The tropical island paradise of Mauritius – known as ‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ – is an exceptional location for celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, Mauritius lies east of Madagascar and just south of the equator, and offers a selection of seemingly endless tropical white beaches that are just perfect for enjoying the warm sea and soaking up the sun with your partner.
Author Mark Twain was quoted as saying: “Mauritius was made first, then heaven was copied from it.”
Mauritius consists of four main islands and 22 largely uninhabited islands.
Mauritius offers several gorgeous secluded beaches that are just perfect for couples celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
While all beaches in Mauritius are public they often lack public facilities. Some of the most stunning beaches lie infront of 5-star resorts and can often be difficult to access without being a guest.
Mauritius’ best public beaches, include…
Encircled with gorgeous, palm-fringed, sugar-white beaches, as well as clear turquoise waters and in-shore reefs that teem with colourful tropical fish, the small island of Ile aux Cerfs (Deer Island) is one of the most beautiful beach locations in Mauritius.
Located just a short boat ride away from the small fishing village of Trou d'eau Douce off the east coast of Mauritius, this pearl of an island offers full service facilities including a restaurant, bar and shops housed in pretty thatched-roof kiosks.
Swim, snorkel or enjoy one of several water sport activities, such as parasailing, kite surfing and windsurfing.
Discover waterfalls on a walk through dense forest or tee off from the 18-hole championship golf course. Later, relax with a ‘cold one’ at a local beachside restaurant or at the exclusive 5-star Touessrok Hotel.
Read more about Ile Aux Cerfs…
Fringed with casuarina trees and coconut palms, Trou aux Biches (left) offers a gorgeous powder-white beach approximately 2km long that curves around the bay to Mont Choisy on the northwest coast of Mauritius.
This is a great family beach renowned for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and diving. Various facilities lie just behind the beach.
Located off the east coast of Mauritius, 'Sweet water hole' is home to a kilometre-long beachfront, a small fishing village and several luxury resorts, including the exclusive Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa.
Trou d'eau Douce is a popular jumping off point to the massively popular islands of Île aux Cerfs.
Discover a gorgeous, unspoilt and generally uncrowded palm-fringed powder-white beach that stretches for 10km along Mauritius’ east coast.
The beach fronts a deep lagoon ideal for swimming and various watersports. There is an 18-hole golf course nearby.
Come for a day and relax on the beach or stay longer and be pampered at the beachfront Constance Belle Mare Plage (photo).
Another great swimming spot, located not far from Mahébourg on the east coast, Blue Bay offers a fine stretch of gently shelving white beach framed with casuarina trees and surrounded by deep water for swimming, snorkelling and diving nearby reefs.
Blue Bay is also popular for sailing and windsurfing. Facilities include restrooms and showers, as well as snack stands. And the beachfront 5-star Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa offers something for everyone.
Located 20km from Port Louis on the northwest coast, Grand Baie is a popular tourist centre with watersports such as yachting, water skiing and windsurfing, as well as a thriving nightlife.
The region is fringed with numerous white-sand beaches including Merville beach (photo), home to the Merville Beach – Grande Baie Hotel.
The best public beach is La Cuvette, a long beach fronting clear water located on the bay’s north side.
Read more about Grand Baie…
Stroll one of the island’s longest public beaches, a crescent of around 3km of white sand that sweeps around a small turquoise-coloured bay.
The beach, which offers good snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing, is within walking distance of both Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches.
Located on the north coast in a pretty palm-fringed cove, midway on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, the deep, clear water here makes it one of the finest swimming and snorkelling beaches on Mauritius.
This popular long stretch of powder-white sand fringed with casuarina trees offers calm, shallow, reef-protected water perfect for swimming and diving.
A variety of small hotels, shops, bars and restaurants nearby provide a variety of services. Flic-en Flac is located the west coast of Mauritius.
Should you tire of lazing around the pool or sunbathing on the beach, there’s an almost endless range of activities to choose from and sights to visit.
Explore Black River Gorges National Park on a walking tour, visit the Seven Coloured Earths (Terres des Sept Couleurs) in the Chamarel Plain and try to count the more than 300 species of plants and nine species of bird that are unique to Mauritius.
Hike to the summit of Montagne du Lion at Grand Port for great views, cool off with a swim at Tamarind Falls (photo), go water skiing or parasailing on Ile aux Cerfs, snorkel the coral reefs or dive deep to spot black-tip reef sharks off Ile Pate.
Hook a blue marlin on a game fishing charter, try on a diving helmet with piped air and walk underwater at Belle Mare. Cruise around Grand Baie in a submarine and remember to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the sugar estate at Domaine les Pailles.
More information on things to do in Mauritius…
Must-see attractions in Mauritius, include the following…
Explore the largest nature reserve in Mauritius, a spectacularly wild expanse of thick forest and home to more than 300 species of flowering plants.
Walk through the dense forest and try to spot the famous pink pigeon, one of nine species of bird unique to Mauritius.
Also look out for the Mauritius kestrel, the green echo parakeet and the Mauritius cuckoo shrike.
Read more about the Black River Gorges National Park…
Go rock climbing and quad biking or stroll past Java deer, wild boar and giant fruit bats.
Watch native birds flit around the aviary, taste delicious Creole cuisine in the hilltop restaurant and enjoy fantastic views of the west coast.
Read more about the Casela Nature and Leisure Park…
The elegant and character-filled capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, offers a host of attractions for visitors.
Stroll down the palm-lined Place d’Armes, admire St James Cathedral, which dates from 1850, then head up to the old British-built citadel of Fort Adelaide for splendid views over the racecourse, city and harbour.
Don’t miss colourful Chinatown and the boisterous Central Market where you can find stalls selling herbal cures for every ailment imaginable, local handicrafts, spices, vegetables, samosas and other tasty Indian snacks.
Read more about the Port Louis…
Stroll along shady avenues and through groves of palm trees and spice gardens that were started in 1735.
Don’t miss the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies, or the pond of giant water lilies that are native to the Amazon – watch as young leaves emerge as wrinkled balls and unfold up to 2m in diameter in a matter of hours.
Read more about the Royal Botanic Gardens…
Nestling in an extinct volcanic crater, this tranquil lake is considered sacred by Mauritian Hindus, who make a pilgrimage here every year in February or March for the Maha Shivaratri festival.
The festivities are held at a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that includes a 33m-high statue of Lord Shiva.
Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao) is located in a secluded mountain region in the district of Savanne.
Nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range, the park covers an area of 1200ha and offers a glimpse into the history of Mauritius.
Tour the gardens on foot or take a train, four-wheel drive vehicle or a romantic horse-drawn open-topped carriage to explore a replica of an early sugar mill, an old rum distillery, a herb garden and natural spring.
Discover unusual multi-coloured, lunar-like rolling dunes (as well as the magnificent water falls) at Chamarel, which is located in the Black River district of south-west Mauritius.
Learn about sugar, slavery, the rum trade and the history of Mauritius at this fascinating museum, located in the former Beau Plan sugar factory that dates from 1797.
With such a rich cosmopolitan blend of French, British, Indian, Chinese and Creole cultures, it’s no surprise that hardly a week goes by in Mauritius without some kind of celebration.
In February during Cavadee you can see penitents pierce their bodies and walk across white-hot coals at Tamil Kaylasson temple.
Later in the month, join Hindu devotees at the green caldera lake of Grand Bassin in the five-day Maha Shivaratri festival, and experience Holika Dahan, the festival of colour, when Mauritian Hindus pay tribute to Krishna for the earth’s fertility.
Watch bonfires blaze, colourful processions and traditional singing and dancing that bring Hindu mythology and legend to life.
Watch Tamil devotees walk on hot coals in the Teemeedee firewalking ceremony, which takes place throughout the year but mainly in December and January.
In February or March watch out for a good soaking in the fun-filled water-throwing celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours (photo).
September marks the anniversary of Père Laval Feast Day, when pilgrims come from all over the world to pray for miracle cures at his shrine at Ste-Croix.
On Rodrigues, the main cultural event is the Festival Kréol, which takes place over three days at the end of October.
Mauritius offers an excellent choice of 5-star resorts that typically front a pristine white-sand beach, including the following…
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
Location: Beau Champ, Trou d'Eau Douce
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD1,784 per room
Description: Surrounded by tropical lush gardens and the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius includes 4 pools. It offers complimentary use of the golf course designed by Ernie Els. The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offers elegantly decorated villas with private gardens. They all come with a TV with DVD player and an iPod/iPhone docking station. Some include a private pool. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of dishes, mixing the local tradition and fresh fish with continental classics. Daily snorkelling excursions are also organized by the staff.
Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa
Location: Coastal Road, Trou d'Eau Douce
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD721 per room
Description: Located along the white sand, palm-fringed beach of Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is set in a tropical garden and offers a spa and wellness centre, 18-hole golf course and outdoor pool. They come equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, sofa and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa resort features five restaurants and three bars provide a lively yet sophisticated offering, including Le Bazar restaurant, a dynamic food theatre featuring dishes from around the world, Safran, the internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant, Kushi a Japanese restaurant with sensational sea views and Yakiniku grills, and Republik Beach Club & Grill, a trendy beach club serving Mediterranean cuisine and barbecue grills. The resort boasts an array of facilities, including a fitness centre, sun terrace and bar, and golf and windsurfing. CHI, The Spa has a variety of massages and treatments. Free WiFi is available.
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa
Location: Flic-en-Flac
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD554 per room
Description: This luxurious 5-star Hilton resort has a beachfront location 4 km from Flic en Flac. It offers on-site diving tuition, a choice of 4 restaurants and a lagoon-style swimming pool. The guest rooms at Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa are extremely spacious, and each has a luxury marble bathroom and a large terrace with views of the grounds or the Indian Ocean. The Hilton Mauritius restaurant options include beachside dining, freshly caught seafood and Thai specialties. The Vista Bar serves local rum and enjoys sunset views. Spa facilities at Hilton Mauritius include massage therapies and relaxing saunas. Recreational facilities include tennis courts, a water sports center and a golf putting green.
Sands Suites Resort & Spa
Location: Flic-en-Flac
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD523 per room
Description: Overlooking the lagoon at Tamarin Bay, Sands Suites Resort & Spa is situated on Flic-en-Flac Beach. The resort boasts a spa, a gym and 2 tennis courts. Free Water sport activities are available. With elegant decor, the bright and spacious rooms feature a balcony or terrace. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a telephone, a minibar and air conditioning. The bathroom has a separate bath and shower. You can enjoy sea and garden views. Sands Suites Resort has 3 restaurants. Tamarind Terrace serves International and local cuisine while guests can dine a la carte at Spices. The PinkPepperCorn is the resort's beach restaurant and specialises in romantic dinners. On selected days, the resort offers evening entertainment. Cocktails can be enjoyed at the bar. Guests can unwind at the spa, which offers 4 treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room and a hair and beauty saloon. Complimentary water sports activities include wind surfing and snorkelling. Boat cruises and diving lessons can be arranged for a surcharge. Guests can also golf at a nearby 18-hole championship course.
Beachcomber Royal Palm Hotel
Location: Grand Baie
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD1,198 per room
Description: Overlooking the Grand Bay, the hotel features a private beach, outdoor swimming pool, and tennis courts. It also has a spa centre, and offers a number of land and water sports to guests. All of the suites at the Beachcomber Royal Palm Hotel have a private patio with views of the tropical gardens and Grand Bay. They include free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with double basins and separate baths and showers. The 3 à la carte restaurants include Le Bar Plage on the beach and La Goélette overlooking the bay. There is also a hotel bar with live music in the evenings. The Royal Palm offers guests a range of activities, including water-skiing, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat tours. Transfers can be arranged on request, including via Rolls Royce Phantom and helicopter.
The best months to visit Mauritius are from May to early December when the climate is warm and dry with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) to 24°C (75°F).
Summer, from December to April, is hot, humid and wet, with an average temperature on the coast that ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 33°C (91°F).
For more climate info: Mauritius Weather Guide…
The easiest way to get around Mauritius is to hire a car or take a bus tour. One major highway runs north to south and a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow, roads cover the entire island.
Taxis, motorbikes and bicycles are also available for hire.
Mauritius also includes the islands of Rodrigues, Agalega and St. Brandon. The capital and largest city, Port Louis, is located on the main island of Mauritius.
In general the roads are well maintained, but be wary of potholes and Mauritian drivers, who tend to have little consideration for each other, let alone for two-wheeled traffic.
For more information on how to get around Mauritius…
With a choice of luxurious resorts and idyllic white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying palm trees, Mauritius is the perfect spot to say 'I do' – and the ideal destination for that long dreamt of beach wedding!
In Mauritius, you can choose to get married in a lush tropical garden, on a private beach, in the grounds of a resort, on a remote tiny atoll, on a yacht or even underwater.
With a little preparation, you can arrange the licence yourself, with a wedding planner or through a hotel as part of your wedding package.
If you choose a wedding planner, you should mail or email all the required documents at least two months before your intended wedding date.
A Registrar can perform the civil wedding in his office or anywhere of your choosing.
You can choose to have a religious ceremony performed immediately after the civil ceremony or separately in a different location.
Mauritius marriages are legally recognised internationally.
For more information on how to get married in Mauritius…
Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, lies in the Indian Ocean due east of Madagascar and about 2000km (1200mi) off the southeast coast of Africa.
Mauritius also includes the islands of Rodrigues, Agalega and St. Brandon. The capital and largest city, Port Louis, is located on the main island of Mauritius.
The most convenient route to Mauritius is by air to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located 48km (26mi) southeast of Port Louis.
For more information on how to get to Mauritius…
Latest update: Mauritius honeymoon: 1 January, 2023
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