Where to Stay in Mauritius | Best Areas, Regions & Hotels

Choosing where to stay in Mauritius can have a big impact on your overall holiday experience. Although the island is relatively small, each region offers a very different atmosphere, landscape and travel style — from lively beach towns and luxury resorts to wild coastlines and cooler inland areas.

This guide explains the best areas to stay in Mauritius, helping you decide which region suits your travel style, whether you are visiting for the first time, travelling as a couple, planning a honeymoon or coming with family.

For a complete overview of the island including activities, beaches, weather and itinerary ideas, refer to our full Mauritius Travel Guide.

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North Mauritius – Best for First-Time Visitors & Nightlife

The north of Mauritius is the most popular region for first-time visitors. It offers a good balance of beautiful beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and easy access to excursions.

Why stay in the north?

• Lively atmosphere with many restaurants and cafés
• Great swimming beaches and calm lagoons
• Easy access to boat trips and island excursions
• Shorter transfer time from the airport compared to the south

Popular areas in the north include:

• Grand Baie – nightlife, shopping and beach access
• Pereybere – relaxed beach town with good swimming
• Trou aux Biches – long sandy beach and family-friendly resorts

This region is ideal if you want variety, convenience and a lively holiday atmosphere.

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West Mauritius – Best for Sunsets & Calm Seas

The west coast is known for its spectacular sunsets, warm waters and relatively dry climate throughout the year. Many travellers choose the west for its laid-back feel and excellent swimming conditions.

Why stay in the west?

• Some of the best sunset views on the island
• Calm lagoons suitable for swimming year-round
• Good selection of resorts and self-catering accommodation
• Close to dolphin-watching and south-west excursions

Popular areas in the west include:

• Flic en Flac – long beach, restaurants and bars
• Tamarin – more natural setting, surfing culture
• La Preneuse – quieter alternative with scenic views

The west coast suits couples, families and travellers who enjoy relaxed beach days combined with easy excursions.

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East Mauritius – Best for Luxury Resorts & Quiet Beaches

The east coast of Mauritius is known for its long, unspoilt beaches, turquoise lagoons and luxury resorts. This region feels more tranquil and less developed than the north or west.

Why stay in the east?

• Stunning white-sand beaches with fewer crowds
• Luxury beachfront resorts and spacious properties
• Beautiful sunrise views
• Easy access to Île aux Cerfs and east coast boat trips

Popular areas in the east include:

• Belle Mare – long beach, peaceful atmosphere
• Palmar – quiet and romantic setting
• Trou d’Eau Douce – gateway to Île aux Cerfs

This region is ideal for honeymooners, couples and travellers seeking privacy and relaxation.

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South Mauritius – Best for Nature & Authentic Experiences

The south of Mauritius is wilder and less developed, offering dramatic coastlines, nature reserves and fewer large resorts. It is perfect for travellers who prefer a more authentic and scenic environment.

Why stay in the south?

• Untouched landscapes and dramatic ocean views
• Less crowded beaches and quieter surroundings
• Close to Le Morne Brabant and nature parks
• Ideal for eco-tourism and outdoor activities

Popular areas in the south include:

• Le Morne – scenic views and water sports
• Bel Ombre – nature-focused resorts and golf
• Souillac – authentic local town atmosphere

The south is best suited to nature lovers, photographers and travellers who enjoy slower-paced holidays.

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Central Plateau – Best for Culture & Cooler Climate

The central plateau is inland and slightly cooler than the coast. While it is not typically chosen for beach holidays, it offers cultural attractions, botanical gardens and easy access to different parts of the island.

Why stay in the central plateau?

• Cooler temperatures, especially in the evening
• Close to cultural sites and markets
• Central location for exploring the island

Staying inland works well for travellers who plan to explore the island extensively by car.

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Best Area to Stay in Mauritius by Travel Type

• First-time visitors: North or West coast
• Couples & honeymooners: East coast or Le Morne
• Families: North or West with calm lagoons
• Nature & adventure lovers: South or Central Plateau
• Luxury travellers: East coast resorts

If you are still planning your itinerary, our Mauritius Travel Guide explains how to combine regions, activities and beaches efficiently.

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FAQ – Where to Stay in Mauritius

Which is the best area to stay in Mauritius?

The best area depends on your travel style. The north is ideal for first-time visitors and nightlife, the west for sunsets and calm seas, the east for luxury and quiet beaches, and the south for nature and authenticity.

Is it better to stay in one place or move around?

Many travellers stay in one main region and explore the island by car or tour. However, splitting your stay between two regions (for example, east and west) allows you to experience different sides of Mauritius.

Is Mauritius easy to explore from any region?

Yes. Mauritius is compact, and most attractions can be reached within one to two hours by car, making it easy to explore even if you stay in one location.

Are beachfront hotels the only option?

No. While beachfront resorts are popular, there are also inland hotels, guesthouses and self-catering options that provide excellent value and flexibility.

Is the south of Mauritius safe for swimming?

Some beaches in the south have stronger waves and currents. Always follow local advice and signage, and choose lagoon beaches or supervised areas for swimming.

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Final Thoughts

Where you choose to stay in Mauritius shapes your entire holiday experience. From lively northern beaches and sunset-filled west coast towns to luxury resorts in the east and wild landscapes in the south, each region offers something unique.

To plan your stay in detail — including activities, weather, beaches and transport — explore our complete Mauritius Travel Guide and related Mauritius travel articles.