The Maritim

Five-star hotel in Balaclava, in the northwest of Mauritius, the luxurious Maritim Resort & Spa is nestled in the heart of a private property which extends along Turtle Bay, one of the most sunny and beautiful places on the island. Designed as a natural park of over 25 hectares, Balaclava has many surprises in store for the residents of the Maritim Hotel. 

In addition to the incredible view of Turtle Bay, the resort has a tropical and colonial architecture that blends perfectly to offer the ultimate refinement of the Mauritian hotel industry. The attentive staff will warmly welcome the guests. One sure thing is that the service is exceptional.

The Maritim Resort & Spa has 215 rooms and exceptional suites. They are classified into eight categories ranging from 34m2 for the smaller standard rooms to 160m2 for Maritim Luxury Villas. One of the features that distinguishes the hotel is its themed suites: the romantic Honeymoon suite is ideal for… honeymooners; the Savannah suite will transport you into an African universe; the Namaste suite will make you live in an Indian setting; while the Victory suite offers a trip to the English colonial times. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, digital safe and a terrace to take advantage of the extraordinary view of the bay. On request, the hotel also offers butler services.

As for the meals, the hotel has several restaurants where you can taste the cuisines of the world. The Château Mon Désir is located on an old pirates cache called the Ruins of Balaclava. In this historical colonial setting with ocean view, the restaurant offers international gourmet cuisine. The Belle Vue offers local and international cuisine. At dinner time, you can watch the food being prepared by the chefs. A culinary show, while waiting for your food... The Banyan offers a menu that showcases the many delights of Asia. The Tide, set on the beach, surrounded by palm trees, offers seafood specialties and other grilled dishes. Three bars are also open to guests: The Beach Bar, the Filaos Beer Garden Pub, for German beer lovers, and the Quarter Deck where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and snacks.

At the Maritim Resort & Spa, all the conditions are met for a stay where finesse and absolute relaxation mix perfectly. Many facilities and activities are available to satisfy all customers. For the most athletic ones, the hotel provides a fitness center, three tennis courts and a jogging trail. You can also enjoy water sports such as skiing, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and canoeing. You are most comfortable with both feet on the ground? Why not try your hand at archery, horse riding with a stroll in the forest or enjoy a game of football or volleyball. For those who prefer to lounge, quieter activities are available: golf, snorkeling, a stroll in the lagoon in a glass-bottom boat to admire the colorful fish and corals without getting wet, paddle, yoga and even a giant chess game.

The Maritim also offers a spa by the sea, the Tropical Flowers Spa, whose setting is most relaxing. You can enjoy many and varied treatments such as relaxing body massages or therapeutic face treatments.

Welcome to Taste Buds Paradise

The adventurous travellers, the ones eager to discover new cultures, are usually the ones who make the most out of their holidays. And if there is a discovery that travellers seem to particularly appreciate, wherever they travel to, it is most definitely the local gastronomy. Through local fruits and vegetables, good tasty dishes and cooking methods unique to the destination, you can experience the culture of your hosts. One sure thing is that the gastronomy of the Indian Ocean islands is particularly tasty. Its characteristic? A mix from several countries acquired over the centuries. Come share the culinary traditions of the Indian Ocean islands. Their kitchen doors are wide open for you to discover their specialties.

There are obviously similarities in dishes from all the Indian Ocean islands. You will notice that they are usually served with rice and are often quite spicy. It does not, however, prevent each country to cultivate certain peculiarities, a je-ne-sais-quoi that makes its food unique. Mauritius and Reunion Island have taken the best of the cuisines of India, China, Europe and of course Africa. The cuisine of Mauritius is so rich that it's hard to say that a particular dish is considered the country's national dish. This only makes the list of dishes you must try during your holidays in Mauritius longer… The "mines" for example are a must. Of Chinese inspiration, these noodles are fried with soy sauce, chicken or beef, omelet, shrimp and vegetables. It’s simply delicious. If you like seafood, you must taste the "vindaye pwason" and "cari zourite" (octopus curry). We recommend the "Briani", spicy rice served chicken, beef or fish and delicious potatoes. You also need to taste a good "rougaille socis" (a kind of spicy tomato sauce with sausages). Served with rice and red beans or black lentils, it’s a real good local treat. If you want to mingle with the local population, you have to eat "dholl puri" or "rotis" which are peas flour patties topped with curry and vegetables. As for "gajacks", Mauritian tapas, usually fried savory cakes, you can try the traditional "samosas", cheese croquettes or the delicious "gateaux piments" (chili cakes called "bonbons piments" in Reunion Island).

Seychelles’ gastronomy essentially revolves around seafood. The "Fish Curry" is a traditional specialty prepared with fish and curry sauce similar to Indian curry. The Seychelles’ food is like the archipelago, colorful and full of flavors... One sure thing is that you will often find coconut, "rougaille", eggplant or curry in the local dishes. You must try the "Cari Coco", a meat or fish stew cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce. For the curious and adventurous, we urge you to taste the "Flying Fox" also known as the "Seychelles Roussette". This is a huge bat, cooked in a curry sauce. The taste is very similar to that of beef. The "Kat Kat" popular dish made from bananas, tuna and coconut milk is also a delicious specialty of the Seychelles.

In Madagascar also, rice is at the base of pretty much all the dishes. The "Vary amin'anana" is cooked rice with milk and honey, along with tomatoes, meat or eggs. The "Ravitoto" is a traditional dish made from cassava leaves and pork seasoned with aulx (typical plant of the country). Among the culinary curiosities you have the "Koba", a rice flour cake with brown sugar wrapped in banana leaves. You should also taste the chocolate from Madagascar, ranked amongst the best in the world.

To complete this gastronomic tour of the Indian Ocean islands, do stop in Sri Lanka which has arguably the spiciest cuisine of the five islands. Usually on the menu, you will find the words "devilled" meaning "evil" which is to avoid at all cost for those with a weak stomach. Be aware that meals in Sri Lanka take place later than in Europe. Lunches are not before 1:30 p.m. and dinners not before 8:30 p.m. At breakfast, you will find "String Hoppers", cooked rice vermicelli braided into patties and soaked in "Curry Hodhi" a garlic and coconut sauce. It is served with "Coconut Roti", a coconut bread, which is eaten with butter or jam. At lunch, we recommend the "Kottu Roti", a mixture of bread, vegetables, meat or fish, eggs, cheese and of course spices, which is prepared with metal pallets. Just watching the Sri Lankan cooking this dish is an experience in itself. For desert, try the "buffalo curd", a buffalo milk yogurt served with "kitul", a caramel sauce or palm honey.

One sure thing is that on holiday in the Indian Ocean, you will go from discovery to discovery and your taste buds will be delighted wherever you will stop to eat.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Located on the island of South Ari Atol, Maldives, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the five-star Centara Grand Island Resort offers an ultimate luxury experience. Centara is a natural paradise with its palm fringed beach and crystal clear lagoon. A clear promise of perfect holiday...

With 112 spacious villas of up to 159 m2, Centara offers beautiful lodging to delighted visitors. Wooden villas linked by walkways, buildings with thatched roof, white sandy beach and turquoise lagoon : just close your eyes and picture your next vacation. All villas offer maximum services for the comfort of their residents: Internet, telephone, TV with international channels, DVD player with a selection of films, air conditioning and ceiling fan, minibar, safe, high-quality bedding with king size bed... Several categories of villas are available.

Suites on the beach offer a 81m2 space with living room, bedroom and large bathroom with outdoor bathtub. These bright suites can accommodate up to four people. The 86m2 Deluxe villas have the capacity to accommodate up to three people. Built on stilts, they are spacious and colorful with ocean views. The 93m2 Deluxe Family villas have been designed especially for families. They include a dedicated area for children with bunk beds, PlayStation and secure access to the terrace. A Jacuzzi has been added for the comfort of the residents. The Luxury Sunset Villas of 110m2, for up to five people, have a spacious terrace for relaxation and lead to the lagoon. As for the159m2 Luxury Villas on the beach, they are right on the water but also have a private pool, just so you can sunbathe privately.

Several restaurants are available on the island to cater for the different desires of the guests. The Reef offers international cuisine next to the pool. On the menu, buffets with European and Asian influences. You'll even have Teppanyaki where the dishes are sautéed on a griddle. You’ll get a taste of Italy at the Azzuri Mare. While overlooking the lagoon, you can choose from the menu pasta dishes, pizza and seafood. The Suan Bua is a Thai restaurant. The chefs recreate famous recipes like pad thai, tom yum som tam and kung. Fresh fish and shellfish, either steamed, grilled or sautéed, served in sauce, are on the menu. If you want to relax, have a cocktail or aperitif and play pool or cards, choose Aqua and Coral Bar.

Centara has a wide range of activities to suit the tastes of all its customers. Ideal complex for families, the hotel offers clubs for kids: Camp Safari and E-box. Walks, rides on inflatable tubes pulled by boats, beach games and swimming sessions in the secured swimming pool are scheduled. Couples and anyone seeking tranquility can enjoy the Cenvaree spa located by the ocean and the Club Lounge offering a relaxation area and a swimming pool in an exclusive setting. The complex allows for the discovery of the exceptional underwater life of the Maldives. Dive or snorkel off the island and discover the reefs offering a kaleidoscope of colors, exotic fish and even a wreck. Divers can expect to see turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, parrotfish, surgeonfish and other fish with strange names. In addition to this, Centara also offers a tennis court, fitness center, water sports sessions and various excursions to discover the island, local fishing or cruising with friends or your loved one at sunset. Enough to keep you well entertained throughout your stay…

"Demandez le service de conciergerie !" 5 Plus, No.1304/985, Dimanche 17 Mai 2015

Demandez le service de conciergerie ! by Christophe Karghoo - Page 40

"Vous l'avez rêvé, ils l'ont réalisé pour vous.

Vous voulez faire une escapade amoureuse ? Vous cherchez un peu de dépaysement ou simplement un lieu magique pour vous reposer ? Vous pensez organiser votre fête de fin d'année ? Faire livrer des fleurs à une personne chère à votre coeur ? Vous voulez profiter d'un repas préparé par un chef étoilé ou vous faire chouchouter dans un bon spa ?
Ne vous prenez plus la tête !

Arnaud Glannes, Conciergerie Manager, et ses concierges personnels se proposent de répondre à toutes vos exigences."

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Music Festivals: Move it in the Indian Ocean

When we talk about vacationing in the Indian Ocean, people very often - almost always actually - think of postcard images combining beaches, turquoise lagoons and coconut trees. But holidays not only resume to sunbathing. The Indian Ocean is also "the place to be" for partying. Many, many, parties and festivals are held throughout the year on all the destinations of this part of the globe. To make it easy for you, we have listed the upcoming musical events that will take place in Mauritius, Reunion Island, Seychelles and Madagascar in the coming months.

Whether musical or not, Reunion Island highly values ​​its cultural heritage. That is why many festivals are organized throughout the year. Early May was held the 7th edition of Electropicales in the heart of Saint-Denis. An annual event that gathered on three stages over a dozen electro-techno DJs. The 8th edition of the festival is already scheduled for 2016. Next month, from June 5th to 7th, is scheduled Sakifo Music Festival in St. Pierre. This festival brings together more than 30 artists from all backgrounds and musical worlds. Amongst them are artists such as Artur H, Cats On Trees, Fauve, the Wampas, Skip the Use, Julien Doré, Tiken Jah Fakoly and Zulu. Next September will be held the Manapany Festival in St. Joseph. This original gathering combines surfing and climbing competitions together with concerts of local artists.

Mauritius also hosts several musical events during the year. May 16th was scheduled at the Château de Labourdonnais an evening for all techno-trance fans with Dash Berlin. The famous DJ Jeffrey Sutorius was there to set the dance floor on fire. In a completely different genre, from May 19th to 24th, the Festival Passe Portes in Grand Bay subtly mixes theater and music. It offers a variety of plays and concerts including those of Zulu and Amaury Vassili. On June 4th, will take place the Seggae Zwe Festival at the stadium Germain Comarmond in Bambous. This important musical event will welcome local artists such as OSB Crew, Ras Minik and Linzy, all Seggae specialists. Seggae is a typical Mauritian music style, a mix between Sega and Reggae. And finally, for fans of the genre, the Colmar International Festival is scheduled from July 3rd to 14th. This classical and jazz music festival will bring together some 50 artists and orchestras.

In Seychelles, from October 25th to 31st will take place the Festival Kreol of Mahé. Various artists of all Creole-speaking islands will perform in Victoria Square. Their commonality ? Their Creole music. So if you want to discover creole music and its culture and move your body to the rhythms of creole music, you know where to go in October…

This overview of the region's festivals ends with the Donia festival of Nosy Be, in Madagascar. This is one of the oldest festivals in the Indian Ocean region. The 22nd edition began on May 16th and will end on May 24th. It showcases mainly Malagasy and African artists.

One sure thing is whatever the time of year, you will undoubtedly find in the Indian Ocean, a festival where you can move it, move it, shake it, shake it…

Private Luxury at The Cardinal Exclusive Resort

The northern region of Mauritius is one of the most touristy areas of the country. You can find in this region many hotels of different standings and definitely one for everyone’s budget. There is however one that stands out. For those looking for an unusual place to stay during their holiday, we suggest The Cardinal Exclusive Resort. You will find no gigantic complex there, quite the contrary actually. Located on the beautiful beach of Trou aux Biches, this new "Boutique Hotel" of 13 suites redefines "Luxury". This unique and stylish complex offers customized services for clients looking for tranquility and privacy.

The Cardinal Exclusive Resort offers three categories of suites, all designed and decorated in a modern and refined style. The junior suites with a surface area of ​​51m2 have a seating area, a bathroom and a spacious bedroom. They also have a small balcony. The 84m2 Duplex suites are ideal for families. They have two terraces, a children's corner, lounge, and two bedrooms with bathroom. Finally, the Penthouses are the "must" of this hotel. The penthouses spread over an area of ​​87m2, to which needs to be added 42m2 of terrace! They offer a breathtaking panorama on Trou aux Biches bay.

The hotel provides a high standard and quality service where listening to the customer’s need is a priority. The Cardinal Exclusive Resort offers a 24h/24 assistance, currency exchange, laundry and postal service. On request, the hotel can also take care of all your trips and transfers. Other than sunbathing by the hotel's pool, several activities are available such as kayaking, pedal boating, tennis, fitness, diving and a trip in a glass bottom boat. You need something more relaxing ? Massages by professional therapists are available.

As for dining, the gourmet restaurant offers various and varied local menus. One thing for sure is that you will always be in for an exotic treat ! You can even see the chefs at work as the kitchen is open towards customers. You can choose whether you want to eat indoors or on the terrace admiring the beautiful lagoon. Romantic dinners on the beach are regularly organized for couples, as well as cocktail parties around the pool. Enjoy the background music of the piano bar. Enjoy your vacation in this beautiful setting where the team is committed to responding to all of your most extravagant wishes.

"La Conciergerie indian Ocean facilite l'implantation des étrangers à Maurice" Business Magazine No. - 1183 - du mercredi 13 mai 2015 au mardi 19 mai 2015

La Conciergerie indian Ocean facilite l'implantation des étrangers à Maurice by Magali Frédéric - Page 10

"La Conciergerie Indian Ocean, qui offre des services de conciergerie aux étrangers et entreprises locales, participe à la stratégie nationale visant à attirer plus d'étrangers à venir vivre à Maurice.

A cet égard, l'entreprise propose aux touristes de passage une excursion spéciale baptisée: S'installer à l'île Maurice.

Une excursion est organisée à leur attention pendant leurs vacances à partir de 650€."

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http://www.businessmag.mu/article/la-conciergerie-indian-ocean-faciliter-limplantation-des-etrangers-maurice

Rodrigues, an Island Out of Time

No larger than Paris, Rodrigues and its ​​109km2 are not less interesting. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Rodrigues Island has indeed many hidden treasures, kept secret from the rest of the world.

Many, many activities are available. Either to relax or let off steam. But above all, to have fun. In Rodrigues, anything and everything, is possible. Rodrigues is a leading destination for snorkelling/diving and kitesurfing. Thanks to its favorable winds most of the year and its lagoon protected by the coral reef, the island offers some beautiful spots. Amateurs and professionals meet up in the southeast of the island. Mourouk, Graviers and Plaine Corail are amongst the best spots. Now, Rodrigues even hosts an international kitesurf festival. The third edition is to be held from June 24th to 28th 2015.

As it is only recently that the tourism industry began to grow in Rodrigues, man has not (yet) damaged the environment. The seabed as the fauna and flora are still intact. The lagoon surrounding the island is protected and unpolluted, allowing impressive and breathtaking underwater excursions. We advise you to dive in the east and south, where you will find sea caves and arches, moray eels, clown fish, jacks, captains and other turtles.

There are also many unusual places in Rodrigues, such as Caverne Patate in the south of the island. This impressive millennium cave extends over 1,000 meters and offers a magnificent scenery with gigantic stalagmites and stalactites. A staircase carved into the rock leads down into the cave. It is imperative to do this excursion with a guide. You will then not only be safe but you will also learn a lot about this cave. 

This mountainous island - the peaks are however not very high - also offers breathtaking sights to all hiking afficionados. It is a place that you need to explore on foot, both inland and on the coast. On foot or by bike, explore the trails through the island to meet the people of Rodrigues, discover their culture and their natural that also makes the charm of this island. With or without a guide, you can easily go around the island in no time. The nature lovers can go to meet goats, sheep or pigs let loose in nature and observe an exceptional fauna and flora.

In the southwest of the island, you can also explore Ile Aux Cocos, known for its magnificent circular beach going around the island. This is the home for colonies of protected seabirds, the island being a natural refuge for them. Finally, Trou d’Argent, located northeast of the island, is one of the most beautiful beaches of Rodrigues. In this region are nestled huge untouched coves that large blocks of rocks keep away from prying eyes. Trou d’Argent was also ranked amongst the best preserved beaches in the world.

Mauritius’ little sister is ideal for tourists looking for a change of scenery and tranquility because as Rodriguans say, we must "give time to time," and that's exactly what it is; Rodrigues is the destination to be discovered for holidays without stress. Just relax and enjoy…

"At your service" EXPAT Times Friday 08 May 2015 - Page 24 - 25

At your service by Ashna Dabee EXPAT Times Friday 08 May 2015 - Page 24 - 25

"You forgot. It’s your mother’s birthday today and you completely forgot to get her a gift. You are stuck at work, busy and will not be able to leave the office and by the time you’re done, all the shops will closed. Now what?

You grip your head in frustration, and wonder how you will reach the family diner empty handed that evening.

You are busy contemplating your doom as you research the internet for some ideas when you hit jackpot. « A private 24/7 concierge service that is open to everyone for all types of services, all types of demands », elaborates Arnaud Glannes, director of La Conciergerie Indian Ocean.


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The Baystone or Mauritian Modernity and Elegance at its Best

The Baystone is an extraordinary place in Mauritius. With its Boutique Hotel status, it offers outstanding service to satisfy your every need during your stay. Centrally located near the Grand Bay Lagoon, north of the island, the hotel is committed to quality and excellence to make your stay unforgettable.

The Baystone Boutique Hotel & Spa has 21 rooms and spacious suites divided into several categories. Deluxe rooms available for one or two people, are between 21 and 55m2. These rooms are equipped for the comfort of their residents: King size bed, telephone, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, massage bath or rain shower and balcony overlooking the palm trees. All suites have a sea view. The junior suites of 60m2 and Senior suites of 95m2 which can accommodate two people are ideal for couples. In addition to equipment similar to those of the deluxe rooms, they feature an iPod dock and a coffee maker. The "must"? The unique Baystone Suite of 280m2. A true palace for customers as it overlooks a private pool on the hotel roof. From there you have a magnificent panoramic view of the beach and coast. 

Feel like eating a refined meal ? The unique bar-restaurant and its chef are waiting to help you discover traditional Mauritian and international specialties. Check out the local specialties with improved Mauritian style cocktails such as "ti punch" or "Mai Thai" made with local rum. All dishes are prepared with fresh produce and fish caught the same day. A gourmet "lobster and seafood" menu can be prepared on request. The menus change daily so as to surprise the customers.

The Baystone provides many activities to occupy their guests during their stay. Admire the beautiful Mauritian landscape, from the sky. Either by ULM or if you can cope with it, by doing a tandem parachute jump; thrills guaranteed. You have a preference for the sea? Well, know that you can enjoy extreme sports with waterskiing and kitesurf sessions organized every day. For tourists who want something calmer ; paddle, sailboat or kayak are available. You can also admire the beauty of the seabed during a boat trip near the coral reef. Or admire the dolphins, do scuba diving or big game fishing. To discover the heart of Mauritius ; quad excursions, mountain bike rides or even horseback rides can be organized so that you can see up close these places in the wild. Ideal for couples, the hotel will take very good care of you and guarantee absolute tranquility. Imagine yourself and your loved one admiring the sunset while eating a delicious dinner aboard a catamaran. Finally, for the curious, the Baystone offers classes in the restaurant’s kitchen. The chef will reveal some manufacturing secrets to make a mean cocktail and will introduce you to the art of Mauritian cuisine. 

The least we can say is that you will not get bored for a second during your vacation. At the Baystone Boutique Hotel & Spa, you will be very well taken care of…

Reunion Island or the Indian Ocean’s Beautiful Mountains

Each of the Indian Ocean islands has its own identity and a charm of its own. One thing for sure is that they are all beautiful! And it’s high time for you to discover Reunion Island. This little piece of France lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean is a gem that should meet all your requirements and provide you with an idyllic holiday.

Reunion Island is unique. Its volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, is one of the most active in the world. It shapes the landscape of the island and offers unforgettable (one would be tempted to say) performances during its explosions and lava flows. Listed "Natural Asset" on the Unesco World Heritage Site list in 2010, the Piton de la Fournaise is a must. Many hiking trails, such as the Plaine des Sables one, can be used for exploring the real force of nature. From the shoreline to the top, you will discover rock and red sand and almost no vegetation. This is a landscape one expects on Mars. For those who claim to be brave, excursions are possible in the Lava Tunnels. Guided by an expert, discover the bowels of the volcano. 

The least one can say is that Reunion Island is a destination with exceptional natural resources. For thousands of years the volcano has shaped the island and has led to the creation of multiple mountain ranges. The island is now a paradise for hikers and climbers. The 900 km of marked trails - for all levels - offer a wide variety of landscapes: forests in the east, sugar-cane fields in the west or the Mars looking scenerary on top of the volcano... A Discovery circuit, ideal for family hiking was developed to understand the volcanic formation of the island. Thematic hiking are held regularly, like the bivouac to the summit of Piton des Neiges (highest point of the Indian Ocean with its 3000m) and gourmet paths or hiking on the ‘’Au Clair de la Lune’’ route. We advise you to climb the Piton Maido which is over 2000m above sea level, and offers a spectacular view of Mafate and much of the west coast.

Of course, when one thinks of islands, one automatically thinks of beaches. That being said, it is a fact that Reunion Island has plenty of beaches. In every corner of the island… It offers more than 30 km of beaches and extremely well preserved lagoons. Come snorkel and observe clown fish, moray, turtles and other marine species. All these treasures are protected by the Marine Nature Reserve. Enjoy lagoons without fear because these areas are secured and monitored continuously by lifeguards. You can go on the west coast, specifically in Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu or Roches Noires. For the curious, at L'Etang Salé you can sunbathe on a somewhat unusual beach. Of volcanic origin, the sand is black.

As you can see, Reunion Island will surprise you. At all levels ..