From Port Louis to Grand Baie, the island’s north-west is the Mauritian holiday coast. Sheltered from trade winds and sunny year-round, it’s the place for calm and safe waters, big beaches and lively resort towns.

• Family-friendly resort hotels, good-value guesthouses, self-catering apartments and villas.
• Coast for watersports, sailing, island-hopping boat trips, deep-sea-fishing charters, dive schools and underwater adventure.

Defined by the huge bulk of Le Morne Brabant and famous for its waves, surfing beaches and dramatic interior, the south-west of Mauritius is generally thought to be the loveliest area on the island. It’s also home to Flic-en-Flac – the island’s longest and best-loved stretch of sand.

• Beautifully designed boutique hotels, luxurious beach resorts, spas and spacious holiday villas.
• The magnificent Black River Gorge National Park, Casela nature park and Le Morne Brabant are all in this area.

Strong winds and pretty offshore islands are the north-east coast’s attraction for sailors during Mauritian winter months. But it’s also the area for some of the island’s most prized beaches, the powdery white sands of Belle Mare and cute little fishing villages like Grand Gaube.

• Several golfing resorts, smaller guesthouses and hotels and luxury beachfront accommodation at Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches.
• Good area for watersports, sailing, island-hopping, beach barbecues, sunbathing and swimming.

The dramatic south-east coast is the place to find geological marvels like Lion Mountain. But it’s also popular for tranquil bays, gorgeous sands and calm, clear waters. Wildlife-spotting doesn’t get any better on the island than here, and pretty towns like Mahébourg have fabulous markets, local street food and intriguing customs.

• Best on the island for good-value guesthouses, family-run B&Bs and international brand-name hotels.
• Lively and local, close to the airport with easy access by road to the rest of the island.