Mauritius

🏛️ Why Visit Mauritius?

Picture this: you're lying on powder-white sand, sipping a rum cocktail while turquoise waters lap at your toes. Welcome to Mauritius, where every day feels like you've won the holiday lottery! This Indian Ocean gem will have you questioning why you ever holidayed anywhere else. From snorkelling with tropical fish in crystal-clear lagoons to exploring lush botanical gardens, Mauritius delivers that perfect blend of relaxation and adventure that makes for absolutely unforgettable jollies.

What makes Mauritius truly special (besides the weather, and the stunning natural beauty) is its cultural fusion – French elegance meeting Indian spice with a splash of African warmth and British charm. You'll feast on some of the world's most delicious cuisine, dance to the hypnotic beat of sega music, and discover that the locals' legendary hospitality isn't just a travel brochure myth. Plus, with direct flights from the UK you're never too far from paradise!

Top reasons to visit Mauritius:

• 🏖️ World-class beaches with lagoons so blue they look photoshopped – Belle Mare, Flic en Flac and Le Morne offer some of the planet's most stunning coastlines perfect for every type of beach lover

• 🎉 Incredible cultural diversity creating a unique island vibe – French colonial architecture, Hindu temples, bustling markets, and Creole cuisine blend together for an experience you won't find anywhere else

• 🏰 Adventure playground for all ages – from snorkelling in coral reefs and hiking volcanic peaks to exploring botanical gardens filled with giant tortoises and exotic wildlife

• 🌊 Water sports paradise with year-round perfect conditions – kitesurfing, deep-sea fishing, catamaran cruises, and swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat

• ☀️ Tropical climate with gorgeous weather nearly all year round – even the cooler months from May to October are absolutely lovely with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C

🏙️ Mauritius' Top Regions

Flacq District (East Coast) is your classic tropical paradise zone featuring the famous Belle Mare beach and easy access to Île aux Cerfs island. Perfect for couples wanting that quintessential Mauritius experience and families who love water sports. The crystal-clear waters here offer some of the island's best snorkelling and diving, plus you've got championship golf courses and that proper brilliant island-hopping vibe.

Pamplemousses (North) is brilliant for culture vultures and families who want to mix beach time with learning. Home to the world-famous Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden with its giant water lilies and baobab trees, this region also offers stunning northern beaches. It's the perfect base for exploring the island's heritage whilst still having gorgeous beaches on your doorstep.

Rivière du Rempart (Northeast) is where you'll find the island's best-kept secrets in quieter, less developed areas. Perfect for couples seeking serenity and families who want space to breathe without sacrificing beach quality. The beaches here are absolutely gorgeous with calm, crystal-clear waters and that exclusive feel that makes your jollies feel extra special.

Rivière Noire (West/Southwest) delivers the most dramatic scenery on the island with Mount Rampart offering breathtaking panoramic views and proximity to Black River Gorges National Park. Ideal for adventure-seekers and nature lovers who want to combine beach relaxation with mountain hikes, waterfall visits, and wildlife spotting in pristine nature reserves.

Savanne (South) is your go-to for that exclusive, intimate vibe with the lowest population density and most pristine beaches. Perfect for couples wanting total romance and families who prefer quieter experiences away from the crowds while still enjoying world-class beaches.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Mauritius

Beach Lovers & Sun Worshippers

 🏖️ Belle Mare Beach – Morning strolls and watersports reign here with calm waters, soft sands, and ultimate chill vibes perfect for windsurfing or just kicking back with a well-earned cocktail 

🌅 Flic en Flac Beach – Known for the island's best sunsets, this West Coast beauty offers top-notch snorkelling so pack your goggles and get ready to meet some fishy friends 

🏄 Le Morne Beach – Nestled under the dramatic UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain, this beach is a dream for kite-surfers and anyone after postcard-worthy views

Art & Culture Buffs 

🌺 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden – A leafy wonderland featuring giant water lilies, baobab trees, fruit bats, and giant tortoises in one of the world's oldest botanical gardens 

🏛️ Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis – This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the fascinating story of indentured labourers who helped shape modern Mauritius, mixing history with cultural discovery 

🎭 Port Louis Central Market – Dive into the island's multicultural heart with vibrant stalls selling everything from exotic spices to handmade crafts and street food that'll blow your mind

Adventure Seekers 

🗻 Le Morne Brabant Hike – Tackle this UNESCO World Heritage site's winding trails for incredible ocean vistas, rare plants, and a proper buzz as the island unfolds before you 

🌊 Île aux Cerfs Island Hopping – Hop aboard a catamaran for white-sand beaches, lagoon views, parasailing, banana boats, snorkelling, and enough water sports to keep you busy all day 

🐠 Swimming with Dolphins, Tamarin Bay – Experience the magic of swimming alongside wild dolphins in their natural environment, followed by world-class snorkelling in pristine coral reefs

🏨 Where to Stay on your Mauritius Holidays

For Couples - Romance & Luxury

🏨 Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Anse La Raie - Adults Only - This luxury boutique hotel on the north coast is romance central with two swimming pools including a beautiful infinity pool, spa treatments, hammam, and evening entertainment with live music. Very well reviewed on TripAdvisor, this might be your number if you want that exclusive, tucked-away feeling with infinity pools and candlelit dinners.

🏨 Lagoon Attitude, Anse La Raie - Adults Only - Nestled between white sands and stunning turquoise sea, this eco-centric 4-star resort boasts five bars and restaurants, otherworldly water activities, and a rejuvenating spa. The 360° views from Seabreeze bar overlooking the pool, beach and lagoon mean you’ll be smiling no matter where you look!

🏨 Sugar Beach A Sun Resort, Flic en Flac - A top-class stay with two beachfront restaurants, swimming pools, stunning spa, and unique experiences like perfume making or big game fishing. The sand feels just like sugar (funny, that!) and it's got that boujee beachside vibe couples crave with ocean-view rooms and dining under the stars.

For Families - Space & Fun

🏨 The Ravenala Attitude, Balaclava - A four-star spot punching way above its weight with a beachfront location along the Citron River, featuring an impressive 9 restaurants and six bars. Family suites come with contemporary Mauritian furnishings and there's loads of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy their jollies.

🏨 LUX Grand Gaube, Grand Gaube - Five-stars to live up the lux life with two tranquil beaches, two swimming pools with waiter service, an 18-hole golf course, and Play - a swanky kids club with daily programmes of activities. Even has its own seaplane and can arrange helicopter rides over Mauritius right from the resort!

🏨 Tamassa, Bel Ombre - All Inclusive - A 4-star all-inclusive resort perfect for families with four spectacular swimming pools, foam parties for kids, face painting competitions, and loads of activities for all ages. Very well reviewed on TripAdvisor, this one's brilliant for families who want everything sorted without breaking the bank.

For Groups - Social & Vibrant

🏨 Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, Bel Ombre - Offering 4 swimming pools and 5 restaurants in the stunning Bel Ombre nature reserve with splendid Indian Ocean views. Features evening entertainment, an array of land and water sports activities, and that perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Very popular on TripAdvisor for its breathtaking beachfront location.

🏨 Zilwa Attitude, Calodyne - A comfortable four-star resort near Grand Gaube fishermen's village with rustic-chic design and seven restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Each room has its own unique identity and there's always something happening – perfect for groups who want variety and that authentic Mauritian vibe.

🏨 Sunrise Attitude, Belle Mare - A stunning four-star beachfront hotel with yoga, snorkelling, evening entertainment, two swimming pools, and four bars plus beach service. Features Otentik experiences for Mauritian culture – brilliant for groups who want to mix relaxation with proper cultural experiences.

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Mauritius Holiday (that's still brilliant)

Ok, let’s be honest, Mauritius is not the easiest destination to have a cheap holiday to. It’s a long haul flight, so the flight alone is going to cost more than a week in spain. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t still grab a bargain.

🗓️ When to Go

May to October is your sweet spot for brilliant weather without peak season prices! You'll still get gorgeous 20-25°C temperatures, less humidity, and way fewer crowds. November to April can be pricier due to peak European winter escape season, so shoulder months are your mate for proper savings.

💡 Smart Savings

🏨 Go All-Inclusive - With Mauritius' restaurant prices, all-inclusive often works out cheaper and you won't have to budget spends for food and drink
🛫 Book Package Deals - Flight and hotel packages through On The Beach often beat booking separately, plus you get ATOL protection
🏊 Choose Hotels with Loads Included - Many resorts offer free water sports, kids clubs, and entertainment, so you're sorted for activities without extra costs

🎉 Free Fun

The beaches are free and absolutely stunning – Belle Mare, Flic en Flac, and Le Morne offer world-class experiences without spending a penny! 🌺 Many hotels offer complimentary snorkelling gear, kayaks, and beach volleyball. 🚌 Take local buses for authentic island vibes and proper cheap transport between towns. 🌅 Don't miss the legendary Mauritian sundowner tradition – grab a beer and watch incredible sunsets from any beach!

🚌 Getting About

🚌 Buses are mega cheap and run frequently between major destinations – perfect for exploring on a budget with proper local flavour. 🚗 Car hire gives you freedom to find hidden beaches and waterfalls at your own pace. 🛵 Scooters and bikes in beach towns are brilliant for short trips and give you that breezy island feeling.

Your budget Mauritius jollie will still be absolutely superb– this island delivers paradise vibes regardless of what you spend! 🌴