Mauritius Travel Guide: Beach Resorts & Safari Add-Ons

Mauritius combines classic Indian Ocean beaches with real depth: a volcanic interior of gorges and waterfalls, a multicultural mix of Indian, African, Chinese and French influences, and excellent food. The island is almost entirely ringed by coral reef, which creates calm, swimmable lagoons.

Its resort scene is among the most refined anywhere, with long-established properties such as One&Only Le Saint Géran and The Oberoi. Ask Gigi which resorts offer Virtuoso amenities, which typically include daily breakfast, a resort credit and an upgrade when available.

Each coast has a different character, and the trade winds make some coasts breezier in the southern winter.

Hike or tour Black River Gorges National Park, visit the Seven Coloured Earths and waterfall at Chamarel, and see the giant water lilies at the botanical garden in Pamplemousses. Port Louis offers lively markets and the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat, which tells the story of indentured laborers.

On the water, choose from catamaran days, snorkeling, diving and deep-sea fishing, or take a helicopter or seaplane flight over Le Morne’s famous ‘underwater waterfall’ illusion. Golfers have several championship courses to choose from.

Mauritius is warm year-round. Summer, from November to April, is hot and humid, with the main cyclone risk from about January to March. Winter, from May to October, is cooler, drier and breezier, especially on the east and south coasts. The sweet spots are April–June and September–December, when the weather is settled.

Mauritius is about four hours by air from Johannesburg, so it is a natural finale after the Sabi Sand, Botswana or Victoria Falls. Many honeymooners do exactly this: safari first, then a week on the lagoon. It is also reachable via Dubai, which makes a Dubai stopover easy. Our honeymoon planning timeline helps with timing.