Magical Mauritius is an awe-inspiring paradise escape which is brimming with natural beauty and wonder – but which part of the island ticks all the boxes for the type of holiday you crave?

You’re sure to have an unforgettable luxury holiday experience whichever area of Mauritius you opt for – but there may be one part of the island which is the perfect match for you. Maybe you’re travelling as a family seeking fun and excitement, a couple craving romance or a group of friends yearning for water sports thrills and plenty of nightlife. If you’ve never been to this enchanting tropical island nation before, prepare to be wowed by silky soft sands, lush forests, glistening lagoons, towering mountains, enthralling wildlife, fabulous food and incredible hospitality. We’ve decided to turn the spotlight on each part of the island – north, south, east, west and inland – to help you choose where to stay when you jet off on your Indian Ocean adventure of a lifetime.

Search our Mauritius hotels.

North Mauritius

It’s thrills and spills all the way in this charming part of the island, with beautiful tropical beaches, swaying palms and crystal-clear waters ideal for water sports and diving to coral reefs teeming with marine life. This area is a big hit with culture vultures, offering superb heritage sites, colonial period architecture and historical attractions, including the church of St Francis of Assisi which dates back to 1756. Exhilarating ocean activities include kitesurfing, diving, windsurfing and catamaran or motorboat trips around a number of smaller northern islands. The former sleepy coastal village of Grand Baie is now a hub of activity, with shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Major attractions in the north of the island include Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Mauritius Aquarium at Pointe aux Piments, Maheshwarnath Mandir Hindu Temple, in Triolet, and the long beach of Mont Choisy.

East Mauritius

Known as ‘The Wild Coast’ due to its rugged charm, this part of Mauritius is perfect for romantic couples wanting an intimate escape, away from busier resorts. This is the place to marvel at epic sunsets or enjoy sublime relaxation at Bras d’Eau, a gorgeous small bay inside the lagoon of Poste Lafayette. Vieux Grand Port, a quaint fishing village which is the island's oldest settlement beneath the Lion Mountain, is definitely worth a visit and the nearby sand island of Ile Aux Cerfs is a wonderful spot for snorkelling and glass bottom boat trips. The heavenly resort of Belle Mare has the wow factor, with pristine beaches, championship golf courses and opulent 5-star hotels. Popular activities in East Mauritius include bike riding on the South Coast Cliffs Trail, kayaking down the Grande Rivière Sud Est and underwater sea walking with a transparent domed helmet.

West Mauritius

Many previous visitors to Mauritius are convinced that west is best – and it’s not hard to see why. Flic en Flac is a delightful seaside village boasting vibrant nightlife, superb restaurants, glorious coral reefs and an 8 kilometre stretch of white sands which can provide hours of family holiday fun. The island capital Port-Louis is a shopper's paradise which is also home to stunning French colonial architecture, superb museums and the wonderful Caudan Waterfront. Key attractions in the west of the island include Martello Tower at La Preneuse, The Médine Sugar Estate, Chamarel (dubbed the Land of the 7 Coloured Earths) and The Casela Nature and Reserve Park which is home to lions, tigers and giant tortoises. Popular activities in West Mauritius include whale-watching, ziplining, quad biking, segway rides, canyoning, hiking, golf and horse riding.

South Mauritius

Towering cliffs, untouched sands, azure waters and dramatic landscapes create a picture of paradise in this idyllic part of Mauritius. More than 50 species of coral can be found in Blue Bay Marine Park (Blue Baie), while the rocky terrain at Gris Gris Beach has obvious Instagrammable opportunities. Black River Gorges National Park is a must-see natural wonder with 17,000 acres of rolling hills, waterfalls, valleys, macaque monkeys and wandering deer. Bel Ombre is a glorious beach resort in the Savanne District offering nearby attractions including Rochester Falls, Heritage Nature Reserve and La Roche Qui Pleure (Weeping Rock) where waves crashing onto the cliffs create an eerie sound of weeping. La Vanille Crocodile Nature Park offers a great day out for families and Le Morme Brabant is a 556-metre high mountain on the southern tip of the island which is a magnet for hikers.

Inland Mauritius

You’ll see a different side of Mauritius when you venture inland. This alluring part of the island is home to jungle vegetation, giant waterfalls, verdant hills, clear streams and magnificent nature trails. The centre of Mauritius is located on a high plateau, meaning it experiences higher rainfall and cooler temperatures than the coastal areas. You’ll be awestruck by the landscapes, with the chance to drive around in an open-top 4x4 vehicle, taking in the views and stopping off at local farm stalls for sugar cane, pineapples and delicious fresh coffee. Put on your walking boots for a trek in the Moka Mountains, barter for a bargain in the famous market in the bustling town of Quatre Bornes or visit the sacred crater lake of Grand Bassin. Other attractions include Tamarin Falls, Eureka colonial mansion and Curepipe, the island’s highest town.

A glorious tropical climate means Mauritius is warm all year round, but a daily micro-climate means it's wise to have sunscreen to hand and an umbrella nearby for the occasional downpour. The country has distinct summer and winter seasons, with the hottest months being during the summer period of October to April. Average summer temperatures in February are 26°C. The sea is warm enough for swimming throughout the year and the high temperatures and humidity in the peak of summer are perfect for topping up your tan on the beach and enjoying water sports fun. February and March see most of the rainfall and the winter months have a mild temperature of 22°C and slightly fewer sunlight hours. This is the time of year when the Indian Ocean experiences cyclonic activity, but Mauritius is rarely hard hit by the strong winds, due to its size.

“Mauritius will take your breath away with its incredible natural beauty, no matter which part of the island you decide to stay in.

“Some parts of Mauritius offer secluded and romantic spots for couples, some have particular appeal to fun-seeking families and others are tailor-made for groups of friends wanting plenty of party action after dark.

“There’s so much to see and do in this charming Indian Ocean paradise that your only challenge may be trying to fit it all in. Wonderful outdoor adventures, exciting activities in the sea and fascinating cultural attractions are among the delights in store.

“The island is also home to plenty of lavish 5-star beachfront hotels offering the ultimate all-inclusive holiday experience, where a carefree time in the golden sunshine is assured.

“This mesmerising tropical island getaway, which boasts more than 330 kms of postcard-perfect coastline, really is a treasure chest of fun and pleasure.”

Long Beach Mauritius

Belle Mare

It’s pure luxury and blissful sunshine all the way at this sensational getaway nestled on the pristine sands of Belle Mare Beach. Spend heavenly nights in your lavish pad, which is brimming with superb facilities, and savour culinary delights in a choice of top-class dining venues. A host of other fabulous amenities in this enchanting retreat include kids and teens clubs, sparkling swimming pools, a cutting-edge fitness centre, a sumptuous spa, tennis courts and water sports galore.

Check out Long Beach Mauritius

Sugar Beach Mauritius

Flic en Flac

Prepare to be wowed by exquisitely-appointed 5 star accommodation, mouth-watering cuisine and incredible leisure amenities at this luxurious beachfront hideaway on the picturesque west coast of Mauritius. Inviting Turquoise waters and sugar-soft sands provide the setting for a feast of fun in the invigorating Indian Ocean sunshine. A range of fantastic attractions includes a state-of-the-art gym, floodlit tennis courts, a kids clubs’ and a charming spa for head-to-toe pampering.

Check out Sugar Beach Mauritius

The Residence Mauritius

Belle Mare

Succumb to the beauty and wonder of magical Mauritius with a stay at this luxurious beachfront haven of relaxation and pleasure in Belle Mare. Enjoy the ultimate in comfort in your charming colonial-style accommodation, dine in style in gourmet eateries and soak up the sun on the glorious sandy beach. A myriad of wonderful amenities at this divine tropical sanctuary includes a well-equipped gym, a plush spa, a kids club, tennis courts and a water sports centre.

Check out The Residence Mauritius