There’s something quietly dazzling about Mauritius. Yes, the beaches are as white and soft as you’ve imagined (and seen all over social media), and yes, the lagoons really are that turquoise. But beyond the honeymoon headlines and picture-perfect palms, this Indian Ocean island has range.

Wild forests, volcanic peaks, creole heritage, spice markets, coral reefs — and (most importantly for us) a collection of luxury resorts so good their guests return time and time again.

This July, Charlie — one of our brilliant Senior Travel Designers — visited Mauritius with our friends at Serandipians to scout the latest and greatest. She spent her time exploring the island and staying at some of our favourite hotels. Here’s what she found, what we loved, and why Mauritius should be firmly on your Where to Next list.

When’s the best time to visit?

Mauritius is a place that charms all year, but knowing when to go can make all the difference. The island’s real sweet spots fall between May and early July, and then again from September to December. During these months, you’ll find warm, dry weather, bright blue skies, and calm, inviting waters — perfect for beach days, snorkelling, and exploring the island’s lush interiors without the heavy crowds.

Come July and August, the east coast picks up a lively breeze, turning into a hotspot for kitesurfers and wind lovers. It’s a different kind of magic — a bit wilder and more energised. If you’re keen to try your hand at kiteboarding or simply enjoy a fresher sea air, this is your moment.

January through March is generally best avoided due to the wet season and the risk of cyclones. That said, Mauritius’s weather can surprise you — sometimes, it’s just a refreshing rain shower followed by sunshine. But if you’re planning a first trip or want to make the most of every beach day, the drier months are your safest bet.

What to do beyond the sun lounger…

Mauritius offers so much more than just sun and sand. There’s a surprising depth to explore, whether you’re drawn to nature, culture, or something a little more adventurous. Step off the beaten path and you’ll find trails weaving through Black River Gorges National Park, where mist clings to volcanic peaks and the native birds add a soundtrack to your hike. The island’s coral reefs invite snorkellers and divers alike — vibrant underwater gardens brimming with colour and life.

Food lovers will feel at home in bustling local markets filled with spices, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits. Mauritian cuisine is a rich blend of Creole, Indian, French, and Chinese influences — so don’t miss dholl puri, or a freshly grilled fish seasoned with island herbs.

Luxury here is layered with local character. Many resorts now offer immersive experiences — think private cooking classes, rum tastings, or sunset cruises along the coast. Whether you’re teeing off on a lush golf course or sinking into a spa treatment featuring indigenous ingredients, there’s a sense of place that feels genuine and thoughtful.

For those seeking a bit more thrill, kite surfing on the East Coast, deep-sea fishing, and paddleboarding in calm lagoons are all on offer. And if you want to truly unwind, the island has plenty of quiet coves and hidden beaches where the pace slows and the world feels a little smaller.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort

Best for: Families, golfers, and those who love a little history with their sundowners

Set in Mauritius’ lush southern coast, Heritage Le Telfair is all grand white colonnades, tropical gardens and calm, grown-up energy — even with kids in tow. You’ve got two championship golf courses on your doorstep (ideal if one parent fancies a 7am tee time), and a proper spa that does more than tick the box, with rituals inspired by the island’s botanicals.

What really elevates things here is Le Château de Bel Ombre — a 19th-century manor house right on the grounds, where dinner is served under the trees and there’s always a breeze and a negroni. The overall feel is quietly confident. Heritage knows what it’s doing, particularly for multi-gen families who want space, sunshine, and a bit of theatre with their dinner.

The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants that swoony “wow” moment on arrival.

Recently reopened after a rebrand from JW Marriott, St. Regis Le Morne has re-emerged with a fresh sense of purpose — and all the elegance you’d expect from the St. Regis name. The setting is hard to beat: a long sweep of white sand with Le Morne mountain rising behind it like a film set. The beach is easily one of the best on the island — calm, swimmable, and genuinely breathtaking.

Service is polished but unfussy — butlers glide in with perfectly timed iced coffees and SPF top-ups — and the rooms feel big, breezy and liveable, with generous terraces that you’ll actually use. Mornings tend to start with paddleboarding or coffee on the sand, followed by grilled seafood lunches and long, lazy afternoons with a book you may or may not finish.

There’s a real sense of occasion here, without the formality. It’s glossy but still grounded — a resort that knows when to impress and when to leave you alone. Perfect for big birthdays, honeymoons, or just doing nothing beautifully.

Royal Palm Beachcomber

Best for: Discerning families, low-key luxury lovers, and anyone who wants a proper beach.

Royal Palm is one of the most established luxury resorts on the island — and it shows, in all the right ways. The beach is easily one of the best in Mauritius: calm, swimmable, and framed by warm turquoise shallows. You can snorkel straight off the sand or head out on a glass-bottom boat with a handful of other guests — no crowds, no chaos.

It’s an easy place to settle in. Interiors are classic but beautifully maintained, and the service is intuitive without being over the top. The kids’ club is thoughtful, creative and genuinely engaging, freeing up adults for spa sessions or long lunches at the beachside restaurants (we’d go back for Asiya’s pan-Asian menu alone).

If you’re after polished, low-key luxury with high repeat-guest loyalty — this is your spot.

LUX* Grand Baie

Best for: Design lovers, social travellers, and those who like their beach holidays with a bit of buzz.

If Royal Palm is all quiet refinement, its neighbour LUX* Grand Baie is the stylish younger cousin who’s booked out the rooftop. This is very much a lifestyle property — think sculptural interiors, statement lighting, and a guest list that includes honeymooners, content creators, and couples who’d rather a spritz than a sundowner.

There’s plenty to love beyond the aesthetics. Bisou, the rooftop pool and bar, is the island’s unofficial hotspot — with panoramic views and Walima, a Moroccan–Lebanese restaurant that’s worth dressing up for. Downstairs, the spa goes beyond the basics with hydrothermal baths and a sleek, almost futuristic vibe.

It’s sociable but not loud, high-energy without being chaotic. LUX* Grand Baie is perfect for those who want a more curated, contemporary take on Mauritius — with plenty of sun and style, and just enough serenity when you want it.

One&Only Le Saint Géran

Best for: Couples, design purists, and anyone craving that polished, everything’s-taken-care-of kind of stay.

Set on its own private peninsula, Le Saint Géran is effortlessly elevated — all soft neutral tones, oversized daybeds, and staff who remember how you take your coffee after one morning. The beach is long, secluded, and beautifully kept; the lagoon side is ideal for watersports (stand-up paddleboarding here at sunrise is the move), while the ocean-facing stretch feels gloriously remote.

Rooms are as chic as you’d expect — crisp lines, natural textures, and a calming, grown-up palette. Dining leans upscale without being stuffy: Tapasake is the standout, perched over the water with Japanese Fusion plates and sunset views that make you forget to reach for your phone.

There’s also an impressive wellness and fitness offering (padel, gym, tennis, all very slick), but the real luxury is in the pace. Everything feels beautifully unhurried — exactly what you’d hope for from one of the island’s most iconic stays.

With so many standout properties, the real challenge in Mauritius isn’t whether to go — it’s where to stay.

If you’re travelling as a family, Heritage Le Telfair and Royal Palm Beachcomber are Charlie’s top picks. Both nail that tricky balance of child-friendly without compromising on grown-up style. Heritage wins on golf and history; Royal Palm on calm beaches and an exceptional kids’ club.

For couples or a design-forward escape, One&Only Le Saint Géran takes the lead. It’s quietly spectacular — stylish, serene, and unfailingly polished, with a level of service that feels personal from the start. Charlie couldn’t fault it.

Of course, if your version of luxury includes rooftops, energy and something a little more social, LUX* Grand Baie might be the one — but we’d book it for a younger crowd or those who’ve already seen the island once before.

Wherever you land, Mauritius makes it easy to fall into holiday mode. And harder still to leave. Charlie and the team can help match you with the right resort — whether you’re travelling with kids, celebrating something big, or simply want a slice of winter sun.

Get in touch here whenever you’re ready.