Where to Stay in Mauritius: A Complete Guide by Area

Choosing where to stay in Mauritius: it all depends on your priorities

Mauritius is small — about 65 km long and 45 km wide — but remarkably varied. Each coast has its own character, atmosphere, strengths and drawbacks. Choosing the right area to base yourself is already half the battle for a great Mauritian holiday.

This guide gives you an honest, detailed overview of the four main tourist areas, with practical advice for every type of traveller. Whether you’re after nightlife, quiet, luxury or affordability, you’ll find the area that suits you here. Also check our east coast versus west coast comparison if you’re torn between those two main directions.

At a glance

Criteria	Detail
Where	4 main areas: north (Grand Baie), west (Flic-en-Flac), east (Belle Mare), south (Le Morne)
Price	from EUR 40/night (guest house) to over EUR 1,500/night (palace hotel)
Time needed	7 to 14 days to properly enjoy one or two areas without rushing
How to get there	flights to SSR airport, then private transfer or car rental
Best time to go	May to December, avoiding the January-February lull

The four main tourist areas

The north: Grand Baie and its surroundings

The north of Mauritius is the most developed and liveliest area. Grand Baie is its heart: restaurants, shops, bars, boat excursions, nightlife. This is where you’ll find the largest concentration of accommodation at every price point, from the most affordable to the most luxurious.

Our complete guide to Grand Baie covers everything this area has to offer. For accommodation specifically, see our guide on where to stay in Grand Baie, which covers each neighbourhood in detail.

Strengths:

• Wide choice of accommodation (hotels, villas, apartments, guest houses)
• Many restaurants and shops within walking distance
• Easy departure point for excursions to the northern islands (Coin de Mire, Gabriel)
• Public transport access to Port-Louis
• Generally more affordable prices than the east
• Plenty of excursion agencies for organising boat trips

Weaknesses:

• Sea can be choppy at times (no calm lagoon at the heart of Grand Baie)
• The most touristy area, less authentic
• Heavy traffic in high season
• Grand Baie’s own beach is less beautiful than Flic-en-Flac’s or Belle Mare’s

Ideal for: young travellers, families with children who enjoy a lively atmosphere, tight budgets, and stays combining beach time with exploring the island.

Average prices: guest houses from EUR 40-60/night, 3-4 star hotels between EUR 100 and 250/night, villas from EUR 150/night.

Sub-areas to explore:

Pereybere is 2 km northeast of Grand Baie. Its beach is often considered prettier and calmer than the main beach, with a shallow lagoon well suited to children. Prices are slightly lower here. This is where the north’s best guest houses and affordable apartments are concentrated.

Cap Malheureux is the northernmost fishing village on the island, with its famous red church and authentic atmosphere. A few charming places to stay for those who want a change of scenery within reach of the north’s amenities.

Mont Choisy has a long white-sand beach, often less crowded than Grand Baie’s, with several well-located hotels and villas in a slightly quieter setting.

Grand Gaube is an unspoiled, quiet cove about ten minutes by car from Grand Baie. The Lux Grand Gaube offers a very high-quality all-inclusive package there in a wilder natural setting.

The west: Flic-en-Flac and the west coast

The west coast is known for its spectacular sunsets and generally calmer waters than the north. Flic-en-Flac is the main seaside resort, with a long, white-sand beach over 8 km long. Tamarin, further south, draws surfers and families looking for a more residential, quieter atmosphere.

For everything on accommodation in this area, see our dedicated guide: where to stay in Flic-en-Flac.

Strengths:

• The island’s most beautiful sunsets
• Good underwater visibility, excellent for diving and snorkelling
• Calmer lagoon than the north, ideal for children swimming
• More relaxed atmosphere than Grand Baie
• Good value for money on hotels
• One of the island’s longest, most beautiful beaches

Weaknesses:

• Less nightlife
• More noticeable heat (a leeward area)
• Less well served by public transport
• A car is nearly essential for exploring the island

Ideal for: couples, divers and snorkellers, families seeking calm, and travellers who want to enjoy the beach without being in a hyper-touristy area.

Average prices: 3-4 star hotels between EUR 120 and 280/night, villas between EUR 150 and 400/night depending on capacity.

Sub-areas to know:

Wolmar is Flic-en-Flac’s most upscale sector, just north of the centre. Long Beach, Sugar Beach and Angsana Balaclava are located here. The beach is slightly more pristine.

Tamarin is a residential neighbourhood popular with expats and families. Tamarin Bay’s beach is known for surfing and dolphin watching. For swimming with dolphins in Mauritius, Tamarin is the preferred starting point — boat trips head out to sea early in the morning.

Bel Ombre lies further south. This large historic estate is home to several prestige resorts, including Heritage Le Telfair and Tamassa. The atmosphere is more secluded, with magnificent scenery.

The east: Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce and Mahebourg

The east coast is the most unspoiled and upscale. This is where the large luxury hotel resorts are concentrated. The lagoons are wide, the beaches vast and uncrowded. Belle Mare offers what many consider the island’s most beautiful coastline.

Strengths:

• Exceptional lagoon, turquoise waters protected by the reef
• Large, uncrowded beaches (Belle Mare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce)
• Very high-quality accommodation
• Zen, exclusive atmosphere
• Mahebourg for a more local, cultural feel
• Proximity to Ile aux Cerfs, accessible from Trou d’Eau Douce
• Blue Bay and its marine reserve for snorkelling

Weaknesses:

• The island’s most expensive area
• Little to do outside the hotels
• A car is essential for any outing
• Less suited to tight budgets

Ideal for: honeymoon couples, luxury travellers, and anyone wanting total immersion in peace and natural beauty. Check our honeymoon itinerary for Mauritius for suggestions.

Average prices: 4-5 star hotels from EUR 300-400/night, with a few more affordable options in Mahebourg (EUR 60-120/night).

Ile aux Cerfs is a 10-minute boat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce: an island with a turquoise lagoon, watersports and beach restaurants. If you’re staying in the east, this excursion is a must.

The south: Riviere des Anguilles, Le Morne, Baie du Cap

The south of Mauritius is the least touristy, wildest and most authentic area. Le Morne is a notable exception: this sector is home to several large luxury resorts facing a stunning lagoon, with the Morne mountain as a backdrop. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For accommodation available in this area, see our guide where to stay at Le Morne.

Strengths:

• Spectacular, unspoiled landscapes
• Very few tourists outside the Le Morne hotels
• Untouched Mauritian authenticity
• Ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing (Le Morne is one of the best kitesurf spots in the world)
• Easy access to the Chamarel waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earths
• Spectacular sunsets over the Le Morne peninsula

Weaknesses:

• Few accommodation options outside the large resorts
• Sea often choppy (coast exposed to southern winds)
• Less practical for exploring the island without a car
• Restaurants and shops scarce outside the hotels

Ideal for: nature lovers, kitesurfers, travellers seeking authenticity, and anyone who wants a mix of luxury and adventure.

How to choose your area: the deciding factors

Based on your type of trip

Travelling with children: go for the north or the west. Grand Baie offers maximum convenience, Flic-en-Flac a long, safe beach. All-inclusive hotels in both areas often have well-equipped kids’ clubs. For a full guide, see our page on where to stay with a family in Mauritius.

Couples or honeymooners: the east and south stand out. The large resorts of Belle Mare or Le Morne offer privacy and luxury that’s hard to match. The west (Tamarin) is also a more accessible romantic option. Our guide where to stay as a couple in Mauritius gives you all the romantic addresses.

With friends or as a group: the north is ideal. Renting a villa with a pool in Grand Baie, boat trips, varied restaurants, nightlife. The west coast also offers lovely villas in a quieter setting.

Solo travel: the north is the most practical thanks to public transport and its lively atmosphere. Grand Baie’s guest houses are ideal for meeting other travellers.

Based on your budget

Tight budget (under EUR 80/night): north and centre. Grand Baie has the largest number of affordable guest houses and apartments. Mahebourg, in the southeast, is even cheaper and very authentic. Our guide budget accommodation in Mauritius lists all the best affordable addresses.

Mid-range budget (EUR 80-250/night): every area has options. The west offers the best value for money in this range. Tourist residences with pools and well-located 3-4 star hotels are available in the north and west.

Luxury (over EUR 250/night): the east and the south of Le Morne have the most prestigious resorts, but the north and west also have beautiful 4-5 star properties. Our guide to luxury accommodation in Mauritius presents the best addresses by area.

Based on your activities

Beach and swimming: east (calmest lagoon), west (sunsets, long beach), north (livelier but sometimes choppy). Check our guide to Mauritius’s beaches to compare each lagoon.

Diving and snorkelling: west (Flic-en-Flac), Blue Bay further south, east (Trou d’Eau Douce, Ile aux Cerfs). Our diving and snorkelling guide lists the best spots.

Surfing and kitesurfing: south (Le Morne for kitesurfing, Tamarin for reef surfing).

Culture and food: north (Port-Louis easily accessible), east (Mahebourg and its Wednesday market). Check our Mauritian food guide for the best culinary addresses.

Hiking and nature: the centre and south are accessible from every area with a rental car. Our hiking guide to Mauritius details the most beautiful trails.

Boat excursions: check our catamaran and boat trips guide to choose the best excursion from your area.

Accommodation options in Mauritius

Mauritius offers a full range of accommodation for every profile and every budget. Here’s an overview of each type.

Hotels

Hotels in Mauritius remain the most common option, from small local establishments to large international resorts. Chains present on the island include Beachcomber, Heritage, Constance, Sun Resorts, Lux, as well as international groups like Marriott, One&Only, Four Seasons, Anantara and Banyan Tree. Mauritian hotels’ quality is renowned worldwide.

Prices range from EUR 80/night for a 3-star hotel in low season to over EUR 1,500/night for a palace suite in high season. Our selection covers every category and every area.

All-inclusive resorts

All-inclusive packages in Mauritius are very popular, especially with families and couples. Meals, drinks, watersports, entertainment, kids’ club — everything is included for a predictable budget. This option often turns out cheaper than it looks once you factor in à la carte meals and activities.

Villas with a pool

Villas in Mauritius are an excellent alternative for families and groups. More privacy, more space, a pool all to yourselves, and often better value for money for 4 or more people. The north and west have the majority of the supply.

Apartments

Apartments in Mauritius offer more independence at a lower price. With a fully equipped kitchen, you save on meals. Ideal for long stays and travellers who enjoy cooking and shopping at local markets.

Guest houses

Guest houses in Mauritius allow for an authentic immersion in local life. Run by Mauritian families, they offer a human connection and cultural discovery you won’t find in a large hotel. Prices start at EUR 40/night with breakfast included.

Area comparison table

Area	Atmosphere	Price	Beach	Activities	Ideal for
North (Grand Baie)	Lively	Mid-range	Good	Everything	Families, solo, friends
West (Flic-en-Flac)	Quiet	Mid-range	Excellent	Diving, surfing	Families, couples
East (Belle Mare)	Calm, luxurious	High	Exceptional	Watersports, golf	Couples, luxury
South (Le Morne)	Wild	High	Beautiful	Kitesurfing, hiking	Couples, sports lovers
Mahebourg	Local	Low	Decent	Culture	Budget, authentic

Practical tips before booking

Factor in the seasons

Mauritius has two main tourist seasons. High season (July-August and December-January) sees prices rise 30 to 50% and availability shrink. Book at least 3 to 6 months ahead if you’re travelling during these periods.

The rainy season (December to March) partly overlaps with the European high season. Cyclones are rare but possible from January to March. Prices are lower in April-June and September-October, with often splendid weather. Check our Mauritius weather guide and our guide to the best time to visit Mauritius to plan your trip according to the season.

Consider the exact location

Within the same area, the exact spot can change everything. A hotel “in Grand Baie” could be 2 km from the beach or right on the lagoon. Always check the exact distance to the beach, whether there’s a calm lagoon or a good public beach nearby, and how easy it is to reach restaurants and services.

Plan your transfers

From Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, travel time to the different areas varies: about 45 minutes to Grand Baie in the north, 30-40 minutes to Flic-en-Flac in the west, 20 minutes to Belle Mare in the east, and 45 minutes to Le Morne in the south. Our guide to airport transfers in Mauritius explains all the options (private taxi, shuttle, car rental).

To book a private transfer directly with peace of mind: private transfer from Mauritius airport to your hotel.

Also remember to activate your mobile connection as soon as you land, to stay in touch and use your GPS: eSIM for Mauritius — mobile data without a local subscription.

Compare platforms

Prices vary significantly across booking platforms. Compare Booking.com, Hotels.com and the hotel’s official website (which often has the best direct rate, along with extra perks like upgrades or free breakfast).

Read recent reviews

Mauritius has seen strong hotel growth in recent years. Properties may have changed management or been renovated. Favour reviews less than 12 months old.

Our recommendation by profile

• Family with children: north (Grand Baie) or west (Flic-en-Flac), all-inclusive hotel or villa with pool. Also see our family itinerary for Mauritius.
• Honeymoon: east (Belle Mare) or south (Le Morne), 5-star resort. Check our honeymoon itinerary.
• Tight budget: north (Grand Baie), guest house or apartment. Our Mauritius budget guide complements this point.
• Local immersion: east (Mahebourg) or north, guest house
• Total luxury: east (One&Only, Constance) or south (Lux Le Morne, Sugar Beach)
• Watersports: west for diving, south for kitesurfing/surfing

Hotel versus villa comparison

Torn between booking a hotel and renting a villa? Our guide hotel versus villa comparison in Mauritius answers this question with cost simulations for different group sizes and stay lengths.

For a 7-night stay with 4 people, a villa with a pool is often cheaper than a 4-star hotel, while offering far more space and freedom. For a honeymooning couple, on the other hand, an upscale resort with its services, spa and gourmet restaurants creates an experience that’s hard to match in a rental villa.

Whichever area you choose, Mauritius has what it takes to give you a memorable holiday. The key is to choose according to your real wishes rather than the clichés. A 7-day Mauritius itinerary will give you an idea of what’s possible to see and do from any area of the island.

Staying in one area or moving around during your trip?

This is a question many travellers ask once they’ve chosen their area. Two approaches compete, and the right choice mostly depends on the length of your stay.

For a stay of under 10 days, staying in a single area and radiating out on day trips is almost always the best choice. Packing and unpacking wastes precious time, and most of the island’s iconic sites are within 1 to 2 hours’ drive from any coast. An organised road trip radiating out from your accommodation is more relaxing than a multi-hotel stay.

For a stay of 12 to 21 days, on the other hand, combining two complementary areas makes a lot of sense: for example, 5 nights in the lively north (Grand Baie) followed by 5 nights in the calm of the south or east. This approach lets you experience two very different sides of the island without ever feeling rushed. Our 10-day, 12-day and 14-day itineraries offer tested, balanced area combinations.

In any case, avoid switching accommodation more than twice over a stay of under 3 weeks: time lost in transfers (often 1 to 2 hours per trip) quickly eats into your beach days.