If you’re dreaming of a peaceful yet elegant escape in Mauritius, Pointe aux Canonniers might just be your perfect match. This coastal gem sits quietly on the northwestern tip of the island, just above Mont Choisy and across the bay from Grand Baie. It’s a place where luxury lives softly, where seashells line the shore, and where even the lighthouse tells a story.
Once a French military lookout in the 1700s, Pointe aux Canonniers was named after the cannoneers who guarded these shores. The peninsula later became home to one of Mauritius’s earliest lighthouses, perched above coral stone ruins. Today, that lighthouse still stands, woven into the tropical gardens of the Canonnier Beachcomber resort. It’s not just a relic, it’s a whisper from the past.
The beach here is gentle and refined, with silky sand and shallow turquoise waters. Unlike the busy shores of Grand Baie, this one is lined with upscale villas, quiet resorts, and shady trees that sway softly in the afternoon breeze. You might find locals casting lines into the lagoon or families gathering shells at low tide. Sunsets are spectacular too, often painting the sky in pink and gold, mirrored by the calm sea.
What makes Pointe aux Canonniers even more alluring is how close you are to Mauritius’s most exciting experiences without losing the peaceful rhythm of the place. You can hop on a full-day catamaran cruise to the northern islets, like Gabriel Island and Flat Island, with barbecue lunch and open bar included. These tours often start nearby, and they offer snorkelling in reefs teeming with tropical fish, with a chance to sail past Coin de Mire, a dramatic rock island rising from the sea.
If you prefer exploring on land, there’s a private full-day tour of the north that includes the red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux, the lively cafés and market at Grand Baie, and the tree-lined sands of Mont Choisy. Back near the village, Mont Choisy Diving Centre offers beginner scuba sessions where even first-timers can discover coral gardens in just a few metres of warm, clear water. For something more thrilling, try a seabob ride, a futuristic underwater scooter adventure that feels like flying through the lagoon.
When it comes to where to stay, Pointe aux Canonniers quietly hosts some of the best-rated hotels in Mauritius. If you’re seeking elegance, Seapoint Boutique Hotel is a serene five-star retreat right on the beach. Think infinity pools, gourmet cuisine, and intimate, ocean-facing rooms. Just steps away is the Canonnier Beachcomber, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort where the ancient lighthouse blends into lush gardens and cascading pools. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone who wants pampering without pretension.
For something more modest but still lovely, Maison Du Nord offers a homey vibe with tropical gardens and a warm welcome, just a short stroll from the water. Apartment-style options like Residence Le Point Choisy and Les Trois Fleurs give you the freedom of a kitchen, a pool to cool off, and local charm for less. They’re especially great for families or long stays.
Each stay comes with its own character, and every booking helps you slip into the quiet rhythm of Pointe aux Canonniers. Whether you’re here to soak up the sun, sip local rum by the sea, or explore the rich coral life beneath the surface, this village lets you do it all in style. Peaceful, refined, and full of island soul, Pointe aux Canonniers feels like Mauritius at its most graceful.
Plan your escape
- Find the best airfare deals to Mauritius on Expedia: Expedia flight search
- Browse our hand‑picked Pointe aux Canonniers and Grand Baie stays here: North Coast accommodation guide
- Reserve top experiences on GetYourGuide (all depart from the north coast):
– Speedboat tour to Gabriel & Flat Islands with BBQ lunch, full‑day chill and snorkel adventure
– Blue Safari Submarine Adventure
– Full-Day North Mauritius Guided Tour Cap Malheureux • Grand Baie market • Pamplemousses Gardens
Lock in your seat, stay and adventures, then let Pointe aux Canonniers work its quiet island magic.
