The beautiful sandy beaches of Mauritius are peppered with some of the most beautiful 5 star hotels in the world; I’ve mentioned several in previous posts. Many of these hotels share the islands uniqueness with you through visits and other initiatives, such as Grandmas Kitchen at The Shanti Maurice. However, if you want a more intimate impression of the island, it is worth dragging yourself away from such international luxury.

 Here are a couple of smaller ‘boutique’ hotels that might appeal if you want to get more upfront and personal with Mauritius. On the west coast, in the fishing village of La Preuneuse, the Bay Hotel is a small 16 room hotel run by a Belgium-Mauritian couple, who bring the best of both worlds to a part of the island better known by locals than tourists. The beach may not be big, but the thatched roofed restaurant and bar is right on the water overlooking the local fishing boats. The rooms are decorated in a simple island style and the large cool entrance hall is open to the sea breeze.

Further North in Grand Baie is another funky hotel, slightly larger but still intimate with 35 bedrooms, The 20° Sud is tucked away in an old coconut grove.  With it’s waterfront location, you can step out of your room and onto their private jetty whence you can away, on their catamaran to ‘Flat island’ for a private lunch or dinner at ‘The Governor’s House’ or for a sunset cruise. If you fancy something more old world, spend an evening on M/S Lady Lisbeth, the island’s oldest motorboat, built in 1929 and now fully restored.

Keep travelling from Grand Bay around the most nrtherly tip of the coast, Cap Malhereux,, and then head south back down the est coast of the island, you will find another boutique hotel in Post Lafayette. La Maison d’Eté is a more modern take on the island theme, in this still undeveloped part of the island. Recently taken over by Brigitte Baranès, the 14 rooms around the pools, lounge and restaurant have a zen feeling, especially ‘La Vigie’ room, high on stilts, with it’s own terrace overlooking the Indian ocean.

If you fancy being more independent go self-catering, this allows you to shop in the local markets and vegetable stalls that seem to pop up along the roads and experiment with the local cuisine. White Oaks is a small development of twelve 2 to 4 bedroomed villas and apartments right on the beach Pointe aux Piments on the West coast. Built around it’s own swimming pool and deck. It’s peaceful but only a short drive from Grand Baie if you want the nightlife.