The west coast of the island enjoys a drier, sunnier climate. This is the region with the best coastline for swimming, with white or black sand beaches and a lagoon stretching from Saint-Gilles les Bains to La Saline les Bains. The western highlands are covered with primary forests or cryptomerias, dotted with breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss the authentic Creole villages of the hauts, where it’s nice and cool to stay when the heat crushes the coast. There’s something for everyone in the West…