Why Honeymoon in Bel Ombre
The setting is the draw. Instead of flat coastal plain, Bel Ombre has hills, forest and old cane fields behind it. From many resort rooms you see mountains as well as sea.
The estate concept helps too. Several resorts sit side by side on one domain and share access to the golf course, the nature reserve and restaurants. Couples can move between them for dinner without a long drive.
It is quiet. The south coast has none of the bar scene of Grand Baie and fewer day-trippers than Flic en Flac. Evenings are calm.
Finally, the south is good for exploring. Gris Gris cliffs, the tea route, Grand Bassin's sacred lake and the gorges are all close, so it rarely feels like resort-only living.
When to Go
Mauritius is warm year-round, but the south coast is more exposed to the trade winds than the west.
- May and September to November: the best balance of sun, warm water and lighter winds. October and November are often ideal.
- June to August: the cooler southern winter. Days are pleasant, often in the 70s°F, but the south can be breezy and showery. Resort pools and spas come into their own.
- December: hot and humid, with busy holiday weeks.
- January to March: cyclone season and the wettest months. Flexible plans and travel insurance are wise.
April is a warm shoulder month. Water temperatures stay comfortable for swimming throughout the year.
Where to Stay
Bel Ombre's resorts are mostly upscale and spread along one stretch of coast.
Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort is the romantic classic, styled after a colonial sugar planter's home with a river running through the grounds and a large spa. Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort is all-inclusive with an African-inspired design. Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort has a broad beach and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Tamassa is a livelier, more casual all-inclusive.
For a kid-free feel, ask about quiet zones and pools reserved for couples, since most of these resorts also welcome families.
Expect roughly a few hundred to over a thousand dollars a night depending on resort, room type and season. These are approximate, so get current quotes and compare half-board and all-inclusive plans.
Romantic Things to Do
- Bel Ombre Nature Reserve: about 3,200 acres of forest, savanna-like grassland and waterfalls. Tours run by 4x4, quad, e-bike or on foot, with picnics or swims at the falls. Look for the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon.
- Golf: La Resèrve Golf Links opened in 2023 and connects to the nature reserve, with sea and mountain views.
- Château de Bel Ombre: dinner in a restored 19th-century colonial house with a formal garden.
- Gris Gris: drive east to see waves pound the cliffs near Souillac, where the reef gives way to open ocean.
- Tea route: visit the Bois Chéri tea estate and its hilltop views.
- Couples' spa: most resorts have extensive spas suited to a lazy afternoon.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US to Mauritius. Most couples connect through Dubai, Paris, London, Istanbul or Johannesburg into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), often with 20 hours or more of total travel.
The airport is in the southeast, so Bel Ombre is one of the quicker resort transfers, usually 50 to 60 minutes along the south coast road. Resorts arrange transfers. Book them in advance.
For day trips, hire a driver or rent a car. Mauritians drive on the left and roads in the hills are narrow and winding. Taxis are available from resorts but not easily hailed on the road in this rural area. A driver for a day is the easiest way to see the gorges, Chamarel and the tea country.
Food and Drink
Resort dining dominates, with several restaurants per property and shared dining options across the estate. The Château de Bel Ombre is the special-occasion choice, with a menu that leans French and Mauritian.
Outside the resorts, the south coast has a few roadside spots and beach shacks. Try grilled octopus, fish vindaye, a mustard and turmeric pickled fish dish and Creole rougaille. Dholl puri and gateaux piments make good snacks on a road trip.
Rum is worth a tasting. Several distilleries on the island make aged and spiced rums. Tea from the Bois Chéri estate makes a good souvenir. Ask your resort about a private dinner on the beach or by the river.
Honeymoon Tips
- The south coast is wilder. Swim only within the lagoon and away from reef passes, where currents can be strong.
- Pack a light rain jacket and a warmer layer from June to August. Evenings can be breezy.
- Reef shoes help on coral patches. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Mauritius. Use repellent at dusk. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Resort dinners often expect smart-casual dress, such as long trousers or smart shorts and closed shoes for men and a dress or smart outfit for women.
- Tell your resort it is your honeymoon when booking. Many add small touches and some offer packages.
