Your First Trip to Mauritius: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hotel
Thinking about Mauritius for your next holiday? After personally exploring the island from north to south, I’ve gathered the most useful tips, hotel highlights and hidden gems — so you can choose the perfect stay (or even better: a split stay!).
Mauritius: My Island Adventure; And Why You Should Totally Split Your Stay!
Are you dreaming of Mauritius… or dreaming of going back because one trip simply wasn’t enough?
Trust me — I get it. After travelling across the entire island with Nico in September 2025, exploring every corner from north to south, I can officially confirm:
👉 Every side of Mauritius is unique.
👉 And that’s exactly why split stays are your best friend.
Since 2018 I’ve specialised in crafting tailor-made split stays for my clients — because staying in just one spot makes it way harder to experience all the magic this island has to offer. And yes, I always try to get you the best price, so you won’t end up paying more than if you booked it yourself. Promise 😊
To date I’ve visited 13 hotels across Mauritius, and honestly… it’s paradise in every direction
🌊 What Makes Each Coast So Special?
North: dotted with small natural bays and a laid-back vibe
East: white powdery beaches and crystal lagoons
West: long stretches of golden sand
Le Morne (South-West): pure magic with Mount Le Morne towering above turquoise water
If you can’t choose… you shouldn’t! Combine them 😉
🚗 Should You Rent a Car in Mauritius?
Absolutely — it’s worth renting a car!
Mauritius is safe, the roads are well-maintained, and having your own car gives you the freedom to explore beaches, viewpoints, hidden cafés and local markets at your own pace.
BUT… keep in mind:
👉 They drive on the left side.
So especially for my lovely German and Swiss customers (I know you well 😄), be prepared for a small mental switch at the beginning.
After 20–30 minutes, most of my clients say they got used to it easily.
If you prefer not to drive, no worries — I work with reliable local ground transportation who can pick you up at each resort and take you to the next one, stress-free.
🏝️ The Attitude Hotels: Heartfelt & Sustainable
Attitude has 9 properties across the island and a strong focus on sustainability — love that!
⭐ Zilwa Attitude (Adults Only, 4*)
Split into three zones (local, lively, quiet), Zilwa lets you pick your vibe each day.
Street-food stands, quiet pools, fun areas — it’s all here.
Perfect base for a catamaran trip to the 3 islands.
⭐ Lagoon Attitude (Family-Friendly, 4*)
Huge green spaces, quiet lagoon, covered kids’ pool, and even a boat ride to a tiny island for lunch at no extra charge.
I especially loved the beach restaurant here.
Both hotels are only 15 minutes apart — ideal for exploring the north:
🌿 botanical garden,
🍽️ nightlife & cafés (Good Life Café = YUM),
🚣 stand-up paddling,
⛵ 3-island tours.
💎 The Oberoi: A Luxury Oasis (and My Anniversary Surprise)
Just 25 minutes further south lies the peaceful 5* Oberoi — one of the warmest and most magical stays I’ve ever had.
We celebrated our anniversary here and were upgraded to a private pool pavilion. And honestly… the pool felt nearly as big as the pavilion itself! Warm water, sunset views, pastries and wine in the pool — pure romance.
The Oberoi is perfect for:
couples seeking peace
families wanting space (they allocate adults & families in different sections)
wellness lovers — yoga, meditation, relaxation classes
history enthusiasts — the resort sits on an 18th-century fortress site!
Don’t miss:
🍽️ Dining in the original Gunpowder Room
🔥 “Black Rock” restaurant by the ocean
🐬 Dolphin spotting (we saw them while waterskiing!)
🌺 One&Only Le Saint Géran: Style, Space & Sparkle
Heading back north on the east coast…
If you love luxury with energy, this place is heaven.
I’m a huge One&Only fan (my Maldives trip converted me!), so I had high expectations — and they delivered.
Highlights:
spacious resort with privacy and social areas
spectacular evening entertainment (fire shows, DJs, dancing)
quiet rooms despite the fun
lagoon & ocean views
free waterskiing, padel, yoga, gym & more
incredible snorkeling with vibrant coral
a dreamy Guerlain spa with an adults-only pool
I even fell in love with a Guerlain perfume you can only buy at the resort — yes, I visited the spa daily until I picked my favourite 😄
Don’t miss the new beach club “Javi” — it feels like a little trip inside your holiday.
Tip: It’s about a 1-hour drive from here to the 3-island excursion starting point.
If you want shorter distances, combining One&Only with the Oberoi is a picture-perfect match.
🎨 South-East Gems: Radisson & SALT of Palmar
💸 Radisson Blu Lafayette (Adults Only)
Freshly renovated (Sep 2025), quiet beach, friendly budget, close to beautiful lagoons and the “Flic en Flac” market. They also offer a self-guided snorkeling safari.
🌈 SALT of Palmar (Adults Only, Design Hotel)
This one is simply WOW. Bold colours, stylish architecture, and the beach here is stunning.
What makes it special:
100% local food sourcing (no beef — cows don't live in Mauritius!)
à la carte dining only → no food waste
their own pastry chef → heavenly croissants
homemade breads daily (yes: papaya bread!)
beachfront rooms that are pure paradise
💚 LUX Belle Mare: Lively Luxury
Just 500m north of SALT lies LUX Belle Mare — elegant, social and full of personality.
Highlights:
interior design that feels like a tropical Ivy restaurant
amazing bars
beautiful mix of honeymooners, couples, friends & families
luxury without losing warmth
their Asian restaurant’s duck dish → order it!
a superb spa, with 100% natural LUX products
🌄 The South-West: Le Morne — My Favourite Area
Le Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most breathtaking places in Mauritius.
Must-dos:
🌈 coloured earth
🌿 Black River Gorges National Park
💦 waterfalls
🍹 the Rhumerie
🪁 world-class kite surfing
Best stays:
St. Regis (elegant luxury)
LUX Le Morne (stylish luxury)
Both offer incredible views of Mount Le Morne.
Dinarobin by Beachcomber is another fantastic option with sea-facing suites, multiple pools and one of the most beautiful yoga rooms on the island.
For families on a budget:
RIU Le Morne (4*) — great all-inclusive value and newly renovated.
Before You Fly: A Smart Tip
Le Morne is about an hour from the airport.
If you have an early flight, consider staying 1–2 nights near the airport.
We once stayed at Anantara — perfect for:
a relaxed last evening
visiting Mahébourg
exploring Blue Bay & Coconut Island (the best snorkeling we had!)
avoiding long traffic-filled drives on departure day
Final Thoughts: Mauritius Is Meant to Be Explored
To truly feel Mauritius — its beaches, lagoons, nature, culture and food — combine different areas. It makes the holiday feel longer, richer and more magical.
And whether you rent a car (left-side driving adventure!) or prefer private transfers, I’ll help you plan everything.
If you’re dreaming of your own Mauritius escape…
👉 Message me anytime!
I’ll craft your itinerary until it feels 100% like your personal island paradise.
🌴✨ Ready when you are!