Loungers and umbrella on tropical beach in Mauritius Island, Indian Ocean

Mauritius Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Holidays to Mauritius 2026 Highlights

☀️ Warm all year round – temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, even in "winter" (May-Oct). Summer hits 28-32°C with occasional tropical showers
💷 UK plugs work here – Mauritius uses the same Type G three-pin sockets as the UK, so no adaptor needed
🍺 Cost of a pint - Great value outside the resorts, a Phoenix beer (the local lager) is around £1.50-2 at a local bar. Resort prices are steeper (expect £5-7 for a beer, £10+ for cocktails), so all-inclusive can be worth considering

🎉 Fun Facts About Mauritius

🦤 Home of the Famous Dodo — The now-extinct dodo bird once lived only on Mauritius. It disappeared in the 1600s after human arrival, but it’s still a massive part of the island’s identity, you’ll spot it on souvenirs, signs and pretty much everywhere you look.

🌈 An Underwater Waterfall Illusion — Off the coast of the island, there’s a mind-blowing optical illusion known as the “underwater waterfall.” It looks like the ocean is cascading into the depths, but it’s actually sand and silt being swept by currents. Seen from above, it’s one of the coolest natural sights on the planet.

🍛 A Cultural Melting Pot — Mauritius is a mix of African, Indian, French and Chinese influences, which means the food, festivals and languages are seriously diverse. One minute you’re tucking into a spicy curry, the next it’s French pastries, it’s basically a world tour for your taste buds.

🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Mauritian

In Mauritius, you’ll hear a mix of languages thanks to its diverse heritage, mainly English, French, and Mauritian Creole (Kreol Morisien). Picking up a few local phrases will make you feel like part of the island in no time:

👋 “Bonzur” (bon-zur) – hello! A friendly greeting you’ll hear everywhere, from the beaches to the markets.

🙏 “Mersi” (mer-see) – thank you. Simple, polite, and guaranteed to earn a smile when you’re served some delicious local street food.

🍹 “Ki manyer?” (kee man-yay) – “How are you?” or literally “What’s up?” A casual way to check in with locals.

😎 “Mo kontan sa” (mo kon-tan sa) – “I like it!” Perfect for complimenting food, beaches, or anything else that takes your fancy.

This lingo will help you connect with locals and add an authentic touch to your Mauritius holiday.

🏖️ What Are the Best Beaches to Visit in Mauritius?

Say Mauritius, and you instantly think beaches. With over 150 km of coastline, it’s no surprise, the island serves up everything from soft white sands to turquoise lagoons that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. If you are looking for a beach holiday, there is plenty options in Mauritius, the list below shows top rated beaches:

Flic en Flac Beach – hands-down one of the most popular beaches on the island. Long stretches of golden sand, calm shallow waters perfect for swimming, and plenty of bars and restaurants nearby make it ideal for families and sunset strolls alike.

Le Morne Beach – dramatic, scenic, and iconic. Set beneath the Le Morne Brabant mountain, it’s a paradise for kite surfers, paddleboarders, and anyone who loves a photo-worthy backdrop with a splash of adventure.

Trou aux Biches – a long, powdery beach with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Calm lagoons make it a favourite for families, and there’s plenty of space for sunbathing without feeling crowded.

Blue Bay Beach – perfect if you’re into marine life. The Blue Bay Marine Park is right off the shore, so you can snorkel among tropical fish in some of the clearest waters on the island.

Pereybere Beach – small but perfectly formed. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s got soft sand, shallow waters, and a chilled atmosphere for lazy days and people-watching.

Grand Baie Beach – lively, fun, and bustling. Great for water sports, beach bars, and evening cocktails — plus, the sunsets here are next-level gorgeous.

Île aux Cerfs – technically a small island off the east coast, but worth the short boat trip. White sands, turquoise lagoons, and endless palm trees make it the ultimate tropical escape.

🏙️ Where To Stay

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.

🎭 Travel Guide Mauritius Holidays 2026

🧑‍🤝‍🧒 Things to Do in Mauritius

Things to do for families in Mauritius

Start your adventure at Casela Nature Parks, where kids can meet lions, zebras, and giant tortoises up close. Take a boat trip to Île aux Cerfs for a day of soft sands, shallow lagoons, and safe swimming. For a bit of educational fun, visit the Blue Safari Submarine in Grand Baie to explore underwater life without even getting wet. Don’t miss La Vanille Nature Park, where the little ones can see crocodiles, giant tortoises, and a huge variety of reptiles — a fun mix of learning and adventure for the whole family.

Things to do for couples in Mauritius

Couples seeking romance will find Mauritius a dreamy escape. Begin with a sunset catamaran cruise along the west coast, sipping cocktails as the sky turns shades of pink and gold. Wander hand-in-hand through the botanical gardens of Pamplemousses, then relax with a couple’s spa treatment overlooking the Indian Ocean. Cap off the day with a candlelit dinner on the beach at Trou aux Biches, where the sound of gentle waves and twinkling stars sets the perfect mood.

Things to do for groups in Mauritius

Start your group adventure with a day of water sports at Le Morne Beach, kite surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are all on the menu. Explore the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths for a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and jaw-dropping landscapes. For a cultural twist, take a guided tour of Port Louis, including the vibrant Central Market and Aapravasi Ghat heritage site. Finish the day with a beach party in Grand Baie, complete with cocktails, live music, and dancing until the stars come out.

🏨 Top Mauritius Hotels

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.

🌴 More Places to Visit

If you’ve got a taste for island life and tropical escapes, there are plenty of other dreamy destinations near Mauritius to explore:

☀️ Réunion – Just a short flight away, this French island boasts volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and epic hiking trails for adventure seekers.

🏖️ Seychelles – A tropical paradise with powdery-white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and luxury resorts scattered across its 115 islands.

🌊 Zanzibar, Tanzania – Exotic spice islands, turquoise lagoons, and endless white-sand beaches.

🛶 Rodrigues – A quieter island off Mauritius’ east coast, ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and enjoying untouched lagoons away from the crowds.

☀️ Mozambique (Bazaruto Archipelago) – Stunning coral reefs, soft sands, and luxury lodges along the Indian Ocean.

This gives travellers plenty of options if they want to hop between islands or extend their tropical holiday beyond Mauritius.

Popular Mauritius hotels

More Mauritius hotels

Weather in Mauritius

JAN

26^°C

FEB

26^°C

MAR

26^°C

APR

25^°C

MAY

23^°C

JUN

22^°C

JUL

21^°C

AUG

21^°C

SEP

21^°C

OCT

23^°C

NOV

24^°C

DEC

25^°C

Mauritius is like that mate who’s always in a good mood - sunny and warm all year round. The island's tropical climate means you can rock up any time and expect some proper scorchio weather, but let’s break it down a bit because there are two main seasons to consider.

From November to April, the island brings the heat with summer temperatures often soaring into the high 20s and low 30s°C. This season is perfect for long, lazy beach days and warm ocean swims. You might catch a quick tropical shower, but it’s more of a refreshing break before the sun comes back out in full force.

When June to September rolls around, Mauritian winter kicks in, but it’s more like a mild summer with temperatures sitting comfortably around 20-24°C. It’s cooler and drier, making it ideal for exploring the island’s natural beauty without the intense heat. The trade winds pick up during this time, creating perfect conditions for watersports like kite surfing and windsurfing.

With an average temperature of 24°C all year, Mauritius is always ready to give you that tropical beach break you’ve been dreaming of, no matter when you visit.

FAQs

Direct flights from the UK to Mauritius take between 11 hours 45 minutes and 12 hours, making it one of the longest non-stop routes from Britain. Flights depart from London Gatwick to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), with Air Mauritius and British Airways both operating direct services. If you choose a connecting flight via Dubai, Doha, Paris or Istanbul, total journey time extends to 13–16 hours depending on your layover.

Direct from London Gatwick:
approx. 11h 45m–12h (Air Mauritius, British Airways)
Via Dubai (Emirates):
approx. 13–14h total
Via Doha (Qatar Airways):
approx. 13–15h total
Airport:
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), the island's only international airport

It's a long haul, but overnight flights mean many travellers sleep through most of it and arrive ready to go.

Mauritius runs on Mauritius Standard Time (MUT, UTC+4) and does not observe daylight saving time. This means the time difference changes depending on the time of year in the UK.

Summer (late March–late October):
UK on BST (UTC+1) - Mauritius is
3 hours ahead
Winter (late October–late March):
UK on GMT (UTC+0) - Mauritius is
4 hours ahead

Unlike some destinations, Mauritius never changes its clocks, so it's the UK shifting, not Mauritius. Worth factoring in when planning calls home or timing your arrival.

The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), symbol Rs. Notes come in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rupees. Coins come in 1, 5 and 10 rupee denominations, plus smaller cent coins.

Closed currency:
Mauritian Rupees cannot be purchased in the UK before travel, exchange on arrival
Exchange:
Available at the airport on arrival, at banks and bureau de change across the island
Cards:
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Amex less so.
Cash:
Worth having for markets, street food, smaller vendors and taxis
ATMs:
Widely available across the island
Bank hours:
Monday–Thursday 9am–3pm, Friday 9am–3:30pm (some until 5pm)

Good to know: some banks charge higher transaction fees on credit card payments, check with your bank before travelling.

Mauritius is one of the most linguistically rich destinations you can visit from the UK. English and French are both official languages, and you'll have no trouble communicating at hotels, restaurants and tourist sites in English. In daily life on the streets and in markets, Mauritian Creole, a French-based creole language is the language most Mauritians actually speak to each other.

English:
Official language, widely spoken in tourism, government and business
French:
Co-official, used in media, education and everyday conversation
Mauritian Creole (Kreol):
The main spoken language of daily life
Other languages:
Hindi, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Mandarin and Cantonese are also spoken, reflecting the island's diverse heritage

A few words of French go a long way in smaller towns and local restaurants away from the resort strip.

Mauritius is considered one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean and Africa for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and most holidays are completely trouble-free. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to Mauritius.

Crime:
Low overall. Petty theft, pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in busy markets and on popular beaches. Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach.
Cyclones:
The season runs from November to May, with the highest risk January to March. Major cyclones are rare but tropical storms do occur. Check the Mauritius Meteorological Services for updates if travelling in this window.
Health:
No malaria risk. Dengue fever has been reported, use mosquito repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk. Tap water is technically safe but bottled water is recommended.
Taxis:
Don't use meters, always agree a fare before you get in.
Scams:
Overpriced taxi rides and inflated tour prices do occur. Book excursions through reputable operators.

Solo female travellers generally find Mauritius safe and welcoming, though as anywhere, sensible precautions apply in quieter or poorly lit areas at night.

Mauritius has a warm tropical climate all year, but it splits into two distinct seasons and knowing which is which makes a big difference to your holiday.

The sweet spot for most UK visitors is May to November - Mauritius's cooler, drier winter. Temperatures sit comfortably between 22–26°C during the day, humidity drops, skies are clearer and rainfall is minimal. October is widely considered the single best month, warm, dry, calm seas and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving.

Season by season

May–November (dry season):
Best overall weather. Temperatures 18–26°C. Trade winds on the east coast can be strong July–August - north and west coasts more sheltered. Whale watching season June–October.
December–April (wet season):
Hotter and more humid, 25–33°C. Short heavy showers, mostly afternoon. January–March is cyclone season, major storms are rare but travel disruption is possible.
Shoulder months (April–May, September–October):
Best value - good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices.

Best time by holiday type:

Holiday type	Best months
Best all-round weather	May, June, September, October
Beach and swimming	April–November
Diving and snorkelling	September–November (best visibility)
Whale watching	June–October
Budget travel	May–June, September
Avoid	January–March (cyclone season)

Diwali (October/November) is a spectacular time to visit, the whole island lights up for the Festival of Lights, and it coincides with some of the best weather of the year.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is located in the south-east of the island. Transfer times to your hotel vary significantly depending on where you're staying.

Resort area	Approximate transfer time
South East (Blue Bay, Mahebourg, Pointe d'Esny)	10–20 minutes
South West (Bel Ombre, Le Morne)	45–60 minutes
West coast (Flic en Flac, Tamarin)	60–75 minutes
North coast (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches)	60–90 minutes
East coast (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce)	45–60 minutes

Pre-booking your transfer is strongly recommended, taxis at the airport do not use meters, so having a fixed price agreed in advance avoids any unwelcome negotiation after a 12-hour flight. You can add a transfer to your On the Beach booking when you book your holiday.

Mauritius is an outstanding family destination and one that works equally well for toddlers, teenagers and everyone in between. The combination of calm, shallow lagoons, year-round warmth, English-speaking resorts and a genuinely low-risk environment makes it one of the most relaxed long-haul family holidays you can take from the UK.

Why it works for families

Beaches:
Lagoons protected by barrier reef mean calm, shallow, safe water for young children. Trou-aux-Biches and Belle Mare are particularly good for families with small children.
Resorts:
Most four and five-star hotels offer dedicated kids' clubs, teens' clubs, baby kits, family rooms and interconnecting suites. Many include children's activities in their board basis.
Activities:
Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, dolphin watching, giant tortoise encounters at La Vanille Nature Park, zip-lining at Casela World of Adventures, quad biking at Domaine de L'Étoile, there's no shortage of things to keep all ages busy.
Safety:
Low crime, English widely spoken, drives on the left (same as the UK), good medical facilities.
Practicalities:
The island is small enough that no transfer from the airport takes more than 90 minutes, and once you're settled, most families barely need to leave the resort if they don't want to.

The flight is long — 11–12 hours, but overnight departures from Gatwick mean children often sleep through most of it. Once you land, the payoff is worth every hour.

Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island where six distinct cultures, a UNESCO World Heritage coastline and some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet exist within a single, two-hour drive of each other and where the question is never whether there's enough to do, but how to fit it all in. Whether you're after a catamaran trip to a deserted island, a hike through volcanic rainforest, a table at a Creole family restaurant or a beach club that runs until sunrise, the island delivers on every front.

Explore our guides to the best events, food, nightlife and places to visit in Mauritius and start planning a holiday that goes well beyond the sunlounger.

What events can I go to in Mauritius?
Mauritius has a calendar packed with vibrant festivals and events, each offering a unique way to experience the island’s diverse culture and lively spirit. Whether you’re into music, food, sports, or spiritual celebrations, there’s always something popping off in this tropical paradise. To get more involved in the culture, here are some of our fave events to attend on your holidays to Mauritius:
- Sundowner (Year-Round): This Mauritian tradition is a weekend and holiday ritual where the locals gather on the beach to soak up the last rays of the sun. It’s a moment of pure relaxation, usually enjoyed with a rum-based cocktail in hand—a perfect way to wind down and take in the island vibes.
- Cavadee Festival (January/February): A lively Tamil festival celebrated with colourful processions, music, and rituals in honour of Lord Murugan. Expect vibrant celebrations that light up the streets with devotion and joy, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
- Chinese Spring Festival (January/February): Also known as Chinese New Year, this festival brings the island’s Chinese community together with dragon dances, fireworks, and traditional feasts. It’s a lively and colourful celebration that fills the air with joy and excitement.
- Holi (March): The Hindu festival of colours is a riot of fun, with people throwing brightly coloured powders and water at each other. It’s a joyous celebration of love and unity, where everyone joins in the playful spirit, making it a must-experience event if you’re on the island in March.
- Mauritius Regatta (May): A thrilling sailing event where boats race around the island, offering spectators an exhilarating spectacle. Whether you’re on the water or watching from the shore, the Mauritius Regatta is a high-octane event that’s not to be missed.
- Mauritius Marathon (July): For the fitness enthusiasts, this scenic run along the island’s coastlines is a fantastic way to combine sport and travel. The route takes you through some of Mauritius’ most stunning landscapes, making it as much a visual treat as a physical challenge.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September): This Hindu festival in honour of Lord Ganesha sees beautifully decorated idols paraded through the streets before being immersed in the sea. It’s a spiritually rich event, showcasing the deep religious traditions of the island’s Hindu community.
- Diwali (October/November): The Hindu Festival of Lights transforms the island into a glowing wonderland with decorative lamps, fireworks, and sweet treats. Warmth and joy are on the cards for this illuminating celebration that'll light up your Mauritius holidays.
- International Kreol Festival (November): Celebrate Creole culture with a bang at this vibrant festival featuring music, dance, food fairs, and more. It’s the ultimate way to dive deep into the island’s rich heritage and enjoy some proper good entertainment.
- Porlwi Festival (December): This cultural festival in Port Louis showcases art installations, music performances, and creative exhibitions. It’s a top-notch celebration of Mauritian creativity and a great way to experience the island’s artistic pulse.
What's the nightlife like in Mauritius
The island's nightlife is more cocktails-at-sunset than all-night clubs, shaped by the laid-back rhythm of island living. That said, there's a genuine scene once you know where to look, and it varies significantly depending on which part of the island you're based in.
Grand Baie - The liveliest hub The north coast's main resort town is the island's most active after-dark destination. Banana Beach Club is the standout, live bands, DJs, dancing under palm trees and a crowd that mixes tourists and locals well into the early hours. The strip around Grand Baie has plenty of bars and restaurants that transition naturally from dinner into late-night drinking, making it a good base if nightlife matters to you.
Flic en Flac - West coast party spot Shotz Nightclub is the go-to for themed party nights on the west coast, with a mix of international chart music and local sounds. The area around Flic en Flac has a young, relaxed energy, good beach bars that run into the evening, and a slightly less polished scene than Grand Baie, which many people prefer.
Bel Ombre - Upscale beach club C Beach Club, part of the Heritage Resorts complex in the south, is the island's most elegant evening option, beachfront cocktails, live DJs and ocean views that are genuinely hard to beat. Better suited to a special occasion than a big night out, but worth the drive from wherever you're staying.
Tamarin - Casual and local Big Willy's is a casual sports bar with live music, DJs and a friendly mixed crowd. It's the kind of place where you end up staying three hours longer than planned. More pub than club, which suits the laid-back surf-town vibe of Tamarin perfectly.
Port Louis - Authentic city nights The Irish is a proper pub with live music and sports on the screens, genuine comfort food and cold beer in a city that doesn't see many tourists after dark, which is part of its appeal. For something more local, the Caudan Waterfront has bars and restaurants that fill up on weekend evenings with Mauritians rather than holidaymakers.
Bagatelle - For craft beer lovers Flying Dodo Brewing Company is Mauritius's only craft brewery, serving house IPAs, Belgian-style ales and seasonal brews in a relaxed, informal setting. Not nightlife in the traditional sense, but one of the most distinctive drinking experiences on the island.
Good to know: Mauritius runs on island time - dinner rarely starts before 8pm and most venues don't really get going until 10pm or later. Taxis don't use meters so always agree a fare before you get in, and have cash ready. Outside Grand Baie and Flic en Flac, most areas are quiet by midnight, Mauritius rewards early mornings far more than late nights.
What's the food like in Mauritius?
The food scene in Mauritius is as tempting as its beaches, with curries galore alongside fresh, flavourful seafood on many a menu. Island living means one thing: the catch of the day. Seek out a beach restaurant or hotel dining venue that builds its menu around the ingredients that come fresh off the line and you know you’re onto a winner! Expect spices and seasoning that will make your mouth water before you’ve even taken your first bite. Here are some dishes that you have to try on your holidays to Mauritius:
- Dholl Puri - A popular street food featuring thin flatbreads stuffed with yellow split peas, often served with bean curry and pickles.
- Fish Vindaye - A tangy fish dish marinated in mustard, turmeric, garlic, and vinegar, served with rice or bread.
- Rougaille - A Creole tomato-based stew with meat or seafood, spiced with garlic and ginger. Usually paired with rice and lentils.
- Gâteau Piment - Tasty chilli fritters made with yellow split peas, coriander, and cumin. They're bangin' as a snack or appetiser.
- Boulettes - Dumplings filled with seafood or meat, often served in a broth, and commonly found in the island’s Chinatown.
- Mine Frite - Stir-fried noodles with veggies, shrimp, and meat, seasoned with soy sauce and chilli.
- Alouda - A refreshing drink made with milk, basil seeds, and agar-agar jelly, sometimes flavoured with vanilla or rose syrup.
And when it comes to the best spots to grab a bite, you'll deffo wanna try these out for size:
- Le Château de Bel Ombre (Bel Ombre) - Set in a historical mansion, this posh spot is known for its upscale Mauritian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and elegant presentation.
- La Table du Château (Moka) - An elegant restaurant offering a mix of Mauritian and international flavours in a lush garden setting - perfect for some sunset dining.
- Escale Créole (Moka) - For an authentic taste of Mauritian home cooking, Escale Créole is a must-visit. This family-run gem specialises in traditional Creole dishes like chicken curry, salted fish with cabbage, and sausage stew, all served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere - sounds like a bit of us.
- Le Fangourin (Pamplemousses) - Nestled in the beautiful Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, this charming eatery serves up classic Creole dishes with a modern twist.
- Safran (Belle Mare) - Located at the One&Only Le Saint Géran, this fine-dining restaurant wows with its Indian-inspired cuisine and impeccable service.
- Chez Tino (Trou d'Eau Douce) - A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant famous for its fresh seafood and scenic ocean views.

Places to visit

Black River Gorges National Park
Mauritius's largest national park covers 67 square kilometres of volcanic rainforest in the hilly southwest of the island, roughly 37km from Port Louis. It's the best and in some places the only, place on Earth to see many of the island's endemic species, including the pink pigeon, the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet and the Mauritian flying fox. Over 60km of marked trails wind through the park, ranging from an easy 2.5-hour loop through the Macchabée Forest to the full 9km Black River Peak trek reaching 828 metres, the highest point on the island. Alexandra Falls, at 700 metres above sea level, is one of the most accessible viewpoints and well worth the short walk from the car park. Entry to the park is completely free. Open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm, weekends 9am–5pm. Two information centres — at Black River Gorges on the west side and Petrin on the east, provide trail maps and advice. Bring water, sturdy footwear and insect repellent. Car hire or a taxi is strongly recommended as public transport to the park is limited.
Le Morne Brabant
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, Le Morne Brabant is a 556-metre basalt monolith that rises dramatically from the turquoise lagoon on Mauritius's southwestern tip. Its history is as powerful as its landscape, the mountain served as a refuge for escaped slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, and a small open-air museum at its base tells their story. The hike is a genuine challenge: the first section is a straightforward 45-minute walk through dry coastal forest, but the second half involves a technical scramble over steep rock faces and the notorious V-gap, where using your hands is essential. The reward at the summit ridge is a 360-degree panorama over the south-western lagoons and the famous optical illusion of Mauritius's underwater waterfall visible off the coast. Entry is free. A certified guide is strongly recommended for the final ascent, guided tours start from around 1,000–1,500 rupees per person. The gate closes at 2:30pm so start early. Allow 3.5–4 hours for the full round trip.
Chamarel
One of the most genuinely extraordinary natural sights in the Indian Ocean, volcanic sand dunes that settle naturally in seven distinct colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. The colours are created by iron and aluminium oxides cooling at different temperatures after volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Remarkably, the sands never erode even in tropical rain, and if mixed they will naturally separate back into distinct layers. A 360-degree boardwalk gives full views around the dunes, and the geopark also includes a viewpoint over the Chamarel Waterfall at 100 metres, the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, plus a tortoise enclosure housing Aldabra giant tortoises from Seychelles, a coffee shop and a souvenir shop. Open daily 9:30am–5pm. Entry: approximately 300–550 rupees for adults, 175 rupees for children (prices vary, check the official site before visiting). Allow 1.5–2 hours. Chamarel is well positioned to combine with Black River Gorges National Park and the Rhumerie de Chamarel rum distillery for a full day in the southwest.

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

You do not need to pay tourist tax in Mauritius.

All passengers must be in possession of a British E-Passport with 6 months validity from the return date of travel, two clear pages inside, and a valid return ticket.

British citizens do not require a visa to enter Mauritius. Non-British passengers are advised to check with their local Embassy for advice on entry requirements before you travel.

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Places to visit

Black River Gorges National Park

Le Morne Brabant

Chamarel

Key facts about Mauritius

Flight Time

12 hrs

Time Difference

GMT: +4 BST: +3

Language

English

Currency

Mauritian rupee

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