Why and where to live in the East of Mauritius?

Calm and peaceful, the East is a genuine haven for those who want to get away from the modern world and reconnect with nature. The wind keeps temperatures cooler here, particularly in summer. The east coast features a succession of coves and bays sheltering magnificent white sandy beaches. Small fishing villages give way to luxury hotels and exclusive property developments. In the background are vast plains dedicated to agriculture, mainly sugar cane. The surrounding mountains offer panoramic views to hiking enthusiasts.

Although many Mauritians own vacation homes in the region to spend their weekends and holidays, the East remains quiet and off the beaten track. The coastal villages offer little beyond a handful of restaurants and small grocery stores. In Centre de Flacq and Rivière du Rempart, the two main towns of the region, you will find a wider range of shops, but to access international schools and private health centres, you will need to travel to Grand Baie or the Centre.

Living in the East: towards Rivière du Rempart

Five minutes from the bustling town of Rivière du Rempart, the Azuri development offers a residential opportunity for families and retirees seeking tranquillity while remaining close to the North. Nearby, Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette are residential villages known for their beaches and watersports.

Living in the East: towards Centre de Flacq

The "capital of the East", Centre de Flacq, is well known for its bazaar (local market), but living there is generally not an option for expatriates, who will prefer the calm of the surrounding seaside villages. Belle Mare and Palmar face one of the island's most beautiful lagoons, bordered by white sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Trou d'Eau Douce, a charming seaside resort at the heart of a fishing village, is the departure point for Île aux Cerfs. Nestled in nature, Beau Champ is home to the Anahita development, offering a timeless lifestyle with all the luxury of an exceptional residential programme.

What to do in the East?

As the windiest region on the island, the East is a paradise for watersport enthusiasts: kite-surfing, windsurfing, sailing... The C Mauritius Palmar hotel is the perfect base for an active holiday. Every winter, it hosts the C Kite Festival, the island's biggest wind sports event, drawing enthusiasts from near and far.

Inland, the mountains and national parks of the East offer excellent terrain for hiking, trail running and cycling. Golfers, meanwhile, will be spoilt for choice with five courses, some of world-class renown.

The East is also a place to slow down — whether lazing on one of its 25 km of unspoilt beaches, or heading out to the islands of the East, most famously Île aux Cerfs, for a day on the water.