Mauritius has a magical mix of beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes and impeccable service. The island is a haven for travellers seeking a high-end escape, balancing plush resorts with nature’s raw beauty. The hospitality and service here is notch above the Caribbean in our experience. We’ve returned many times since our first visit for our honeymoon! Though the direct flight from the UK spans approximately 12 hours, the small time difference makes the transition easier.
Mauritius has several regions to visit on your trip. You could base yourself in one and travel around for day trips or consider a two-location stay. Belle Mare, situated along the eastern coast, is a sanctuary of white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, with some of the island’s most refined hotels. Grande Baie, in the northwest, is a vibrant area known for its beaches, boutique shopping and nightlife. Down south lies Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its imposing basaltic mountain and stunning coastline and a favorite with kite surfers and nature lovers.
Mauritius fills up during Europe’s winter from December through Easter for those seeking a sunny reprieve. However, for those looking to beat the crowds, July and August offer a quieter alternative. The weather is still pleasant, though a bit more temperamental.
Stay
Mauritius is rich in high-end accommodation. For this journey, we experienced two of the island’s best: the playful and stylish Lux Belle Mare* and the timeless grandeur of One & Only Le Saint Géran.
Lux* Belle Mare
The Lux* brand is a fresh take on luxury, and Lux Belle Mare* is no exception. The vibrant and contemporary design transforms traditional Mauritian elegance into a bright, playful space. There’s an air of sophistication, but it’s delivered with a light-hearted twist.
Images: https://www.luxresorts.com/en/mauritius/hotel/luxbellemare
The pool at Lux* Belle Mare is an enormous, lagoon-style affair surrounded by lush gardens and comfortable sun loungers. It’s one of the largest pools on the island, perfect for a day spent lounging in the sun or a refreshing afternoon dip. The ICI ice cream bar creates freshly churned gelatos, ice creams and sorbets, ideal for a refreshing break.
Just steps away, the beach stretches on for what feels like miles, soft white sand meeting the translucent waves, and plenty of secluded spots for sunbathing or snorkelling.
Dining options are diverse. Beach Rouge is part beach club, part restaurant and the mood evolves from day to night. As evening falls, Beach Rouge transforms, illuminated in glowing red hues. The vibrant ambiance, resident DJ and artfully crafted cocktails bring a taste of Ibiza to Mauritius.
The Duck Laundry offers Chinese cuisine, with a carefully curated menu combining classics with contemporary flair. The setting is intimate, enhanced by dim lighting and a dark colour scheme.
For a more exotic flair, Amari by Vineet offers an authentic yet modern taste of India. Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia reimagines Indian flavours with a touch of Mauritian inspiration, all within interiors that evoke the vibrancy of India itself.
One & Only Le Saint Geran
Located on its own private peninsula along the northeast coast of Mauritius, One&Only Le Saint Géran is an iconic resort renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and lush tropical gardens. The hotel blends colonial elegance with contemporary luxury. One&Only’s attention to detail and personal service made us feel like we were floating on a cloud during our stay.
The resort’s prime beachfront location makes it perfect for water sports, including paddleboarding, snorkeling and water skiing. The hotel also has tennis courts, a modern fitness centre and activities such as cooking classes.
There are a range of dining options, from smarter to more casual.
Prime is a chic and sophisticated steakhouse offering the best cuts of beef and locally sourced seafood. The restaurant’s modern, sleek decor adds a touch of elegance, while its open-air design ensures you feel connected to the island atmosphere.
Overlooking the lagoon, Tapasake brings the creative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine to Mauritius, all delivered with a contemporary twist. The restaurant has a visually striking interior design and over-water pavilions allow you to enjoy views of the lagoon as you dine.
Located on the beach, La Pointe is a relaxed and rustic beach bar, offering freshly grilled seafood and tropical cocktails. Guests can kick back on a hammock or enjoy the sunset with a refreshing cocktail in hand, making it the ideal spot for unwinding as the sun sets.
Badamier was one of favourite lunchtime spots, to savour Southern French and Italian cuisines under the grand Badamier tree, with Indian Ocean views and French Riviera vibes.
Why a stay in Mauritius?
Mauritius is a luxury getaway offering pristine beaches, world-class resorts and warm hospitality. It in an ideal destination travellers in pursuit of elegance and relaxation with some nature to explore as well, if you wish! The magic of Mauritius is enduring for us and kept us going back year after year.
