Get a feel for authentic Mauritius at these five special stays 

Drenched in colour and light, Mauritius is rightly popular for its tropical beaches. But there’s far more to this Indian Ocean gem than its long, lovely palm-shaded sands. Take time to explore and you’ll discover intriguing villages, protected forests and islets. 

The Mauritians themselves make a lasting impression, too. For an island that’s barely 65km long and 45km wide, Mauritius is remarkably diverse. Home to a peaceful melange of people of Indian, African, Chinese and European descent, its proudly multi-layered culture finds expression in sega music and dance, eye-catching architecture – from elegant gabled houses to vividly decorated Hindu temples – and mouth-watering cuisine. 

The west coast of Mauritius – the sunniest, driest side of the island – is a great choice for an outdoorsy trip. Veranda Tamarin, the south-westernmost of Veranda Resorts’ five boutique properties, has a village setting beside Tamarin Bay – an ideal location for surfing lessons.  

Wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins frequent this stretch of coast, too: you could head out at sunrise to watch them by boat, kayak or paddleboard. Inland, there are hiking trails to discover in Black River Gorges National Park; further south, you could climb the UNESCO World Heritage listed Le Morne, a hill with panoramic views. 

Veranda Tamarin itself is a great place to chill out after a day of adventures. It has an appealingly casual bohemian-Creole look and an authentic, hippie-chic vibe. To enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand, stroll up to the adults-only rooftop bar. In the garden, every Tuesday, there’s a Tir Traka (Shake It Off) session, with a bonfire and mellow live music. 

The cosmopolitan northern village of Grand Baie bubbles over with energy. Home to tempting gift and clothing shops and stalls, speciality restaurants and favourite local hangouts such as N’Joy and the Banana Beach Club, this is a great spot to rub shoulders with Mauritians and listen to live Creole jazz, reggae and sega, the island’s lively homegrown dance music. With several beaches, Grand Baie is also excellent for swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and waterskiing. 

Veranda’s village-based resort, Veranda Grand Baie, taps into Grand Baie’s upbeat atmosphere with its attractive beachfront setting, watersports facilities, fitness room and Creole-inspired design – think thatched beach umbrellas, cane furniture and shady verandas. Guests can book village tours and craft workshops to connect with the islanders’ creative spirit. The resort is also a haven of calm: there’s a serene pool and a relaxing spa where you can enjoy hydrating skin treatments using entirely natural products. 

A sandy-floored, thatched-roofed reception building sets the tone at Veranda Pointe aux Biches. Located on the north-west coast, this laidback beach retreat invites you to kick off your shoes and relax. While families with kids are welcome, there’s also an adults-only wing with its own pool – just right for those craving a little peace and quiet. 

As hotel manager Vikram Gajeelee puts it, the essence of Veranda Pointe aux Biches is living with your feet in the sand and your heart open to Mauritian warmth. This is a truly relaxing resort, where the in-house team strives to create a simple, easy-going atmosphere so that guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive, as if among friends. 

When you’re ready to explore, you could wander around the leafy oasis that is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden in Pamplemousses, around 14km inland. For shopping and nightlife, the fun village of Grand Baie is a short drive away. 

Blissfully beachy, Veranda Palmar Beach faces the sunrise on Mauritius’ beautiful, casuarina-fringed east coast. A palette of dazzling white with splashes of colour in soft shades, as if faded by the sun, enhances its summery mood. 

Watersports fans are in their element on this side of the island. With crystal-clear water, it’s superb for snorkelling or simply pottering about in a glass-bottom boat. Heading out into the peaceful, protected lagoon, you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing colourful parrotfish, damselfish and angelfish flitting over the coral. 

The resort also offers sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding and, for an additional cost, there are adventure watersports to try such as scuba diving, kitesurfing and water skiing. Back at base, you can brush the sand off your toes, wash the salt out of your hair and settle down with a Mauritian rum cocktail or two, before dinner at Horizon, the resort’s beachfront restaurant. 

Named after an 18th-century love story by French novelist Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, Veranda Paul et Virginie is the most secluded and romantic of Veranda’s boutique resorts. Set in a north-coast fishing village, this adult-only haven is caressed by warm breezes and has inspiring views across a peaceful lagoon. 

Honeymooners adore this special spot, particularly to enjoy experiences like a beachfront lobster dinner or a Prosecco breakfast at St Géran. But you don’t need to be a newlywed to enjoy Veranda Paul et Virginie. Anyone can appreciate the serenity of sailing across the lagoon by pirogue at sunset or treating yourself to a massage in the spa. Alternatively, try the resort’s signature culinary workshop, where you’ll learn how to conjure up Mauritian specialities such as coconut chatini (chutney), chicken kari (curry) or ourite (octopus) salad.