2026 Mapou Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

We’ve just returned from a fantastic holiday at LUX* Grand Gaube, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The resort is as stunning as it appears online, impeccably maintained, and brought to life by its warm, attentive staff. Everyone was friendly, remembered us, and genuinely eager to assist. A heartfelt thanks to Veena, the “omelette queen,” whose cheerful presence made breakfast delightful; Kamal, for keeping our room immaculate; and Aniee and Gregory, who provided a wonderful, mindful art experience that left us with a treasured keepsake. Maeva’s aqua classes were outstanding—fun, energetic, and something I regret not attending more often. Our favorite dining spot was Beach Rouge, where Doogesh and Giovanni took exceptional care of us. Dining on the beach with incredible food was a highlight of the trip. I have severe food allergies, yet the hotel catered to me impeccably, even organizing a celebration chocolate cake specially made by one of the head chefs! The glass-bottom boat trip was a treat—we even spotted turtles! Our older son had an amazing scuba diving adventure with Russel and Rose, and we thoroughly enjoyed taking the pedalo out onto the lagoon. The resort never felt overcrowded, offering plenty of space and flexible activities. We do recommend booking evening restaurant reservations in advance. One magical moment was watching Mamma Mia! outdoors under a full moon, with popcorn and a sky full of stars. We also visited the nearby Domaine de Labourdonnais, which was absolutely worth it. The beautiful gardens, animals, giant tortoises, and rum, juice, and jelly tastings were wonderful experiences. A special surprise was discovering a hidden message in a bottle, which won me a treatment with Marie Pirouette. She was not only professional but also an incredibly warm person. It was such a delightful touch. The weather in August was perfect—about 25–26°C with a pleasant breeze, far more comfortable than sweltering heat. LUX* Grand Gaube has created something extraordinary. While the breathtaking setting will stay with us, it’s the staff’s kindness and genuine happiness that made our stay so memorable. Thanks to everyone who made our holiday so special. We’ve created priceless family memories and can’t wait to return one day! ❤️

A beautiful discovery of the Quartier des Serres. The location is easy to find and access. At the Salon des Parfums, the warm welcome stood out—the representative was attentive, pleasant, and efficient. It was a truly enjoyable boutique experience that makes you want to return! The same delightful experience continued at La Terrasse: visually appealing dishes that were just as enjoyable to taste, reasonably priced, and in a lovely setting. Unfortunately, not all stores offered the same quality of service. In a fashion boutique filled with stunning pieces, the reception was cold and distant—no smiles, little interest in customers, and no real effort to showcase the products. We left rather quickly. More elegant and original shops in line with the spirit of the place would enhance the experience and encourage visitors to stay longer. Overall, it’s a beautiful, lush space with ample parking and a nearby château. It's a wonderful spot to stroll, have coffee, or enjoy lunch. Just imagine it in the summer light! We’ll be back with pleasure… now knowing which doors to open!

A very beautiful location, even though we visited at the onset of winter. The colonial house is stunning, and the garden is equally lovely and well-maintained. The welcome during the rum tasting was a bit "cold" initially, but the atmosphere lightened up a little later. The fruit jellies are delicious, as well as the jams (though, unfortunately, the ones we wanted with lychee were out of stock). The fruit juices left us a little uncertain about the mixing of fruits, with added water, especially in the orange juice. Overall, a nice discovery!

The interior decorations are stunning, with beautiful furniture, lovely collections of tableware, and an intriguing family history. The story of Paul and Virginie is fascinating as well. The garden is worth visiting to see the giant tortoises, though there's quite a bit of reading involved. Entry costs 750 rupees (€13) without a guide and 950 rupees (€18) with a guide, though I personally didn’t find a guide necessary. The rum tasting featuring different types was very nice. Plan for 2 to 3 hours overall—had a great time!

The hotel is very well located, and the staff is incredibly attentive and friendly, whether at the buffet or in the hotel’s restaurants like Horizon and Casa. A special thanks to Ramloll for his kindness and dedication. The rooms are very spacious; even with three adults, there was plenty of room. The pool and facilities are outstanding.

This is quite a fascinating location, featuring a beautifully landscaped park with centuries-old trees. The colonial-style château showcases the history of the family. Additionally, there’s a rum-tasting experience accompanied by explanations about its production process. Animals can also be found on-site. Nearby, there are shops and affordable small restaurants.

📷 A must-visit photo spot in Mauritius! Château de Labourdonnais is a French colonial manor built in the late 18th century. It was once the residence of French government officials and later served as a national office and French hospital. The architectural style blends various European and Asian elements, symbolizing the culture and history of Mauritius. ⛲️ The manor features a large garden planted with many tropical plants and flowers, along with a colonial-era mansion. Visitors can stroll around, enjoy the beautiful scenery, taste local delicacies, and participate in various cultural activities and exhibitions. ‼️ Please note that Château de Labourdonnais is one of Mauritius's popular attractions and can be crowded. It is recommended to avoid peak tourist times. Tickets can be purchased at the parking lot entrance, and admission is checked inside the estate. 📍 Address: Domaine de Labourdonnais Mapou MU, 31803 Mauritius 🚗 Transportation: It is recommended to drive or hire a car. You can also take local public transport to a nearby bus stop and walk from there. 🎫 Opening Hours: Open year-round from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (ticket price details available from on-site staff) 💰 Price: Adults 350 MUR/person, Students 250 MUR/person 👍 Highlights: · Capture vintage-style photos with a classic atmosphere! · You might spot squirrels and birds in the garden~ · The manor is filled with many European-style sculptures and decorations~ · You can also visit the nearby seaside for some fun~

Exploring Mapou, Mauritius means stepping into the heart of island elegance—especially if you hit up the iconic Château de Labourdonnais 🏰🌴. This stately home brings you dreamy architecture, lush gardens, and vibes that blend rich history with modern culture. Top Spot to Visit: Château de Labourdonnais (Domaine de Labourdonnais Mapou MU, 31803, Mauritius; 09:00–16:00 daily) Start your Mapou adventure here! This beautifully restored estate is truly THE landmark to see in the region. Wander the sun-dappled pathways, snap photos of the grand facade, and take in the fresh air from giant old trees framing the property. Inside, the exhibition halls showcase Mauritian heritage—perfect for culture-hungry travelers and Insta fans alike. My own tip: Don’t rush—spend time exploring both indoors (don’t miss the historic rooms and exhibits) and the outdoor grounds. The gardens are a highlight for nature and architecture lovers, letting you see Mauritius’s tropical side up close. Getting Around: Mapou is best tackled by rental car for the most freedom. If you’re sticking to public transport, local taxis and buses can get you close to the estate, but a car makes day-tripping easier. Food Rec: On-site café serves up local snacks and fresh-squeezed juices—definitely grab a bite after your walk 🌞. Practical Details: Entrance fee is payable on site (bring cash or card), no visa required if you’re just sightseeing as a tourist, and the weather is generally sunny year-round—pack a hat and sunblock for outdoor exploring. #falladventures #MauritiusTravel #MapouGuide #ChateaudeLabourdonnais #IslandCulture #tripdotcom

Chateau De Labourdonnais is an exquisitely renovated colonial estate, surrounded by verdant gardens and a peaceful ambiance. A tour of 1-2 hours should be ample to admire the historic furnishings and educational displays. Be sure to stop by the shop to sample some treats! Additionally, take time to check out the animals and explore the grounds.

A brief yet delightful tour of a stunning colonial house situated in the center of an immaculate botanical garden. At the park's far end, we encountered some magnificent giant tortoises. The tour concluded with a pleasing tasting of rum, fresh juices, marmalades, and fruit pastes, all beautifully showcased by Gilliane, transforming this visit into an unforgettable experience.

#hellohalloween #familytravel #travel Smart restored small shopping area and places to eat on the former sugar plantation estate, which explains these buildings were previously inhabited by plantation workers, formerly enslaved, then indentured or engaged workers. Really interesting to see and important to reflect on this history. The grocery store has a wide range of high quality international produce and the products also available from the chateau shop ( rum and jellies) which were a more reasonable price than next door. The places to eat were reasonably priced, very stylish seating areas, good choice on menus and service