Bel Ombre Holidays

Bel Ombre’s the bigwig of Mauritius’ south. But it’s not the sort of place that kicks up a fuss. Instead, the village sweet talks visitors with its long beach, nature reserve and golf course. Plus, it’s handy for daytrips to the island’s top attractions – Black River Gorges National Park and the Seven Coloured Earth.

This place is iced with sand. And the calm waters are the cherry on top. Some parts of the stretch are wilder than others, but it rolls on for miles – past top-notch hotels, grassy patches and clumps of rocks. You get a nice breeze down here, so kitesurfing’s a popular pick. And, a little further out, dolphins and humpbacks play in the Indian Ocean.

Not only is Bel Ombre just 25 minutes’ drive to Black River Gorges National Park, you’ve also got the Frederica Nature Reserve right under your nose. You can head out on quad bikes, splash around in waterfalls and clock wild deer and boar. For something more chilled, there’s a bumper golf complex, with 18 and nine-hole courses, plus a golf academy.