La Preneuse Beach, Mauritius

Tucked away on the west coast of Mauritius, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist capital, Grand Baie, is the white sand gem known as La Preneuse beach. The warm, clear blue water, the coral reef, and the unforgettable sight of Le Morne Brabant, the world heritage sight and monument to slavery, rising majestically out of the sea, make this beach one of the most visually spectacular on the island.

For those seeking tranquility and a friendly ambiance, La Preneuse beach and the surrounding area of Rivière Noire is a dream location. The beach itself is not on the beaten tourist track and is therefore much quieter and far less crowded than the more well known beaches of the north. The wide expanse of pristine white sand is bordered by a generous swathe of grass and trees which provide the perfect spot for picnics and barbecues.

Rivière Noire is one of the warmest places on the island which means that even in mid-winter bikinis and sun tans are in season and although cloudless skies and endless sunshine cannot be promised all the year round, Rivière Noire is the most likely place to find them. In addition, this small west coast beach offers unrivaled views of the sunsets. Although it seems like a tired and worn out cliche, it must be mentioned at this point that the sunsets in Mauritius range from the merely spectacular to the heart-joltingly beautiful.

There are a wide variety of small hotels and guest houses to choose from in locations that are only a few minutes walk from the beach. These hotels and guest houses are perfect for relaxed, leisurely family holidays, for those seeking solitude, or quality time with a loved one. The friendly village atmosphere of Rivière Noire makes it an ideal and safe destination, especially for families with small children, and the cozy bars and restaurants offer the temptation of a relaxing cocktail while watching the sun paint its glorious colors across the canvas of the sky while the jealous sea tries to reflect and imitate its golden hues.