The warmest ocean in the world knows how to lure visitors: pristine sand, a curtain of coconut palms, turquoise sea and countless colorful underwater fish, often accompanied by sea turtles and manta rays… Coral reefs, atolls, granite islands. Whatever it is, from the Maldives to Mauritius, the view is always mesmerizing. The only obstacle to making the most of our top ten paradises is to think about sunscreen and don’t forget your mask and snorkel. When to leave? In general, the best time is from April to June and September to November, except in the Maldives where the bay is never as beautiful as between December and March.
Landaa Giravaru (Maldives)
With almost 1,200 islands surrounded by turquoise water (of which less than 200 are inhabited), it’s hard to decide between the most beautiful beaches in the Maldives. But definitely Landa Giraavaru has his place on the podium. White sand, translucent water that turns turquoise after a few strokes, then lapis lazuli… In the heart of Ba Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, the Four Seasons Hotel complex offers 2 kilometers of heavenly beach just from Male International Airport. 30 minutes away. , which can be reached by… seaplane. Manta rays and sea turtles abound in this corner of the Maldives. So you don’t stay in your armchair for long.
Philideo (Maldives)
Filiteyo Island in Faafu Atoll is surrounded by a powdery sand beach dotted with luxury resort bungalows. Behind the beach. exotic dust from palm and coconut trees. Ahead, a clear lagoon that hosts a multitude of tropical fish, as well as rays, turtles and small reef sharks. Unforgettable dives on rafts around the villas… Filitheyo ranks among the best (snorkeling and snorkeling) destinations in the Maldives.
Anse Lazio (Seychelles)
North of Praslin Island, this crescent of sand borders on perfection with its shades of blue, chubby granite cliffs and coconut palms leaning over the water. The white sails of sailboats often complete the picture… idyllic. The price of success, the beach is quite busy in high season. More tranquility reigns at neighboring Anse Georgette Beach, which offers the same picture-postcard setting.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue Island (Seychelles)
The iconic beach of the Seychelles. On the unspoiled island of La Digue, this beach (for a fee) reveals these beautiful blocks of slightly pink granite in the turquoise water that are the Seychelles trademark. It must be admitted that the beach is not wide and the waters are filled with less fish than in the Maldives. But we feel good there in the shade of coconut palms and takamakas, and even more so at sunset. For a wilder and equally beautiful setting, head to Grand’Anse, Petite Anse and beautiful Anse Cocos.
Anse Intendance (Seychelles)
On Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles, several sandy coves compete for the prize of the most beautiful beach. We have decided. it’s Anse Intendance, period. An alley of tamarisks leads to this wild beach, perfectly curved, fringed with pebbles and lapped by the blue water of Curaçao. Bakers offer the opportunity to play in the waves, which is not very common on the island. The beach is also an important nesting site for sea turtles. With a bit of luck, you’ll see them between October and April.
Anse Bouteil (Rodriguez)
About 600 km east of Mauritius, Rodrigues deserves the nickname “Cinderella of the Mascarenes”. It is a remote island with old-fashioned charm, devoid of luxury hotels and surrounded by a majestic lagoon. The most beautiful bays are concentrated on the eastern coast. From Gravieux to Poin Coteau, the rocky trail encircles them like pearls in a necklace. The most beautiful? Anse Bouteille, a gorgeous secret beach nestled deep in a bottle-neck rock. The water there is a breathtaking blue-green.
Morne Brabant Beach (Mauritius)
Massive and incongruous, Le Morne Brabant (we just say “Le Morne”) is a 556-meter high basalt mountain perched on the edge of the Mauritian Gulf. Swimmers can admire this sugarloaf casuarina-lined public beach, the most beautiful on the island, or at least on the west coast. The water is clean, full of fish and the atmosphere is peaceful, almost Rasta, like the Creole villages of this corner of Mauritius. Windsurfers and kite surfers have also made it one of their favorite spots.
Belle Mare Beach (Mauritius)
Palmar or Bel Mare? Regardless, the two tracks follow each other without interruption. Nothing seems to disturb the serene beauty of this magnificent strip of sand fringed with casuarina trees, not even the luxury hotels and villas dotted here and there. These are admittedly very well integrated. Families appreciate the calm waters of the bay, which is protected from the ocean by a coral reef. Belle Mare Pass is also a popular diving spot as you encounter eagle rays, white tip sharks, schools of bream, manta rays and several large pelagics.
Buchan Canot (Reunion)
Reunion doesn’t have the prettiest beaches on the Indian Ocean, far from it, but it would take a lot of bad faith not to find charm in Boucan Canote (pronounced “Canotte”). Located on the touristy and beachy west coast, this beach, which belongs to the Reunion Marine Nature Reserve, is the most pleasant on the island. In the absence of sea cover, waves happily break to the delight of surfers. Boucan Canot was the first to be equipped with a shark net so you can swim there in total safety. Children and families enjoy the natural pool, formed by black volcanic rocks and well heated by the sun. Let’s add the beach volleyball tournaments and the beautiful seabed at the level of the coral reef. It’s not so bad!
Nosy Iranja (Madagascar)
Whoever says “beautiful beaches” in Madagascar says Nosy Be. Andilanan, in the form of a whale, is considered the most attractive of the island. However, there is a better one. Southwest of Nosy Bay, the island of Nosy Iranja awakens the Robinson who sleeps among them all. Who wouldn’t want to be forgotten along the thin strip of sand that connects the two ends of the island? Turtles and a few fishermen live here. What to do ? Let time slip by, caressed by the trade winds, feet in warm water, eyes lost in the azure of the Mozambique Channel. And forget about Friday.
[Initialement publié en septembre 2021, cet article a fait l’objet d’une mise à jour.]
Source: Le Figaro
