Where to Stay in Pointe aux Canonniers? 2026 Guide

Pointe aux Canonniers: peace and quiet near Grand Baie

Pointe aux Canonniers is a small peninsula in the north-west of Mauritius, stretching into the lagoon between Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches. Its name reflects its military past, when the point watched over the entrance to the bay. Today, it is primarily a residential and seaside neighbourhood, where large properties, discreet residences and a few hotels share a coastline shaped by coves and beaches.

What stands out on arrival is the contrast with Grand Baie, despite being only a few minutes away by car. While central Grand Baie brings together restaurants, shops and nightlife, Pointe aux Canonniers keeps a slower pace. The streets are lined with planted walls, casuarina trees and flamboyants, and you will come across Mauritian families as much as holidaymakers. People come here to sleep in peace, wake up close to the lagoon, then head easily to the lively areas whenever they feel like it.

The location is one of the peninsula’s greatest strengths. Grand Baie and its services are very close, Trou aux Biches and its long beach are accessible to the south, and the road network in the north makes it easy to explore Cap Malheureux, Pereybère or even the capital. For anyone who wants the convenience of the north without its constant buzz, the location is hard to beat.

It is precisely in this setting that you will find the boutique hotel Le Mandala Moris, located on the point itself and designed for guests who prefer an intimate, well-located stay to a large, impersonal resort.

The beaches and setting

The main draw of Pointe aux Canonniers is its beaches. As the peninsula is surrounded by water on three sides, there are several access points to the lagoon, each with a different atmosphere depending on its exposure. Some stretches are wide and edged with pale sand, while others form smaller, more sheltered coves that are ideal for a peaceful swim. Protected offshore by the coral reef, the lagoon is generally calm and well suited to swimming.

The waters in the north are known for their turquoise tones and pleasant temperatures for much of the year. In certain spots, you can go snorkelling, paddleboarding or kayaking in the calmer areas, or simply enjoy the shade of the casuarina trees along the shore. The peninsula also offers lovely sunset views, as its west- and north-facing orientation lets you watch the sun go down over the sea.

Beyond the beaches, the overall setting is that of a leafy, residential neighbourhood. You will find:

• public access points to the lagoon, popular with local families at weekends;
• more discreet stretches, often connected to residences and hotels;
• shaded areas for picnics or reading away from the heat;
• easy departure points for boat trips in the north, including the offshore islets.

The proximity of Grand Baie adds even more possibilities: catamaran cruises, diving, water-skiing and trips to the northern islands can all be arranged just a few minutes away. You can therefore enjoy a peaceful place to stay while having all the water activities of the north close at hand.

Where to stay in Pointe aux Canonniers

The peninsula offers a fairly wide range of accommodation, with an emphasis on upscale, intimate stays that fit its residential atmosphere. There are mainly four types of options.

Boutique hotels. Smaller than large resorts, they focus on personalised hospitality, character and a privileged location near the lagoon. This is the ideal format for couples or travellers looking for a place with personality, away from the crowds. Le Mandala Moris, a boutique hotel located on the point, fits this category with more of a home-like spirit than a standardised hotel feel.

Large hotel resorts. A few resorts with meal plans, spas and entertainment can be found in the area and along neighbouring parts of the northern coast. They suit families who want everything on site and as many services included as possible.

Apartments and residences. Very popular for longer stays or family holidays, they offer the independence of a home with a kitchen, often within a secure residence with a pool. In this category, the apartments at Domaine de Grand Baie are a comfortable option a short distance from the peninsula, convenient for those who want to cook, spread out and manage their schedule freely.

Private villas. For groups or larger families, renting a villa with a garden, pool and sometimes service remains common in the north.

To help you choose, a few simple guidelines can make the decision easier:

• romantic or short stay: a well-located boutique hotel makes a real difference to the experience;
• family or long stay: an apartment or residence provides space and independence;
• all-inclusive and entertainment: a large resort will be a better match;
• group or extended family: a private villa remains the most flexible option.

In terms of season, the most sought-after periods are the drier austral winter and school holidays. It is therefore wise to book ahead for these dates, as the peninsula deliberately offers a limited number of places to stay.

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Living and staying in Pointe aux Canonniers

Staying in Pointe aux Canonniers means adopting a balanced rhythm between rest and proximity to life in the north. The day often begins by the lagoon, continues with a swim or a boat trip, and ends with dinner either on the peninsula or in neighbouring Grand Baie.

For dining, the immediate choice is more intimate than in central Grand Baie, but there are still places to eat without going far, from hotel restaurants to small local addresses. For more variety, Grand Baie offers a wide range of restaurants, from grilled fish to Mauritian, Indian and international cuisine, as well as cafés and seaside bars. Fans of Mauritian street food will easily find dholl puri, chilli cakes and other specialities nearby.

For practical needs, the north is well equipped. Supermarkets, pharmacies, cash machines, shops and car rental agencies are close by, mainly around Grand Baie. The local currency is the Mauritian rupee, which is widely used, while bank cards are accepted in most shops and hotels.

To get around, a car remains the most flexible way to explore the north and the island’s interior. Remember that driving is on the left in Mauritius, a British legacy that you get used to quickly but which requires a little extra attention during the first few days. Taxis and private transport services are also available for those who prefer not to drive, and many hotels organise transfers and excursions.

Finally, the peninsula is a good base for discovering the north: Grand Baie market, Cap Malheureux and its famous red-roofed chapel, Pereybère beach, gardens and estates inland, or excursions to the offshore islets. You then return to a peaceful setting, which remains one of the great pleasures of staying here.

Good to know when planning your trip: UK, EU and most Western visitors can enter Mauritius visa-free for tourism, for up to six months (180 days) per calendar year, with the authorised length of stay set on arrival. Pack a plug adaptor, sun protection and swimwear, as much of the stay revolves around the lagoon.

Pointe aux Canonniers or Grand Baie: how to choose

The two areas are neighbouring and complementary, but they suit different moods. The choice mainly comes down to the atmosphere you want and how close you wish to be to the action.

Choose Grand Baie if you want to be at the heart of life in the north, go out on foot in the evening, move easily between restaurants, shops and bars, and have every service immediately around you. It is the liveliest and most convenient area for those who enjoy activity and do not want to rely on a vehicle for dinner or shopping.

Choose Pointe aux Canonniers if you value peace and quiet, direct proximity to the lagoon and a more residential atmosphere, while still being only a few minutes from Grand Baie. It is an ideal option for a couple, a honeymoon, a family looking for tranquillity, or simply anyone who wants to truly rest without giving up the convenience of the north.

In practice, many travellers find the best compromise by staying on the peninsula and heading to Grand Baie for evenings out. You enjoy the silence at night and on waking, and the buzz whenever you want it. A charming stay such as the boutique hotel in Pointe aux Canonniers fits this approach well, while the apartments at Domaine de Grand Baie appeal to those who want space and independence while remaining close to everything.

In short, it is not really about setting one against the other, but about defining your priority: energy and nightlife point towards Grand Baie, while rest and gentle seaside living point towards Pointe aux Canonniers. Either way, you remain in the heart of the north, the island’s liveliest and best-equipped region for a first stay in Mauritius.

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