White sand, warm lagoons, and an island that looks like an imaginary holiday paradise. Mauritius package holidays deliver Indian Ocean beaches, world-class snorkelling, food from four continents, and resorts from barefoot budget to full-blown luxury.


Holidays to Mauritius 2026 - Good to know

  • ☀️ 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


Highlights of your Mauritius Holiday

  • The dodo lived only on Mauritius before it disappeared in the 1600s, and the island has never let anyone forget it. Expect dodo souvenirs, dodo street signs, and a dodo on the coat of arms.

  • Off the southwest coast, sand and silt currents create an optical illusion that looks exactly like a waterfall plunging into the ocean floor. Best seen from the air, and genuinely one of the most unusual sights in the Indian Ocean.

  • The food is a collision of Indian, French, Chinese, and Creole cooking. One meal it's a fiery dholl puri from a street vendor, the next it's French-influenced seafood on a hotel terrace.

  • The barrier reef that rings most of the island creates calm, shallow lagoons perfect for families and nervous swimmers. Serious snorkellers head to the gaps in the reef where the marine life congregates.

  • The island is compact (roughly 65 km by 45 km), so no transfer takes longer than 90 minutes and you can easily explore multiple coasts in a single trip.


🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Mauritian

English and French are both official languages, and you will hear both in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Day to day, most Mauritians speak Kreol Morisien (Mauritian Creole), a French-based creole that borrows from half a dozen other languages. It is written in the Latin alphabet, so you can sound out most words. A few phrases to have in your back pocket:

  • Bonzour (bon-zoor) - Hello. Works any time of day, anywhere on the island.

  • Mersi (mer-see) - Thank you. Short, friendly, and appreciated everywhere from beach bars to market stalls.

  • Ki manyer? (kee man-yay) - How are you? The standard casual greeting. The usual reply is "Mo byen, mersi" (I'm well, thanks).

  • Mo kontan sa (mo kon-tan sa) - I like it. Use it for the food, the view, or the rum.

  • Enn ti rom (en tee rom) - A small rum. Mauritius produces excellent rum, and this phrase will serve you well at any bar on the island.

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, then your holiday to Mauritius will more than deliver, 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.


All Inclusive Holidays To Mauritius

Picture this: everything you need for a proper getaway, all wrapped up in one tropical package – no stress, no fuss. That’s the beauty of All Inclusive holidays. Forget reaching for your wallet every five minutes – it’s all sorted!

Mauritius lends itself to all-inclusive more than most long-haul destinations. The resorts are spread across isolated stretches of coast, so eating and drinking outside your hotel often means a taxi ride rather than a stroll, and prices inside the resort gate are pitched at international-tourist level. An all-inclusive package means you can stop doing the mental arithmetic on every cocktail and just enjoy the holiday.

What is typically included varies, but most Mauritius all-inclusive deals cover all meals, local and selected international drinks, and access to non-motorised water sports (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear). Some add spa credits, golf, or excursions. The gap between a half-board and an all-inclusive price is often smaller than you would expect, especially once you factor in what you would spend on drinks and lunch over a week.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius for families?

  • Tamassa, Bel Ombre covers families from toddlers to teens with four pools, foam parties, kids' activities all day, and enough all-inclusive food variety that even fussy eaters find something. The Bel Ombre setting is quiet and beachy without being isolated.

  • Maritim Resort and Spa sits on its own stretch of coast with a large pool complex, kids' club, and a genuinely generous all-inclusive that includes most water sports. The grounds are big enough that the resort never feels crowded even at full capacity.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius for couples?

  • Ambre, A Sun Resort, Belle Mare (Adults Only) is adults-only from 16+, set on one of the east coast's best beach stretches. The all-inclusive here is well regarded for its restaurant variety and the drinks list is genuinely generous rather than bottom-shelf only.

  • Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa (Adults Only) takes a quieter, more intimate approach on the less-developed east coast. Smaller resort, adults only, and the all-inclusive package includes a good spa credit that most couples make use of.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius for luxury?

  • Constance Le Chaland sits beside Blue Bay Marine Park with some of the best house-reef snorkelling of any resort on the island. The all-inclusive here goes well beyond the standard, with premium drinks, à la carte dining, and water sports included.

  • InterContinental Mauritius Resort, Balaclava pairs a sheltered north-coast bay with the kind of all-inclusive package where you genuinely forget your wallet exists. Multiple restaurants, premium bar service, and spa access make this the top-end all-inclusive benchmark on the island.


🏙️ 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 for Families

  • Casela Nature Parks is a guaranteed hit with children, with close encounters with giant tortoises, zebras, and big cats plus zip-lines and quad biking for older kids.

  • Ile aux Cerfs boat trip combines a scenic boat ride with a day on one of the most family-friendly beaches in the Indian Ocean. Calm lagoons, soft sand, and plenty of space.

  • Blue Safari Submarine in Grand Baie takes the family underwater without getting wet. The submarine dives to coral reefs where tropical fish congregate around the viewing windows.

  • La Vanille Nature Park is part crocodile farm, part giant tortoise sanctuary, part insect museum. Educational enough to feel productive, fun enough that the kids will not complain.

  • Glass-bottom boat tours run from most resort areas and are a low-effort way to see the reef with small children who are not ready to snorkel.

👫 Things to do in Mauritius for Couples

  • Sunset catamaran cruise along the west coast is the headline couples experience. Cocktails, a slowly turning sky, and dolphins if the timing is right.

  • Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths combines the geological oddity of the coloured sand dunes with Chamarel Waterfall and the option to add a rum distillery visit on the way back.

  • Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a peaceful wander through giant water lilies, baobab trees, and 300 years of botanical collection. Best in the morning before the heat builds.

  • Couples spa day at one of the resort spas (most five-star hotels welcome non-guests for spa treatments). Indian Ocean views, tropical ingredients, and the kind of afternoon that justifies the flight.

  • Le Morne Brabant hike is a genuine challenge but rewards with 360-degree views from the summit ridge. Best with a certified guide for the scramble section. Allow 4 hours round trip.

👥 Things to do in Mauritius for Groups

  • Water sports at Le Morne cover everything from kitesurfing and paddleboarding to jet skiing, all in the same spectacular lagoon. The wind conditions are reliable and the instructors are used to beginners.

  • Port Louis walking tour takes in the Central Market, the Aapravasi Ghat heritage site, and the Caudan Waterfront. A full morning of food, history, and culture.

  • Black River Gorges National Park has over 60 km of trails ranging from easy forest loops to the full Black River Peak trek at 828 metres. Free entry, and groups can split by fitness level.

  • Rum tasting at Chamarel or Saint Aubin is an easy group activity that works for everyone. Mauritius produces excellent rum, and the distillery tours include the history, the process, and several generous tastings.

  • Grand Baie evening out is the island's liveliest strip for bars, restaurants, and late-night options. The mix of tourists and locals gives it genuine energy without feeling manufactured.


🏨 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 destinations

  • Maldives is the other Indian Ocean heavyweight, with private-island resorts, overwater villas, and some of the best diving on the planet. Smaller, more exclusive, and built entirely around resort life.

  • Seychelles offers a similar tropical-island feel with granite-boulder beaches, lush jungle interiors, and a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere. A good step up in privacy from Mauritius.

  • Sri Lanka combines beaches with temples, tea plantations, wildlife safaris, and a cultural depth that rewards a longer stay. A natural pairing if you want to add an adventure leg to an Indian Ocean trip.

  • Thailand delivers tropical beaches, street food, temples, and nightlife at a fraction of the price. A different proposition entirely, but popular with the same audience.

  • Cape Verde is closer to home (six-hour flight) with year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and a growing resort scene. A solid alternative if you want the warmth without the long haul.

  • Dubai works as a stopover on the way to Mauritius or as a destination in its own right. Shopping, desert adventures, and guaranteed sunshine in a very different setting.

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 warm all year round, with average temperatures that never stray far from 24°C. The island has two broad seasons, and both are good for a holiday.

Summer (November to April) is the hotter, wetter season with temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s. Tropical showers are common but short, and the sun returns quickly. January to March carries a small cyclone risk, though major storms are rare. The sea is at its warmest, and the beaches are at their best.

Winter (May to October) is cooler, drier, and breezy. Temperatures sit around 20-24°C, the humidity drops, and the trade winds pick up, especially on the east coast. The west and north coasts are more sheltered. This is the best season for hiking, kitesurfing, and exploring without overheating.

Monthly average temperatures: January 26°C, February 26°C, March 26°C, April 25°C, May 23°C, June 22°C, July 21°C, August 21°C, September 21°C, October 23°C, November 24°C, December 25°C.

The shoulder months of May, June, September, and October tend to offer the best balance of good weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. October is widely considered the single best month for a Mauritius holiday.

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FAQs

What's the average flight time from the UK to Mauritius?

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.

What is the time difference between the UK and Mauritius?

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.

What currency will I need in Mauritius?

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.

What language do they speak in Mauritius?

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.

Is Mauritius safe for tourists?

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.

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?

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.

How long is the transfer from Mauritius airport?

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.

Is Mauritius good for families?

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.

Is Mauritius good for an all-inclusive holiday?

It is one of the destinations where all-inclusive makes the most practical sense. Resorts are often set on isolated stretches of coast, so eating and drinking outside the hotel means a taxi ride rather than a stroll, and resort prices are pitched at international-tourist level. An all-inclusive package removes the daily spend calculation and often works out cheaper than half-board once you add up what you would spend on drinks, lunch, and water sports over a week. Most packages cover all meals, local and selected international drinks, and non-motorised water sports.

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?

May to November offers the best combination of warm, dry weather and comfortable temperatures. October is widely regarded as the single best month. The shoulder months of May, June, September, and October also tend to offer better value and smaller crowds. December to April is hotter and more humid with occasional tropical showers. January to March carries the highest cyclone risk, though major storms are rare.