Confused about where to stay in Mauritius? Here’s our guide to the different regions in Mauritius you can select to settle in.
Picking the right neighborhood in a new country is always a dilemma and we all want to stay in the best location based on our needs and requirements. Mauritius is becoming a famous location among digital nomads and expatriates. There are beautiful white sand beaches, misty rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and exceptional resorts, but you probably also want to have easy access to shopping areas, hospitals, banks, or schools. So, to help you plan your Mauritius relocation and find out which place is right for you, here’s our Mauritius neighborhood guide that gives you a taste of the different areas and the specialties each location has to offer. Also check our article on the best platforms to find the best properties to rent and on “The real cost of living in Mauritius for expats and digital nomads”.
The best places to live and must-visit neighborhoods in Mauritius:
West and South-West Mauritius
Famous for its quiet beaches, small fishing villages, and beautiful mountains, this region considers being the sunniest and driest region of the island. The most popular beaches of this region are Flic en Flac, Tamarin, and Le Morne visited by many locals and tourists for family outings, for activities like surfing, swimming, watching dolphins and whales, and for its heritage as well. You can quickly reach to the famous Black River Gorges National Park and enjoy hiking activities and can see a variety of bird and animal species. If you want to stay close to the mountains and the sea then this place will be perfect for you. The Black River district consists of many small towns and villages where you can choose to live.
Pointe Aux Sables and Albion
Shopping Centers- Dodo Supermarket, New Albion Supermarket, London Way Pointe aux Sables
Banks- MCB is in Albion, and the closest SBM is in Bambous.
Health centers- Albion Community Health Center
Schools- There are no International schools in this region, the nearest is in Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac
This place is known for its long white sand public beach surrounded by casuarina trees that stretch for a few kilometers. During the weekend many locals visit the beach for picnics and swimming in the sea. Along the road, there are many restaurants and nightclubs making this place quite busy and happening. There are many options for apartments and bungalows to rent out at a reasonable price for long-term or short-term contracts. Also, there are many local shops selling all the necessary things you need making this place famous among tourists and expats. The place is more touristy than the other locations in the West. The advantage of Flic en Flac compared to the other villages in the West is that it is possible to go around without owning a car.
Shopping Centers- Cascavelle Shopping, and Jumbo Express Pasadena
Banks- There are no banks in Flic en Flac but there is MCB in Cascavelle
Health center- Flic en Flac Community Health Center
Schools- Westcoast International Primary School and Westcoast International Secondary School
Tamarin / Black River / La Preneuse
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, a black sand public beach (Tamarin) and a white sand beach (La Preneuse), this area is now a very popular location for expatriates, and also for tourists, which makes it one of the most expensive of the country. It is the most commercially developed of the region. There is a large choice of shopping centers and restaurants, banks and two private hospitals.
Shopping Centers- Ruisseau Creole, Coeur Cap Tamarin & La Place Cap Tamarin, London Way Supermarket
Banks-MCB, SBM and Absa
Health centers-Dr. Yves Cantin Community Hospital (public hospital), C Care (private) and Life Together (private).
Schools- Telfair International Primary School
La Gaulette
Very close to the majestic Le Morne mountain, this small village is becoming more and more popular among expats as well. Since we moved to Mauritius, we’ve seen a few hip cafes and restaurants open at La Gaulette. It’s also famous for kitesurfers and divers as there are many training schools for surfing and diving.
Shopping Centers- GSR La Gaulette Supermarket, Village Walk Shopping Center
Banks- The nearest bank is in Tamarin
Health centers- La Gaulette Health Care Center
Schools- Nearest International school is in Flic en Flac
Le Morne/Bel Ombre
Almost at the extreme southern tip of the island, 50 km away from the Capital, you will find this tiny and peaceful village. Mostly this place is inhabited by locals and 5-star hotels. Compared to the other parts of the island, this village doesn’t get that many tourists making this place quite isolated and you can enjoy white beautiful beaches almost to yourself. Many locals sometimes visit Bel Ombre to do activities like Quad Biking, Diving, Trekking, etc. If you are an avid nature lover then this is the perfect place for you to settle in.
Shopping Centers- Nearest shopping center is in La Gaulette.
Banks-Nearest bank is in the Black River District
Health Centers- Nearest Health Center is in the Black River District.
Schools- Nearest International school is in the Black River District.
Center Mauritius
The central region and towns are quite different from all the coastal towns. The central plateau has a different vibe with densely populated towns, frequent rainfalls, and much cooler temperatures than the rest of Mauritius. You will find many residential houses, local grocery stores, and street food stalls selling dholl puri, roti, and gateau piment. Because of its population, it gets very busy during the day and quite peaceful at night. It consists of four major towns: Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill, Quatre-Bornes, Vacoas/Phoenix, and Curepipe. This region is well connected with public transport systems like electric trams and many local buses. Rental properties are comparatively cheaper than in coastal towns of Mauritius. If you go to work in the Capital city of Port Louis or Ebene cybercity then living here is a great idea.
Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill and Moka
One of the most populated towns of this region, Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill is famous for shopping malls and food stalls. You will find many types of restaurants and street food stalls selling delicious local food. It’s a well-connected town with an electric tram system and local buses that you can use to go to any part of this country. Surrounded by the beautiful Moka mountain range, nice children’s parks, markets, and victorian style houses, it is definitely a charming and cool place to live.
Shopping Centers- Super U Belle Rose, Plaza Boulevard, Magic Lantern, Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius, the new Tribecca Mall and many more
Banks- HSBC, MCB, Absa, Bank of Baroda, SBI, and many more
Health Centers- Beau Bassin Health Centre, Rose Hill Area Health Centre, Brown Sequard Mental Healthcare Hospital`
Schools- St. Andrew’s School and St Marys College
Quatre-Bornes
This busy town is filled with residential houses, food stalls, and local markets. It’s an ideal place if you want to experience the local Mauritian culture. Also it’s a very well-connected town with all the other nearby big districts like Moka, Ebene, Rose Hill, and Vacaos Phoenix.
Shopping Centers- La City Trianon, Orchard Center, Ebene Commercial Centre, Centre Commercial Emerald Park Ltee, the new Tribecca Mall and many more.
Banks- State Bank of Mauritius (SBM), Standard Charted Bank, MCB, and many more
Hospitals-Victoria Hospital, Medisave, St Jean Clinic, Quatre-Bornes Area Health Centre, and many more
Schools- Arden Junior School, and Hampton Primary School
Curepipe
In terms of weather, this area is the coolest part of Mauritius. Famously known for Trou Aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano well decorated with a green lush garden and beautiful trees overlooking the Curepipe town. Many joggers and tourists go there to enjoy the view and the landscape. There are many options for renting an apartment or landed property at a decent price. It will be a perfect place for those who want to escape the heat and enjoy living in cooler climates.
Shopping Centers- Vacoas Square Shopping Mall, Manhattan Shopping Center, Garden Village Shopping Complex, and many more
Banks- HSBC, MCB, Absa, Bank of Baroda, SBI, SBM, and many more
Health Centers- Clinique Ferriere de Bon Secours, and C-Care Darné, E.N.T Hospital in Vacoas-Phoenix
Schools-Hampton Primary School, St.patrick Primary School, Imperial Colleges, and many more :
North and North-West Mauritius
Surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches and lagoons, the North is a popular place. There are many hotels and resorts, restaurants, boutiques, bars and nightclubs. Definitely, this is the most crowded place with tourists and expats living there. There are plenty of rental properties available and they are often more budget-friendly than in the West. The three major towns of this region are Port Louis, the Capital of Mauritius, Grand Baie, and Trou-aux-Biches.
Port Louis
The capital of Mauritius is the busiest city in Mauritius with many skyscrapers and markets. There are many historic and cultural sites, restaurants and administrative buildings, and you’ll find a Chinatown district and a nice Waterfront harbour area. A trip to Mauritius is incomplete without visiting the capital city. Mostly inhabited by locals, you won’t find many expats living here. There are more office rental space options available than apartments to live in.
Shopping Centers- Citadelle Mall, Port Louis Waterfront by Landscope Mauritius, Kinoo Square and many more
Banks- HSBC, MCB, Absa, and many more
Hospitals- Dr. AG Jeetoo Hospital (Civil), Terre Rouge Health Centre, and Terre Rouge Health Centre
Schools- Nearest International schools will be in Moka and Quatre Bornes
Trou-aux-Biches
The small northern coastal town Trou-Aux-Biches is mostly filled with big hotels and resorts. This place has its charm with beautiful sand beaches and blue water. If you like to stay in a peaceful location away from the hustle of the city and crowds then this is your place. You will find many premium rental properties available on real estate websites. If you are not on a budget then you can benefit from living in this beautiful location.
Shopping Centers- Chez Popo Supermarket and S-Mart
Banks- MCB Triolet, SBM Triolet, and MauBank
Schools- Northlands School
Grand Baie, Mont Choisy and Cap Malheureux
Grand Baie is the most happening town in the north and is very famous among locals and tourists. This town is filled with lively bars and restaurants, hotels, and interesting boutiques. Many locals travel to this region during the weekend for family outings or partying with friends. Living here can be a great option because of cheap rental properties, big expat community, local convenience stores, and many types of activities that are available here. If you go a little further down or up, there are upcoming villages : the village of Cap Malheureux, a small fishing village at the northernmost tip of the island mostly inhabited by locals, and the Mont Choisy area near one of the most beautiful beaches of the North. Ideal for those who want to avoid the crowd in Grand Baie and stay in a more peaceful location. Along the coast, you can find many beautiful rental properties.
Shopping Centers- La Croisette is the largest shopping center in the region, Mont Choisy Le Mall, and many more
Banks- MCB, ABC Bank, Absa, and many more
Health center- Clinique de Grand Baie, C-Care Grand Baie and more
Schools- Saint Exupéry International School and Martin Ecole’ette Nursery School
East Mauritius
Famous for its beautiful long stretch white sands beach and beautiful landscape, this part of Mauritius is considered to be the windiest because of the wind from the southeast side, making the sea sometimes choppy. You will find some of the best hotels on this side of the island and it’s very close to the airport. There are many small and vibrant villages making this place very interesting. The famous island Ile Aux Cerfs is very near, which many locals and tourists visit for snorkeling, kayaking, and picnic outings. This place is mostly inhabited by locals and not so popular among expats. Two districts, Flacq and Mahebourg, have a decent population of expats and there are some rental properties available. Disclaimer- This part of Mauritius is quite isolated from the rest of the country: for any important work you might have to drive to the center of Mauritius.
Flacq
A small but lively village, Flacq is mostly inhabited by the locals. You will find many local street food stalls and markets. The Flacq market is one of the biggest fresh markets in Mauritius and you can find varieties of goods and fresh produce. If you like the quiet lifestyle then you should definitely check this place out.
Shopping Centers- Coeur de Ville Flacq, Flacq Fresh Market, and Bo’Valon Mall
Banks- MCB, Absa, DBM, and many more
Health Center- Flacq Hospital, Aegle Clinic, and Medicare Clinic
Schools-There are no international schools in Flacq
Mahebourg and Blue Bay
Situated very close to the airport, Mahebourg is a small village in the southeast surrounded by many fishermen villages. This region is well connected by public buses that will bring you to the other parts of Mauritius. If you want to immerse in the local culture in Mauritius then this is the place to be in. There are many beautiful beaches to visit and some cultural monuments. If you want to stay away from the crowds and the tourists and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle then this is a perfect location. There are many rental properties available on the market especially at Blue Bay, a famous village in Mahebourg.
Shopping Centers- Bo’Valon Mall
Banks- MCB, SBM
Health Center- Mahebourg Hospital
Schools- There are no international schools in Mahebourg
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