In Mauritius, first thing I learnt? Never challenge a local in a contest for chili-eaters. My husband constantly reminds me of the moment I became red, perspiration pouring, eyes wide, when I courageously (and foolishly) bit into a Mauritius chilli at a beach BBQ close by Flic-en-Flac. Funny, the host questioned, “Are you okay?” I nodded, struggling. “extra taste,” I said.
Day one of our journey was sun on our skin, sea salt in the air, and already, lifetime memories waiting to be told.
From Indian, French, Creole, and African beats whirl together in the warm wind, Mauritius is where cultures meet brilliantly. It smells like fresh sea spray, curry leaves, sugarcane. The food is amazing, the beaches are spectacular, and the people have that unique blend of pride and kindness.
And let me tell you, your lodging in Mauritius adds to the spectacular quality of the trip.
From two weeks of hopping the island, here are our honest, funny, and hotel-heavy advice—yes, even over to Rodrigues!
North Coast: Relaxed luxury meets sunset bliss.
Hotel: Trou aux biches beachcomber golf resort and spa.
Imagine this: staff who somehow always knows what cocktail you’re in the mood for, thatched-roof villas snuggled under palm palms, and private plunge pools. Here, we stayed three days posing as more elegant than we are. The spa smelt lemongrass and ylang-ylang, like sand. like powdered sugar, soft.
Advice: Schedule the villa on the seaside. One memory you will love is waking up with views of the sea and breakfast delivered right on your patio.
Northward as well:
Residenceticoco: Chic, low-cost, a short walk to the beach.
Villa Le Mirage boasts brilliant, modern decor and a yard ideal for stargazing.
Chez Clenya is a little guesthouse with local appeal. You will feel as though you belong to family.
Perfect for extended visits with kitchens and airy terraces, Complex Aquamarine Apartment Flamingo.
North Coast Tip: Trou aux Biches has superior beaches; Grand Baie is fantastic for nightlife. Rent a scooter and see both!
East Coast: Local Flavours & Wild Waves
Hotel: Le Peninsula Bay Beach Resort & Spa.
This resort, which located in Blue Bay, is directly close to one of the most amazing marine parks on the island. We snorkel under fish in every fluorescent hue conceivable. The room smelt mildly like frangipani and ocean. Local curries, grilled seafood, and more desserts than required were on the buffet—no regrets.
Bonus stay:
Golden morning views in an intimate seaside environment that really live up to their name.
Walking distance to secret areas of beach; rustic yet comfortable Palmar Beach Villa.
Villa des Palmiers is quiet, peaceful with a tropical garden and outdoor kitchen.
East Coast Tip: See during the week to escape throngs. And always pack snorkel equipment; the lagoon here is delightfully alive.
The South Coast is lush, green and wild.
Hotel: Auberge de Saint Aubin.
This colonial-style hotel, set amid the undulating hills close to the tea estates, smelt of aged wood, cinnamon, and history. Indeed, we went many than time; it is quiet, lovely, and just adjacent to the Saint Aubin rhum distillery.
Naturally, not missed is rum sampling. Also seen at the on-site restaurant is the grilled pineapple topped with brown sugar glaze.
Other jewels found in the South:
Maison D’hotes Coignet: wonderful breakfasts, French-style accommodations, kind service.
Villa Lorizon is atop a hill with views of sea and mountains. Here also are anything else sunsets.
Beachfront, elegant Anelia Resort & Spa boasts an excellent treatment program.
Colourful walls, Creole influences, and a host who produced the greatest roti we sampled at BB Maison Papaye.
South Coast Advice: Hire a vehicle. There is too much to see here: Black River Gorges, Gris Gris cliffs, and secret beaches you would want to stop at every few minutes; public transit is limited here.
Central Mauritius: Urban Buzz and Understated Treasures
Hotel: One bedroom flat Ebene Square Urban Living
This location is perfect if you need to mix in business—like we regretfully did for two days—or if you want a respite from the beach. Clean, contemporary, AC that really runs, and a neighbouring mall offering everything from sushi to samosas.
Cultural note: See the marketplaces in Quatre Bornes and Curepipe. Taste the fried noodles, smell the flavours, and do not hesitant while negotiating.
Moreover take into account:
Villa Paradise Rodrigues (for your later on travel)
Villa Isabella is charming and elegant, and it feels like an elegant getaway in the Mediterranean.
West Coast: Street Foods & Sunsets
Villa Mon Plaisir is the hotel.
By mistake, we came onto this beachfront house and stayed two additional nights. It’s right on the sand, basic, neat. The staff let us participate in a Sega dancing night and gave us the words to a couple of songs (badly sung, much loved).
Other favourites include:
Reviva Villa – Airy, contemporary architecture with seaside views and splash pool.
The Light Villa is quiet, elegant, and romantic.
Explore Prestige – Beautiful contemporary rooms, rooftop bar, 10/10 Wi-Fi (should that be of importance to you).
Food Tip: From any roadside seller, get coconut water and street Dholl puri. Don’t wear white.
The Hidden Star of Mauritius: Rodrigues Island
The Beach House Rodrigues is a hotel.
We wanted we remained one week; we flew over for three nights. This guesthouse has just enough comfort and enough authenticity to feel like home. Everything we lacked knowledge we needed—waking up to breaking waves, eating fresh octopus curry, and strolling barefoot throughout town.
Additional Rodrigues choices:
Close to the market and coastline, Port Mathurin Coastal Lodge The staff even assisted on our hiking schedule.
Run by a local family, Gite Patriko is friendly, straightforward with the most amazing handmade pickles.
Rodrigo Tip: Here life moves more slowly. Take your watch with you. Just keep enjoying.
last advice not found in brochures
Get at the airport a SIM card. In certain regions, internet is spotty.
One needs a mosquito repellent absolutely. particularly in morning and evening.
Reliance on cabs is not wise. If you’re daring, rent a vehicle or use local buses.
Eat from the local area. Visit the market, get street food, and sample my bouillie—Mauritian noodle soup.
Pick up some Creole words. “Bonzur” (hello) and “Mersi” (thank you) really go a distance.
Choose shoes you will find easy to slide off. You will be in and out of villas and beach homes rather regularly.
The Reality: The Bottom Line
Mauritius is an attitude rather than only a location. A barefoot breakfast by the sea, an impromptu beach BBQ among strangers, the aroma of frying appetisers permeating side lanes. Rising in a four-poster bed in a villa on the hill, you finish your day dancing beneath stars.
Every hotel seemed to be a character in our narrative here.
We arrived for the beaches, stayed for the people, and departed with sun-kissed skin, full hearts, and perhaps a lifetime love of spicy cuisine.
Following that? We are bringing more hunger and less bags.