Mauritius
WOW - The most well kept, friendliest place we have visited, nothing is too much trouble, we stay in the Beachcomber Resorts, the staff turnover is basically none existent and the staff really care about their jobs and see it as a career and profession - Love the ethos over here. And it is not as expensive as you would think if you pick the right times of year!
Mauritius will take your idea of the perfect beach scene, bring it to life, and then elevate it beyond anything you could imagine. From the vibrant Grand Baie to the palm-lined shores of Trou aux Biches, or the breathtakingly white sands of Île aux Cerfs, the beaches here are truly among the best in the world. Whether you’re sailing or jet skiing at Belle Mare Plage, exploring the underwater marine park at Blue Bay, dolphin spotting at Tamarin, or snapping a selfie with the stunning Le Morne mountain as your backdrop, the possibilities are endless. The only downside? After experiencing Mauritius, your next coastal getaway might just seem a little... ordinary.
When to go
A holiday to Mauritius is likely the closest any of us will get to paradise. With its subtropical climate, Mauritius is the perfect destination year-round, with air temperatures never dropping below a pleasant 21°C and sea temperatures staying at least 23°C.
Located near the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius experiences just two seasons: summer and winter. The difference between the two is around 4.3°C, so it’s important to choose the right month depending on whether you’re after a sun-soaked beach holiday or a more active getaway.
Summer in Mauritius lasts from November to April. While the weather is wonderfully warm, this period is also more prone to rain, thunderstorms, and occasionally cyclones. Thankfully, cyclones are rare, and the rain tends to come in short bursts, unlike the long, dreary downpours we’re used to in the UK! Winter, on the other hand, is still very warm, just a bit cooler than summer, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and even horseback riding through crystal-clear waters.
We have always travelled to Mauritius in August, which is the Mauritian Winter and our summer, but we have been really lucky and not had bad weather at all!
What to do
Beach
The main draw for a holiday to Mauritius is, without a doubt, its stunning beaches – and who could blame you? The island is surrounded by some of the best beaches in the world, which is why we’re starting our journey here. Picture the breathtaking beauty of Île aux Cerfs, the rugged pebbled shores of Rivière des Galets, and everything in between. Whether you want to bask in complete tranquility or feel the wind in your hair under the warm Mauritian sun, there’s a beach for everyone. Don’t forget to take a deep breath and inhale the refreshing scent of the sea. Stay At Beachcomber Troux Au Biches for this!!
Visit the Carmel Caramel Grounds
Let’s head north into the heart of the island. No trip to Mauritius is complete without experiencing the Seven Coloured Earths. While you can’t walk on this remarkable geological formation, there’s plenty of space to view it from the sidelines – and what a sight it is! With its veined, lumpy surface, it almost resembles a miniature mountain range. Afterward, take a moment to pause and remind yourself that you’re still on planet Earth. Stay at Beachcomber Paradis Hotel and Golf Spa
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant anchors the southern tip of the island, yet it effortlessly combines a grounded presence with a free-spirited flair. The mountain seems to dance, twisting upwards towards the crystal-blue skies. Lush greenery clings to its slopes, but as the peak rises, the foliage gradually gives way to the mist below. From the summit, you’re treated to a patchwork of refreshing greens, yellows, and whites, but the true spectacle lies beyond. The azure sea stretches into the horizon, disappearing beneath the sparkling sun. This is a must-see on any trip to Mauritius. Top tip: Stay at Beachcomber Dinarobin for the ultimate experience.
Boat trips
There are so many boat trips to choose from, but our favourite was the one from the Beachcomber Shandrani Hotel, located on the stunning south-east coast, just 10 minutes from the airport. It’s an amazing spot for families! The boat took us to the Beau Champ Waterfalls, where you can feed the monkeys. The boat gets right up to the waterfall, perfect for photos, before heading back with a stop for some snorkelling. If you're feeling indulgent, you can also stop at Paradise Island for a delicious BBQ lobster, all washed down with plenty of local rum!
Snorkelling
Almost all resorts offer access to snorkelling and glass-bottom boats, where you can hop off and explore the water. But we absolutely love Beachcomber Shandrani because the reef is right off the beach – no need to go far! Plus, with three private beaches to choose from, you’re truly spoiled for choice!
Where to stay
As you can probably tell, we’re huge Beachcomber fans – their staff and service are absolutely incredible. Plus, they have some of the best spots on the island! I work closely with them, so get in touch, and let’s get your booking sorted! While I do work with other suppliers in Mauritius, Beachcomber is my top recommendation.
Food and Drink
Mauritian cuisine is among the most colourful and vibrant in the Indian Ocean, if not the world – no small feat! With the island’s rich colonial heritage, its food has been influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures throughout history. French cooking is still highly regarded by the Mauritian people, and simple yet delicious dishes like tuna salad paired with a good bottle of wine are popular among locals.
In the 19th century, after the abolition of slavery, Indian workers began migrating to the island, followed by Chinese settlers. This led to the introduction of curries, pakoras, and flatbreads as the Indian population grew, while rice became a staple in the Mauritian diet, largely thanks to Chinese influence.
Many of these dishes remain popular today, with everything from samosas to the distinctive Roti Chaud – an Indian flatbread stuffed with a rich butter bean curry – seasoned to perfection. Freshness is key in Mauritian cooking, and with the island’s year-round glorious weather, there’s a distinctly "sun-ripened" quality to the indigenous herbs, spices, and ingredients that local chefs have at their disposal. For even the fussiest eaters, Mauritius offers a world of culinary surprises and variety; for the seasoned foodie, it’s nothing short of gastronomic heaven.
The hotels really endorse the culture, but also offer Englisg beige dishes and imported wines and spirits for us fussy Brits!
Overall, we would give Mauritius a 10/10.