Mauritius Hotels - Best Hotels in Mauritius | OUTRIGGER
Mauritius hotels with OUTRIGGER. Discover the best hotels in Mauritius for your island getaway. Browse our collection and book your stay today.
Mauritius hotels range from intimate boutique guesthouses to sprawling beachfront resorts, and choosing the right one depends largely on which part of the island you want to explore and what kind of stay you're after. The island sits in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa, and its relatively compact size – roughly 65 kilometres long by 45 kilometres wide – means most hotel zones are within 45–90 minutes of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Most visitors base themselves along the north, west, or east coasts, each with a distinct character. The north is livelier, with Grand Baie acting as a social hub. The west – particularly the Flic en Flac and Black River areas – offers calmer lagoons and some of the island's best diving. The east coast is quieter, with wide beaches and strong trade winds that suit windsurfers and those seeking a slower pace. Understanding these differences before you book saves a lot of frustration once you arrive.
This guide covers what to look for when comparing Mauritius hotels, how the main coastal zones differ, and what practical details – costs, timing, distances – actually matter when narrowing down your options.
How Mauritius hotels are organised by location
Mauritius doesn't have a single resort strip. Instead, hotels cluster in four main coastal zones, and each caters to a slightly different traveller. Knowing which zone suits your priorities is the most useful filter you can apply before comparing individual properties.
North coast (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy): This is the most developed stretch of coastline and home to the widest range of restaurants, water sports operators, and nightlife. Trou aux Biches has some of the calmest, most photographed beaches on the island. Driving time from the airport runs about 60–75 minutes. Hotels here suit couples and groups who want easy access to activities and dining outside the resort.
West coast (Flic en Flac, Black River, Le Morne): The west gets more sunshine hours than other parts of the island and benefits from a sheltered lagoon for much of its length. Le Morne Peninsula – at the southwestern tip – is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most scenic hotel locations in the country. Airport transfers run 45–60 minutes. This coast suits divers, snorkellers, and those who prefer a quieter base with good beach conditions.
East coast (Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce, Palmar): The east is the least developed of the main hotel zones, with long stretches of beach and a more relaxed atmosphere. Trade winds make it popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. Belle Mare Plage is one of the longest beaches on the island at roughly 9 kilometres. Transfer times from the airport are the shortest – around 30–45 minutes. Good for families and those who want a quieter stay.
South coast (Bel Ombre, Mahébourg): The south sees fewer international visitors and offers a more local experience. Bel Ombre has a handful of large resort properties set within a nature reserve. The coastline here is rougher and less suited to swimming, but the scenery and privacy are a draw for travellers who've already done the main beach circuit.
Mauritius coastal zones at a glance
| 영역 | 최적 대상 | Beach conditions | Airport transfer | 바이브 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches) | Couples, groups, activity seekers | Calm lagoon, white sand | 60–75 min | Social, busy |
| West (Flic en Flac, Le Morne) | Divers, snorkellers, sun seekers | Sheltered lagoon, strong sun | 45–60 min | Relaxed, scenic |
| East (Belle Mare, Palmar) | Families, windsurfers, quiet stays | Long beaches, trade winds | 30–45 min | Quiet, spacious |
| South (Bel Ombre) | Privacy seekers, nature lovers | Rougher water, dramatic coast | 60–75 min | Remote, local |
What to look for in the best hotels in Mauritius
The best hotels in Mauritius tend to share a few practical qualities beyond the obvious – beachfront access, pool, spa. When you're comparing options, these details separate properties that deliver on their promise from those that look better in photos than in person.
Lagoon access vs. open sea: Many Mauritius hotels advertise beach access, but not all beaches are safe for swimming year-round. Properties within the reef lagoon offer calm, shallow water suitable for children and non-swimmers. Hotels outside the reef – more common on the south coast – have dramatic scenery but limited swimming. Check whether the hotel sits inside or outside the reef before booking, especially if you're travelling with young children.
All-inclusive vs. room-only: Mauritius has a well-established all-inclusive market. For stays of 7 nights or more, all-inclusive packages often work out cheaper than paying for meals separately, particularly at mid-range to upper-mid properties where restaurant prices are high. That said, all-inclusive can feel restrictive if you want to explore local restaurants in Grand Baie or Flic en Flac. A hybrid approach – half board (breakfast and dinner included) – gives flexibility for lunch and afternoon snacks at local spots.
Transfer arrangements: Most hotels offer airport transfers, but costs vary significantly. Shared shuttle transfers typically run MUR 800–1,500 (approximately USD 17–33) per person each way. Private transfers cost MUR 2,500–4,500 (approximately USD 55–100) depending on distance. Some properties include transfers in package rates – worth confirming before booking independently.
Timing your visit: The Mauritian cyclone season runs November through April, with the highest risk in January and February. Hotels remain open year-round, but rates drop 20–35% during this period and some beach days will be lost to rain or rough seas. May through October – particularly June through September – brings drier, cooler weather and the most reliable beach conditions. Peak season (July–August and December) sees rates climb 30–50% above shoulder season levels. Book 3–4 months ahead for July–August travel.
Top hotels in Mauritius by category
Mauritius island hotels span a wide price range, from around USD 80 per night for a comfortable mid-range property to USD 1,500+ per night at the island's most exclusive resorts. Understanding which tier suits your budget and expectations helps narrow the search quickly.
Luxury (USD 500–1,500+ per night): The island has a strong reputation for ultra-luxury hospitality, and several international hotel groups operate flagship properties here. Expect private beach areas, overwater or beachfront villas, multiple dining venues, and personalised butler service at this level. Properties in this category are concentrated on the west coast around Le Morne and on the east coast around Belle Mare.
Upper-mid (USD 200–500 per night): This is the most competitive tier in Mauritius, with a strong selection of four-star properties offering good beach access, pools, and on-site dining. Many all-inclusive packages fall in this range. North and west coast properties dominate here, with consistent quality across several international and regional brands.
Mid-range (USD 80–200 per night): Smaller boutique guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and three-star hotels make up this category. Quality varies more at this level – location matters more than star rating. Properties around Grand Baie and Flic en Flac offer the best value in this tier, with easy access to restaurants and activities that compensate for smaller facilities on-site.
OUTRIGGER on the Lagoon – Mauritius west coast
OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort sits on Bel Ombre's protected lagoon on the southwest coast, offering direct beach access within a 2,700-acre nature reserve. It's a strong base for guests who want both resort facilities and access to the island's less-visited southern interior. View resort →
- Private lagoon beach on Bel Ombre coast
- Access to 2,700-acre Bel Ombre nature reserve
- Multiple dining venues with Indian Ocean views
Practical costs and what's typically included
Hotels on Mauritius island add a government tourism levy of MUR 200–500 (approximately USD 4–11) per room per night, depending on the hotel category. This is charged at the property and not always included in online booking rates – worth factoring into your budget. Some properties also charge a resort fee of USD 20–40 per night that covers Wi-Fi, non-motorised water sports, and fitness centre access.
Water sports pricing at most Mauritius hotels follows a fairly standard structure. Glass-bottom boat trips run MUR 500–800 (approximately USD 11–18) per person. Snorkelling excursions to the reef cost MUR 800–1,200 (approximately USD 18–27) per person including equipment. Scuba diving – for certified divers – typically runs MUR 1,500–2,500 (approximately USD 33–55) per dive, with multi-dive packages available at most west coast dive centres. Dolphin-watching tours on the west coast depart around 7am and cost MUR 1,200–1,800 (approximately USD 27–40) per adult.
Spa services at four- and five-star properties run USD 80–180 for a 60-minute treatment. Many hotels offer complimentary non-motorised water sports – kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear – as part of their room rate or all-inclusive package. Confirm what's included before paying for activities at the hotel activity desk.
Popular activities available through Mauritius hotels
- Reef snorkelling: Guided trips to the inner lagoon reef, departing from hotel beach or nearby jetty. Equipment provided. Suitable for beginners. (MUR 800–1,200 (approx. USD 18–27) per person • Ages 6+ • 2–3 hours)
- Scuba diving: Certified diver dives at sites including Whale Rock, Cathedral, and Couline Bambou on the west coast. PADI courses available at most dive centres. (MUR 1,500–2,500 (approx. USD 33–55) per dive • Ages 12+ (certified) • 1–1.5 hours per dive)
- Dolphin-watching tour: Early morning boat excursion to spot spinner dolphins off the west coast near Tamarin Bay. Swimming with dolphins may be possible depending on conditions. (MUR 1,200–1,800 (approx. USD 27–40) per adult • All ages; swimming portion ages 8+ • 3–4 hours, departs 6:30–7am)
- Island catamaran cruise: Full-day sailing trip to Île aux Cerfs or the northern islands, typically including snorkelling stop, lunch on board, and beach time. (MUR 2,500–4,000 (approx. USD 55–88) per adult • All ages • Full day (7am–5pm))
- Undersea walk: Helmet diving experience suitable for non-swimmers. Walk along the seabed at 3–5 metres depth with a guide. Available at several north and west coast operators. (MUR 1,800–2,500 (approx. USD 40–55) per person • Ages 8+, max weight 120kg • 20–30 minutes underwater)
- Kitesurfing lessons: East coast conditions – consistent trade winds and flat water – make Belle Mare and Le Morne two of the Indian Ocean's better kitesurfing spots. IKO-certified instructors available. (MUR 3,500–5,000 (approx. USD 77–110) for a beginner half-day lesson • Ages 14+ • Half day (3–4 hours))
Getting around between hotels and attractions
Mauritius has no rail network, so getting around means taxis, rental cars, or hotel-arranged transfers. Taxis are metered in theory but drivers often quote fixed rates – agree on the price before getting in. A taxi from Grand Baie to Port Louis (the capital) runs approximately MUR 600–900 (USD 13–20). From Flic en Flac to the airport, expect MUR 1,500–2,000 (USD 33–44).
Car hire is available from around MUR 1,200–2,000 (USD 27–44) per day for a small automatic. Driving is on the left, and roads are generally in good condition, though some inland mountain routes are narrow and poorly signed. A car gives you the most flexibility for exploring the interior – the Black River Gorges National Park, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, and the Eureka plantation house are all easier to reach independently than by taxi.
If you're staying at a resort and planning mostly beach and on-site time, a car isn't necessary. Most hotels on Mauritius island can arrange day-trip excursions to popular attractions for MUR 2,500–4,500 (USD 55–100) per person, which includes transport and a guide.
Frequently asked questions about Mauritius hotels
What is the best area to stay in Mauritius for first-time visitors?
The west coast – particularly around Flic en Flac and Le Morne – is a strong choice for first-time visitors. It combines reliable beach conditions (calm lagoon, good sun exposure), easy access to the island's best diving and snorkelling, and a mid-point location that makes day trips to the north and south manageable. Airport transfers run 45–60 minutes. If you prefer a livelier base with more restaurant options, Grand Baie on the north coast is the alternative, though transfers are longer at 60–75 minutes.
How much do Mauritius hotels cost on average?
Mid-range hotels run USD 80–200 per night for a double room. Upper-mid four-star properties with beach access typically cost USD 200–500 per night. Luxury and five-star resorts start around USD 500 and can exceed USD 1,500 per night for villa accommodation. All-inclusive packages add 20–40% to room-only rates but include meals, drinks, and often non-motorised water sports. Rates are highest in July–August and December–January, and lowest from February through May (noting that January–February carries cyclone risk).
Is Mauritius suitable for families with young children?
Yes, particularly the east and north coasts where lagoon conditions are calm and shallow. Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches both have beaches suitable for children under 8. Most four- and five-star hotels have dedicated kids' clubs for ages 4–12, typically operating 9am–5pm. Check whether the kids' club is complimentary or charged separately – some properties include it in all-inclusive rates, others charge MUR 800–1,500 (USD 18–33) per day. The undersea walk experience is popular with older children (ages 8+) and doesn't require swimming ability.
When is the best time to book hotels in Mauritius?
Book 3–4 months ahead for July–August travel, which is peak season for European visitors. December school holiday travel should be booked 4–6 months in advance, as this is the busiest period for family travel. Shoulder season (May–June and September–October) offers the best balance of good weather and reasonable rates, and most properties have availability with 4–6 weeks' notice. Avoid January–February if cyclone disruption is a concern – hotels stay open but weather can be unpredictable for 1–2 week stretches.
Do Mauritius hotels include meals?
It depends on the rate type. Room-only and bed-and-breakfast rates are available at most properties. Half-board (breakfast and dinner) is common at mid-range and above, typically adding USD 60–120 per person per day. Full-board adds lunch for an additional USD 20–40 per person per day. All-inclusive packages – which include meals, selected drinks, and often non-motorised water sports – are widely available at four- and five-star properties and are worth comparing against room-only rates for stays of 7 nights or more.
Ready to narrow down your options? OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort offers a range of room categories and package types – from room-only to all-inclusive – suited to couples, families, and extended stays. The Bel Ombre location puts you close to the island's southwest coast while keeping the rest of Mauritius within a 45–75 minute drive.
Browse room types, current rates, and available packages to find the right fit for your trip.