The magnificent sunsets of the West Coast are not its only claim to fame. The area is the warmest on the island, with a relatively dry and stable climate. Bordered by some of the most iconic mountains of Mauritius, including the UNESCO heritage site of Le Morne mountain, it also offers breath taking scenery over a quiet lagoon, bordered with multiple islets of sandy beach or volcanic rock.

Black River stands as a melting pot of all the West Coast has to offer: this is where the local fishermen dock their wooden pirogues, as the still bay always provides natural shelter. Alongside their modest households, stunning luxury villas have found their place on the coastline. Tamarin and Black River have seen much development, including hip restaurants and bars that are abuzz on the week ends. Still, vestiges of the island’s rich history keep an important place with the century-old salt pans bordering the main road of Tamarin and La Preneuse’s Martello Tower as iconic elements of the West Coast landscape. Further down the road, the Black River Gorges Nature Park offers hikes through the forest with impressive waterfalls and natural cliffs.

Like its climate, Black River inspires a sense of calmness and warmth, which impregnates the cruises on board our West Coast fleet.

The Eastern village of Trou d’Eau Douce will steal your heart at first sight. At dawn, the village comes abuzz as locals set out on their daily routine. The fishermen push their pirogues into the blue waters of the East, while some catch the bus to work at the nearby luxury hotels. Street vendors set up to welcome the first customers and the village shops open their wooden doors or roll up their shutters, in wait of tourists and visitors.

Around midday, quaint restaurants serve mouth-watering local dishes in front of a stunning panorama of islets and glimmering turquoise waters. Later in the afternoon, as villagers come home from school and work, a queue slowly builds up at the bakery, where a fresh batch of pain maison is baking. Activities slow down early in this corner of the island where people wake at dawn.

On weekends, the village gets busy again as the beach houses welcome family gatherings. Locals meet for mass in the church of Trou d’Eau Douce. This iconic building, designed by famous artist Marcel Lagesse, is built out of volcanic rock and delicate stained glass windows. It is a true statement to the beautiful resources and visionaries that populate our island.