Mauritius holidays

Mauritius’ 330‑mile-long coastline offers something different at every turn. The west coast is the island’s calm, golden side, famous for beautiful sunsets and the long sweep of Flic en Flac, which is home to some of the best hotels on the west coast of Mauritius. Over on the east coast, the steady ocean breeze shapes the character of Belle Mare, where waves roll in with a little more energy. Head north for the lively buzz of Grand Baie, packed with restaurants and beach life, or south for a bit more drama, with Le Morne mountain rising above untamed shores.

Mont Choisy Beach, about 20 minutes’ drive from Grand Gaube, is Mauritius’ longest and most inviting stretch of sand. Its shallow waters make it ideal for safe swimming, especially for families with young children. Casuarina trees line the shore, offering shade where food vendors set up their stalls. Weekends bring a lively, relaxed atmosphere as locals gather for family picnics and long afternoons by the lagoon.

Just 25 minutes from Belle Mare, Roches Noires is one of Mauritius’ most secluded beaches, known for its untouched sands and quiet spots. The rugged scenery is shaped by powerful, rolling waves that crash dramatically along the shore, giving the beach its wild, unpolished character. An invigorating east coast breeze sweeps through the area, adding to the sense of remoteness and natural beauty that makes Roches Noires a perfect escape for those seeking solitude.

Convenience stores have never really taken off in Mauritius, so most locals shop at lively markets filled with colour and character. In Port Louis, the Central Market and the open‑air stalls along the Le Caudan waterfront overflow with spices, handmade crafts and bargain souvenirs sold by friendly local street vendors. Over on the east coast, Flacq Market is another favourite, especially for fresh produce and vibrant textiles. For even more choice, St Jean Road in Quatre Bornes comes alive on Sundays and Thursdays, offering everything from sarongs and scarves to locally made goods that showcase the island’s creative flair.

Arts and crafts are a way of life in Mauritius, with many local artisans preserving traditional skills. In Mahebourg, 40 minutes’ drive from Belle Mare, papier‑mâché workshops offer handmade souvenirs, while Plaine‑Magnien’s basketry studios showcase intricate weaving. Plus, Mahebourg’s Biscuiterie Rault still produces cassava cookies using age‑old methods. Across the island, creativity thrives. The Glass Gallery in Phoenix transforms recycled glass into art, Curepipe is renowned for its detailed model ships, and Chamarel’s rum distilleries pair nicely with a visit to a plantation to sample Mauritian tea.

In Floréal, half an hour from Flic en Flac, jewellery takes centre stage, with local workshops and a diamond museum near Bethaud Avenue. For more sparkle, Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie offers additional jewellery boutiques alongside stylish finds. You’ll find branded clothing at Bagatelle Mall, near Port Louis, where international labels fill the racks. Down on the waterfront, Le Caudan Waterfront blends duty‑free shopping with artisan stalls, making it a great place to pick up quality goods at appealing prices.

Evenings in Mauritius drift by in a warm, easy rhythm, especially around the island’s resorts, where entertainment is part of the package. Many hotels host live bands and traditional Mauritian Sega shows, adding a touch of island culture to the night. As the sun sets, gather for cocktails by the pool or at relaxed beach bars that lean into those luxury holiday vibes. With All Inclusive drinks flowing and soft music in the background, the atmosphere stays unhurried and sociable, perfect for winding down after a day in the sun.

Grand Baie, just 20 minutes from Grand Gaube, is the heart of Mauritius’ nightlife, with Royal Road packed full of buzzing bars and clubs. Late‑night venues keep the energy high, and some multi‑storey spots stay open until 5am. One of the area’s best‑known hangouts is Banana Beach Club, a long‑standing favourite for cocktails, music and a lively crowd. For an unforgettable night out, hop over to Ile‑aux‑Cerfs from Belle Mare for the monthly full‑moon party, where dancing under the stars takes the island’s party scene to another level.

A prime example of Creole cuisine and offerings lots of dining variety, the stew dish rougaille comes in almost as many forms as Heinz soup. You can cook it with prawns, beef, dorado, sausages or paneer cheese. Many chefs are faithful to the Creole sauce recipe, which calls for onions, chillies, coriander, thyme and tomatoes, which are known as the apples of love in Mauritius.

Cari poule, Mauritius’ take on chicken curry, is a fragrant dish built on a blend of Tamil spices and fresh herbs. The tomato‑based sauce typically features ginger, curry leaves, cloves and cardamom, with some cooks adding cinnamon or coriander for extra depth. Potatoes often simmer alongside the chicken, soaking up the rich flavours.

Dholl puri – a classic Mauritian street food – is one of the island’s favourite cheap eats, found everywhere from beachside vendors to busy Port Louis market stalls. The soft, quilted flatbread is spread with a savoury mix of yellow split peas, lightly spiced and deeply comforting. Its flavours reflect strong Indian influence, with gentle curry notes that make it both simple and satisfying. Once filled, it’s rolled into a warm, handheld wrap – quick, tasty, and perfect for eating on the go.

Mauritian beach vendors are famous for serving some of the island’s most refreshing snacks, especially freshly carved Victoria pineapples. These small, sweet pineapples are sliced to order, their bright yellow flesh bursting with flavour. To finish, vendors sprinkle the fruit with a pinch of chilli salt, adding a tangy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Alouda is Mauritius’ beloved milk drink – a chilled, creamy blend often found at Port Louis market. This refreshing drink mixes milk and water with sweet basil seeds, which swell into jelly‑like pearls, adding texture and a cooling feel. Vanilla essence and almond flavour give it its signature sweetness, and some beach bars even add ice‑cream to make it extra thick. It’s simple, soothing and one of the island’s most iconic ways to cool down.