Pre-Cruise Mauritius
Pre-Cruise Stay in Mauritius (3 Nights at LUX* Le Morne)
Before our Ponant expedition cruise to Madagascar and South Africa, we spent three nights in Mauritius. We chose to stay on the southwest coast, close to Le Morne Brabant, combining relaxation with a few excursions before boarding the ship.
Our cruise itself did not depart from Mauritius, but from Madagascar. Ponant included a charter flight from Mauritius to the embarkation port, and recommended staying at least one night on the island before departure.
From the airport, we took a pre-arranged taxi to the hotel, which cost around €35. The drive takes roughly one hour and is straightforward.
We chose this part of Mauritius mainly for its setting. The Le Morne area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the island, with the mountain, lagoon, and open coastline creating a very distinct landscape.
While we only explored the southern part of Mauritius, this region stood out as one of the most impressive areas we saw.
Where We Stayed: LUX* Le Morne
We stayed at LUX* Le Morne, a five-star resort located along a tropical lagoon with views of the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain. We chose to stay three nights, which gave us time to relax and explore a bit.
During our stay, we also noticed several other guests at the hotel who were on the same Ponant charter flight, suggesting that this area and hotel are a popular choice among cruise passengers.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a drink and a refreshing towel during check-in. The resort itself is set in a large tropical garden, with rooms spread across smaller buildings rather than one main structure.
Our room was located on the upper floor of a beachside villa. It was spacious, modern, and well equipped, with a comfortable bed, seating area, and a balcony featuring a daybed.
The bathroom was large, with both a bathtub and separate shower, and small details like bath salts and oils were provided. Housekeeping and turndown service were done twice daily, and complimentary water was replenished regularly.
Resort Setting and Facilities
The location is one of the highlights of this resort.
The hotel sits directly on a wide, white-sand beach with calm lagoon waters. Sunbeds are spread along the beach under palm trees, creating a very relaxed atmosphere.
During the day, guests can use various included activities such as:
- kayaking
- paddleboarding
- snorkeling
- pedal boats
There are also multiple swimming pools, a spa, and organized activities such as yoga and cooking classes.
Small touches, like infused water on the beach or the ability to roast marshmallows, add to the overall experience without feeling overly formal.
Food and Dining
We booked half board, which included breakfast and dinner.
Both meals were served buffet-style and offered a wide variety of options. The setting of the restaurant is also worth mentioning, slightly elevated with views over the ocean, which makes both breakfast and dinner more enjoyable. Drinks are not included, and prices are relatively low (for example, a bottle of water costs around 175 MUR).
One detail we noticed was that local horseback riders occasionally passed along the beach during breakfast, which added to the overall atmosphere.
Service throughout the resort was consistently friendly and attentive.
Exploring the Area
One of the advantages of staying in this part of Mauritius is the proximity to several natural highlights.
Le Morne Brabant Hike
The trail to Le Morne Brabant starts within walking distance of the hotel. The route begins just outside the property and leads through coastal paths and forest areas.
The hike itself is quite demanding, especially towards the final section, which involves steep and technical climbing. Good footwear and an early start are recommended, both to avoid the heat and to manage the more challenging sections safely.
About halfway up, there is a viewpoint with impressive views. Reaching the summit requires an additional effort and is not suitable for everyone.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth & Waterfalls
We also visited Chamarel, including the waterfalls and the Seven Colored Earth Geopark.
We arranged a taxi for the trip (around 2800 MUR), which waited for us during the visit.
Booking transport in advance is recommended, as hotel-arranged taxis tend to be more expensive.
The visit takes around two hours and is best done in the morning for better light conditions and fewer crowds.
We had also considered doing a seaplane flight over the underwater waterfall, but unfortunately everything was fully booked during our stay. Booking well in advance is recommended if this is something you want to include in your trip.
Practical Tips
- Pre-arranged airport transfers are easy and reasonably priced
- For excursions, going early in the morning reduces heat and crowds
- Taxi prices arranged independently are usually lower than through the hotel
- Bring proper shoes and water if planning to hike Le Morne Brabant
Would I Stay Here Again?
Yes, especially as a pre-cruise stay.
The resort offers a very relaxed setting, ideal for unwinding before a cruise, while still allowing for some exploration. For travelers looking for a quieter location with direct beach access, this area works very well.
Final Thoughts
Mauritius is an excellent pre-cruise destination if you have a few extra days.
Staying in Le Morne offers a good balance between relaxation and access to nature. While the resort itself is more about comfort than exploration, it provides a strong base before heading on a longer cruise itinerary.
After our cruise, we continued our trip with a short stay in Cape Town.
