Discover the best beaches in Mauritius

Whilst your Mauritius resort will no doubt have its own beach, there’s nothing more compelling than seeing what’s around the next headland. Mauritius’ beaches will take your breath away – and all of them are public. The locals love relaxing on the sand as much as holidaymakers, so at weekends you’ll find most beaches busier. Make sure to mind currents and warnings because not all spots on the island are safe for swimming. You will want to wear shoes on wilder beaches, where knobbles of coral often litter the shore. On that note – don’t forget your snorkel to spot reef fish in some of the clearest water around.

Mauritius’ east coast has a smart reputation to uphold: it has the whitest sand and the sleekest resorts. Expect quick currents, atmospheric sunrises, and breezy conditions – thanks to the prevailing south-easterly wind.

Off mainland Mauritius, the bijoux Ile aux Cerfs makes a fantastic day trip off the east coast. People flock to this island independently, or on tours, from Trou d’Eau Douce. However you arrive, you’ll love the upper-class castaway feel. It’s beautiful, blanketed with Mauritius’ omnipresent Causarina trees; and its jigsaw-puzzle shape carves out plenty of beaches. You can circumnavigate Ile aux Cerfs in a couple of hours on foot, and you’ll stumble upon lots of cruisers enjoying cocktails and seafood barbecues on the shore. If you like your paradises unpeopled, avoid the weekends.

Ile Aux Cerfs is famously home to a golf course belonging to the glorious Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa. These 18-holes are in a setting so beautiful that it might affect your handicap. Island golf isn’t the only surprise the five-star Shangri-La has in store for its guests: you’ll also discover the gorgeous Frangipani spa and the secret Ilot Mangenie – a private island retreat for gourmet picnics.

Book a stay at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for a more private way to experience the Ile Aux Cerfs, then book in to the Four Seasons Resort. The hotel offers boat excursions to its own exclusive beach on the island via speedboat – so guests can soon experience the feel of the softest, whitest sand between their toes. The resort has stationed a Beach Grill on the island outpost, which is kept stocked up by the fresh catches of local fishermen.

As well as its beach on the Ile Aux Cerfs, Four Seasons has two secluded beaches in its grounds on the mainland. Discrete and luxurious, this resort comprises of luxury villas dotted around leafy grounds and hammock-strung palms – so you can enjoy peace and privacy – emerging only for dinner at the selection of fine restaurants. There’s also a complimentary 18-hole golf course.

Book a stay at Four Seasons Resort at Anahita

The Belle Mare region is 10 km long and dotted with some of the island’s most decadent resorts. Expect white sand and swanky surroundings. The fancy resorts provide plenty of places for dinner. Try the Constance Le Prince Maurice’s floating seafood restaurant, Le Barachois. Nearby lies one of the islands’ most famous dives – La Passe de Belle Mare, where you’ll drift dive through a magnificent underwater canyon. If you’re a lacking a PADI, you can still go underwater thanks to a popular ‘undersea walk’ at Belle Mare. You don’t even need to be able to swim to participate – by donning a bubble-shaped, astronaut-style helmet, you can actually walk on the sea bed instead.

The LUX* Belle Mare lives up to its name – it’s a lovely five-star resort. There’s an array of complimentary water sports and the island’s largest swimming pool – for when you’re finished with the beaches.

Book a stay at LUX* Belle Mare

A little track between buildings leads you down to this secret beach on the Point d’Esny. Wander down here and you won’t look back. There’s no shade on Point d’Esny, but this stretch of sand is a fantastic place to swim, with a barrier of coral to protect you from any waves, plus wonderful views over Ile Aux Aigrettes. You can kayak over to Aigrettes, where there’s better snorkelling than on the mainland. On arrival you’ll see gentle Aldabra giant tortoises in addition to pretty birds like the red-headed Mauritius fody and the startled-looking olive white-eyes. Take an eco-tour to borrow a sharp-eyed guide.

If you love beaches, you can command your own at Preskil Beach Resort, which sits on a private peninsula with a series of pretty, pocket-sized coves. There are complimentary water sports, including water skiing and windsurfing, plus beach service and three restaurants. Preskil Beach Resort reopens in time for summer 2019.

Book a stay at Preskil Beach Resort

Find calm beaches favoured by families, and luminescent sunsets that light up the yellow sand.

Rugged and wild, Tamarin is a much-loved Mauritian hangout. It certainly looks the part, with the beautiful heights of La Tourelle as a backdrop. Surrounded by a reef that funnels in waves, the right conditions make Tamarin the best surfing spot on the island. You can play in the waves on a body board, too, but be aware of currents. If the sea is resolutely flat, don’t worry: this area's always good for dolphin-spotting. You can find shade under the beach’s namesake – Tamarind trees. After your long lounging session, grab a bite at Frenchie Café in town and get some surfing tips from other diners. Then head back to beach for sundown. As with the rest of the west coast, Tamarin sees glorious sunsets.

If it’s a rugged version of Mauritius that you’re seeking, then stay at La Pirogue Resort and Spa. The recently refurbished accommodation include charming thatched huts spaced along the shore. You’ll feel like you’re in your own personal island oasis.

Book a stay at La Pirogue

As the western coastline approaches the dramatic landscape of the south, you’ll find great surf spots and breath-taking clifftop walks. On the southwest coast rests the resort town of Flic en Flac, which is home to the longest beach on the island. After Grand Baie, the Flic en Flac area is Mauritius’ second most popular tourist hub. Busy, attractive and fun, it’s well-serviced with essentials: eateries, shops and ATMs. But you’re here for the beach. The wide, white seam of sand is a whopping 8km long with shallow water and gentle currents. The area’s funny name might have you thinking of flip flops, but it comes from its original Dutch name Fried Landt Flaak – free and flat land. It’s not all flat, though – at one end of the beach you’ll have a pretty view of Tamarin Mountain.

Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort has a massive, lagoon-style main pool and plenty of spacious accommodations, including family suites.

Book a stay at Sugar Beach

The developed north coast of Mauritius has plenty of busy beaches – including built-up Grand Baie, but you’ll need to hunt around for a quieter spot.

The beautiful Mont Choisy beach in the north west corner of the island is long, blonde and lovely with beautiful water for bathing. It’s around 5km from Grand Baie, and although inexpensive buses run to the area, it’s normally quiet and calm. Fishing boats swing gently in the water, and loungers can stretch out in the shade cast by a long line of trees along the beach’s edge. When you’re done lounging, gather up your towel and wander up the main road, where there are stacks of snack shacks. It’s all just north of a popular beach known as Trou Aux Biches, which is also worth a visit.

The nearby Baie Aux Tortues (another great beach) is the location of the massive Maritim Resort & Spa, an All Inclusive resort set among gorgeous, flower-filled grounds. Your family will find endless activities, From gliding across the ocean by Hobie Cat, to kids club fun in the sun or beach yoga – there’s plenty to do at this coastal retreat.

Book a stay at Maritim Resort & Spa

Thought of as the scenic south, the southern tip of the island cuts a rugged coastline – with lots of bays, coves and off-shore reefs – which are great for snorkelling. Discover the island’s wilder side.

You’ll find a kitesurfing beach sitting under the shadow of the sorrowful clifftops of Le Morne Brabant. A strong breeze sweeps expert riders across waves parallel to the shore. Spectators, hold onto your hats. Visit Le Morne Brabant whilst you’re here. Once a refuge for runaway slaves, the peninsula comes with a tragic legend. To evade capture, several slaves jumped to their deaths from its rocky heights. It’s now a World Heritage site and one of the best hikes on the island.

LUX Le Morne brings a bit of fun to Mauritius’ luxury hotel scene, from its signature red telephone boxes (for calling home and telling everyone how much fun you’re having) to its pop up cinema and secret bars.

Book a stay at LUX Le Morne

Viewed from above, Blue Bay resembles a yin yang of light blue water and dark blue reef. It’s the island’s most famous snorkelling spot and the whole bay is rife with glass bottom boat tours. You can save money by simply snorkelling from the beach; there aren’t many places in Mauritius where you can access coral so easily from the mainland. Though there are signs of coral bleaching, there is still plenty of sea life, plus calm blue water. Just look out for boats that are also searching for marine life, and be aware of the current. Little ones might want to investigate the rock pools. They become beautiful ocean microcosms when the tide recedes.

On the southeast end of Blue Bay marine park, Shandrani Beachcomber Resort is a large, luxurious All Inclusive with one of the best beaches on the island just next door: check out Wild Beach to take in its heart-stopping beauty.

Book a stay at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort