On the lagoon
Catamaran to Coin de Mire
The north's iconic cruise: set sail for Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Gabriel Islet. Snorkelling in crystal-clear water, barbecue on board, sunset return.
Snorkelling in Pereybère
Pereybère's cove is a natural aquarium: butterflyfish, damselfish and coral just metres from shore. Masks and snorkels are easy to rent nearby.
Scuba diving
Dive centres in Pereybère and Grand Baie serve the north's best spots: drop-offs, wrecks and coral gardens, for beginners and experts alike.
Big game fishing
Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi: Mauritian waters are among the richest in the Indian Ocean. Day trips from Grand Baie.
Île aux Cerfs
The east coast's star island beach: a vast lagoon of translucent water, white sand, lunch with your feet in the water. Boat from Trou d'Eau Douce.
Cap Malheureux church
The famous red-roofed chapel facing Coin de Mire — one of Mauritius' most photographed views, magical at dusk.
On land
Mont Choisy golf
A championship 18-hole course designed by Peter Matkovich, set among flame trees and lakes — the only course in the island's north.
Le Morne Brabant hike
The island's iconic UNESCO-listed mountain: an unforgettable climb above a lagoon of a thousand blues, best done with a guide.
Le Pouce hike
The island's third summit (812 m) is a gentle climb: panoramic views over Port Louis, the north and the lagoon. Start early in the morning.
Culture
Pamplemousses garden
The southern hemisphere's oldest botanical garden: giant water lilies, talipot palms and 650 plant varieties across 37 hectares.
Château de Labourdonnais
A colonial mansion from 1859 amid orchards: tour the estate, taste infused rums and dine at the refined La Terrasse.
Port Louis and its market
The buzzing capital: central market, Caudan Waterfront, the nearby Sugar Museum and Creole street food.
Flavours
Grand Baie dining
From toes-in-the-sand grills to refined fusion cuisine: Grand Baie gathers the north's best tables, five minutes from the villa.
Mauritian street food
Dholl puri, chilli cakes, fried noodles, iced alouda: taste the island's Creole soul at the stalls of Pereybère and Grand Baie.
Rum distillery visits
From cane to glass: tour an artisan distillery and discover Mauritian infused rums — vanilla, pineapple, spices.
Activity photos: personal collection and Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons licences — authors and licences on the file pages).