Trou aux Biches, Mauritius

The beach may be stunning, but living in this small Mauritius town comes with tradeoffs. While Trou aux Biches boasts a 2 kilometer white sand beach awarded the World's Leading Beach Destination in 2011, the town has evolved from a sleepy fishing village into a hub for family tourism, complete with boutique shops and a supermarket catering to visitors. However, the area retains its village-like style and is less commercialized than nearby Grand Baie. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town connected to the airport by public bus rather than direct transportation.

Overall, Trou aux Biches is best suited for those seeking a laidback beach lifestyle, rather than fast-paced urban living.