Lisa's Escape to Mauritius: A Month of Sun, Culture, and Discovery

I have travelled to Mauritius several times before, both on holiday and work trips to research the destination and hotels that we partner with. I had already fallen in love with the island, its pristine beaches, lush green mountains and five star luxury service but I wanted to dig a little deeper into the country to learn moreabout the rich culture, experiences and activities to do around the island and where the best spots are. Sometimes there's nothing better than to enjoy a stunning beach holiday, but if you can peal yourself away from the sun loungers and cocktails, I highly recommend a day or two to explore Mauritius in all its glory. So, I travelled to Mauritius with my family for a month (which I highly recommend) in the summer school holidays and this is what we got up to.

Buckle Up - Discover Mauritius by Car

Hiring a car should be on the top of your to do list when in Mauritius. It isn’t something I got the chance to do before, but this completely changed my view of the island. We hired ‘Tooty’, aptly named by the kids, from as little as £35 a day which we can arrange for guests. We drove all around the island and were lucky enough to see some stunning sites and stop off at little hidden spots that we would never have seen from an airport transfer or should we never have left the hotel.

Driving is a breeze in Mauritius, driving is on the left-hand side with most signs in English makes it easy for holiday makers to get out and about. Each drive took us on a new adventure—whether it was a swim at a secluded beach, a visit to a local food vendor, or a stop at a serene temple. You’ll pass through small remote villages that give you a glimpse of the island’s true soul, with breathtaking views of mountains and lush forests in the background.

You don’t need to have a car for the whole duration, just a couple of days is enough. Plus, we can arrange for the car to be delivered and collected to and from the hotel so guests don’t have to worry about collecting it from a car rental place. 

Hotel Hopping – Discover the islands Diversity

If you hire a car or not, I still recommend staying in two or three hotels when in Mauritius so you can stay in different regions around the island to fully take advantage of the differing landscapes from rugged coastlines and dramatic mountains to serene beaches and bustling markets. However, if you don’t have time or simply want to stay in one hotel, that is great and you can still visit the different areas in a day trip.

A visit to the mountains is always recommended, we love Lakaz Chamarel – a little boutique lodge nested within the stunning mountain surrounded by the Black River gorges. A very authentic experience for adults which is perfect for travellers who want to be surrounded by nature, enjoy sweeping ocean views with easy access to hiking and biking trails with waterfalls aplenty. 

From the mountains I would recommend pairing your stay with one or two beaches. 

The north coast is perfect for having a feel for local life of Mauritius. Head out to local beaches, dine out in local restaurants and sample traditional dishes from food trucks. I recommend a trip to Port Louis the capital of Mauritius (around a 25 minute drive from Grand Baie) with its bustling markets, Caudan waterfront with lovely shops and cafes. A street food tour by Taste Buddies is a must here.

The East coast offers a more luxurious escape with 5* hotels dotted along the beautiful beaches. Here, the pace is slower, and the emphasis is on enjoying the resort lifestyle. A day trip exploring the interior or a boat trip is highly recommended. Some of my favourite hotels on this side of the island are Shangri La Le Touessrok and LUX* Belle Mare.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the south and southwest regions. These areas are known for their wild beauty, with mountains and rugged coastal roads. Heritage Le Telfair is ideal for fitness enthusiasts with its two golf courses, nature reserve, and quad bike tours through breathtaking landscapes. If you're after iconic views, LUX* Le Morne or St. Regis Le Mourne Resort, will place you at the foot of the majestic Le Morne mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Boats

One of our highlights whilst exploring Mauritius was by boat. There are many different boat trips that you can do from anywhere around the island and its such a great way to see a different side to Mauritius and bring home some very special memories. 

• Aqua Soleil Speedboat Trip – The speedboat offers the opportunity to experience the best of these stunning waters: snorkelling in the marine park, a historical island visit with panoramic views of land and sea, the waterfalls of GRSE, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Ile aux Aigrettes. Stop in an unspoiled spot of Ile aux Cerfs and enjoy a lunch with grilled fish, lobster, and all this right on the sand.

• Catamaran East – The largest lagoon of the Island is located on the east coast, sail in all quietude in a turquoise sea along the coast the more rich in historical relics. Enjoy the afternoon sunbathing on the beach of Ile aux Cerfs.

Walking, Hiking, Waterfalls & Adventures

You may not realise it, but Mauritius is a haven for adventure lovers, boasting magical mountains, hikes and trails to explore. Many of these mountains have stunning waterfalls to discover which make for the most amazing adventures. There are so many to recommend but here a few of our favourites.

• Minissy Waterfall – Near Moka, this lesser-known gem is an easy hike, perfect for families. After a 30 minute hike, you’ll arrive at a gorgeous waterfall with crystal-clear water, ideal for a refreshing swim. The kids loved the rope swing—great for both fun and a photo opportunity!

• Le Morne Brabant – Probably one of the most iconic and challenging hikes, definitely not for the faint hearted but well worth the views at the top. We recommend you go with a guide so you can really take in their knowledge and expertise. Staying at LUX* Le Morne, gives you the added perk of arranging a private sunset dinner or a special engagement atop the mountain.

• Chamarel & Seven Coloured Earth Geo Park – Whether you’re an avid hiker or just in the mood for sightseeing, Chamarel has something for everyone. For hikers, the Piton du Canot trail offers breathtaking views. If you prefer to relax, visit the stunning Seven Coloured Earths, a geological wonder that’s perfect for a day trip. 

• Alexandra Falls – a stunning hike with huge waterfalls to marvel over – well worth a visit

• Black River Gorges – There are several short and longer hikes in this national park that extends across over 6,700 hectares. This park is home to over 300 species of native and endemic species of birds, flowers and plants and offers the most incredible scenery.

• Ebony Forest, Vallee de Colours and Lavilleon Adventure Park - These spots offer more than just hiking—enjoy canyoning, quad biking, and thrilling zip-lining adventures that are great for families.

• Gris Gris coastal Hike is a great way to explore a more rugged coast line of the south.

Local Life/ restaurants

Red Roof Church at Cap Malheureux

One of our favourite days was spent at this stunning little church just 10 minutes from Grand Baie, famous for its beautiful red roof and beach setting. Whilst its great to visit this most photographed church in Mauritius, we discovered there is so much more making it a truly memorable family day out. Kids can spend hours paddling through the rock pools hunting for crabs and little fish, there are locals selling beautiful handmade jewellery and a there is little tree swing to enjoy.

My favourite part was this rustic fish shack BBQ set up on the beach by some locals called Lazak Sandrine, where they catch and prepare the fish right on the beach in front of you. Pop your order in and by the time you have finished exploring and enjoying your surroundings you have the most amazing seafood dish with some yummy wine. Chairs and tables are set up in the shade under a huge Banyan Tree where the kids loved climbing in and swinging off the vines whilst making new friends. We enjoy a whole fresh Snapper, king prawns, garlic bread & fries for all four of us oh and a bottle of wine for only £75. To watch them de scale the fish, grill it and serve it all up as fresh as can be was pretty cool, we made some very special memories here. This unexpected stop turned into one of our most cherished family memories. It’s not a traditional sunbathing beach, but it’s perfect for a relaxed day spent exploring, eating, and soaking up local vibes.

Local Restaurants we loved 

Mauritius offers a vibrant food scene, blending flavours from Indian, Chinese, African, and European cuisines. Here are some of the best spots we experienced or have been recommended. Most of them are located in and around Grand Baie but I have highlighted some others that are worth visiting if you are in the area – They go even better with a nice Ti’ Punch!

Grand Baie and North:

• Le Poivrier – Tropical Gardens, Located next to LUX* Grand Baie. Dine outside in a garden setting surrounded by lush green plants. They have a delicious extensive French and Italian inspired menu along with refreshing cocktails and wines. Highly recommend this.

• Bloom – a trendy café style restaurant which is great for brunch and has a little play area for children. 

• The Beach House – a lovely beach front setting with an extensive menu and more laid back vibes and great for Sunday lunch. Also great for families.

• N’Joy – A trendy bar with local live music at the weekends serving cocktails and tapas. Next to La Cuvette beach, 

• Banana Beach Club – Tropical local vibes, live music and tasty food.

• The Cloud Rooftop Lounge Bar – Climb past Banyan Tree vines for cocktails and tapas style dining overlooking the beach. 

• The Red Church – BBQ on the beach for lunch – closed Sundays – one of the best meals we had.

• Domaine De Labourdonnais – An 1800s chateau that combines history, gastronomy, and nature.

• Beach food vendors – I recommend getting a Roti, freshly prepared and cooked and so cheap – a great way to experience local dishes. 

• Port Louis – Taste Buddies street food tour

• Rougaille Creole in Grand Baie

Chamarel and Inland:

• Chamarel Restaurant – this is in the most spectacular location, pop in for just a drink or dine off their a la carte menu – make sure you stop for a photo at their view point

• Escale Creole – A cosy, family-run restaurant offering home-cooked Mauritian dishes.

• Rhumerie de Chamarel Distillery – when in Mauritius you have to visit a Rum distillery with a behind the scenes tour of their iconic rum production.

South & East Coast:

• Ferney Falaise Rouge restaurant – Overlooking Grand Port Bay with a mountainous background with a farm to table concept

• Green Island Restaurant – Trou d’Eau Douce – a nice local restaurant popular for hotel guests

• Karay Mario – Known for its authentic Mauritian cuisine on the south east coast 

• Wapalapam – Le Morne – a fresh and tasty restaurant not far from LUX* Le Morne and JW Marriott.

• Bus Snack in Bel Ombre – a family run hidden gem famous for its take on Mauritian Noodles

Must try local dishes

Mauritius food is influenced by many cultures including Indian, Chinese, African and European and the best way to experience this is from a food truck. These are a must when in Mauritius and you can find these from many beaches. Here are some dishes to look out for 

• Dholl Puri – A flat bread made from yellow split peas rolled up with a filling of your choice but tends to be Chicken or vegetarian with chutney, pickles and spices, often served with curry (like a wrap but very tasty).

• Bol Renversé – an upside down rice bowl. A layered dish with rice, stir fry vegetables, meat, and a fried egg on top.

• Boulettes (Dumplings) – Steamed dumplings served in broth, filled with seafood, meat, or vegetables.

• Fried rice and noodles

• Biryani – a rice dish with spices influenced by Indian cuisine

Local beaches and bays

There are some stunning beaches that you may not even know exists unless you get a car and go exploring. We found gorgeous little bays that are well worth a visit, here are my top spots:

• Pereybere Beach – this has to be my favourite beach in Mauritius, we spent many a day here. Located just down the road from Grand Baie and a much better beach in my opinion. A small-ish cove with the softest sand and calm Turquoise waters making it perfect for children, with more of a local feel. There are water sports at the end of the beach and a restaurant behind. You can also buy some fresh coconuts and street food from the food trucks, perfecting for spending the whole day. Come on a Sunday evening at 5.30pm to watch the beautiful sunset and chill with the locals playing some tunes. 

• La Cuvette – this is a stunning little cove and well worth a visit on the way through. A beautiful spot closer to Grand Baie with beautiful views.

• Flic en Flac – The West coast is known for its long white sandy beaches. This is a good place to stop to break the journey half way when travelling from North to South of the island. A touristy spot with lots of little gift shops and restaurants around. A really long beach, perfect for long walks, exploring and having fun. I recommend taking reef shoes here as it can hurt your feet when getting in and out of the sea.  

• Le Morne – if you have time I recommend exploring Le Morne and its surrounds and definitely visiting the beach there. Enjoy breath taking views of Le Morne Mountain and go horse riding along the beach. The setting here is absolutely stunning.
  

• Mont Choisy – One of the longest beaches in the north and cyclable from Grand Baie. There are a few restaurants near by and with its soft white sand blue waters it is an idyllic setting for couples and families to explore. Walk through the thousands of large Casuarinas trees behind the beach, to find a football pitch and goal. 

I hope you enjoyed hearing about our adventures! If you'd like to speak with one of our travel experts, feel free to give us a call.