A big, beautiful bay — as the name suggests — Grand Baie is the largest hub in northern Mauritius. Set close to the tip of the island and overlooking a gorgeous lagoon and the craggy Coin de Mire beyond, it’s a brilliant starting point for exploring the island. Home to a lively community, the town boasts bars, restaurants and shops aplenty — as well as some striking beaches. Many of the best places to stay in Grand Baie face the bay itself, promising mesmerising views both day and night.
Amble along to the beach to savour sizzling street snacks from the brightly painted stalls clustered in the shade of the casuarina trees. Opportunities for sailing, kayaking and swimming abound, and there are snorkelling and diving spots just a short boat ride away. The centre of the bay itself is filled with bobbing fishing boats and elegant yachts, but the fringes are calmer and better for swimming. The chic boutiques of Sunset Boulevard showcase mostly Mauritian designers, whilst the nearby La Croisette mall — though far from picturesque — boasts a cinema and more international retailers.
A short drive away, the Château de Labourdonnais offers a reflective insight into the island's sugar plantation past, whilst the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens are a revelation for nature lovers. Soak up the sunshine at nearby Mont Choisy or La Cuvette beaches, play a round of golf at Mont Choisy Le Golf, or join Mauritians for live music at N-JOY and Banana Beach Club on weekend evenings. Don’t miss savouring fresh seafood and zingy island cuisine at the town’s excellent eateries, or at our pick of the best places to stay in Grand Baie. There’s no shortage of superb spots for sundowners, either!
