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Are you a food lover or do you prefer casual, easy-going dining?

Islandwize Travel Mauritius 6 min read

Choose a Mauritius resort that matches your dining style

Another important question to ask yourself is: How important is food to your holiday experience?

 

For some travellers, dining is a big part of the holiday. They enjoy trying different restaurants, having plenty of choice and experiencing new flavours and dining concepts. If you’re a foodie, it may be worth choosing a resort that is known for its excellent restaurants and varied dining options, even if it costs a little more.

In this case, it’s more important to consider factors such as:

  • The number and variety of restaurants at the resort.
  • The quality of the food (and drinks) and overall dining experience.
  • Whether there are speciality restaurants included or available at an additional cost.
  • Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion and want a more elevated experience.
 

On the other hand, if you’re more of a casual, easy-going traveller and are perfectly happy with a good buffet, simple meals and a relaxed atmosphere, then dining doesn’t need to be the deciding factor when choosing your resort. Many resorts in Mauritius offer excellent food, even if they don’t have multiple gourmet restaurants.

 
 

Once again, there is no right or wrong choice – it simply depends on what matters most to you. Some travellers plan their days around where they’re going to eat next, while others are happiest with a delicious buffet and a cocktail at sunset. Understanding how important food is to your holiday can help you choose a resort that perfectly matches your travel style and expectations.

 
 

Once you know which dining style suits you, compare Mauritius hotels and resorts by location, star rating, meal plan and current package.

Choose a food-focused resort if varied restaurants, speciality dining and memorable culinary experiences are important to your holiday.

Choose a casual dining resort if you prefer relaxed buffets, familiar choices and uncomplicated meals.

Islandwize Matches

Best Mauritius resorts for food lovers

LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas

Best for: Foodies who love variety, creativity and a modern dining experience

 

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who enjoy beautiful surroundings, great food and a resort that feels exciting from morning coffee to evening cocktails.

 

Not ideal for: Travellers who prefer a very quiet, traditional resort atmosphere or who are mainly looking for a simple all-inclusive beach holiday.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Mauritius

Best for: Travellers who appreciate refined dining, wellness and quality over quantity

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who value fresh, refined dining and wellness-focused choices as part of a relaxing five-star resort experience.

Not ideal for: Travellers whose main priority is a wide, sandy swimming beach or a very casual resort experience.

SALT of Palmar

Best for: Foodies who love authentic flavours, local experiences and a more boutique island vibe

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who believe food tells the story of a destination, those who would rather discover a local dish, meet a chef, visit a market or enjoy a beautifully prepared meal with a story behind it than simply choose between a buffet and a restaurant menu.

Not ideal for: Travellers looking for a traditional large Mauritius resort with multiple restaurants, extensive facilities and a classic five-star luxury experience with formal service.

Islandwize Matches

Best Mauritius resorts for casual, easy-going dining

If you’re the kind of traveller who is happy to enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner each night, with rotating themes and plenty of choice, then many of Mauritius’ 3-star resorts may be exactly what you’re looking for. These resorts typically offer:

  • One main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Rotating themed buffet evenings, such as Mauritian, Asian, Mediterranean or barbecue nights.
  • Often a second à la carte or beach restaurant on site, sometimes at an additional charge.
  • A relaxed, informal dining atmosphere.
  • Good quality, varied meals without the need for multiple speciality restaurants.

Friday Attitude

Best for: Couples and families who prefer relaxed dining with familiar choices and a taste of Mauritius

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who want uncomplicated resort dining with enough variety to keep meals interesting, plus the chance to try authentic Mauritian flavours without a formal dining experience.

Not ideal for: Travellers wanting several speciality restaurants, fine dining or an extensive choice of restaurants within the resort.

Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel

Best for: Couples and families wanting easy all-inclusive dining with buffets, beachside meals and familiar choices

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who want the convenience of all-inclusive dining, a good choice of familiar meals and the option of enjoying lunch or dinner beside the beach.

Not ideal for: Travellers looking for formal fine dining, a large collection of speciality restaurants or an extensive gourmet experience.

Veranda Tamarin Hotel & Spa

Best for: Active couples and families who enjoy casual dining, flexible choices and relaxed meals

Why it works:

Islandwize match: For travellers who prefer a choice of informal places to eat, from buffets and pizzas to beach-style meals and Mauritian street food, without the formality of a luxury dining resort.

Not ideal for: Travellers wanting quiet, refined dining, formal service or several high-end speciality restaurants.

Not sure which travel style suits you? Compare all six Mauritius travel styles to find the holiday experience that fits you best.

Islandwize Insider Tip: Do not compare resorts only by the number of restaurants they advertise. Check which restaurants are included in your meal plan, whether reservations are required and whether speciality menus carry a supplement.

Also consider dress codes, children’s menus, dietary requirements and the times each restaurant operates. A resort with fewer dining venues may still suit you better if the food style, atmosphere and meal plan match how you prefer to eat on holiday.

Let’s find your match

Tell me what matters to you, how you enjoy spending your time and what you expect from your holiday. I will use my first-hand knowledge of Mauritius to recommend the right area and resort for you.

Author picture

I’m Kerstin, founder of Islandwize Travel. With many years in the travel industry and more than 30 visits to Mauritius, I share first-hand knowledge and expert advice on Indian Ocean getaways. I help South Africans travel with confidence, guided by my motto: “Nothing is ever too much trouble.” Let’s plan your dream island holiday together.

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