destination | indian ocean BEACHES


Vamizi Island, Mozambique Racked for years by civil war, Mozambique is the new kid on East Africa’s tourism scene, and there are some stunning beaches hidden among its Quirimbas archipelago. Icing-sugar sands, luxury lodges and deserted stretches — save for the odd turtle — set Vamizi world’s apart. vamizi.com


Ile Sainte-Marie, Madagascar Adrift off Madagascar’s east coast, Ile Sainte- Marie is fringed with one deserted beach after another. Guests can cool off with a dip in its blindingly blue waters and throw on the snorkel. Between July and September, there’s always the chance of spotting humpback whales as they journey between this speck of paradise and the wilds of Madagascar. travelmadagascar.org


Vamizi Island, Mozambique. Right: Humpback whales on Ile Sainte-Marie. Below: Madagascar; Le Saint Géran, Mauritius


Olhuveli, Maldives Stick a pin in a map of the Maldives and you’re likely to find a humdinger of a beach. Olhuveli is just one example. Sitting in the South Malé Atoll, its white sand, water villas and lagoon dotted with the shadows of manta rays are perfectly framed by the blue ocean. olhuvelimaldives.com


Le Saint Géran, Mauritius Squeaky white sands aren’t the only attraction at the One & Only Resort in Le Saint Géran. Te beach is overlooked by Spoon des Iles — the first restaurant Alain Ducasse established outside France — for the perfect pairing of plate and plage. lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts.com


Gonubie Beach, South Africa A little slice of Indian Ocean heaven, Gonubie Beach — some five miles out of East London — is where city dwellers come to hide away among the dunes and tidal pools. Whales and dolphins can be seen from the shoreline, while surfers cruise and kids paddle happily. southafrica.com/beaches n


82 | ASTAnetwork | fall 2015


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