Where to Stay in Mauritius
Choosing where to stay in Mauritius isn’t as simple as picking a beach resort. Each coast has its own rhythm - from the lively north to the untamed south. This local’s guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Mauritius and what makes each one special.
This is part of my “Mauritius Unlocked” series – a local’s guide to staying, doing, and eating on the island I call home.
When friends find out I’m Mauritian, the first question is always: “Where should I stay?”
It’s not as simple as picking a beach resort. Mauritius may be small, but each coast has its own personality – calm in the north, wild in the south, luxurious in the east, sociable in the west. Where you stay shapes your whole trip.
Here’s how I help people choose their corner of paradise.
The North
Best for: Families, convenience, beaches.
Lively but not chaotic, the north is full of easy comfort – calm lagoons, lively markets, and plenty of hotels from relaxed to refined.
- Why stay: Close to everything – beaches, attractions, and the charming bustle of Grand Baie.
- Watch for: It can be busier and a little more developed, so if you’re looking for total seclusion, you might find it “touristy.” Unless you stay put in your all-inclusive bubble to be fair, no judgment.
- My pick: Zilwa Attitude. It’s designed to feel like “Mauritius in a hotel,” with Creole touches and even street-food stalls inside the resort. A great choice if you want to experience Mauritius in a nutshell, literally. It suits my family perfectly (we've stayed there twice!) – but if you’re travelling as a couple, you’ll also find other stunning high-end resorts just along the coast.
The East
Best for: Peace, privacy, and resort-style living.
The east is home to some of Mauritius’ most beautiful hotels, often tucked away on stretches of quiet coastline.
- Why stay here: Perfect for switching off, indulging in luxury, and enjoying hotel facilities to the fullest. It's also the perfect location for hopping onto a Catamaran trip to Ile aux Cerfs and see the waterfalls on Grand River South East.
- Things to know: There’s less happening around locally. You’ll need to drive for nightlife, restaurants, or markets.
- Insider tip: Because Mauritius is so small, you can base yourself here and still explore – everything’s within a couple of hours’ drive.
The West
Best for: Nightlife, food, and sunsets.
The west has a fun, social energy. It’s where people go for a good night out, to catch dolphins at sea, or to watch the sun set in a blaze of orange.
- Why stay here: Perfect if you want to balance beach days with nightlife. Great restaurants, bars, and catamaran trips launch from this coast. There are some great Airbnbs in this area, making for an affordable and still convenient alternative to the all-inclusive lifestyle at the beach resorts.
- Things to know: It’s busier and a little more commercial. Beaches are beautiful, but some areas are crowded - usually because there's a party going on. There are some good restaurants along the main Coastal Road, but still, my favourite spot remains the beach street food stalls like Gloria for some glorious (indeed) fried noodles or mine bouilli.
The South
Best for: Raw beauty and wild landscapes.
The south is dramatic, unspoilt, and less touched by tourism. If you crave nature, this is where Mauritius feels most unfiltered – cliffs, forests, waterfalls.
- Why stay here: Perfect if you’re drawn to untamed landscapes and fewer crowds.
- Things to know: Swimming in the sea isn’t too safe here (no coral reef, strong currents). Hotels are more remote, so it’s less about convenience and more about escape.
- My suggestion: Even if you don’t stay, make time for a day trip. Le Morne Brabant, the Black River Gorges National Park and La Falaise Rouge (a stunning cliffside restaurant) are worth the journey.
The Centre and the Capital
Best for: Culture, history and everyday Mauritian life.
Port Louis and the central plateau are Mauritius at work. You'll find the island’s beating heart – not many sandy beaches as such, but plenty of history, markets, and local colour.
- Why stay here: You’ll experience Mauritius beyond the resorts. The hustle and bustle of the city, the ecclectic mix of cultures, the food. A little further in-land you'll find some great hiking spots too.
- Things to know: It’s about immersion in day-to-day life, not sun loungers. That said, my personal favourite if you do want to stay relatively close to the capital is The Westin Turtle Bay, a stunning 5-star family resort with a whole range of entertainment and cuisines, offered with heart warming hospitality. My favourite thing about this hotel is the fact that it operates a marine conservation programme around the resort, meaning the sea life around the hotel is very vibrant – if you wake up early, when the tide is low, it's easy to spot colourful fish, starfish, crabs, eels etc. Great for snorkelling. You can spot dolphins in the lagoon in the afternoon, too.
- Highlights: Port Louis Market, the House of Digital Art, and Aapravasi Ghat (a UNESCO site telling the story of indentured labour).
Each Coast Offers a Different Rhythm
Ask yourself what you need – energy, calm, or space – and you’ll find the side of Mauritius that matches.
Wherever you stay, you’re never far from the rest of the island, anyway.
If you’re curious about what to do once you’ve chosen your base, I’ve shared my guide to the best experiences in What to Do in Mauritius. Granted, this is a side-step from my usual Happy Bellies guide, but in building up to Eating Your Way Around Mauritius, I felt it was important to take some time to set the scene.
About me...I'm Lorna Rose and, by day, I work in the tech industry, but in my heart of hearts, I've always been fascinated by the story that food tells. The magic of a well-cooked meal, the way a simple dish can bring people together, spark conversation, and create lasting memories. On Happy Bellies, I set out to explore and find hidden gems, so that I can indulge in telling stories around food that will make you want to go out and create your own foodie adventures.
Keep reading:
Lorna Rose
Lorna Rose
