When South Africans dream of an island escape close to home, Mauritius typically tops the list – thanks to decades of smart hospitality marketing. Some tick it off as a once-off destination. I’m not one of them. Over 13 years, I’ve returned countless times, mostly for work, but also because it keeps drawing me back.
Flying to Mauritius from Johannesburg takes just 30 minutes longer than reaching Zanzibar, and it feels more sophisticated – from the airport and infrastructure to the food and service. As a solo traveller, it offers something essential: safety and ease. English is widely spoken, and the welcome feels genuine.
A recent conversation with local photographer and storyteller Paul Choy helped me understand why I always gravitate to the island’s east coast. It’s not just about the firsts: hearing opera by the beach, seeing a dolphin glide past during tai chi, dancing in the rain, or finding comfort in solitude. It’s the coastline itself that calls me back – wide sandy beaches, sculpted rock pools, and a sense of place that reminds me of family holidays on South Africa’s Wild Coast.
There’s a two-hour time difference between South Africa and Mauritius, which means you might wake earlier than usual to catch the sunrise and often the sight of horses cantering along the shore between LUX* Belle Mare and SALT of Palmar. Sometimes they’re ridden by guests on morning outrides, sometimes they’re just being exercised and swimming in the deeper water. Either way, that stretch is perfect for a jog or barefoot walk between the two properties.
I’ve spent hours exploring the coastline from One&Only Le Saint Géran to Shangri-La Le Touessrok, with the fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce in between. At SALT of Palmar, you can hire an e-bike and ride to Trou d’Eau Douce to meet local fishermen sorting their catch, visit the Catholic stone church with its indigo-stained glass windows, or enjoy lunch at Green Island Beach Restaurant. Tours to Île aux Cerfs leave from here too, though guests at Anahita Golf & Spa Resort enjoy exclusive access to a private beach via a boat shuttle that runs every half hour.
Across the island, there’s a growing focus on curated experiences, open-air gastronomy, and wellness rooted in ancient tradition. Top-tier guests want more than just a pristine beach – they seek immersion, meaning, and those magic of moments that can’t be scripted.
As noted in Le Figaro, this evolution is driven by new players like RIVEO (owners of Four Seasons, Shangri-La Le Touessrok & Spa and Île aux Cerfs) and the Attitude group, which is transforming the three- and four-star offering by integrating thoughtful design, community development, and even environmental regeneration.
I pay attention to those shifts, but it’s the details that linger. A waitress gently tucking a frangipani behind my ear. A barman waiting with bubbly and a towel after I’ve danced for hours. The soft rhythm of birdsong, bats, and breeze. And that couple who conceived at St Géran after years of trying.
You can’t make these stories up. They’re the kind of quiet magic that only reveals itself when you’re truly present – and open to wonder.
Crafted for quiet luxury
Experience the pinnacle of island living on the east coast of Mauritius, where those enchanted by its coastal beauty can invest in a home – whether for holidays, seasonal living, or as a legacy asset.
One&Only Le Saint Géran Private Homes is an exclusive enclave of ultra-luxury beachfront villas on a pristine peninsula. These freehold residences offer access to five-star resort amenities, white-sand beaches, and world-class golf courses in the area. Only a few four-bedroom villas remain, and ownership comes with eligibility for permanent residency. Residents enjoy exceptional architecture, a private heated pool, and the option to join a rental or global exchange programme. oneandonlyresorts.com/le-saint-geran
Just five minutes from Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, Anahita Beau Champ presents villas, apartments, and penthouses in a thoughtfully serviced village setting. With supermarkets, restaurants, offices, healthcare, a modern sports centre, and Clavis International Primary School within walking distance, it’s ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. Residents also enjoy easy access to four nearby golf courses, and the development’s five hectares of green space encourage nature-inspired living. anahitamauritius.com
Little Black Book
- Wellness journeys and Indian gastronomy at Amari by Vineet at LUX* Belle Mare– luxresorts.com
- Soulful stays and vegan cuisine at SALT of Palmar – saltresorts.com
- A lifestyle resort with access to two top golf courses – anahita.mu
- Quick transfers, aerial filming and island tours – mauritiushelicopter.mu
- Conservation park hikes, clifftop dining, and rustic stays – ferney.mu
- Artisanal essential oils and sensory wellness products – ylangoil.com
- Direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg – airmauritius.com
- Effortless arrivals with VIP customs and immigration services – jetprime.mu
IMAGES: TOM FALLON; ERIC LEE; LUX* BELLE MARE; ANAHITA GOLF & SPA RESORT; JONATHAN/SALT OF PALMAR
