The best hotels in Mauritius: ten places to stay, from Belle Mare to Le Morne

Suites on stilts over the lagoon

Constance Prince Maurice sits on its own headland north of Belle Mare, between two beaches and a mangrove nature reserve. Some suites stand on stilts over the water, and the Barachois restaurant floats on the lagoon among the mangroves.

This is our pick for romance, for couples who want a quiet stay and good food. There are few rooms and the mood is calm. Book dinner at Barachois one evening and ask for a table on one of the floating decks.

The classic on the peninsula

Le Saint Géran opened in the 1970s and sits on a narrow peninsula with the lagoon on one side and open sea on the other. It has a long beach, a big spa, tennis courts and several restaurants, and many guests come back year after year.

It suits you if you want the classic luxury resort with full service. Prices are high, including food and drinks. Walk the beach out to the tip of the peninsula early in the morning.

A big beach and plenty to do

LUX* Belle Mare is on one of the longest beaches on the island, with a large pool among the palms and several restaurants. There is a kids' club, activities all day and a spa, and the rooms are in low buildings facing the sea.

This is our family pick, because there is room for everyone and lots for children to do. It is a large hotel with many guests. Ask for a ground-floor room facing the beach if you have small children.

A private island for guests

Shangri-La Le Touessrok is at Trou d'Eau Douce, partly on a small island linked by a bridge. Guests can take a boat to Ilot Mangénie, a private island with a beach and restaurant, and to Île aux Cerfs, which has a golf course.

It suits you if you want boat trips and a choice of beaches every day. The hotel is large, and some rooms are a walk from the beach. Take the early boat to Ilot Mangénie before it gets hot.

A small adults-only hotel

SALT of Palmar is a small adults-only hotel right on the beach at Palmar. It has simple, colourful interiors, a rooftop terrace over the lagoon and a kitchen that buys from local farmers and fishermen.

It suits couples and friends who want somewhere small and informal, and who like to see the island beyond the hotel. There are fewer facilities than at the big resorts. Join one of the trips the hotel runs with local guides.

Villas and sunsets at Turtle Bay

The Oberoi is on Turtle Bay, a sheltered bay in the north-west with a marine park just offshore. Many villas have their own pool and walled garden, and the beach faces the sunset.

This is our pick for sunsets, and for couples who want quiet and excellent service. It is a peaceful hotel with little entertainment at night. Take snorkelling gear out into the bay in the morning, when the water is clearest.

Two beaches on a peninsula

LUX* Grand Gaube sits on a peninsula at the very north of Mauritius, with two small beaches and views of the islands offshore. The hotel is colourful and modern, with several restaurants, a rum bar and a large spa.

It suits you if you want a lively hotel with good food and plenty going on in the evening. The beaches are smaller than on the east coast. Take a boat trip to the islands offshore, such as Coin de Mire, to snorkel.

All suites below Le Morne

Dinarobin is on the Le Morne peninsula, right below the mountain, and has only suites. The beach is long and white, and guests can use the restaurants and golf course at its neighbour Paradis, which belongs to the same group.

It suits you if you want space, a quiet beach and mountain views. This side of the island can be windy in winter. Hike Le Morne with a guide early in the morning, before it gets too hot.

Colonial style and golf in Bel Ombre

Heritage Le Telfair is in Bel Ombre on the south coast, in buildings inspired by old plantation houses, with a river running through the gardens. It has a spa, several restaurants and its own golf course in the hills behind.

This is our golf pick, and it also suits families who want space and nature around them. The sea has bigger waves than on the east coast. Visit the Frédérica nature reserve in Bel Ombre, with quad bikes, jeeps and waterfalls.

Wellness and calm on the south coast

Shanti Maurice is on the south coast, far from the busy resort areas, with villas in a large garden leading down to the beach. The spa is big, and the hotel offers yoga, meditation and wellness programmes you can book for several days.

This is our pick for peace and quiet, for anyone who wants to rest and focus on their health. Restaurants and shops are a long way off. Book a spa treatment early in your stay so you have time for more.