Haute Rive Holidays

Haute Rive isn’t one to make a lot of noise, and sings to more of a soothing tone. The little hamlet’s set on the north-east coast of Mauritius, on a headland that edges out into the Indian Ocean. You’ll see a few hotels spread along the shoreline, but the rest of the place is mostly open countryside. The lack of footfall means you’ve got a pristine beach at your disposal.

The turquoise waters that lap Haute Rive’s sands are good for more than just swimming – one of the world’s biggest coral reefs is crouched beneath the surface. There are hotels with watersports centres that offer diving and snorkelling trips, plus paddle-boarding and sea-kayaking if you want to stay above the waves. A 30-minute drive to the north coast lands you in Pereybere, which offers deep-sea fishing trips.

For a glimpse of one of Mauritius’ signature sights, take a 30-minute drive to Cap Malheureux. It’s home to the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Chapel – better known as the Red Roof Church. Its bright red top and half-timbered interiors make it one of the most photographed spots on the island. The town of Grand Baie isn’t far away – it’s worth a visit for its shopping bazaar, which peddles everything from traditional jewellery to artisan bags.