Sous le Badamier (previously known as Chez Vaco) offers friendly service in an intimate atmosphere near the popular village of Grand Baie in the north of the island. With just 12 guest rooms, this is a small lodge with a different feel to the large resort-style hotels to be found on Mauritius.

The rooms are simply furnished, light and airy, decorated in muted natural tones. All have air conditioning, ceiling fan, TV, safe, minibar and en-suite bathroom. The hotel has a small lounge area in the pretty courtyard garden where guests can relax and chat, with trees and plants and a little rock pool, the ideal place in which to enjoy a sundowner or cocktail. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner (and also open to the public for dinner) The chef specialises in local Mauritian creole dishes.

The nearest beach, Pointe aux Cannoniers, is just a 5 minute walk away, while the lovely beach of Mont Choissy, with its deckchairs and parasols, is a 5 minute bus ride from the hotel. A range of water sports can be enjoyed here, as well as diving and big game fishing. The guest house has its own catamaran, Harmonicat, and guests are welcome to join cruises to the northern islands. A pirogue is also available to take guests to local beaches and villages. Other activities that can be arranged locally include bicycle hire, massage, sauna, hammam and gym. Grand Baie is within easy reach on the opposite side of the bay, and has a range of restaurants, shops, bars and cafes.

Sous le Badamier is a great base from which to explore the northern region of Mauritius, including Port Louis, the botanical gardens and the aquarium.