The Best Place in Mauritius Depends on What You're Looking For
Mauritius is a small island, roughly 65 kilometres north to south, yet it contains genuinely distinct regions, each with a different character, infrastructure, and pace of life. The best place in Mauritius is not a single answer: it is the east coast if you want calm lagoons and polished resort living, the west if you want sunsets and a social scene, the north if you want convenience and connectivity, and the south if you want raw landscape with almost no one else around. Knowing which region fits your priorities is the first decision any serious visitor or prospective resident should make.
The East Coast: Calm Water, Considered Living
The east coast lagoon is the quietest argument for staying longer than you planned, reef-protected, impossibly clear, and lined with resorts that have quietly set the standard for Indian Ocean luxury. Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce are the two anchors. Belle Mare offers one of the longest stretches of public beach on the island, while Trou d'Eau Douce is the departure point for Île aux Cerfs, the small island that appears on more mood boards than almost anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.
For relocation, the east is increasingly attractive. Road access has improved significantly, the Grand Port district has seen residential development, and the trade winds keep temperatures a degree or two cooler than the west. The trade-off is distance from the main commercial centres, Ebène and Port Louis are a 40-to-50-minute drive depending on traffic.
The West Coast: Energy, Sunsets, and the Expatriate Hub
Flic en Flac and the broader Rivière Noire district have become the default answer for expatriates asking where to base themselves. The reasons are practical: proximity to Ebène Cybercity (the island's main business district), a dense network of international schools, and a restaurant and café culture that makes daily life feel less isolated.
The lagoon here is wider and slightly less sheltered than the east, which means better conditions for kitesurfing and diving, particularly around the Rivière Noire pass, one of the few places on the island where the reef opens to deeper water. Sunsets over the lagoon are a reliable daily event that requires no planning.
The North: Convenience and the Capital's Orbit
Grand Baie is the north's commercial and social centre, a town that functions as a small city, with supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and nightlife within walking distance of each other. For short-stay visitors who want variety without renting a car every day, the north makes more practical sense than anywhere else.
Port Louis, the capital, is 20 kilometres south. It is where the Stock Exchange of Mauritius operates, where the main government ministries sit, and where Mauritius Commercial Bank, the island's largest bank, has its headquarters. For anyone managing finances or setting up a business entity, proximity to Port Louis matters.
The South: Space, Scenery, and Solitude
The south is different: wilder, less visited, and worth every kilometre of the drive. Mahébourg, the main town on the south-east coast, sits on a wide bay with a relaxed pace that the north and west have largely outgrown. The Black River Gorges National Park, which covers the island's central highlands, is most easily accessed from the south and south-west. Chamarel, with its coloured earths and the island's highest waterfall, draws day-trippers from every direction.
For long-term residents who work remotely and prioritise space over convenience, the south offers larger properties at lower prices than comparable homes on the west or east coast.
Banking in Mauritius: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know
Mauritius has a well-developed banking sector regulated by the Bank of Mauritius. Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is the largest retail bank on the island and the one most newcomers encounter first. MCB internet banking, accessed through the bank's official platform, allows account holders to manage transfers, pay utility bills, view statements, and handle foreign currency transactions without visiting a branch.
Setting up internet banking with Mauritius Commercial Bank requires an active MCB account and registration through their digital portal. The process is straightforward for residents with a valid national ID or residence permit. For expatriates and foreign nationals, account opening typically requires proof of address, a valid passport, and documentation of your legal status on the island, an Occupation Permit or Premium Visa, for example.
Other major banks operating on the island include SBM (State Bank of Mauritius), Absa Bank Mauritius, and AfrAsia Bank, which specialises in private banking and wealth management for internationally mobile clients.
Job Opportunities in Mauritius: Where the Market Is
Mauritius has positioned itself as a regional business hub for Africa and the Indian Ocean, and the job market reflects that ambition. The sectors with the most consistent demand for skilled professionals are financial services, information technology, business process outsourcing (BPO), hospitality, and construction.
Ebène Cybercity is the centre of gravity for technology and financial services roles. The Global Business sector, which includes fund administration, private equity, and international tax structuring, employs a significant number of internationally qualified professionals. Career opportunities in Mauritius within this sector tend to require credentials recognised in Mauritius or the UK, given the island's legal heritage.
The Mauritius government's official jobs portal (myjob.mu) aggregates listings across sectors and is the most comprehensive single source for active vacancies. Recruitment agencies operating locally include Rogers Recruitment, Manpower Mauritius, and a number of boutique firms specialising in financial services placements.
For expatriates, the Occupation Permit system allows skilled workers, investors, and self-employed professionals to live and work legally on the island. The permit is issued for up to three years and is renewable. A combined Occupation and Residence Permit is also available for qualifying applicants.
Job opportunities in Mauritius for remote workers have expanded significantly since 2021, when the government introduced the Premium Visa, a 12-month renewable visa that allows foreigners to live on the island while working for an employer or clients outside Mauritius. This has made the island a practical base for professionals who are not dependent on the local job market.
Choosing Where to Base Yourself: A Practical Summary
If you are visiting for a week and want the best beach experience, the east coast delivers the most consistent conditions. If you are relocating for work in financial services or technology, the west coast near Ebène is the most efficient base. If you want urban convenience and easy access to the capital for banking and government services, the north is the pragmatic choice. If you are working remotely and want space and lower costs, the south rewards the compromise on convenience.
The island is small enough that none of these choices locks you in, a 45-minute drive connects most of its regions. But your first choice of base shapes your daily life more than most people anticipate before they arrive.
FAQ
What is the best place in Mauritius for a beach holiday?
The east coast, particularly Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce, offers the calmest and clearest lagoon conditions for swimming and water sports. The reef provides natural protection, and the beaches are among the least crowded on the island.
Where do most expatriates live in Mauritius?
The west coast, specifically Flic en Flac and the Rivière Noire district, is the most popular area for expatriates, primarily because of its proximity to Ebène Cybercity, international schools, and a well-established social infrastructure.
How do I set up internet banking with Mauritius Commercial Bank?
To access MCB internet banking, you need an active account with Mauritius Commercial Bank and must register through their official digital banking platform. Registration requires your account details and a valid mobile number for two-factor authentication.
What are the main job opportunities in Mauritius for foreigners?
The main sectors hiring internationally qualified professionals are financial services, IT and BPO, hospitality management, and construction. The Occupation Permit system allows skilled workers to live and work legally on the island for up to three years, renewable.
Is Mauritius a good place to relocate for remote workers?
Yes. The Premium Visa, introduced in 2021, allows remote workers to live in Mauritius for 12 months (renewable) while employed by or contracting with companies outside Mauritius. The island offers reliable fibre internet, a low crime rate, and a straightforward tax regime.
What is the cost of living in Mauritius compared to Europe?
Cost of living in Mauritius is generally lower than in Western Europe for housing and domestic services, but imported goods and international school fees are comparable to or higher than European prices. Overall, a professional household can expect to live comfortably on a budget that would feel constrained in London or Paris.