There’s something about Grand Bay that wraps around you like the warm lagoon it sits on. Maybe it’s the sound of the sea lapping gently against the shore, or the way the sun seems to hit differently here, bouncing off white catamarans and bougainvillea-lined balconies. Once a quiet fishing village, Grand Bay is now a magnetic, year-round destination in Mauritius, where beach life, boutique hotels, and barefoot adventures all meet in one turquoise embrace.
You’ll find Grand Bay tucked into the northwest coast, about an hour from the airport. Easy enough to get to by taxi, rental car or bus, yet just far enough to feel like you’ve landed somewhere special. The water here is always inviting, the bay sheltered, the palm-lined promenade buzzing with fruit vendors, dive shops and local rhythm. And yet, the magic of Grand Bay lies in its variety. You can go from snorkelling with parrotfish at La Cuvette to sipping a rooftop cocktail at sunset, all in the same afternoon.
Where beach days never get old
The beaches are as postcard-worthy as they come. Grand Bay Public Beach, right in the center of the action, has calm shallow waters and boats coming and going like clockwork. For quieter moments, wander west to La Cuvette, a protected little cove with soft sand and crystal water, perfect for a lazy swim. Just a few minutes up the road lies Pereybere, often named among Mauritius’s best beaches. It’s compact, lively and crystal-clear, with snacks, fresh coconuts and a sunset that turns everything gold.
But it doesn’t stop at sunbathing. Grand Bay is the launchpad for some of the most exciting trips in Mauritius. You can sail to Flat Island and Gabriel Island on a full-day catamaran cruise, with snorkelling stops and a barbecue lunch on board. Some tours swing by Coin de Mire too, where dramatic cliffs tower above a deep blue sea teeming with fish. For thrill-seekers, underwater sea walking offers a surreal stroll on the ocean floor, helmet on, shoal of butterflyfish around. Prefer a nature escape? Book a private driver tour to Cap Malheureux’s red-roofed church, the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden or Château de Labourdonnais, where heritage and rum tasting go hand in hand. Or make a day of dolphin-spotting and island-hopping with a west coast boat tour to Tamarin and Benitiers Island, complete with a beach BBQ.
It’s the kind of place where GetYourGuide is your best friend. Nearly every tour you can imagine sets off from here, and having your spot booked ahead makes life easier, especially in high season.
Stay where the sea is never far
The hotels and apartments in Grand Bay are worth mentioning twice. There’s something for every traveller, whether you’re here for a romantic escape or a barefoot budget break. Luxury-seekers will fall in love with the Royal Palm Beachcomber, an iconic 5-star resort with an ultra-private cove, dreamy fine dining and service that goes above and beyond. It’s discreet, elegant and practically stitched into the shoreline.
Just a stroll away, LUX* Grand Baie has a more modern energy. Think rooftop infinity pool, five bars, a stylish wellness spa, and rooms with smart tech and ocean-facing balconies. It’s a resort that knows how to have fun but still lets you sleep in peace. For a boutique hideaway, Hôtel 20 Degrés Sud blends old colonial charm with modern luxury, tucked among coconut palms and offering romantic cruises aboard a vintage boat.
If you’re more the beach-apartment kind of traveller, Pereybere Hotel & Spa is a gem. Right across from Pereybere Beach, it offers renovated rooms, rooftop pool, and the convenience of dipping in the sea before your morning coffee. KSTUDIOS is another standout, with simple yet elegant self-catering studios, a serene garden pool and hosts who welcome you like family. You can walk to the beach or supermarket in minutes. It’s affordable, authentic and exactly what Mauritius should feel like.
The bonus? Most of these hotels and apartments are listed on Booking.com, which means you can check real guest reviews, browse deals and often find free cancellation – perfect if your plans are still shaping up. If you’re planning a trip, check out our affiliate links to lock in the best deals before the peak season rolls in.
As the sun dips low and Banana Beach Club begins to buzz under the flamboyant tree, Grand Bay takes on a new rhythm. Locals laugh over Phoenix beers, music spills from open doors, and that easy island feeling settles into your bones. Whether you’re on a honeymoon, solo escape or travelling with kids, Grand Bay offers more than just a pretty beach. It gives you space to slow down, to explore, to taste, and to fall in love with Mauritius, one salty breeze at a time.
