Why Honeymoon in Flic en Flac
Sunsets come first. Mauritius is small, but only the west coast gets the sun dropping into the ocean. Here, most resort beaches face the right way for it.
The lagoon is the second reason. The reef sits a short way offshore, which keeps the water shallow and gentle for swimming most days. Snorkeling is easy from the beach in calm conditions.
There is also more to do on foot. The village has a supermarket, souvenir stalls and casual restaurants within walking distance of several hotels. Couples who like to leave the resort for dinner have options without hiring a driver every night.
Finally, it is central for exploring. The gorges, the tea country and the southwest coast are all within about an hour, so day trips are easy.
When to Go
Mauritius is warm year-round, but seasons matter for a honeymoon.
- May to June and September to November: the sweet spot. Dry, sunny, warm sea and fewer storms. October and November are especially good.
- July and August: the cooler southern winter. Days are often in the 70s°F with cooler nights. The west coast stays sunnier and calmer than the east, which makes it a smart pick in these months.
- December: hot and humid, with rising rain and busy holiday weeks.
- January to March: cyclone season and the wettest months. Storms are not constant, but travel insurance and flexible plans are wise.
April is a shoulder month, often hot with some showers.
Where to Stay
Most couples stay on the Wolmar end of the beach, where the larger resorts sit side by side.
Well-known options include Sugar Beach, with a colonial-style manor house and a long beachfront. La Pirogue, next door, has thatched cottages shaped like traditional fishing boats. The Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa is a familiar big-brand choice. Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa is more private, with villas that each have their own plunge pool.
Closer to the village center there are smaller hotels, guesthouses and apartments for couples on a tighter budget. These put you near the restaurants but farther from the quietest sand.
Roughly speaking, upscale resorts here range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars a night depending on season and room type. These are approximate, so compare current quotes.
Romantic Things to Do
- Sunset on the beach: take drinks down to the sand at Wolmar and watch the light change over the lagoon.
- Diving: the west coast has some of the best sites in Mauritius. The Cathedral, a rocky reef with arches and swim-throughs, is the local favorite. Dive centers in Flic en Flac run trips for certified divers and beginners.
- Black River Gorges National Park: hike trails through native forest with gorge viewpoints and chances to see endemic birds.
- Catamaran day: sail the west coast with snorkel stops and a barbecue lunch on board.
- Casela Nature Parks: a mix of animal encounters, zip lines and quad biking nearby.
- Day trip south: Le Morne Brabant, the Chamarel area and the southwest coast are about 30 to 45 minutes away.
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) in the southeast. Total travel time often runs 20 hours or more.
The drive from the airport to Flic en Flac takes about an hour, depending on traffic around the central plateau. Most resorts arrange transfers. Book them ahead after a long flight.
For exploring, many couples hire a driver for a day or two. Rental cars are available and Mauritians drive on the left. Roads are narrow and busy in places, so a driver is more relaxing for day trips. Taxis wait at hotels and the village center. Agree on the fare before you set off.
Food and Drink
Mauritian food mixes Indian, Creole, Chinese and French traditions, which makes eating out one of the pleasures here.
In Flic en Flac village, try dholl puri, thin flatbreads filled with split peas and served with curry and chutney, from roadside stalls. Gateaux piments, small chili fritters, are the classic snack. Grilled fish, octopus curry and Creole rougaille, a tomato-based stew, appear on most local menus.
Resort dining ranges from beach grills to fine dining and many hotels offer private dinners on the sand. Local rum is worth exploring, with several distilleries on the island producing aged and flavored rums. Phoenix is the local beer. Order a fresh coconut on the beach in the afternoon.
Honeymoon Tips
- Ask for a sea-facing room on the west side of your resort. Sunset views vary even within one property.
- The public beach gets busy on weekends with local families and music. Weekdays are quieter.
- Lagoon floors can have coral and urchins. Pack reef shoes and use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur in Mauritius. Use repellent, especially at dusk. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Dress codes are relaxed by day. Many resort restaurants ask for smart-casual dress at dinner, which usually means long trousers or smart shorts and closed shoes for men and a dress or smart outfit for women.
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples or churches.
