Where to Stay in Mauritius: Top Regions & Accommodation Guide

Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences, making the choice of where to stay a key part of planning your perfect getaway. From bustling beaches to serene lagoons and rugged coastlines, understanding each region's unique character is essential to finding your ideal base.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the island's distinct areas, highlighting their best features, suitable accommodation types, and nearby attractions to ensure your Mauritian adventure is exactly what you envision.

Understanding Mauritius's Diverse Regions

Mauritius is broadly divided into several key regions, each with its own charm and appeal. Your choice will largely depend on your travel style, preferred activities, and the atmosphere you seek.

The North Coast: Lively & Luxurious

The North Coast is Mauritius's most developed and popular tourist hub, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive range of restaurants, bars, shops, and stunning beaches. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being amidst the action and having a wide array of amenities at their fingertips.

• Key Characteristics:Bustling, excellent infrastructure, diverse dining and nightlife, beautiful calm lagoons.
• Best For:Couples, families, groups, nightlife enthusiasts, water sports lovers, those seeking convenience and variety.
• Popular Towns/Areas:
  • Grand Baie:The heart of the North, offering a lively marina, shopping centers, and numerous dining options.
  • Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy:Known for their long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Pereybere:A smaller, charming beach area with a local feel and good snorkeling spots. You can enjoy the calm waters and local eateries around Pereybere beach.
• Accommodation Types:A vast selection of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, self-catering apartments, and guesthouses.
• Things to Do:Watersports (diving, snorkeling, parasailing), boat trips to northern islets, shopping, dining, nightlife, and visiting nearby attractions like the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.

The West Coast: Sunsets & Family Adventures

The West Coast is celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets, calm lagoons, and a more laid-back yet activity-rich environment. It’s a fantastic choice for families and those looking for a blend of relaxation and adventure, with easy access to nature reserves.

• Key Characteristics:Spectacular sunsets, calm waters, excellent for dolphin watching, access to national parks.
• Best For:Families, nature lovers, adventure seekers, golf enthusiasts, those seeking a relaxed yet active holiday.
• Popular Towns/Areas:
  • Flic en Flac:A long, beautiful beach town with a good mix of hotels, restaurants, and local vibes.Flic en Flac Beach is perfect for leisurely strolls.
  • Tamarin & Black River:Known for their surfing spots, dolphin tours, and proximity to the Black River Gorges National Park.
  • Le Morne:Dominated by the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain, this area offers luxurious resorts, world-class kitesurfing, and stunning beaches like Le Morne beach.
• Accommodation Types:Predominantly luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and some charming guesthouses and villas.
• Things to Do:Dolphin and whale watching, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, visiting Tamarind Falls, exploring Ebony Forest Reserve, golf, and enjoying the vibrant local culture.

Travel Tip:When choosing between the North and West, consider whether you prefer a more energetic, social atmosphere (North) or a slightly more relaxed, nature-focused experience with stunning sunsets (West).

The East Coast: Serenity & Luxury Retreats

The East Coast is synonymous with luxury, tranquility, and some of the island's most pristine, often windswept beaches. It’s ideal for those seeking an exclusive, serene escape, particularly honeymooners and couples looking for privacy and high-end service.

• Key Characteristics:Secluded, luxurious resorts, stunning wide beaches, often breezy, especially during the trade wind season (May-October).
• Best For:Honeymooners, luxury travelers, golfers, those seeking peace and quiet, wind and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
• Popular Towns/Areas:
  • Belle Mare:Home to some of the most opulent resorts and a long, magnificent beach.
  • Trou d'Eau Douce:A charming village, serving as the main departure point for trips to Ile Aux Cerfs.
• Accommodation Types:Mostly high-end, all-inclusive resorts and private villas.
• Things to Do:Golfing, relaxing on the beach, boat trips to Ile Aux Cerfs for watersports and dining, exploring local markets.

The South Coast: Wild Beauty & Authentic Charm

The South Coast is the wilder, less developed side of Mauritius, characterized by dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, and lush greenery. It offers a glimpse into the island's authentic charm and is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

• Key Characteristics:Untamed beauty, dramatic landscapes, less touristy, authentic Mauritian villages.
• Best For:Nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, those looking for authenticity, photographers, kitesurfing.
• Popular Towns/Areas:
  • Bel Ombre:Offers a mix of luxury resorts and nature reserves.
  • Souillac:A picturesque village with stunning coastal views.
  • Blue Bay:Famous for its marine park, offering excellent snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.
• Accommodation Types:A mix of charming guesthouses, eco-lodges, a few luxury resorts, and self-catering options.
• Things to Do:Visiting the Seven Coloured Earths and Chamarel Waterfall, exploring La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park, admiring Rochester Falls, discovering La Vanille Nature Park, hiking, exploring coastal trails, and experiencing local culture.

The Central Plateau: Cultural Heart & Cooler Climes

While not typically a beach destination, the Central Plateau offers a different perspective of Mauritius. It's cooler, more urban, and provides a deeper dive into the island's culture and history. It's often chosen by business travelers or those seeking a base for cultural exploration.

• Key Characteristics:Cooler climate, urban centers, cultural sites, shopping, local life.
• Best For:Cultural tourists, business travelers, those seeking local experiences, budget-conscious travelers.
• Popular Towns/Areas:
  • Curepipe & Quatre Bornes:Major towns offering shopping, markets, and a more local Mauritian lifestyle.
  • Port Louis:The capital city, rich in history and culture, featuring bustling markets and colonial architecture.
• Accommodation Types:City hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments.
• Things to Do:Exploring Port Louis's markets and museums, visiting Eureka House, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion, or making a pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Grand Bassin.

General Accommodation Guide

Mauritius caters to all budgets and preferences, offering a wide spectrum of accommodation options.

• Luxury Resorts:Dominate the island's coastline, offering world-class amenities, private beaches, gourmet dining, and exceptional service. Many are all-inclusive.
• Boutique Hotels:Smaller, more intimate properties that often offer unique design, personalized service, and a distinct character.
• Self-Catering Villas & Apartments:Ideal for families or groups, providing flexibility, privacy, and often more space. Available across all regions, from beachfront to residential areas.
• Guesthouses & B&Bs:A more affordable and authentic option, allowing you to experience Mauritian hospitality firsthand. Often run by local families.

Practical Advice:Consider booking accommodation that includes breakfast, or even half-board, especially if you plan to stay in a more secluded area where dining options might be limited.

Choosing Your Ideal Mauritian Base

To make the best decision, consider these factors:

1. Travel Style:Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a mix of everything?
2. Budget:Mauritius offers options from luxurious to budget-friendly, so define your price range.
3. Companions:Traveling with family, as a couple, or solo will influence the type of activities and atmosphere you prefer.
4. Time of Year:The East Coast can be windy during the cooler months (May-October), which is great for kitesurfing but less ideal for sunbathing.
5. Desired Activities:If you plan to hike extensively, staying closer to the national parks might be beneficial. If watersports are a priority, coastal regions are key.

Conclusion

Mauritius truly has a region for every type of traveler. Whether you dream of vibrant nightlife, serene luxury, family-friendly adventures, or rugged natural beauty, this island paradise delivers. By understanding the unique character of each coast, you can confidently choose the perfect place to create unforgettable memories on your Mauritian escape.