Once considered a well-kept secret among discerning travellers, Mauritius is now making a confident return to centre stage as one of the world’s most desirable luxury destinations. In 2025, this Indian Ocean jewel offers far more than pristine beaches and balmy weather – it presents an evolved landscape of sophistication, sustainability, and exceptional living.
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The evolution of luxury travel in Mauritius
The reasons for this perception in the early to mid-1990s were that, despite its natural beauty, luxury offerings, and rich cultural tapestry, Mauritius remained relatively under the radar compared to more publicised island destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, or the Caribbean. Here’s why:
Tourism was growing steadily but hadn’t exploded.
The island was beginning to transition from a primarily sugarcane-based economy to one that included luxury tourism and financial services.
Mauritius is in the Indian Ocean, far from major Western tourism hubs, which historically limited mass tourism and preserved its sense of exclusivity. A handful of prestigious hotels (like the One&Only Le Saint Géran and The Oberoi) began attracting an international clientele, but mass tourism had not yet arrived, helping preserve its discreet, high-end appeal.
Air access was limited to select European and African routes, reinforcing its off-the-beaten-path status.
Unlike other destinations that heavily marketed glitz and glamour, Mauritius offered an understated elegance – five-star resorts hidden in lush gardens, private beachfront villas, and personalised service that appealed to those seeking quiet luxury rather than overt opulence.
For years, Mauritius thrived on recommendations from seasoned travellers and honeymooners who preferred to keep it to themselves, maintaining the island’s reputation as a “hidden gem” with a loyal following.
Its fusion of Indian, African, French, and Chinese influences gave it a unique flavour that worldly travellers appreciated, but which wasn’t widely broadcast in mainstream travel circuits.
Mauritius developed its luxury tourism infrastructure slowly and intentionally, favouring quality over quantity, which added to its allure as a selective, refined destination.
Key markets driving tourism growth
Today, luxury travel to Mauritius has shifted from traditional resort stays to a more layered experience, where privacy, cultural richness, wellness, and curated adventure all play key roles. This resurgence is driven in part by an increasingly global audience: European, Middle Eastern, South African, and now North American travellers are showing renewed interest in the destination. They are drawn not only to the island’s natural beauty but to its reputation for security, elegance, and exclusive real estate offerings.
Luxury accommodation: from beachfront villas to five-star resorts
Mauritius has long been associated with world-class hospitality. Iconic names like One&Only Le Saint Géran, Shangri-la Le Touessrok and Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita continue to set the standard for five-star indulgence, but there’s a growing appetite for more bespoke experiences.
The increase in luxury villas for sale in Mauritius is part of a broader shift in how high-net-worth individuals are choosing to travel. One&Only Private Homes and Anahita Golf Resort & Spa are examples of private estates that have evolved from hotels to include residential accommodations for longer and often permanent stays. One of their USPs is offering the intimacy of a personal retreat with the benefits of high-end service, security, and style. Discerning buyers are increasingly favouring contemporary beachfront homes and gated developments that combine architecture, privacy, and lifestyle amenities.
Eco-luxury is also becoming a cornerstone of high-end travel here. From sustainable construction practices to villas powered by solar energy and landscaped with native flora, the island is redefining what it means to live luxuriously – responsibly.
Experiences redefined: exclusive activities for elite travellers
What sets Mauritius apart in 2025 is how it curates unforgettable experiences tailored for those who want more than a holiday – they want a story. Private yacht charters are popular for exploring other islets or hosting sunset soirées. For those with a taste for aerial adventure, helicopter tours reveal the island’s dramatic volcanic formations, lagoons, and mountain ranges from a lofty height.
On land, fine dining has been reimagined. Think Michelin-star-worthy meals served in private beachfront settings, local rum tastings with expert sommeliers, or curated market-to-table chef experiences in your villa. It’s a lifestyle that seduces through subtlety and service, not spectacle.
Prime locations for luxury living and staying
From the sun-drenched North to the unspoilt East, Mauritius offers an array of exclusive enclaves for both short- and long-term stays.
Grand Baie, Mont Choisy, and Pereybere on the North Coast remain perennial favourites thanks to their vibrant social scenes, high-end shopping, and direct beach access.
The West Coast, including Tamarin, and Flic en Flac, appeals to surfers, nature lovers, and sunset seekers alike, offering easy access to outdoor activities and a growing collection of boutique resorts and private residences.
On the East Coast, in addition to the iconic properties mentioned earlier, hotels such as LUX* Belle Mare, Constance Prince Maurice, and SALT of Palmar offer a more tranquil and refined alternative, favoured by those seeking privacy, scenic beauty, and upscale wellness retreats.
The rise of wellness and sustainable luxury
Wellness is no longer an add-on – it’s a driving force in the luxury experience. Mauritius is now home to world-class wellness resorts and medical spas, such as C+S Wellness Clinic at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury in Grand Baie, offering programmes ranging from detox and rejuvenation to anti-ageing and mindfulness. Guests can enjoy personalised therapies in surroundings where nature and design work in harmony.
Property developers have responded with projects that integrate eco-conscious design, renewable energy solutions, and biophilic architecture. This commitment to sustainable luxury is echoed by the national tourism board’s broader initiatives, including marine conservation efforts, the promotion of cultural heritage, and local community engagement.
Ease of access and connectivity
Mauritius’ appeal is enhanced by its accessibility. New and improved flight routes now connect the island directly to hubs such as Dubai, London, Paris, Johannesburg, and Mumbai. Airlines are adding premium cabin options, and private jet services are increasingly common.
The ease of buying a property in Mauritius as a foreigner is another drawcard. Thanks to government-backed property schemes and the possibility of residency through investment, many international buyers are turning short visits into long-term commitments.
Investing in luxury property: the next big thing
In 2025, luxury real estate in Mauritius is more than a lifestyle decision – it’s a smart investment. The island’s real estate market has proven resilient and attractive, with demand for premium properties growing steadily. Safe, stable, and tax-friendly, Mauritius is a haven for wealth preservation.
Leading the way in exclusive residential development is 2Futures, a pioneer in creating architecturally innovative, lifestyle-driven communities. Whether it’s beachfront penthouses or designer villas, each project is remarkable for quality, design, and service.
A look ahead
As global travellers reevaluate their priorities, Mauritius maintains a compelling proposition: peace of mind, prestige, and paradise in one place. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of a unique experience, the opportunity to invest, or the simple pleasure of living by the ocean, Mauritius is a top-tier destination with staying power.
The reasons for this perception in the early to mid-1990s were that, despite its natural beauty, luxury offerings, and rich cultural tapestry, Mauritius remained relatively under the radar compared to more publicised island destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, or the Caribbean. Here’s why:
Wellness is no longer an add-on – it’s a driving force in the luxury experience. Mauritius is now home to world-class wellness resorts and medical spas, such as C+S Wellness Clinic at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury in Grand Baie, offering programmes ranging from detox and rejuvenation to anti-ageing and mindfulness. Guests can enjoy personalised therapies in surroundings where nature and design work in harmony.
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