Bel Ombre, Mauritius

Bel Ombre, a cozy upscale village on the wild southern shores of Mauritius, offers an uninterrupted coastline, unobstructed vistas and endless options for exploring.

Avid kite surfers and wind surfers flock here but Bel Ombre attracts low-key beach lovers in equal measure. Both the temperate climate and economic climate contribute to the high quality of living. The economy once dominated by the sugarcane industry is now a stable and diversified one, incorporating tourism and financial services.

Mauritius, about 1,200 miles east of the African coast, has one of the continent’s highest per capita incomes. French and South Africans are among the largest groups of international investors in Mauritius, a multicultural society that was once ruled by the Dutch, French and, finally, British before gaining independence in 1968. Bel Ombre, in particular, has become a popular choice for global investors for its proximity to top schools, well-respected medical facilities and its choice location.

Bel Ombre is located about 35 miles south of the capital, Port Louis, and 45 minutes from the international airport. Of the island nation’s 1.3 million people Bel Ombre accounts for just 2,400 of them.

Nearby attractions fall into both beautiful and breathless categories. Black River Gorges National Park is the country’s leading green attraction, drawing eco-tourists to its 17,000 acres that are home to endangered plants and animals. Scenic roads paralleling the Indian Ocean and easy access to historic towns that still bear the legacy of French colonial architecture add to Bel Ombre’s appeal.

Luxury properties include low-density community villas that border on a natural preserve. Its 18-hole championship golf course is considered a top course among Indian Ocean countries. International buyers can acquire property if it meets certain conditions. A minimum investment of $500,000 US is required. The tax environment is a favorable one. There are no capital gains or inheritance taxes.