The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.

Head to Tamarin Bay, or to the world famous “One Eye” at Le Morne, where you can find the best waves for surfing. Le Morne is also well known by kitesurfers due to the steady winds that blow in from the South-East and accelerate in this corner of the island almost all year round.

The West is where you’ll find the lush Black River Gorges. You can spend the day visiting the different Nature Parks (Casela, Gros Cailloux) in the region, going for walks, great activities for kids and taking in the stunning surroundings

The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.

Some of the most beautiful hotels and golf courses are found at Le Morne. The oldest ones were established with the arrival of the first tourists on the island and have an authentic hostelry culture. There is something for everyone; whether you prefer to walk along the kilometres of white sandy beaches, actively take part in sea sports, or simply want to lounge around and rest. The southern part of Le Morne is ‘The Place’ to try kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing in the strong and steady south-east trade winds that gain momentum after crossing the high mountains of the Black River Gorges.

This majestic basaltic mountain with a summit of 556 metres (1,824 ft.) above sea level, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that bears enormous cultural significance for the islanders. The summit covers an area of over 12 hectares (30 acres) with many caves and overhangs on the steep slopes. It is largely surrounded by the magnificent Mauritian lagoon and it is one of the must visit tourist sites in Mauritius