Choosing where to stay in Mauritius can make a huge difference to your holiday. Although Mauritius is a relatively small island, the north, south, east and west coasts offer surprisingly different experiences.

You could spend your holiday surrounded by restaurants and nightlife in Grand Baie, watch spectacular sunsets from Flic en Flac, escape to a luxury resort on the east coast, play championship golf in Bel Ombre, or wake up beneath the dramatic slopes of Le Morne Brabant.

So, which is the best area to stay in Mauritius?

The answer depends on the holiday you want.

This guide compares the best places to stay in Mauritius, including Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Flic en Flac, Belle Mare, Le Morne, Bel Ombre and Blue Bay. You’ll discover which areas are best for beaches, families, honeymoons, nightlife, golf, water sports and luxury resorts.

Where to Stay in Mauritius: Quick Guide

Area	Best For
Grand Baie & the North	Restaurants, nightlife, shopping and first-time visitors
Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy	Families, swimming and beautiful beaches
Flic en Flac & West Coast	Sunsets, snorkeling, restaurants and good value
Belle Mare & East Coast	Luxury resorts, long beaches and peaceful holidays
Le Morne & South West	Spectacular scenery, kitesurfing and luxury
Bel Ombre & South Coast	Golf, nature, luxury resorts and tranquillity
Blue Bay & South East	Snorkeling, short stays and airport convenience
Port Louis	Culture, markets and business travel

Best for first-time visitors: Grand Baie or Flic en Flac
Best for families: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy or Flic en Flac
Best for honeymooners: Le Morne, Belle Mare or Bel Ombre
Best for luxury: Belle Mare, Le Morne and Bel Ombre
Best for golf: Bel Ombre, Le Morne and the east coast
Best for nightlife: Grand Baie
Best for snorkeling: Blue Bay and Flic en Flac

Now let’s look at each area in more detail.

1. Grand Baie & the North: Best for Restaurants, Nightlife and First-Time Visitors

If this is your first holiday in Mauritius and you want plenty happening outside your hotel, Grand Baie is one of the best places to stay in Mauritius.

Located on the north coast, Grand Baie is Mauritius’ best-known resort town and offers a combination of beaches, restaurants, bars, shopping, nightlife and water-based activities.

Unlike staying at an isolated resort, a holiday in Grand Baie makes it easy to leave your hotel and explore independently. You can have dinner overlooking the bay, browse local shops, enjoy a night out or join boat and catamaran excursions departing from the north.

Nearby attractions and beaches also include Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and the picturesque northern coastline.

Grand Baie is best for:

First-time visitors
Couples and groups of friends
Restaurants and nightlife
Shopping
Boat and catamaran trips
Water sports
Travellers who like exploring outside their resort

Who should avoid Grand Baie?

If your dream Mauritius holiday involves complete tranquillity, secluded beaches and spending most of your time inside a luxury resort, consider Belle Mare, Le Morne or Bel Ombre instead.

Verdict: Choose Grand Baie if convenience, restaurants, entertainment and having plenty to do are more important than complete seclusion.

2. Trou aux Biches & Mont Choisy: Best for Families and Beautiful Beaches

Just south of Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy offer a quieter alternative while keeping you within easy reach of the restaurants and activities of the north.

This is one of the best areas of Mauritius for travellers who want a traditional tropical beach holiday.

Trou aux Biches is known for its attractive lagoon and resort accommodation, while nearby Mont Choisy has a beautiful stretch of public beach backed by trees.

The generally relaxed atmosphere makes this part of Mauritius particularly attractive to families and couples.

Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy are best for:

Families with children
Couples
Swimming and beach holidays
Relaxed resort stays
Travellers wanting to be near Grand Baie without staying in its busiest area
Golfers wanting convenient access to northern Mauritius

Verdict: Stay here if your priorities are a beautiful beach and relaxed atmosphere but you still want easy access to Grand Baie.

3. Flic en Flac & the West Coast: Best for Sunsets, Snorkeling and Value

For travellers looking for a balanced Mauritius holiday, Flic en Flac is difficult to beat.

Situated on the west coast, Flic en Flac combines a long beach with restaurants, accommodation across several price categories and easy access to many attractions in western Mauritius.

One of the biggest advantages of staying on the west coast is the sunsets. Evenings overlooking the Indian Ocean can be spectacular.

The lagoon also provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding region makes a convenient base for exploring Black River and the south-west.

Accommodation ranges from apartments and smaller hotels to established beach resorts such as La Pirogue and Sugar Beach.

Flic en Flac is best for:

First-time visitors
Families
Couples
Sunset lovers
Snorkeling
Travellers looking for good value
Beach holidays with restaurants nearby
Travellers who want to explore the west and south-west

Verdict: Flic en Flac is one of the best all-round choices in Mauritius, particularly if you want a combination of beach, restaurants, activities and value.

4. Belle Mare & the East Coast: Best for Luxury Resorts and Peaceful Beaches

If your idea of Mauritius involves waking up beside a beautiful lagoon and spending long days enjoying a resort, Belle Mare and the east coast should be high on your list.

The east is home to some of Mauritius’ most prestigious beach resorts and is particularly attractive to couples, honeymooners, golfers and luxury travellers.

Belle Mare is known for its long coastline and resort-focused atmosphere. Instead of busy streets and nightlife, the emphasis is on beaches, restaurants within the resorts, spas, water sports and relaxation.

Well-known resorts on Mauritius’ east coast include Constance Belle Mare Plage, LUX Belle Mare, One&Only Le Saint Géran* and Shangri-La Le Touessrok.

The east coast is also particularly interesting for golfers, with access to some outstanding courses.

Belle Mare and the East Coast are best for:

Luxury holidays
Honeymoons
Couples
Golf holidays
Quiet beach escapes
Spa and wellness trips
Travellers who plan to spend significant time at their resort

One consideration is that the east coast can feel windier during the cooler months of the Mauritian winter.

Verdict: Choose the east coast if resort quality, beaches, golf and tranquillity matter more than nightlife or having a town outside your hotel.

5. Le Morne: Best for Scenery, Kitesurfing and Luxury

Few places capture the beauty of Mauritius quite like Le Morne.

Located on the south-west coast, the peninsula sits beneath the dramatic Le Morne Brabant, creating one of the island’s most recognizable landscapes.

Le Morne is particularly appealing if you want your hotel to feel connected to nature. Mountains, lagoon, beaches and open landscapes dominate the surroundings.

It is also internationally known for kitesurfing and other water sports, thanks to its lagoon and wind conditions.

Luxury resorts line the peninsula, including properties that appeal strongly to honeymooners, couples and golfers.

Le Morne is best for:

Honeymooners
Couples
Luxury travellers
Kitesurfing
Water sports
Golf
Photography and scenery
Travellers wanting peace and nature

Verdict: Le Morne is one of the best areas to stay in Mauritius if scenery is a major part of your dream holiday.

6. Bel Ombre & the South Coast: Best for Golf, Nature and Quiet Luxury

For a completely different side of Mauritius, head south to Bel Ombre.

The region is greener, quieter and less developed than the north and west, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want nature and resort luxury without crowds.

Bel Ombre is particularly strong for golf holidays in Mauritius. The area combines luxury resorts with access to championship golf and extensive natural landscapes.

It is also an excellent base for travellers interested in nature reserves, outdoor activities and exploring the less commercial south of Mauritius.

Bel Ombre is best for:

Golfers
Couples
Honeymooners
Nature lovers
Luxury travellers
Eco-conscious travellers
Quiet resort holidays
Travellers who don’t need nightlife

The main disadvantage is location. If you want to visit Grand Baie frequently or go out to different restaurants every evening, Bel Ombre is unlikely to be the most convenient base.

But that isolation is precisely why many travellers love it.

Verdict: Choose Bel Ombre for golf, nature, beautiful resorts and a slower, more peaceful Mauritius experience.

7. Blue Bay & the South East: Best for Snorkeling and Airport Convenience

Blue Bay offers another very different Mauritius experience.

Situated close to the airport in the south-east, it is particularly convenient for short stays or travellers who want to minimize transfer time on arrival or before departure.

The area’s biggest attraction is its lagoon and marine environment. Blue Bay Marine Park makes this one of the island’s best-known areas for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions.

Accommodation tends to be more low-key than in Mauritius’ major luxury resort areas, with guesthouses, smaller hotels and some larger properties available nearby.

Blue Bay is best for:

Snorkeling
Short stays
Airport convenience
Couples
Budget and mid-range travellers
A first or final stop on a longer Mauritius itinerary

Verdict: Blue Bay is an excellent choice for snorkeling or a convenient short stay, but less suitable if you want nightlife or a large selection of luxury resorts.

8. Port Louis: Best for Culture, Markets and Local Life

Mauritius is famous for its beaches, but the island is much more than resorts.

Port Louis, the capital, offers an opportunity to experience another side of Mauritius through its markets, food, architecture, history and everyday city life.

Visit the Central Market, explore the waterfront, sample Mauritian street food and discover the island’s multicultural heritage.

However, Port Louis is not generally where we would recommend spending an entire beach holiday.

Port Louis is best for:

Culture
Local food
Markets
History
Business travellers
Day trips

Verdict: For most leisure travellers, stay on the coast and visit Port Louis for the day.

Best Area to Stay in Mauritius by Holiday Type

Still undecided? Start with the type of holiday you’re planning.

Holiday Type	Best Areas
First Mauritius holiday	Grand Baie, Flic en Flac
Family holiday	Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Flic en Flac
Honeymoon	Le Morne, Belle Mare, Bel Ombre
Luxury holiday	Belle Mare, Le Morne, Bel Ombre
Golf holiday	Bel Ombre, East Coast, Le Morne
Nightlife	Grand Baie
Restaurants & local life	Grand Baie, Flic en Flac
Snorkeling	Blue Bay, Flic en Flac
Kitesurfing	Le Morne
Quiet resort holiday	Belle Mare, Bel Ombre
Good value	Flic en Flac, Blue Bay, selected northern areas
Nature	Bel Ombre, Le Morne and the South West

Hotels in Mauritius: What Type of Accommodation Should You Choose?

One reason Mauritius works for so many different travellers is the enormous variety of accommodation.

You are not limited to traditional beach resorts.

Luxury Resorts

Mauritius is particularly strong in the luxury market, with internationally recognized resorts offering beachfront accommodation, spas, fine dining, golf, water sports and extensive leisure facilities.

Examples include One&Only Le Saint Géran, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Constance Belle Mare Plage, LUX Belle Mare, Shangri-La Le Touessrok, The Oberoi Beach Resort Mauritius* and Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa.

Beach Resorts

Beach resorts remain the classic choice for a Mauritius holiday. Many provide several restaurants, swimming pools, water sports, children’s facilities and direct lagoon access.

Properties such as La Pirogue and Sugar Beach are examples of the resort-style experience available on the west coast, while Beachcomber operates several well-known resorts around Mauritius.

Golf Resorts

Mauritius is also an increasingly attractive destination for golfers.

Some resorts provide access to championship courses, complimentary or preferential green fees and golf-focused packages, making it possible to combine a beach holiday with several rounds of golf.

The east, south-west and Bel Ombre are particularly worth considering for a Mauritius golf holiday.

Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses

You don’t need to stay at a five-star resort to enjoy Mauritius.

Boutique hotels, apartments and guesthouses can offer excellent value and often provide a more independent experience. They are particularly attractive if you plan to eat at local restaurants, hire a car and spend much of your holiday exploring.

Villas and Private Pools

For families, groups and travellers wanting additional privacy, Mauritius also offers villas and residences with kitchens, living areas and, in some cases, private pools.

These can be particularly useful for longer stays.

North, South, East or West Mauritius: Which Coast Is Best?

This is one of the most common questions when deciding where to stay in Mauritius.

There isn’t one universally “best” coast.

North Mauritius

Choose the north for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, activities and convenience.

Best areas: Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy.

West Mauritius

Choose the west for sunsets, beaches, restaurants and a good balance between resort life and exploring.

Best areas: Flic en Flac and the Black River region.

East Mauritius

Choose the east for luxury resorts, golf, beautiful beaches and a quieter atmosphere.

Best areas: Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce.

South & South-West Mauritius

Choose the south for nature, dramatic landscapes, golf and a quieter, less commercial experience.

Best areas: Le Morne and Bel Ombre.

How Many Days Should You Stay in Mauritius?

Mauritius may look small on a map, but trying to experience the entire island in three or four days can leave you rushing from one attraction to another.

For most travellers, 7 to 10 nights is an excellent length of stay.

Length of Stay	Best For
3–4 nights	Short beach break or stopover
5–7 nights	First Mauritius holiday
8–10 nights	Beach holiday plus sightseeing and activities
10–14 nights	Honeymoon, family holiday, golf or two-centre stay

For a first visit of around seven nights, staying in one location usually makes sense.

With 10 nights or more, consider dividing your holiday between two coasts.

For example:

Grand Baie + Belle Mare combines a lively north coast experience with a peaceful east coast resort.

Flic en Flac + Le Morne or Bel Ombre combines west coast restaurants and sunsets with the landscapes and tranquillity of the south.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

Mauritius is a year-round destination, but weather conditions and hotel prices vary throughout the year.

Broadly, Mauritius has a warm, humid summer and a cooler, drier winter.

October to April

These are the warmer months. Expect tropical temperatures, warm sea conditions and higher humidity.

December through March also falls within the wetter part of the year, with a greater possibility of tropical rainfall and cyclonic weather.

Christmas and New Year are among the busiest and most expensive periods for Mauritius hotels.

May to September

Mauritian winter brings cooler temperatures and generally lower humidity.

This can be an excellent period for sightseeing, hiking and golf, and attractive hotel offers are often available outside the busiest travel periods.

However, conditions vary by coast. The east and south-east can be noticeably breezier during winter, while the north and west are often more sheltered.

So, when should you go?

For a classic beach holiday, October, November, April and May can offer an attractive balance of temperatures and conditions.

For golf, hiking and sightseeing, the cooler months can be particularly comfortable.

If price matters, compare low-season hotel offers rather than assuming Mauritius is always expensive. Significant differences can exist between seasons.

10 Things to Check Before Booking a Hotel in Mauritius

Before choosing a resort purely because the photographs look beautiful, consider how the hotel fits your actual holiday.

Location: Choose your coast before choosing your hotel.
Beach: Not every Mauritius hotel has the same beach or lagoon conditions.
Meal plan: Compare breakfast, half board, full board and all-inclusive carefully.
Restaurants nearby: Important if you don’t want to eat exclusively at your resort.
Transfer time: Resorts in the north and west can involve longer airport transfers.
Children’s facilities: Look for kids’ clubs, family rooms and suitable swimming areas.
Golf: Golfers should check whether green fees are included and which course the resort uses.
Water sports: Conditions vary significantly around the island.
Room location: Garden, sea-view and beachfront categories can offer very different experiences.
Season: The best coast for you can change depending on when you travel.

Things to Do Near the Main Resort Areas

Where you stay also determines which Mauritius attractions are easiest to reach.

From Grand Baie and the north, explore northern beaches, markets, restaurants, catamaran cruises and the attractions around Pamplemousses and Port Louis.

From Flic en Flac and the west, combine beach days with Black River, snorkeling, dolphin excursions and trips toward Chamarel and the south-west.

From Le Morne and Bel Ombre, explore some of Mauritius’ most spectacular landscapes, including Le Morne Brabant, Chamarel, Black River Gorges and the wilder southern coastline.

From the east coast, enjoy beaches, golf, water sports and excursions towards Île aux Cerfs.

From Blue Bay, snorkeling and marine activities are obvious highlights, while the south-east also provides access to a quieter and more historical side of Mauritius.

Final Thoughts: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Mauritius?

There is no single best place to stay in Mauritius — and that is part of the island’s appeal.

For first-time visitors who want restaurants and activities, choose Grand Baie.

For families wanting attractive beaches and calmer surroundings, consider Trou aux Biches or Mont Choisy.

For a balanced beach holiday with sunsets, restaurants and good value, choose Flic en Flac.

For a luxury resort escape, consider Belle Mare and the east coast.

For spectacular scenery, water sports and romance, choose Le Morne.

For golf, nature and peaceful luxury, choose Bel Ombre.

And for snorkeling or a convenient short stay near the airport, consider Blue Bay.

The key is not simply finding the “best hotel in Mauritius.” It is finding the hotel in the right part of Mauritius for the holiday you actually want.

Choose the coast first, then choose your resort.

Do that, and you’re already much closer to planning the perfect Mauritius holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Mauritius

What is the best area to stay in Mauritius for first-time visitors?

Grand Baie and Flic en Flac are two of the easiest choices for first-time visitors. Grand Baie offers restaurants, nightlife, shopping and activities, while Flic en Flac combines a long beach, sunsets, restaurants and a convenient west coast location. Travellers wanting a quieter luxury experience should consider Belle Mare.

Which side of Mauritius has the best beaches?

There is no single winner. Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches, Le Morne and Flic en Flac all offer attractive beaches but very different experiences. Belle Mare suits luxury resort holidays, Trou aux Biches is popular with families, Le Morne offers spectacular scenery and Flic en Flac is excellent for sunsets and a more active beach base.

Is Grand Baie a good place to stay in Mauritius?

Yes. Grand Baie is particularly good for travellers who want restaurants, nightlife, shopping, boat excursions and activities close to their accommodation. It is less suitable for travellers looking for complete seclusion.

Is the east or west coast of Mauritius better?

Choose the east coast for luxury resorts, golf and a quieter resort experience. Choose the west coast for sunsets, restaurants and a balance between resort relaxation and exploring independently.

Weather should also influence your decision, as the east coast can be breezier during the Mauritian winter.

Where should couples and honeymooners stay in Mauritius?

Le Morne, Belle Mare and Bel Ombre are excellent choices for couples and honeymooners. All three offer luxury resorts and beautiful surroundings, but Le Morne is particularly scenic, Belle Mare is excellent for beaches and resort luxury, while Bel Ombre combines romance with nature and golf.

Where should families stay in Mauritius?

Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Flic en Flac are strong family choices. Grand Baie can also work well for families who want plenty of restaurants and activities nearby.

Where should golfers stay in Mauritius?

Golfers should particularly consider Bel Ombre, the east coast and Le Morne/south-west. Mauritius has several championship golf courses, and some resorts include green fees or preferential golf access within their packages.

How many days do you need in Mauritius?

Allow at least 5 to 7 nights for a relaxed first visit. 8 to 10 nights gives you more time for excursions, water sports and sightseeing, while 10 to 14 nights works particularly well for honeymoons, golf holidays, family trips or a two-centre stay.

What is the best time to visit Mauritius?

Mauritius can be visited throughout the year. October to April is warmer but also more humid, while May to September is generally cooler and drier. The best period depends on your preferred coast, activities and budget.

Where to Stay in Mauritius: Best Areas, Beaches & Hotels for Every Traveller