Bel Ombre, Mauritius 🇲🇺
#2101
-20.502836, 57.400884
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bel Ombre is a coastal village located in the south of Mauritius, known for its lush landscapes and serene beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,500 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 30-50 Mbps, available in most hotels and local cafes. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 45.3 MUR, local currency is Mauritian Rupee (MUR). ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Emtel and Orange; prepaid plans are affordable. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) and International Investment Bank (IIB) offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts like Heritage Awali to serviced apartments and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental websites offer short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Check out Pakiri Hotel, which offers economical rooms near the beach. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co-Office in Curepipe, about 30 minutes away, offers reliable facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Moorish Café in Bel Ombre offers good coffee and a quiet atmosphere for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on Facebook host regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the ‘Mauritius Expats’ Facebook group for updates on community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and Bolt are available for local transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options include services at local resorts or dedicated rental shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Near Heritage Villas Valriche Beach, approximately 5 mins by bike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritius operates regular flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Air France have frequent flights to and from Mauritius. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M1 highway connects Bel Ombre to major towns like Curepipe and Port Louis. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no major train hub; buses are the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on a comprehensive network, tickets are bought directly from the driver. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses provide access to other towns; taxi services are readily available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Flacq Hospital is the nearest public hospital, located about 25 km away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Shanti Maurice offers yoga classes and wellness retreats in a beautiful setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Most resorts have gym facilities, and private options are available at Club Med. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Available services near local hotels; resorts often provide laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Fooditos and Mauritius Food Delivery are popular local apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Dholl Puri, a popular Mauritian street food made with lentil pancakes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Grillade offers vegetarian options, focusing on local produce. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Le Café des Arts, known for its excellent desserts and relaxed ambiance. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check out local markets like Bel Ombre Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia and Expat Dodo are popular resources for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pick n Pay offers delivery services in the local area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Enjoy drinks at La Pirogue’s bar located on the beach. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phoenix Beer is produced locally and can be found in many bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Explore local wines at the Heritage Awali’s wine cellar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the local markets sell various Mauritian snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Savory dishes from India, China, and France are common throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historical site of Bel Ombre Estate and the scenic beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee de l’Aventure du Sucre is a short drive away, showcasing sugar industry history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La Vanille Nature Park, where you can learn about Mauritian wildlife and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The nearby Saint Aubin Cemetery is of historical significance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Diwali and local music festivals celebrate Mauritian culture annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit local villages that promote traditional crafts and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Check local listings for performances at cultural centers nearby. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bel Ombre Market is where you can explore local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be heard in beachfront venues during the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore nearby Port Louis for vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join cooking classes at local resorts to learn traditional Mauritian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore local galleries that exhibit Mauritian artists’ work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Voila Hotel features colonial architecture and rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bel Ombre's heritage is reflected in its preserved sugar estates and colonial buildings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the Black River Gorges National Park for hiking and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | La Vallée des Couleurs is a popular national park known for its geological wonders. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many trails are available along the coast; bike rentals are available at hotels. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints at the Black River Gorges offer stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mangroves and wetlands near Bel Ombre are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Resorts often provide bonfire spots on the beach for guests. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services are reliable for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops provide repair services; check with resort concierge. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some resorts have ping pong tables available for guest use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in nearby Curepipe offer classes in French and Creole. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are few; most reading is done at cafes or resorts. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are limited; consider hotel game rooms for entertainment. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casinos exist mainly in larger towns and resorts; the nearest is in Grand Baie. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Global standard corporate tax rate of around 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is standard at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Best characterized by a proportional income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15% personal income tax rate for income above MUR 3 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is set at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply under local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is applicable based on rental income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% applicable on property transactions. |