Indian Ocean

Mauritius holidays

Things to do

Best time to go

April to June and September to December are the most pleasant months to visit

Beaches

White-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise lagoons surround Mauritius

Perfect match

Combine your beach break with an incredible safari in South Africa or Kenya

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Indian Ocean

Mauritius

Mauritius trip? No trouble.

In the southern hemisphere, exotic Mauritius is anchored in the Indian Ocean, east of Southern Africa and Madagascar. It measures approximately 40 miles by 27 miles and, for holidaymakers, is just about as perfect a tropical island as you could wish for. As American writer Mark Twain famously said, “Mauritius was made first, and then Heaven. Heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

It’s true that Mauritius holidays serve up some of the best white-sand beaches in the world, a gorgeous protected reef, and a calm inner lagoon practically designed for snorkelling and diving. Go beyond the reef and you can even spot dolphins and whales. Mauritius has plenty to offer on its pristine coastline. Visitors flock here for romantic honeymoons, family beach breaks, spa time, golf trips and watersports adventures. But there’s so much to explore here, should you dig just a little deeper.

Beyond the beach, the island’s interior boasts incredibly lush national parks, where you can hike or go quad biking in search of waterfalls, mountains and stunning vistas. Other Mauritius attractions include colonial plantation houses, sugar museums and colorful Hindu temples. And you can visit rum distilleries, browse vibrant local markets, and see big cats and giant tortoises at the animal parks.

As the culture here is a true melting pot of Chinese, Indian, African and European, you can look forward to delicious and varied cuisine on your holiday to Mauritius, as well as a welcoming and liberal population. And, when it comes to choosing where to stay in Mauritius, you have plenty of options. This paradise island is well equipped with a vast range of four and five-star resorts – some among the best in the world – along with self-catering villas and apartments, and a growing number of more rustic eco options.

Fancy extending your trip with a Mauritius multi-centre holiday? Why not fly via Dubai and spend a few days exploring the City of Gold, or add on a safari adventure in South Africa or Kenya? Whatever you’re looking for, our experts will help you plan your dream getaway.

Things to do

Beaches

Hotels

Best time to go

Essential Info

Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is best known for its beach holidays and watersports, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving all popular activities. But there are plenty of things to do away from the coast.

Venture in land and you’ll find a whole host of attractions waiting to wow you. Visit wild spots like Le Morne Brabant and explore protected forests including Le Domaine deL’Etoile – the biggest private nature reserve in Mauritius – which teams with rich fauna and protected wild flora. Here, you can go quad biking, horse riding and hiking.

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Other must-see sights in Mauritius include the coloured earths at Chamarel, which have evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals.

One of the island’s best days out is the Casela Nature Park – an expansive zoo with African animals and zip-line adventures. Rum distilleries, sugar museums and the stunning Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden are some of the other draws, as well as lively Grand Baie on the north coast, home to vibrant restaurants, bars and shopping.

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Best beaches in Mauritius

Any holiday to Mauritius is bound to involve lots of beach time. This Indian Ocean gem is famous for its pearly white sands and turquoise seas. The best beaches in Mauritius tend to be on the east coast, but that’s not your only option. The north coast is peppered with sandy coves, while the west has blonde beaches and stunning sunsets. Surfers, meanwhile, will feel most at home in the south, where the waves are somewhat wilder.

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When you’re researching your Mauritius beach break, you’ll find that some names pop up time and time again. On the east coast, Belle Mare – literally meaning ‘beautiful sea’ – is one of the best beaches in Mauritius. The powdery sands are perfect for relaxing, and the water is lovely and calm thanks to the off-shore reef. Trou aux Biches in the north is incredibly tranquil, while Le Morne in the south is great for watersports. If you fancy a day trip, head to Ile aux Cerfs. Floating just off the east coast, this pint-sized island offers pristine beaches and fantastic snorkelling.

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Mauritius hotels

Whether you’re looking for a romantic adults-only resorts or an all-inclusive Mauritius holiday, there are some truly beautiful hotels on this island – and our experts will help you select the right one for you.

If you’re looking for colonial elegance, consider staying at The Residence Mauritius in the Belle Mare area. You can go for a dip in the pool overlooking the bright blue sea, or enjoy a relaxing treatment in the spa.

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Alternatively, take your pick from the trio of LUX* hotels that are dotted across the island. At LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Grand Gaube and LUX* Le Morne you can expect first-class service, plush rooms and decadent dining.

Or, escape to the northernmost pocket of Mauritius when you stay at Zilwa Attitude. Right on the soft sands of Anse la Raie, this beachfront hotel has a PADI-certified dive centre as well as a wide range of watersports.

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Best time to visit Mauritius

Mauritius has a tropical climate, so temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with some occasional rainfall. And, because it’s in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius’ seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. It’s also worth remembering that the northern and western parts of the island are warmer and drier than the eastern and southern regions.

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Generally speaking, the best time to go on holiday to Mauritius is between April and June or September and December, when the weather is pleasant and humidity is lower. But, if you’re really into scuba diving, consider visiting in the hot summer – November to April – when the lack of rain means underwater visibility is fantastic. In the winter months – May to October – the days are much cooler, and temperatures can drop as low as 20°C on the coast in August. It might not be sunbathing weather, but keen surfers should bear in mind that the surf season runs from June to August, when prevailing winds blow over the island from the east.

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Essential Information

Visa: Not required for holidays
Language: English is the official language, though French Creole is spoken across the island
Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Time Difference: GMT + 4 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight takes around 12 hours
Capital city: Port Louis

Show Less

Things to do

Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is best known for its beach holidays and watersports, with windsurfing, kitesurfing and scuba diving all popular activities. But there are plenty of things to do away from the coast.

Venture in land and you’ll find a whole host of attractions waiting to wow you. Visit wild spots like Le Morne Brabant and explore protected forests including Le Domaine deL’Etoile – the biggest private nature reserve in Mauritius – which teams with rich fauna and protected wild flora. Here, you can go quad biking, horse riding and hiking.

Show Less

Other must-see sights in Mauritius include the coloured earths at Chamarel, which have evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals.

One of the island’s best days out is the Casela Nature Park – an expansive zoo with African animals and zip-line adventures. Rum distilleries, sugar museums and the stunning Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden are some of the other draws, as well as lively Grand Baie on the north coast, home to vibrant restaurants, bars and shopping.

Show Less

Beaches

Best beaches in Mauritius

Any holiday to Mauritius is bound to involve lots of beach time. This Indian Ocean gem is famous for its pearly white sands and turquoise seas. The best beaches in Mauritius tend to be on the east coast, but that’s not your only option. The north coast is peppered with sandy coves, while the west has blonde beaches and stunning sunsets. Surfers, meanwhile, will feel most at home in the south, where the waves are somewhat wilder.

Show Less

When you’re researching your Mauritius beach break, you’ll find that some names pop up time and time again. On the east coast, Belle Mare – literally meaning ‘beautiful sea’ – is one of the best beaches in Mauritius. The powdery sands are perfect for relaxing, and the water is lovely and calm thanks to the off-shore reef. Trou aux Biches in the north is incredibly tranquil, while Le Morne in the south is great for watersports. If you fancy a day trip, head to Ile aux Cerfs. Floating just off the east coast, this pint-sized island offers pristine beaches and fantastic snorkelling.

Show Less

Hotels

Mauritius hotels

Whether you’re looking for a romantic adults-only resorts or an all-inclusive Mauritius holiday, there are some truly beautiful hotels on this island – and our experts will help you select the right one for you.

If you’re looking for colonial elegance, consider staying at The Residence Mauritius in the Belle Mare area. You can go for a dip in the pool overlooking the bright blue sea, or enjoy a relaxing treatment in the spa.

Show Less

Alternatively, take your pick from the trio of LUX* hotels that are dotted across the island. At LUX* Belle Mare, LUX* Grand Gaube and LUX* Le Morne you can expect first-class service, plush rooms and decadent dining.

Or, escape to the northernmost pocket of Mauritius when you stay at Zilwa Attitude. Right on the soft sands of Anse la Raie, this beachfront hotel has a PADI-certified dive centre as well as a wide range of watersports.

Show Less

Best time to go

Best time to visit Mauritius

Mauritius has a tropical climate, so temperatures remain warm throughout the year, with some occasional rainfall. And, because it’s in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius’ seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. It’s also worth remembering that the northern and western parts of the island are warmer and drier than the eastern and southern regions.

Show Less

Generally speaking, the best time to go on holiday to Mauritius is between April and June or September and December, when the weather is pleasant and humidity is lower. But, if you’re really into scuba diving, consider visiting in the hot summer – November to April – when the lack of rain means underwater visibility is fantastic. In the winter months – May to October – the days are much cooler, and temperatures can drop as low as 20°C on the coast in August. It might not be sunbathing weather, but keen surfers should bear in mind that the surf season runs from June to August, when prevailing winds blow over the island from the east.

Show Less

Essential Info

Essential Information

Visa: Not required for holidays
Language: English is the official language, though French Creole is spoken across the island
Currency: Mauritian Rupee
Time Difference: GMT + 4 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight takes around 12 hours
Capital city: Port Louis

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Itineraries

Hotels

How to do Mauritius

Want to explore this extraordinary island? Our experts can tailor your holiday to suit you.

Multi-centre

Family

City

Dubai & Mauritius

From £1729pp

10 nights half board including flights

Hold on to your shades, as this multi-centre holiday is about to knock them off. This incredible itinerary has something for the whole family to enjoy. And, if you’re looking for honeymoon ideas or romantic holidays, then this combination should be on your list.

Multi-centre

Beach

Culture

Abu Dhabi & Mauritius

From £1429pp

Includes return flights

The phrase ‘opposites attract’ has never been more apt for a multi - centre holiday to Abu Dhabi and Mauritius.

Multi-centre

Safari

Honeymoon

South Africa & Mauritius

From £3499pp

Flanked by the rugged, majestic Le Morne mountain on one side and miles of sandy beaches on the other, LUX* Le Morne is set on one of Mauritius’ most attractive lagoon-facing spots

Mauritius

Family

Beach

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort 4+

From £1549pp

7 nights all inclusive including direct Air Mauritius flights

Location is everything when choosing a hotel, and Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort is right on the money. You can unwind on the powdery white sands, and swim in the bath-warm sea. When you want to explore, Bel Ombre’s Heritage Nature Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is close by.

Mauritius

Golf

Active

Spa

Shangri-La's Le Touessrok 4.5

Call to book

On the east coast of Mauritius, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is a luxury paradise. You’ll have everything you could possibly wish, including access to your own private island, Ilot Mangénie.

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Le Morne

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Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, we've got the perfect holiday for you.

Trust

Travelbag is fully protected by ATOL and ABTA, so your booking is completely secure.

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Indian Ocean

Mauritius holidays

Best time to go

Beaches

Perfect match

Mauritius

Share

Mauritius trip? No trouble.

Things to do

Beaches

Hotels

Best time to go

Essential Info

Things to do in Mauritius

Best beaches in Mauritius

Mauritius hotels

Best time to visit Mauritius

Essential Information

Things to do

Things to do in Mauritius

Beaches

Best beaches in Mauritius

Hotels

Mauritius hotels

Best time to go

Best time to visit Mauritius

Essential Info

Essential Information

Itineraries

Hotels

How to do Mauritius

Multi-centre

Family

City

Dubai & Mauritius

From £1729pp

Multi-centre

Beach

Culture

Abu Dhabi & Mauritius

From £1429pp

Multi-centre

Safari

Honeymoon

South Africa & Mauritius

From £3499pp

Honeymoon

Family

Beach

Zilwa Attitude 4

From £1189pp

Mauritius

Luxury

Beach

Honeymoon

LUX* Grand Gaube 5

From £1919pp

Mauritius

Wellness

Luxury

Beach

LUX* Grand Baie 5

From £3659pp

Mauritius

All inclusive

Beach

Family

The Ravenala Attitude 4

From £1509pp

Luxury

Family

Beach

Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort 5

From £1869pp

Mauritius

Honeymoon

Luxury

Beach

LUX* Belle Mare 5

From £1699pp