Holiday in Mauritius - North, East, South or West ?

The Oberoi Hotel in Mauritius

You are out of the office, and now you're staring at the map of Mauritius thinking: Which side do I go for my holiday in Mauritius? Because, yes, Mauritius is gorgeous everywhere — but each region has its own flavour. If I were you, I’d want to pick the spot that matches your holiday vibe, not just the postcard one. Let’s go on a little journey together and figure out: North, South, East or West — which will make your  Mauritian holiday unforgettable.

First Impressions: What Are You After?

Before we dive region by region, it helps to ask yourself a few quick questions:

• Do you want lots of things to do (restaurants, bars, shopping), or peace and solitude?

• Water calm for swimming/snorkelling, or dramatic surf and wild coast?

• Wildlife, hikes and nature, or spa, luxury and beach relaxation?

• Wind, weather, seasons — does winter or summer matter more to you?

With those in mind, let’s explore each cardinal side :

The North Coast of Mauritius.

The vibe: Lively, easy-going, very visitor-friendly. Think turquoise lagoons, sandy beaches, lots of restaurants, cafes, nightlife (not wild parties, but enough for a fun evening), shops, and good infrastructure.

Highlights:

• Beaches like Grand Baie, Péreybère, Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches ‒ beautiful white sand, calm water, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

• The charming red-roofed church in Cap Malheureux (lovely for photos).

• Plenty of wanderings beyond just the beach: town markets, coastal roads, even some light hiking inland.

Possible Drawbacks (depending on you):

• Can be busy in peak times. Beach crowds, more boats.

• Less dramatic geology — fewer wild cliffs. If you want dramatic landscapes, might be elsewhere.

Best match: If you are after a traditional Mauritius beach holiday with good food, comfort, things to do, and convenience (honestly, somewhere you feel relaxed and entertained), I’d probably pick the North.

The East Coast of Mauritius.

The vibe: Soft, turquoise lagoons. More wind (especially in certain seasons). More space. A mix of calm and activity. Less nightlife than the North, more nature.

Highlights:

• Great lagoon beaches: calm water for snorkelling, floating, gentle water sports. Spots like Blue Bay, Île aux Aigrettes, Belle Mare are excellent for marine life, relaxing days, maybe boat trips.

• Closer to the airport (depending on which part of the East), which can be a bonus for early arrival / late departure days.

Considerations:

• Because of wind, some days might be choppier; water clarity can vary.

• Because it’s quieter, if you want nightlife or lots of restaurants, you may feel you need to travel a little.

Best match: For me, if  you wanted a balance — good beach, calm water, nature, maybe some boat trips, but not too “resort only” — the East looks very promising.

The South Coast of Mauritius.

The vibe: Dramatic, rugged, more remote. Think cliff views, waterfalls, nature. Less about polished resorts, more about untamed beauty.

Highlights:

• The coastline in the South is dramatic — deep greens, cliffs, wild sea in places.

• National parks like Black River Gorges, nature trails, waterfalls. If you like hiking and authentic landscapes, this is gold.

• Less commercial hustle, more quiet spots for reflection, romance.

Potential downsides:

• Fewer large-luxury hotels; in some places, getting around might take more time.

• Swimming not always safe on wild stretches (currents, surf).

• Less nightlife or dining variety (though excellent, authentic food is possible).

Best match: If you were craving adventure, scenery, a bit of solitude, being close to nature and away from crowds, I'd pick the South.

The West Coast of Mauritius.

The vibe: Sunset-rich, stylish but laid-back. Mix of water sports, nice resorts, some rugged beauty, plus good sunsets.

Highlights:

• Beaches like Flic en Flac — long stretch, good sand, good underwater life, nice for families and groups. Surfers will like parts of the West; more dramatic water conditions. Dolphin-spotting often possible in the bay.

• Resorts with lovely luxury. Sunsets over the ocean are often more spectacular (on the west coast you catch the sun going down over sea).

Things to be aware of:

• The weather: the west can be “hot and dry,” which for some is perfect, for others maybe a bit too intense in heat. Sea conditions may be rougher in places; not all beaches are ideal for children or inexperienced swimmers.

Best match: If you cared about spectacular sunsets, a mix of comfort + nature, good beaches but with more activity (surf, snorkel, dining), then West would be my pick.

My Verdict: If I Were You…

If this was my holiday planning, with, say, 10 days, wanting a mix of relaxation, nature, a bit of adventure, good food, and some nights out (but nothing too flashy), I’d probably split time between North (for first few days) and West (for sunsets and a slower pace) — or go East if I wanted less moving around.

But if I had to pick one region only, I might choose the East or West for that balance.

Tips to Help Choose & Make the Most

• Season matters: Mauritius weather has patterns; winds, seasonality, etc. Check which coast is calmer in the period you’re travelling.

• Transport: If you plan to move around (day-trips, exploring), staying somewhere with good road access helps. Central locations or ones with easy connections are good bases.

• Accommodation type: A luxury resort, boutique guesthouse, eco-lodges, or self-catering all play into how “remote” or “comfortable” you want things.

• Mix it up if you can: If your time allows, maybe stay part in one region and part in another. It gives you contrast — calm lagoon one day, dramatic cliff coast the next.

• Local culture & food: Try street-food stalls, local markets — these are everywhere but sometimes more authentic (and cheaper) away from the most touristy spots.

Quick Comparison Table

Region	Best for	Less good for
North	Beaches, family-friendly, nightlife, variety	Quiet, rugged scenery, escape from tourists
East	Lagoon beaches, marine life, tranquillity, boat trips	Wild surf, nightlife (at least less than North), sometimes windy
South	Nature, hiking, dramatic landscapes, solitude	Swimming risk in some parts, travel time, fewer big resorts
West	Sunsets, water sports, good beaches + comfort	Heat, possibility of rough water, may be more crowded by locals/tourists at popular spots

Final Thoughts

In the end, there's no wrong side of Mauritius. Each region delivers something magical. It’s about matching your personal holiday style:

• Want calm, blue lagoons, snorkelling and mellow days? Go East or North.

• Crave sunsets, a bit of surf, beach bars? West is calling.

• Love hiking, dramatic cliffs, getting away from crowds? South is for you.

So pack your suitcase, bring your favourite sun cream, and get ready for that wow moment which ever coast you choose. Contact our Mauritius Expert advisors at www.mauritiustravel.co.uk for a free quote.