When to go
Seasons run opposite to Europe's. October to early December and April to May bring warm water and lighter rain, which is why we'd pick them for a first trip. June to September is cooler and breezier, ideal for kitesurfing at Le Morne and humpback whales off the west, though east-coast beaches can be windy. January to March is hot, wet and the main cyclone period, so keep insurance and flexible plans in mind then.
Getting there and the drive to your hotel
The international airport lies in the south-east near Mahébourg, and British Airways and Air Mauritius both fly non-stop from London Gatwick in about 12 hours. Every hotel is then reached by road: allow roughly 40 to 60 minutes to the east coast and up to 80 minutes for the west or north, depending on traffic around Port Louis.
Which coast, and how long to stay
The east around Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce has the longest beaches and sunrises. The west and south-west, from Flic en Flac to Le Morne, have sunsets, mountains and Chamarel close by, while the north around Grand Baie has the most restaurants. Seven nights at one resort is plenty for most people; with ten or more, splitting east and west gives you both coasts. A luxury week for two typically runs from around US$5,000 to US$10,000 before flights.
