Grand Gaube Holidays

Grand Gaube is a tiny fishing village, slumbering close to Mauritius’ northernmost tip, and the last bastion before the coastline gets truly wild. It throws up rocky headlands and cloak-and-dagger bays. Inland, cane fields meet with a great sea of open countryside. It’s a natural beauty, barely touched – save for a smattering of hotels cosying up to pockets of white sand. And it’s in no hurry to develop, either.

In the main, the hotels have hooked themselves up to the neighbourhood’s sand-filled coves. Local families tend to migrate to the public beach at weekends. There’s a bit of sand, a playground, and a few snack food stands – and little else. But that’s the beauty of this place. It’s a breath of fresh air.

The north coast’s turquoise lagoon is five minutes’ drive from Grand Gaube. And it's the place to come for sailing and windsurfing, or heading out on glass-bottom boat trips. A 10-minute drive north, Cap Malheureux is a sweet fishing village with a stunning beach, backdropped by a thick crop of trees. The most famous – and most photographed – landmark here is the red-roofed chapel. No matter where you are, though, you’re guaranteed great views of the Indian Ocean and a group of islets, dotted like meringues on the water.

Just as gentleness is the byword for Grand Gaube, Grand Baie has gregarious as its middle name. It’s a 25-minute drive west, and the hub for all things retail, with duty-free shops and loads of boutiques. As for entertainment, this place is the life and soul of the north, with excellent restaurants and more clubs than there are days of the week.