Belle Mare, Mauritius 🇲🇺
#1144
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Belle Mare is a coastal village located on the east coast of Mauritius, known for its pristine beaches and tranquility. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for fiber connectivity in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Approximate exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 47.5 MUR. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally, tap water is drinkable, but it is advisable to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Orange and Emtel, offering good prepaid plans for data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international credit cards are accepted; local banks such as Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) cater to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachfront resorts and private villas available for long-term rental. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted in hotels and major stores. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb offer numerous short-term rental options ranging from modest apartments to luxury villas. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and guesthouses, such as La Palmeraie, offer affordable lodging around MUR 2,000 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the beachfront for easy access to amenities and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Choose a quiet villa area near the beach that offers coworking spaces and local cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Mauritius is a newly opened coworking space featuring high-speed internet and a range of amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Tamarin offers a great atmosphere for remote work with Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events organized by the Mauritius Africa Business Network provide excellent networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Mauritius' often organize meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify (Bolt) provides good transportation options in Belle Mare. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Various local shops offer bicycle and scooter rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Belle Mare beach is one of the best in Mauritius, renowned for its clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Mauritius services many regional destinations from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and British Airways operate frequent flights to major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Belle Mare to the capital, Port Louis, and other regions of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The closest train station is in the town of Quartier Militaire, about 30 minutes away by car. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services are available, with affordable fares around MUR 20-40 depending on the distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect to other parts of the island, providing affordable travel options. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | J. Nehru Hospital is the main public hospital in the area, providing general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Sanctuary Wellness Center offers holistic wellness and yoga sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Belle Mare Plage Resort has fitness facilities open to the public for a fee. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundromats and hotel services offer laundry services for residents and visitors. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Mauritius Food Delivery services such as Jumia Food can help you order local cuisine to your home. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Dholl Puri, a popular street food made from split peas and served with curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Beau Rivage offer extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The local bakery, Pâtisserie S. Léandre, is known for its delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit local markets like the Belle Mare Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplace Kauz offers online shopping options for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shoprite and Super U deliver groceries directly to your doorstep in Belle Mare. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit restaurants along the beachfront that offer nightlife experiences and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | St. Aubin, a local rum distillery, also produces craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Explore the wine selection at the Domaine des Aubineaux for a taste of local Mauritian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beach serve excellent snacks and local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Indian restaurant Le Pescatore offers delightful curries and seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Île aux Cerfs located just off the coast, known for its breathtaking beaches. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Explore the local history at the Sugar Museum at L'Aventure du Sucre. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of the former sugar mill at Eureka for a glimpse into Mauritius's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The nearby Grand Bassin is a significant Hindu site with a beautiful temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Cavadee Festival held annually showcases Tamil culture, vibrant colors, and festive music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the nearby village of Mahébourg for its unique local culture and charm. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters regularly host performances and cultural showcases. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly Belle Mare market offers local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are frequent at local bars and restaurants, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around town that showcase the vibrant local art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes to learn how to prepare traditional Mauritian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out local artists' exhibitions at galleries in nearby towns like Flacq. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial architecture found in old houses around Belle Mare. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mauritius has a rich blend of cultures reflecting its historical heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Calodyne Nature Park is a nearby spot for hiking and observing local flora and fauna. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Black River Gorges National Park is about an hour's drive offering stunning hikes and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along Belle Mare beach provide scenic ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoints at Île aux Cerfs for spectacular coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Belle Mare are popular for birdwatching, especially for migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain designated areas along the beaches allow campfires after dark. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate throughout the area for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Flacq provide tech repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes host table tennis tournaments. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in nearby towns offer French and English classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries in nearby Flacq provide reading and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Flacq community center often hosts cultural events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes have gaming setups for casual gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The closest casino is found at the nearby Belle Mare Plage Resort, offering various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €108,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on Mauritius-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 15%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is no annual property tax in Mauritius. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property value for foreign buyers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income, making it appealing for digital nomads. |