What is Preskil Island Resort and where is it in Mauritius?
Preskil Island Resort is a well-established four-star hotel located on the Mahebourg waterfront in the south-east of Mauritius, near the historic town of Mahebourg in the Black River and Grand Port district. It sits on a private peninsula overlooking the Blue Bay Marine Park lagoon and the outer islands, giving guests and visitors an immediate sense of the island's quieter, more authentic side. Unlike the heavily developed north-west coast, this corner of Mauritius retains a genuinely local character, with fishing villages, colonial-era heritage sites, and some of the clearest shallow water in the Indian Ocean just minutes away.
The resort has long been popular with both leisure travellers and long-stay visitors who want to explore the south-east before deciding whether to relocate or invest in property in Mauritius. Its position near Blue Bay, Mahebourg, and the airport corridor makes it a practical base for that kind of exploratory visit.
Why do people visit Preskil Resort when considering a move to Mauritius?
Many people who are seriously thinking about relocating to Mauritius use an extended hotel stay as a research trip. Preskil Island Resort appeals to this group for several reasons:
- South-east access: The resort is within easy driving distance of Mahebourg, Blue Bay, Bel Ombre, and the coastal villages of Riviere des Anguilles. These areas offer a very different lifestyle from the busy tourist strips of Grand Baie or Flic en Flac.
- Authentic atmosphere: The south-east is one of the least commercialised parts of the island. Markets, local restaurants, and historic sites such as the National History Museum of Mahebourg are all close by.
- Airport proximity: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by car, which reduces travel stress for people arriving on long-haul flights or making multiple trips during a relocation process.
- Quieter pace: Visitors who want to understand what daily life in Mauritius actually looks like, rather than the resort-bubble version, find the south-east more representative.
What can you do at and around Preskil Island Resort?
Water-based activities
The lagoon facing the resort is part of one of the most protected marine environments in Mauritius. Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat excursions, kayaking, and catamaran trips to the outer islands (including Ile aux Aigrettes, a coral island nature reserve) are all easily arranged. Blue Bay Marine Park, a short drive or boat ride away, is consistently rated among the finest snorkelling sites in the Indian Ocean.
Cultural and historical exploration
Mahebourg town is the site of the 1810 Battle of Grand Port, the only naval victory commemorated on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The National History Museum there tells the story of Mauritius from Dutch settlement through French and British colonial periods to independence. For visitors considering a long-term move, spending time in Mahebourg gives a real sense of Mauritian community life.
Nature and hiking
The south-east is close to the Mahebourg wetlands and the Pointe d'Esny area, which is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance. The region also offers access to forest trails in the Bel Ombre nature reserve further along the southern coast.
Day trips from the resort
From Preskil, you can reach:
- Chamarel and the Coloured Earths (roughly 1.5 hours by road)
- Rochester Falls waterfall in the south
- The coastal road through Souillac and Gris Gris cliffs
- Port Louis city centre in about 45 to 50 minutes
What is the property market like near Preskil Resort?
The south-east of Mauritius has historically been more affordable than the north-west, though prices have risen steadily as buyers recognise the area's natural advantages. Mahebourg, Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny, and the surrounding villages offer a range of residential options, from local-style houses to newer villa developments aimed at foreign buyers.
Foreign nationals can purchase property in Mauritius under approved schemes that allow them to obtain a residence permit alongside their purchase. The south-east has seen growing interest in this type of acquisition, particularly around Blue Bay and Bel Ombre where integrated resort and residential developments have been approved.
If you are using a stay at Preskil Island Resort as a scouting trip, it is worth spending time driving through the residential streets of Mahebourg, Pointe d'Esny, and Blue Bay to get a feel for the community. For current listings in the south-east and across the island, Property Finder Mauritius is a useful starting point for understanding what is available and at what price levels.
What is the cost of living like in the south-east of Mauritius?
The south-east is generally more affordable for day-to-day living than the north-west. Local markets in Mahebourg sell fresh produce, fish, and household goods at prices that reflect the local economy rather than the tourist economy. Dining out at local restaurants costs a fraction of what you would pay at resort restaurants. Petrol, utilities, and domestic services are broadly consistent across the island, though transport costs can be slightly higher if you are commuting to Port Louis or the business districts regularly.
For expatriates, the south-east offers a lifestyle that feels genuinely integrated with Mauritian daily life, which many long-term residents say is one of the most rewarding aspects of living here.
Is the south-east a good place to live long-term?
For the right person, absolutely. The south-east suits people who:
- Value natural beauty and outdoor life over nightlife and shopping
- Want to live within a real Mauritian community rather than an expatriate enclave
- Work remotely or run a business that does not require daily commuting
- Are drawn to water, marine conservation, and eco-tourism
- Prefer a slower, quieter pace of island life
The trade-offs are real too. The road network in the south-east is improving but some areas still involve longer drives to reach supermarkets, international schools, or specialist medical facilities. Most families with school-age children factor school locations into their area choice carefully.
Practical tips for a research visit to Preskil and the south-east
- Hire a car from the airport. Public transport exists but is slow and does not cover the coastal villages well.
- Visit the Mahebourg weekly market on a Monday morning for the most authentic local experience.
- Take a boat trip to Ile aux Aigrettes to understand the island's conservation work.
- Drive the coastal road south through Souillac to Bel Ombre to see the full range of the southern coastline.
- Talk to local estate agents and check online listings on Property Finder Mauritius before your trip so you arrive with a clear sense of budget and location priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Preskil Island Resort in Mauritius?
Preskil Island Resort is located on a peninsula near Mahebourg in the south-east of Mauritius, overlooking the Blue Bay lagoon and close to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
How far is Preskil Resort from the airport?
The resort is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, making it one of the most conveniently located resorts for new arrivals.
Can foreigners buy property near Preskil Resort in Mauritius?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase property in Mauritius under government-approved schemes, some of which include a residence permit. The south-east has several developments that qualify. Check current listings at Property Finder Mauritius.
What is the best time of year to visit Preskil and the south-east of Mauritius?
May to November is generally the cooler, drier season and considered the best time to visit. The south-east can receive more rainfall than the north-west during the cyclone season from December to March.
Is the south-east of Mauritius suitable for families relocating to the island?
Yes, though families should check school locations carefully. The south-east is peaceful and safe with excellent outdoor and marine activities, but the main international schools are located in other parts of the island, which may mean longer commutes for children.
What activities are available near Preskil Island Resort?
Snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park, boat trips to Ile aux Aigrettes, kayaking, cultural visits to Mahebourg, hiking in Bel Ombre, and day trips to Chamarel and the southern coast are all popular options.
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