Between the cane fields and the sea
Riambel sits on the coastal road between Bel Ombre and St Félix, about 45 minutes from the airport. Behind it, sugarcane runs up towards the hills; in front of it, one of the longest beaches on the island has no hotel on it at all.
Life here is quiet and local: villagers wading out with fishing rods, families walking the beach on Sundays, gardens full of bougainvillea and curry leaf. There are no big attractions, which is exactly the point.
What to do in Riambel
Six simple things, all within a few minutes of each other.
Walk Riambel beach
Two and a half kilometres of sand with nothing built on it. Walk it at sunrise, when locals wade out with their fishing rods and the light is soft, and you may have it almost to yourself.
Watch the sunset
On a clear evening the whole beach turns gold. Bring something to sit on and stay until the light goes; it is one of the quietest sunset spots on the island.
Ride along the beach
The equestrian centre in the village runs rides along the sand, including at sunset. Our neighbour’s guide to horse riding in Riambel explains the options and how to combine a ride with the rest of your day.
Photographs on an empty beach
With no hotels and a long, open shoreline, Riambel is a beautiful place for photographs. Do not be surprised to see a bride on horseback at the water’s edge.
Pomponette beach
Just east of the village, a wilder stretch of sand where the waves break close to shore. Lovely to walk, but the waves are strong here, so keep out of the water.
Heritage Spice House
Our family house on Teeluck Lane: a museum of everyday Mauritian life, an old family kitchen and a living spice garden, where you grind masala on the volcanic stone and taste traditional food. Closed Wednesdays. Book your time.
Five to twenty minutes from Riambel
Riambel is a good base for the whole south coast. These are the closest favourites, each with its own guide.
St Félix and Rivière des Galets
Shaded beaches, a seaside promenade and calmer water. See our guide to St Félix and Chemin Grenier.
St Aubin
A colonial sugar estate house with a small rum distillery, a vanilla plantation and gardens. A gentle guided visit with a sit-down lunch; best booked ahead.
Bel Ombre
The calmest lagoon on this coast, a nature reserve and a restored château. See our guide to things to do near Bel Ombre.
Rochester Falls and Gris Gris
A waterfall over basalt columns and the wild cliffs at the island’s southern tip. Both feature in our one-day guide to South Mauritius.
A morning in Riambel
How we would spend a morning here with friends.
- Sunrise: walk Riambel beach while locals wade out to fish.
- 09:00: Heritage Spice House. Herbal tea from the garden, the museum, grinding masala on the stone and traditional tastings. About 90 minutes.
- Late morning: a swim close to the shore at Riambel, or a walk along Pomponette.
- Lunch: a simple local lunch at Comlone, a two-minute walk from our gate.
Prefer the evening? Watch the sunset on the beach, then join our Mauritian cooking class for dinner at the family table.
Before you come
Swimming. Riambel is a safe and lovely place for a swim, and one of the most tranquil beaches on the island. It is also wild: there are no lifeguards and very few people. Stay close to the shore and do not venture far out, as the tides can change.
Shade and water. The beach has trees but no shops or cafés on the sand. Bring water, a hat and sun cream.
Local life. This is a living village. Many locals fish here the traditional way, wading into the sea with a rod or a small net, and at low tide you will see them walking out over the reef to gather shells, seafood and octopus. Give them space, and ask before taking close-up photos of people.
Where to eat. We are picky eaters, and around here the honest answer is short. For a simple, local lunch, walk two minutes from our gate to Comlone, a small restaurant we are happy to recommend. Order the sizzler platter, with a choice of seafood, meat, chicken or vegetables; it is excellent. In a hurry? Their fried noodles and special fried rice are perfect to take away. Even better, come and see us first: we will tell you what to order, and you will already have tasted real Mauritian spices at our table. For dinner, our evening cooking class is the most flavourful meal in the area.
Getting here. Riambel is on the main south coast road. A hire car is easiest; taxis from Bel Ombre and St Félix take five to ten minutes.
Questions we get asked
What is there to do in Riambel?
Walk the long beach, watch the sunset, ride along the sand with the equestrian centre, and visit Heritage Spice House for heritage, spices and traditional food. St Félix, Bel Ombre and Rochester Falls are all within fifteen minutes.
Is Riambel beach good for swimming?
Yes, with care. It is quiet and non-touristy, with no lifeguards, so stay close to the shore and do not swim far out, as the tides can change.
Where is Riambel?
On the south coast of Mauritius, between Bel Ombre and St Félix, about 45 minutes by car from the airport.
Is Riambel worth a stop?
If you like quiet beaches and real village life, yes. Combine it with a visit to our house and one of the nearby waterfalls or cliffs for an easy half day.
In the heart of Riambel
We are on Teeluck Lane, Riambel. Open 08:30–18:00, every day except Wednesday, with visits at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00. Book your time ahead so we can welcome you properly.
Come and see it today
MUR 200
Museum, grinding demonstration, herbal tea and the boutique.
MUR 375
Museum, ancestral kitchen, spice garden, hand-grinding and tastings. Children MUR 200.
Thu – Tue
Last entry 17:00. Free onsite parking at the gate.
Walk in and join the next start time, or book ahead to hold your place. Open every day except Wednesday.