Le Morne, Mauritius

About Le Morne

Le Morne occupies the south-western corner of Mauritius, where the Morne Brabant — a sheer basalt mountain on the UNESCO World Heritage list — falls straight into a reef-held lagoon. It is among the most photographed stretches of coast in the Indian Ocean, and among the best served: the island's flagship resorts stand within minutes of the launch, which is rare in this sport.

The season is the austral winter. South-east trades run from May through October and are strongest between June and September, with forecasts commonly between 15 and 35 knots. Inside the reef the water is waist- to shoulder-deep depending on the tide, flat to lightly chopped, side-shore from the left. Beyond the barrier the wave zone — One Eye among the breaks — is the preserve of advanced riders.

What distinguishes Le Morne as a destination is how little it asks you to give up. A morning on the lagoon, an afternoon on the golf course or the reef with a tank, dinner somewhere serious; the island is small enough that none of it needs planning. The one non-negotiable is underfoot — coral, urchins and shifting depth make reef boots part of the kit, not a precaution.

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Le Morne Lagoon

  Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October.

Curated places to stay

• Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

  For the non-kiting partner, pools, spa, golf and shared dining with neighbouring Paradis provide unusual choice.

• Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa

  For the non-kiting partner and family, dining, spa, golf and a wide lagoon activity programme make this much more than a sports base.

• The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius

  For the non-kiting partner, this is the collection’s most formal Mauritian luxury experience, with no dependence on wind for the quality of the stay.