Western Beaches
The beaches on the west coast of Mauritius are justifiably famous for their beauty, and nearly as lovely as those on the East side. The western beaches are very dry and hot, and have great sites for windsurfing, water skiiing, diving and snorkelling. There are also a couple of the excellent new island hotels that have recently opened.
Port Louis, in the middle of the west coast, is the island's capital and largest city. The multicultural nature of the island is much in evidence here, especially in the exotic covered market, which sells everything from saris to natural remedies. The busy streets are studded with mosques, Hindu temples, Chinese pagodas and Christian churches and shrines.
This side of the island has resident dolphin pods and is the site that most dolphin trips will depart from. This region is very dry and arid, and the hotel gardens reflect the climate. The finest options to stay here are some of the newest on the island. At the most south westerly point rises the mountain of La Morne, an iconic image of Mauritius and the site of the Dinarobin and Paradis hotels. Inland, the western aspect of the island is extends to wild mountains and what remains of Mauritius’s indigenous forests. In the south west, you can explore the undulating landscape of the Chamarel, where different shades of blue, green, red and yellow sands have come about as a result of erosion of the volcanic ash. The Tamarin region here is the heart of salt production in Mauritius, as it receives the greatest amount of sunshine on the island.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Mauritius, West Coast
Another fairly new hotel, the Taj has a great feel, and is unique in that each of the rooms are suites with their own plunge pools. The footprint of the hotel is enormous and very private, though this can make the hotel seem slightly souless
Mauritius, West Coast
This is a great option for all those seeking peace and tranquillity; but also offers more for anyone wanting external restaurants and golfing opportunities as a result of their tie-up with the neighbouring Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, who allow Dinarobin guests access to all facilities, including their 18-hole international golf course, and 4 restaurants.
Mauritius, West Coast
This is a fantastic location on a sandy peninsula between the impressive peaks of Le Morne and the Indian Ocean within Mauritius, surrounded by seven kilometres of glorious beach. This fine five star resort includes a challenging 18 hole golf course, Clarins Spa and range of watersports along its 7km stretch of beach.
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