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Which region of Mauritius to choose?

Written on : 05 April 2019

The entire island of Mauritius hosts immaculate beaches with azure waters, however the different regions in each compass direction do have their different defining qualities. There are some areas that are more developed for tourism, which may appeal to those who want an array of restaurants, bars and activities to choose from throughout their stay, or others that feel much more wild for those who want to feel as though they are on a desert island. Of course, Mauritius is a relatively small island at approximately 45km in width and 65km in length, so wherever you decide to stay it is easy to do day trips to other beautiful places of interest. Here we expand on the unique qualities of each of Mauritius’s regions, so that you can decide which is best to have as your base for your blissful getaway.

The North of Mauritius: the most developed

The North of Mauritius: the most developed

The North of the island is the most built up, with a wide array of places to go for food or drinks, many shopping boutiques, as well as a lively nightlife. Once a quiet fishing village, Grand Baie is now a bustling tourist hub. You can arrange boat trips to the small northern islands, or enjoy the wide range of watersports on its splendid beaches. Alternatively, discover the exotic species of flowers and plants in the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden for a tranquil family activity, or, to explore more of the country’s culture and history, admire the immaculate design of the Red Roof Chapel of Cap Malheureux or visit the largest Hindu temple in the village of Triolet. For those who enjoy the colourful chaos of a traditional market, the Goodlands market is unmissable on a Tuesday and Friday, with many vibrant fabrics and delicious fresh produce on sale.

Trou aux Biches is one of the favourite beaches of the region, with casuarina trees lining the fine white sand, and a reef an easy 250 metre swim from the beach for avid snorkelers to explore. Another spectacular northern beach is that of Mont Choisy, which is one of the longest stretches of sand on the whole island. Divers will also relish in the convenience of all the nearby dive sites, as this region provides the widest range.

The capital of Port Louis is also in the North, which has an eclectic mix of sites and activities, from the weekend live music at the Keg & Marlin, to the themed Le Caudan Waterfront Casino with a pirate ship entrance, as well as many restaurant options offering superb local and international cuisines.

It is worth noting that if you are visiting the island between the months of June and October, it is the North and the West of Mauritius that may be the most favourable, as they escape the trade winds of the East and South at this time of year.

The East of Mauritius: peaceful paradise beaches

The East of Mauritius: peaceful paradise beaches

The East is less crowded than the North, which will please many who would rather a quiet beach escape. Though there are fewer options in terms of organised activities and nightlife, the wealth of natural beauty will satisfy anyone who is content just to relax and enjoy the sights. The beach of Belle Mare is particularly stunning, located in the Flacq district. The waters are crystal clear and invitingly calm due to the protective coral reef, and the shallow depth is perfect for young children to wade or swim in safely. Definitely pack your snorkel and mask and hover above the incredible underwater landscape! The beach stretches for several kilometres, however the more northerly parts tend to have a more rocky seabed than the south, which is where the greatest variety of aquatic life can be viewed.

If you stay in this region you will also be in the best place to travel to the paradisiacal Ile aux Cerfs, or Deer Island. Upon seeing the natural splendour of this island, you will understand why many consider this to be the site of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Many of these are formed around peaceful turquoise lagoons, where you can spend an entire day alternating between swimming, floating and sunbathing. Or, if you are more active, there are many watersports on offer such as water skiing, or testing your balance on a banana boat, and there’s even an 18-hole golf course on the island.

Poste Lafayette is another place that has resisted mass tourism, and is a wild region of unspoilt nature. This may not be as suitable a destination for families, due to the higher winds and large waves of the beaches here, however it is still somewhere that is worth visiting to admire the volcanic rocks and mangroves.

The West of Mauritius: the inviting lagoons of Flic en Flac

The West of Mauritius: the inviting lagoons of Flic en Flac

The immediate and obvious benefit of staying on the West is that you will have night after night of breathtaking sunsets played out before your eyes! Flic en Flac is the second largest tourist area on the island, though that does not mean that the former small village has lost any of its charm. There are exquisite blue lagoons with safe and calm waters, again protected by a reef, with lots of options of watersports, then with the added convenience of a wide variety of restaurants and shops a short distance from the shore.

Scuba divers have some of the most interesting dive sites here, such as Rempart Serpent, or Snake Reef, which has incredible coral and rock formations that have the appearance of snakes emerging from the sandy bed. Nature lovers will also delight in the dolphins that visit this bay in the morning! Thrill-seekers can then jump on a jet ski or try out parasailing, among many other watersports. In contrast, unwind at a spa and choose from a variety of soothing massages, from Hot stone to Ayurvedic.

If you are visiting between June and September, the South East trade winds of Mauritius’s winter are also escaped here!

The South East of Mauritius: unspoilt and authentic

The South East of Mauritius: unspoilt and authentic

However, the South East is a place of impeccable beauty and authenticity. This is the least developed region of the island, which to some means even more fascinating, as you will find a raw and unfiltered Mauritius. The small and laid-back town of Mahebourg hosts a charming array of food markets and street food stalls, where you must try the delicious local fare.

In terms of beaches, the South East of Mauritius is yet another place with waters of spectacular hues of blue, with some of the best snorkelling being found in Blue Bay. A rich diversity of coral can be found here, such as mushroom and fuchsia coral. Windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing are also on offer, so there’s still a lot to keep you occupied when on this side of the island!

Pointe d’Esny is quieter than Blue Bay, which is partly owing to its discreet and hidden location. There are absolutely no facilities here, which means that the 1 kilometre stretch of white sand and clear water are completely unspoilt. To find this secret paradise beach, you will have to take a path between two private properties that is approximately 150 metres long and 2 metres wide. Making the effort to find it is worth it, you may have the entire beach and calm shallow waters to yourself!

The South West of Mauritius: the most spectacular nature

The South West of Mauritius: the most spectacular nature

For those who have come to Mauritius for the unique geographical features and the particular beauty of its natural landscapes, staying in or near the South West is for you. Among the greatest treasures of this area is the Black River Gorges National Park, the largest and most exciting on the island, consisting of rolling hills of dense forest. There are hundreds of species of flowering plants to admire, and many endemic species of bird that make this park their home, as well as macaques, wild boar and deer that have been introduced to Mauritius. Hiking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the variety of trails through splendid nature, with options for all levels of fitness.

Additionally, Le Morne hosts a fascinating combination of historical and cultural elements alongside its breathtaking scenery, where the great rock formation of Le Morne Brabant is the imposing highlight. It is an iconic symbol for the people of Mauritius, signifying the abolition of slavery and the incredible fight for freedom that preceded it. This was due to the fact that the vast majority of marooned slaves were hiding in the Le Morne area.

The beach here is also magnificent, with winds that provide perfect conditions for surfing and kiteboarding, as well as an abundant marine life for snorkelers and divers to investigate.