If you yearn for exceptional travel, the conclusion of an African safari – be it the drama of the Maasai Mara or the exclusivity of the Okavango Delta – demands a transition that is equally breathtaking, yet perfectly contrasting.
The pulse-quickening thrill of the “bush” finds its idyllic counterpart in the tranquil luxury of the “beach”, and no destination answers this call with more elegance and diversity than Mauritius. Leaders in luxury safari holidays, Tailormade Africa Safaris, takes you on a journey to discover the four captivating coastlines of the island, so you can choose your ideal destination.
Deep Dive into Island History
Mauritius’ history is a fascinating tale of successive colonial powers that elevated the island from a remote stopover to a vital Indian Ocean jewel. First settled by the Dutch, then profoundly shaped by the French as ‘Île de France’, and finally a key British possession, the island’s unique heritage manifests in its elegant architecture.
North of the island, the meticulously restored colonial mansion of Château de Labourdonnais showcases 19th-century plantation life. In the South-West, the Le Morne Cultural Landscape stands as a poignant symbol of the resistance of runaway slaves who found refuge on its monumental peak.
Meanwhile, the capital of Port Louis, on the West coast, hosts the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO site marking the arrival of indentured labourers, highlighting the island’s pivotal role in post-slavery history.
Select Your Coastline
This sapphire jewel in the Indian Ocean is more than just a tropical finale; it is the quintessential, perfectly matched tropical complement to luxury safari holidays. But with four distinct coastlines, how do you select the ultimate sanctuary for your post-safari repose?
The secret lies in understanding the unique character of each corner, allowing your inner traveller’s compass to guide you to your ideal shoreline.
The North: Socialite’s Playground (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches)
The North Coast is Mauritius at its most lively and cosmopolitan. Centred around the chic hub of Grand Baie, this region offers a seamless blend of developed infrastructure, boutique shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
The sheltered bays and calm waters are ideal for luxury safari holidays defined by relaxed swimming and exquisite dining experiences, transitioning effortlessly from a sun-kissed afternoon to a refined evening out.
- Atmosphere: Stylish, highly developed, and busy. The destination for those who appreciate seeing and being seen, with easy access to high-end amenities and social gatherings.
- Best For: The socialite seeking convenience, energy, and variety. A superb choice if your ideal relaxation includes people-watching, fine dining across numerous restaurants, and a dash of late-night glamour after the day’s adventures.
The East: Honeymooner’s Retreat (Belle Mare, Île aux Cerfs)
The East Coast is synonymous with Mauritian postcard perfection. Home to some of the island’s most exclusive and sprawling resorts, this coast features long, immaculate stretches of white sand and the vast, shimmering turquoise of the open sea. While it can be breezy during the cooler months—a boon for kite surfers—it is defined by its air of tranquillity, discretion and world-class leisure facilities, particularly championship golf courses.
- Atmosphere: Tranquil, pristine, and inherently romantic. The emphasis is on secluded luxury, impeccable service, and uninterrupted views.
- Best For: Honeymooners or couples seeking exclusive luxury, privacy, and a quiet, all-encompassing resort experience. If your safari was high-octane, the East offers a pure, beautiful slow-down.
The West: The Active Adventurer’s Extension (Flic-en-Flac, Le Morne)
The West Coast of Mauritius is the logical and most exciting transition for enthusiasts of luxury safari holidays. This is where the African spirit of exploration finds its maritime continuation. The West is blessed with calm, sun-drenched beaches, famous for their spectacular sunsets. Crucially, it serves as the gateway to the island’s most dynamic land and sea activities.
Here, the Black River Gorges National Park offers a dramatic interior of waterfalls and hiking trails, an active extension of your wilderness journey. You can trade tracking a leopard for trekking a canyon or substitute a morning game drive for an exhilarating ocean encounter, swimming with wild dolphins in Tamarin Bay.
Luxury resorts hug the coastline, particularly around the dramatic UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne Brabant. For a unique experience, steeped in culture and nature, this part of the island provides the perfect base for active days and relaxed evenings.
- Atmosphere: Vibrant, warm and geared toward activity and natural beauty. It’s the closest Mauritius comes to a seamless blend of “bush” adventure and tropical bliss.
- Best For: The active adventurer who values the immersive experience of luxury safari holidays. It is the ideal choice for those who want their beach escape to still feature an element of exploration, hiking and wildlife interaction, serving as a dynamic counterpoint to the traditional African safari.
The South: The Nature Lover’s Sanctuary (Bel Ombre, Souillac)
For those who seek profound quiet and a connection to the raw, untamed landscape, the South Coast of Mauritius provides the most authentic, rugged experience.
This coastline is largely undeveloped, characterised by towering cliffs, dramatic coastal roads, and sugarcane fields that tumble down to the sea. Accommodation here is characterised by intimate luxury hotels and private villas, offering a truly tranquil and exclusive sanctuary for the beach component of luxury safari holidays.
The South is Mauritius’s “wild side”, perfect for long, contemplative beach walks and immersive nature excursions. It is home to reserves like the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, offering a secluded environment that mirrors the exclusivity and quietude of a private African reserve, but with the scent of tropical flowers and the sound of the ocean replacing the dry savannah.
- Atmosphere: Authentic, rugged, and intensely tranquil. This region is for the purist who values untouched scenery and quiet exclusivity above all else.
- Best For: The nature lover and the seasoned safari-goer who demands a complete, peaceful disconnect. The South offers the profound contrast of a spectacular, wild oceanscape – a serene counterpart to the intensity and energy of the African bush.
The Quintessential Finale to Luxury Safari Holidays
Mauritius understands the high expectations of the post-safari traveller. Whether you choose the active coast of the West to continue your adventurous spirit, or the tranquil wilds of the South for a restorative natural immersion, the island positions itself as the final act in your grand African narrative.
It is the flawless tropical conclusion to a luxury safari, offering a necessary contrast to the bush’s raw intensity. After days of tracking game, the island’s secluded luxury resorts provide unmatched intimacy and tranquillity, pairing world-class service with serene, turquoise lagoons, completing the ultimate high-end adventure with a peaceful, decadent repose.
The destination is not just about beautiful beaches; it is about providing the ultimate, personalised release, complete with the intimate service and exceptional standard of hospitality that defines luxury safari holidays from start to finish. Your compass points to paradise—but only you can decide which perfect, sun-drenched corner awaits your arrival.
Mauritius Tours Just For You
Experience the best when it comes to luxury safari holidays. Transition from the thrill of the bush to pure bliss with a Mauritian getaway curated by Tailormade Africa Safaris. Our island tour experts will design your ideal itinerary, complete with luxury hotels, dining, experiences and more. Book your bespoke Mauritius finale to round off your ultimate bush and beach getaway.
