From the two of us
A few of our favourite places, near Grand Baie and further afield, whether you come for a few days or stay a while.
The lie of the land
Tap a pin to jump to it.
There is more — restaurants, hikes, a rum distillery — on our Google Maps list, and we will keep adding to it as the day gets closer.
Between Pereybère and Bain Bœuf
Our favourite, and easy to miss. Follow the coast road out of Pereybère towards Bain Bœuf and it's the small beach where the cars are pulled up on the verge. No car park and nothing to buy, which is rather the point. If it's full, Pereybère and Bain Bœuf are a minute either side.
South-west · 1½ hours
The far corner of the island, under the mountain. The lagoon here is where the kitesurfers go, and the beach along it is long and quiet. Worth the drive on its own, with Emba Filao for lunch when you get there.
Grand Baie
A day under sail to the islands off the north coast — past Coin de Mire to Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Snorkelling, lunch on board, back by late afternoon. Run by Passion Océane, and it leaves from Grand Baie, so no early drive.
Pointe d'Esny · south-east, 1½ hours
A speedboat out of Pointe d'Esny, down by the airport: the marine park at Blue Bay, the islets in the bay and the coast beyond. Easy to fit in on a last day before an evening flight, with Karay Mario nearby for lunch.
Grand Baie
Creole home cooking — rougaille, vindaye, the fish curry — in a simple room with generous plates. The place to try what Mauritians actually eat at home.
Le Morne · south-west
Under the filao trees on the beach at Le Morne, feet more or less in the sand. Creole dishes and grilled fish. Lunch after the kite beach or the mountain.
Pamplemousses · 20 minutes
The story of sugar on the island, told in an old mill at Pamplemousses. Better than that sounds, and the rum tasting at the end is generous. The botanical garden is next door — giant water lilies, avenues of palms — so make a morning of the two.
Above Port Louis · 35 minutes
The thumb-shaped peak above Port Louis, and the easiest of the mountains here. A clear path, half a day up and down, and the whole north laid out below you at the top.
Vieux Grand Port · south-east, 1¼ hours
A day in the south-east. Lion Mountain is a short, sharp climb along the lion's back, with the bay below you the whole way up. La Vallée de Ferney, next door, is a quiet valley where the native forest is being brought back — guided walks, and kestrels if you are lucky. Lunch at Falaise Rouge, on the red cliff above the bay.
Centre of the island · 1¼ hours
The national park in the middle of the island: forest, waterfalls and long views from the road that runs through it. Stop at the viewpoints, or walk one of the marked trails from the Pétrin side. You don't need a guide, but if you'd like one, we recommend Yanature.
Pointe Maurice · east coast, 1 hour
Eighteen holes on an island off the east coast, with the sea in view from every one of them. The club's boat runs across from the jetty at Pointe Maurice every 20 minutes. Visitors welcome; ring ahead for a tee time.
Bel Ombre · south coast, 1½ hours
Two courses on the old Bel Ombre estate. Le Château is the one visitors can book: lakes, streams and big old trees, the sea beyond, and the 19th-century plantation house looking over it all. The newer links course, with the ocean in view from every hole, is for members and guests of the Heritage hotels.