I have travelled to Mauritius several times before, both on holiday and work trips to research the destination and hotels that we partner with. I had already fallen in love with the island, its pristine beaches, lush green mountains and five star luxury service but I wanted to dig a little deeper into the country to learn more about the rich culture, experiences and activities to do around the island and where the best spots are. At Turquoise, we adore all our luxury hotel partners and can think of nothing better than to enjoy a stunning beach holiday, but if you can peal yourself away from the sun loungers and cocktails, I highly recommend a day or two to explore Mauritius in all its glory. After spending a month in Mauritius with my family (which I highly recommend) in the summer school holidays, I have created a list of all of the places that I believe are definitely worth visiting when holidaying in Mauritius.
Buckle Up – Discover Mauritius by car
Hiring a car should be on the top of your to do list when in Mauritius. It isn’t something I didn’t get the chance to do before, but has now completely changed my view of the island. We hired ‘Tooty’ aptly named by the kids from as little as £35 a day which we can arrange for you. We drove all around the island and were lucky enough to see some stunning sites and stop off at little hidden spots that we would never have seen from an airport transfer or should we never have left the hotel. Driving is a breeze in Mauritius, similar to the UK, you drive on the left-hand side with most signs in English making it easy for holiday makers to get out and about. Each drive took us on a new adventure—whether it was a swim at a secluded beach, a visit to a local food vendor, or a stop at a serene temple. You’ll pass through small remote villages that give you a glimpse of the island’s true soul, with breathtaking views of mountains and lush forests in the background. You don’t need to have a car for the whole duration, just a couple of days is enough. Plus, we can arrange for the car to be delivered and collected to and from your hotel so you don’t have to worry about collecting it from a car rental place.
Hotel Hopping – Discover the islands diversity
If you hire a car or not, I still recommend staying in two or three hotels when in Mauritius so you can explore different regions around the island to fully take advantage of the contrasting landscapes, from rugged coastlines and dramatic mountains to serene beaches and bustling markets. However, if you don’t have time or simply want to stay in one hotel, that is great and you can still visit the different areas in a day trip.
A visit to the mountains is always recommended, we love Lakaz Chamarel – a little boutique lodge nested within the stunning mountain surrounded by the Black River gorges. A very authentic experience for adults which is perfect for travellers who want to be surrounded by nature, enjoy sweeping ocean views with easy access to hiking and biking trails with waterfalls aplenty. From the mountains I would recommend pairing your stay with one or two beaches.
The north coast is perfect for having a feel for local life of Mauritius. Head out to local beaches, dine out in local restaurants and sample traditional dishes from food trucks. I recommend a trip to Port Louis the capital of Mauritius (around a 25 minute drive from Grand Baie) with its bustling markets, Caudan waterfront with lovely shops and cafes. A street food tour by Taste Buddies is a must here. Check out our other blog on the best restaurants and places to eat in Mauritius for more information.
The East coast offers a more luxurious escape with 5* hotels dotted along the beautiful beaches. Here, the pace is slower, and the emphasis is on enjoying the resort lifestyle. A day trip exploring the interior or a boat trip is highly recommended. Some of my favourite hotels on this side of the island are Shangri La Le Touessrok and LUX* Belle Mare.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the south and southwest regions. These areas are known for their wild beauty, with mountains and rugged coastal roads. Heritage Le Telfair is ideal for fitness enthusiasts with its two golf courses, nature reserve, and quad bike tours through breathtaking landscapes. If you’re after iconic views, LUX* Le Morne or JW Marriott will place you at the foot of the majestic Le Morne mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boats
One of our highlights whilst exploring Mauritius was by boat. There are many different boat trips that you can do from anywhere around the island and its such a great way to see a different side to Mauritius and bring home some very special memories.
- Crystal Rock Speedboat Trip – South/West coast. A family run experience. This is one of our favourite boat trips that takes you to Ile aux Benitiers, stopping off for a stunning beach BBQ, with chilled vibes and music. Stop at Crystal Rock for a snorkel and spot Whales and Dolphins with no one else around
- North Isles – Set off on board a beautiful catamaran to experience some amazing snorkelling spots off the north coast of Mauritius capped off with a tasty BBQ
- Splashing East – this boat trip takes you to a lovely snorkelling point before setting off to explore Ile de la Passe, a national heritage site that was once a great naval battle port with many historical features. You will then head to Grand River South where you can spot monkeys in the mangroves before reaching a stunning waterfall for that perfect photo and a special lunch on Ile Aux Cerf.
Walking, hiking, waterfalls & adventures
You may not realise it, but Mauritius is a haven for adventure lovers boasting magical mountains, hikes and trails to explore. Many of these mountains have stunning waterfalls to discover which make for the most amazing experiences. There are so many to recommend but here a few of our favourites.
- Minissy Waterfall – Near Moka, this lesser-known gem is an easy hike, perfect for families. After a 30 minute hike, you’ll arrive at a gorgeous waterfall with crystal-clear water, ideal for a refreshing swim. The kids loved the rope swing—great for both fun and a photo opportunity!
- Le Morne Brabant – Probably one of the most iconic and challenging hikes, definitely not for the faint hearted but well worth the views at the top. We recommend you go with a guide so you can really take in their knowledge and expertise. Staying at LUX* Le Morne, gives you the added perk of arranging a private sunset dinner or a special engagement atop the mountain
- Chamarel & Seven Coloured Earth Geo Park – Whether you’re an avid hiker or just in the mood for sightseeing, Chamarel has something for everyone. For hikers, the Piton du Canot trail offers breathtaking views. If you prefer to relax, visit the stunning Seven Coloured Earths, a geological wonder that’s perfect for a day trip
- Alexandra Falls – a stunning hike with huge waterfalls to marvel over – well worth a visit
- Black River Gorges – There are several short and longer hikes in this national park that are spread across over 6,700 hectares. This park is home to over 300 species of native and endemic species of birds, flowers and plants and offers the most incredible scenery
- Ebony Forest, Vallee de Colours and Lavilleon Adventure Park – These spots offer more than just hiking—enjoy canyoning, quad biking, and thrilling zip-lining adventures that are great for families
- Gris Gris coastal Hike is a great way to explore a more rugged coast line of the south
Local beaches and bays
There are some stunning beaches that you may not even know exists unless you get a car and go exploring. We found gorgeous little bays that are well worth a visit, here are my top spots –
- Pereybere Beach – this has to be my favourite beach in Mauritius, we spent many a day here. Located just down the road from Grand Baie and a much better beach in my opinion. A small-ish cove with the softest sand and calm Turquoise waters making it perfect for children, with more of a local feel. There are water sports at the end of the beach and a restaurant behind. You can also buy some fresh coconuts and street food from the food trucks, perfecting for spending the whole day. Come on a Sunday evening at 5.30pm to watch the beautiful sunset and chill with the locals playing some tunes.
- La Cuvette – this is a stunning little cove and well worth a visit on the way through. A beautiful spot closer to Grand Baie with beautiful views.
o Flic en Flac – The West coast is known for its long white sandy beaches. This is a good place to stop to break the journey half way when travelling from North to South of the island. A touristy spot with lots of little gift shops and restaurants around. A really long beach, perfect for long walks, exploring and having fun. I recommend taking reef shoes here as it can hurt your feet when getting in and out of the sea. - Le Morne – if you have time I recommend exploring Le Morne and its surrounds and definitely visiting the beach there. Enjoy breath taking views of Le Morne Mountain and go horse riding along the beach. The setting here is absolutely stunning.
- Mont Choisy – One of the longest beaches in the north and cyclable from Grand Baie. There are a few restaurants near by and with its soft white sand blue waters it is an idyllic setting for couples and families to explore. Walk through the thousands of large Casuarinas trees behind the beach, to find a football pitch and goal.
I hope you enjoyed hearing about our adventures and if you would like to get in touch and speak to one of our Travel Specialists who has also travelled around Mauritius then please call 01494 678 400.
