Where to stay in Mauritius

The geography of the decision

• The airport is in the south-east. The north (Grand Baie), the west (Flic en Flac, Le Morne) and the east (Belle Mare) are each a real drive from it.
• East to west is about 1 hour 15 minutes. North is comparable. A late landing plus a transfer is a two-hour tail on the flight.
• Mahebourg and Blue Bay are 10 to 15 minutes from the terminal, which makes them the sensible first night after a night flight.

Practical

• Book the transfer with the hotel unless you are landing in daylight and happy with a bus.
• Villas are a common way to stay here, and burglary from tourist villas is the most reported crime. Use the safe and lock up.
• Beach and street vendors are best avoided, which the FCDO says directly.

The cyclone season

• November to May. Severe storms damage property and interrupt essential services.
• In a cyclone you may not be permitted to leave your accommodation, and car insurance often lapses for the duration.
• Travelling in that window means being ready to change plans at short notice, and carrying your airline's and tour operator's emergency numbers.