Iconic beachfront escape with butler service and ocean views
Yes. Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean and offers warm ocean waters year-round. Thanks to the white-sand coves and the coral reef that surrounds most of the island, the lagoons here are calm and the water is shallow. In many places, you can swim, snorkel, and kayak even without a boat. And for those who want to spend a day away from the sandy beaches, the island’s interior offers waterfalls, mountains, and tea plantations.
The northern area around Grand Baie is ideal for those looking for restaurants, bars, and boat rides just a short walk from the sandy beach. On the west coast, near Flic en Flac, the sea is calm, so you can enjoy long sunsets there. Over on the east coast it is quieter but windier and perfect for kitesurfing. The southern coast features a wilder natural landscape with steep cliffs, and there are only a few hotels there.
From May through December, the climate here is at its driest and coolest, with pleasant warmth and low humidity. Cyclone season typically lasts from January through March; during this time, there is heavy rain, and the air feels muggy. The sea temperature remains comfortable enough for swimming throughout the year. From June through August, stronger winds blow along the east coast, so the west and north coasts are calmer during this time.
Half-board is the standard meal plan on the island, though many coastal hotels also offer full board or an all-inclusive plan, which is particularly convenient for hotels located far from the city and restaurants. Breakfast is usually served buffet-style with hot dishes, fruit, and pastries. Direct access to the pool and beach, as well as lounge chairs, are standard amenities, and non-motorised water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkelling are often offered to guests free of charge.
Since the flight from the UK takes about 12 hours, and one week is barely enough time to adjust to the time zone change, plan on 10 to 14 nights. If you plan to spend your time at a single beach, 7 nights are sufficient. For a longer stay, you can split your time between the two sides of the island, pairing the calm west coast with the quieter east.
Both work equally well. The lagoons, protected by coral reefs, offer children shallow, calm waters, and many hotels feature kids’ clubs, family rooms, and shallow pools. For couples, choose quiet coves—especially on the eastern and southern coasts—as well as spas and adults-only hotels. If access to restaurants and boat tours is important to you, choose the north or west; if you’re looking for secluded quiet, stay in the east or south.