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Where to Stay in Mauritius: North, East, West or South?
The best area to stay in Mauritius depends on the holiday you want. Choose the north (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) for restaurants and calm beaches, the east (Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce) for big resorts and honeymoons, the west (Flic en Flac, Tamarin) for sunsets and dolphin trips, or the south (Le Morne, Bel Ombre) for scenery and quiet.
Mauritius is small, so you can reach most sights from any coast in a day trip. But each coast has its own character, weather and pace, and the right base makes a real difference to your holiday.
North: Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy
The north is the liveliest part of the island. Grand Baie has the most restaurants, bars, shops and boat trips, and the beaches nearby, such as Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy, have calm, shallow water that suits families and easy swimming.
- Best for: first-timers, families, people who want to eat out and walk to shops.
- Good to know: it is about 1 hour 15 minutes from the airport, and it is sheltered and often sunny in the winter months.
- Where to stay: LUX* Grand Gaube, Veranda Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches Beachcomber.
East: Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce
The east coast has long, quiet beaches and wide turquoise lagoons, and many of the island’s best-known resorts. Belle Mare is the classic choice, and Trou d’Eau Douce is the departure point for Ile aux Cerfs.
- Best for: honeymoons, couples and resort holidays.
- Good to know: the trade winds make it breezier from May to October, which many people find pleasant. You will want transfers or a car for sightseeing.
- Where to stay: Constance Belle Mare Plage, One&Only Le Saint Geran, Long Beach, Shangri-La Le Touessrok.
West: Flic en Flac and Tamarin
The west coast is the sunset side of the island. Flic en Flac has a long public beach with plenty of places to eat, and Tamarin is the base for dolphin trips and surfing. The Black River Gorges, Chamarel and Casela are all close.
- Best for: sunsets, dolphin trips, diving and active holidays.
- Good to know: it is drier and more sheltered than the east in winter, and about 1 hour from the airport.
- Where to stay: Sofitel Mauritius L’Imperial, Hilton Mauritius, Veranda Tamarin.
South and south-west: Le Morne and Bel Ombre
The south is the quietest and most dramatic part of Mauritius, with mountains, sugar cane fields and wild coastline. Le Morne has a beautiful lagoon and is famous for kitesurfing, and Bel Ombre has luxury resorts and a nature reserve.
- Best for: scenery, privacy, golf, walking and kitesurfing.
- Good to know: there are fewer restaurants outside the hotels, so most people eat in.
- Where to stay: The St. Regis Le Morne, Heritage Awali, Heritage Le Telfair.
How to decide
- Want restaurants, nightlife and choice? Stay in the north.
- Want a beautiful beach and a romantic resort? Stay in the east.
- Want sunsets, dolphins and day trips? Stay in the west.
- Want space, mountains and quiet? Stay in the south.
On a trip of 7 nights or more, many guests split their stay: a few nights in the east for the beach, then a few nights in the west or south to explore. Transfers between hotels take about an hour.
Compare all our hotels and resorts in Mauritius, or see the best time to visit before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Mauritius is best for first-time visitors?
The north, around Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy. It has calm beaches, the widest choice of restaurants and shops, and plenty of boat trips.
Which coast of Mauritius has the best weather?
From May to October the north and west are more sheltered from the south-east trade winds, so they tend to be calmer and drier. From November to April the whole island is hot, and the east coast breeze is welcome.
Which side of Mauritius is best for a honeymoon?
The east coast, around Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce, has long quiet beaches, wide lagoons and many of the island’s most romantic resorts.
Can I see the whole island from one hotel?
Yes. Mauritius is about 65 km long, so most sights are within about 1 to 1.5 hours by road from any coast.
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