Barbados or Mauritius?

What kind of holidays do Barbados and Mauritius offer? There are blissful beaches, transparent seas and that ‘I’ve escaped!’ island vibe at both destinations, but there are key differences too. 

Barbados is a cocktail of British and Caribbean influences – it maintains a lively energy while it charms with a blend of cultural heritage evident in its architecture, music and cuisine. Mauritius shimmers in Indian Ocean sun and offers luxury and elegance. Creole culture runs strong, influencing the food and traditions of the island.

Our expert guide will help you choose which is better: Barbados or Mauritius.

Which island has the better beaches?

Barbados offers rolling breakers for surfers along its south coast at Miami Beach and Freights Bay, and dramatic waves pound the raw beauty of Bathsheba beach in the east. The highlight is the West Coast, known as the Platinum Coast. The turquoise water and white powdery sands are so bright they seem unreal. Gentler waters mean great swimming and turtle-spotting at Carlisle Bay, Paynes Bay and Sandy Lane. Great spots for beach bars and cocktails, and then there’s those pastel-hued sunsets.

On Mauritius, you feel like a true castaway. Dip your toes in coral-fringed lagoons and powder-soft sands. Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy are renowned for calm waters perfect for reef snorkelling, while the iconic Le Morne peninsula has a cinematic mountain backdrop towering over a sheltered lagoon. The east coast’s Belle Mare and Île aux Cerfs are postcard-perfect, with shallow seas and dazzling white sands.

What’s the vibe?

Barbados is all sun, rum and rhythm. The island’s local culture is strong, welcoming and impossible to miss – there’s always something happening. Get stuck in with historic plantation tours, lively beach bars and a visit to the Friday night fish fry at Oistin’s with live music and plates fresh off the grill. Visit during the Crop Over festival and the island explodes with colour, calypso beats and carnival spirit.

Mauritius moves at a more leisurely pace. Tranquil beach days lead to candlelight dinners, with plenty of time for a spa pampering session in between. Day trip to tea plantations and cooling waterfalls as you tour the island’s lush, green interior. Culturally rich, the Creole culture blends Indian, African, Chinese and French influences, which is evident in the rhythmic sega music, the vividly painted temples and in every bite of street food.

Where to stay

In Barbados, choose from coastal charm to ageless luxury:

Sugar Bay Barbados – a relaxed, all-inclusive boutique hotel close to Bridgetown

Fairmont Royal Pavilion – classic Caribbean luxury, exceptional service and old-school elegance on the Platinum Coast

Treasure Beach Art Hotel – an adults-only all-inclusive escape with style

In Mauritius, revel in serene settings with a mix of luxury and nature:

Lagoon Attitude – an eco-friendly, adults-only, laid-back hotel next to a stunning lagoon

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge – an inland rainforest hideaway with impressive mountain views, best enjoyed from your outdoor tub. Can be paired with a beach hotel for a twin-centre break.

The St. Regis Le Morne Resort – a large dose of luxury beneath the awe-inspiring Le Morne peak, with a stunning beach.

Which is best for families?

If you’ve got little ones in tow, you’ll be wondering if it should be a Mauritius or Barbados family holiday. The good news is that both welcome families.

In Barbados, the West Coast is calm, inviting easy paddling and snorkelling. Glass-bottom boat trips ferry excited kids to spot turtles. Mum and dad can take a break at a beach bar while the youngsters play safely nearby. The family-friendly Turtle Beach offers spacious suites and a kids’ club.

Mellow Mauritius moves at an unhurried pace. This is ideal for families who want to reconnect with nature. All the family can enjoy opportunities to see giant tortoises ambling through natural parks, and the shallow lagoons provide a deliciously cooling and safe place for a dip. Daytrips to sugar estates, waterfalls and temples are guaranteed to entertain all ages. Our pick of accommodation is the LUX* Belle Mare, which features beach access, excellent kids' clubs and thoughtful touches like ice cream carts.

Which island for a honeymoon?

So, which is the best island for couples? Both Mauritius and Barbados bring honeymoon romance, but it depends on how fast- or slow-paced you want your romantic trip to be.

Barbados has a stylish sparkle – it’s glamorous and lively. Feel positively regal as you sail through silky waters at sunset, or sip sophisticated cocktails at a scene-y beach club. For honeymoon heaven, stay at the Sandals Royal Barbados and revel in suites that come with private pools and butler service.

Mauritius is idyllic for couples who want to be blissed out and barely upright – it’s so serene. Spa days, secluded beaches and starry dinners for two make for a rejuvenating break. If you emerge from your happy horizontal state, then forest hikes and market shopping await. The epitome of the romantic hotel, we love the Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, this adults-only hotel with hidden nooks, ocean views and swing seats perfect for sunset toasts.

Things to do beyond the beach

In Barbados, flow from one wonderful experience to another. Let the sea spray cool you on a catamaran cruise or see different sides of the island on a scenic road trip. Bridgetown’s markets hit you with the sound of soca and the scent of jerk – be sure to arrive hungry. Take a history lesson – and a few glasses of rum – on a Mount Gay rum distillery tour. Finish up at the famous Ostin’s Fish Fry for a hearty meal and live music.

Mauritius has some incredible inland adventures – swap out white sands for the Chamarel ‘seven-coloured earth’ geopark and waterfalls, hike through tree-shaded paths along the Black River Gorge or cruise across palm-fringed lagoons. Discover exotic fruit and veg at the vibrant Port Louis market, refresh with a cuppa on a tea estate tour or satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to a sugar plantation.

Food & drink

In Barbados, you can dine in casual boho beach shack style, or at upscale at elegant restaurants along the Platinum Coast. The national dish, flying fish ’n’ coucou is a flavour delight, and the creamy macaroni pie is the ultimate comfort food. Fresh seafood is everywhere. For a treat, book a table at The Cliff for fine dining right over the water.

Mauritius offers some tantalising dishes that are unique to the island, thanks to its fusion of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French flavours. Must-tries include Dhokla, a spongy Ghujarati snack made with lentils and rice batter, rougaille, a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, ginger and thyme, crispy samosas and fresh seafood curries. You can grab street food or eat in elegance at high-end resort restaurants.

Best time to go?

Escaping the chills of winter? Is it Barbados or Mauritius winter sun that will tempt you?

Barbados:

Best: December to April. It’s sunny and dry, with a lively atmosphere.

Quieter: May to June, and November.

Off-peak: July to October. Expect higher humidity and short showers, but also better deals.

Mauritius:

Best: April to December is warm and dry.

Off-peak: January to March. You’ll be hotter, but there’s occasional rain and it’s a great time to bag a good deal.

Multi-centre ideas: Barbados, Mauritius and beyond

Whether you want to add a hit of city buzz to your island beach escape or double-up on island beauty, we’ve got just the itinerary for you. Leave it to our experts to tailor your flights, transfers and all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

Barbados and The Grenadines

Barbados and Miami/New York

Mauritius and La Reunion

Mauritius and South Africa

The verdict

Choose Barbados for an energised beach scene, stylish dining, island festivals, nightlife and a taste of the authentic Caribbean.

Opt for Mauritius for a relaxed tempo, luxe spa days, tropical lagoons, Creole culture, Indian Ocean luxury and out-and-out peace.

This feature was created on 17th November 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.