Mauritius

Set inside a beautifully restored colonial mansion at Baie du Tombeau, this elegant restaurant transforms Mauritian dining into a true cultural celebration. The menu honours French Creole heritage with dishes like smoked marlin, octopus curry, and vanilla-infused crème brûlée made from local produce. Dining beneath high ceilings with ceiling fans and candlelight feels like stepping into another, more romantic era.

This beloved family-run seafood shack on the south-west coast is the kind of place locals guard like a personal treasure. Fresh grilled fish, lobster thermidor, and tangy Creole sauces arrive at simple wooden tables just metres from the lapping Indian Ocean. The portions are generous, the prices honest, and the warm welcome from Tino himself is worth the trip alone.

Perched high in the lush highlands of Chamarel village, this scenic restaurant rewards visitors with sweeping valley views and exceptional Mauritian cuisine. Start with a flight of locally distilled rums before moving on to slow-cooked venison or heart-of-palm salad bursting with garden freshness. The combination of cool mountain air, verdant surroundings, and skilled cooking creates an utterly unforgettable lunch.

Located inside the St. Géran hotel on the east coast, Grain of Salt is a sophisticated fine-dining experience led by a passionate team of creative chefs. The tasting menu weaves together Mediterranean technique with vibrant Mauritian spices, textures, and island-grown ingredients in surprising and delightful ways. A thoughtfully curated wine cellar and impeccable tableside service elevate the evening into something truly special.

Nestled along the pristine shores of Turtle Bay, this legendary resort wraps guests in open-air pavilions and private plunge pools. Lush tropical gardens lead directly to a calm, turquoise lagoon perfect for morning swims. The attentive butler service and candlelit beach dinners make every evening feel genuinely magical.

Sitting on one of the longest white-sand beaches on the east coast, LUX* Belle Mare blends barefoot luxury with vibrant island energy. Colourful hammocks, rooftop lounges, and a world-class spa create a playful yet indulgent atmosphere throughout the property. Rooms are bright and airy, with ocean-facing terraces that catch the softest trade-wind breezes.

Tucked into the wild, uncrowded south coast, Shanti Maurice offers a serene escape rooted in holistic wellness and Ayurvedic tradition. Spacious beachfront villas with private gardens open onto a sweeping stretch of golden sand rarely touched by crowds. The Nira Spa and farm-to-table cuisine give guests a deeply restorative and authentically local experience.

Perched on the northern tip of the island at Grand Gaube, this charming boutique hotel offers an intimate and genuinely friendly atmosphere. Guests enjoy two sandy beaches, kayaking through calm coastal waters, and spectacular sunsets over offshore islets. The cosy rooms, warm Mauritian hospitality, and excellent value make it a beloved return destination.

Covering nearly a quarter of the island's total landmass, this magnificent national park is Mauritius at its most wild and untamed. Hiking trails wind through dense native forest where the rare pink pigeon and echo parakeet call from the canopy overhead. The dramatic Black River Peak viewpoint rewards the climb with sweeping panoramas across green hills tumbling toward the turquoise coast.

Reached by a short boat ride from the east coast, this privately managed island paradise delivers powdery white sand and impossibly clear shallow lagoons. Water sports enthusiasts can zip across the waves on parasails and jet skis, while others simply sink into a sun lounger beneath swaying casuarina trees. Freshly grilled seafood platters served beachside make the day trip feel gloriously complete.

Founded in 1770 and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, this Pamplemousses treasure is an absolute joy to explore slowly on foot. Giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies float serenely in circular ponds while centuries-old talipot palms tower overhead in quiet, shaded avenues. A stroll here offers genuine insight into Mauritius's extraordinary botanical diversity and its fascinating colonial history.

This dramatic basalt peninsula rising from the south-west coast is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mauritius's most emotionally powerful landmarks. The mountain served as a refuge for escaped enslaved people in the 18th century, and its history gives every visit a profound and moving dimension beyond its striking beauty. The surrounding lagoon, known as the kite-surfing capital of the island, glitters brilliantly in the afternoon sun.