Mauritius was Mark Twain’s model for heaven. Find your favourite lagoon, where locals know which beaches stay calm for families and which coral reefs hide the best snorkeling. Updated 2026. Skip the overpriced beachfront restaurants in Grand Baie and crowded catamaran tours. This local expert guide reveals authentic spots like Ti Kouloir where you’ll queue alongside islanders for fresh Mauritian noodles, hidden beaches like Bain Boeuf where families enjoy calm waters with views over Coin de Mire Island, and Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce where fresh snapper grills under ancient Banyan trees. Navigate Mauritius with Marco Polo’s signature pull-out maps showing paradise beyond hotel beaches. From morning fishing boat arrivals to evening sega dancing on village beaches, discover why locals call their home ‘paradise found’ rather than tourist paradise.
