing sandy beach – but also great for teens and adults with free watersports on offer, buzzy restaurants and top class spa facilities. Reopening in December 2017 after a full refurbishment, we fully expect the One&Only Le Saint Géran to uphold its legendary status in Mauritius, a sophisticated and elegant hotel located on a private peninsula fringed by over a mile of white sandy beaches. Suitable for both families and couples, this is a place where nothing is understated – accommodation ranges from expansive Junior Suites and Ocean Suites complete with private butler service –  to the fully staffed Villa. 

BOUTIQUE

Mauritius is known as a resort island and smaller boutique properties are few and far between, often with a ‘no children under 12’ policy. 20 Degres Sud was the first boutique hotel on the island, built on a little coconut grove on the north-west coast of Mauritius a short distance from buzzy Grand Baie. This hotel is best suited to honeymooners and couples looking for a child-free break as well as those who would value a discreet, stylish ambience more highly than a long stretch of beach. Owner-run by Michel & Anne who have worked hard to create a 'home away from home' atmosphere, each of the 36 rooms and suites are tastefully furnished in a vintage chic style with carefully selected furnishings and antiques, and each is individual, i.e. some have a private terrace, some an outside bathtub. Despite being located in the busier Grand Baie area the hotel feels very peaceful and private, hidden away behind a heavy oak door. A very different proposition, Lakaz Chamarel is set in the south-west of Mauritius at an altitude of 400 metres, surrounded by the natural heritage site of the Black River Gorges and the Chamarel Mountains. This place is unlike any other hotel on Mauritius, a boutique retreat with just 20 rooms set amongst lush vegetation but only 15 minutes drive away from spectacular beaches. Lakaz Chamarel works best for nature lovers and those wanting complete peace and tranquility - there are no TVs and whilst children over 6 are accepted here there is a distinctly adult vibe here. The garden suites have plunge pools and expansive views out across the 'jungle' and there is a beautiful 'silent space' platform where guests can meditate and yoga classes are held. 

Looking to extend your trip?

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