LUX* South Ari Atoll: An extraordinary island-hotel

The LUX* South Ari Atoll is a five star hotel located in the heart of the Maldives archipelago. This beautiful resort occupies the exclusive private island of Dhidhoofinolhu on South Ari Atoll. This luxurious island-hotel offers services of exceptional quality in a preserved and wonderful environment. 

The LUX* Maldives offers different ranges of villas on stilts located directly on the beach. Guests enjoy great views of the lagoon. The sunsets will, for sure, leave you speechless. The bright and spacious villas, measuring between 65 and 365 m2 have all the necessary amenities for the comfort of the guests. The decor is not too sophisticated for you to experience a natural and simple environment. Relax in the privacy of your very own garden with pool or on your large wooden terrace equiped with deckhairs and outdoor shower. The rooms have king size beds for you to be comfortable at night. The unique Luxury villa of 365 m2 has its own private pool by the lagoon pool and 24h/24 butler services.

The Maldives is one of the most wonderful destinations in the world with beautiful endemic fauna and flora, a tasty blend of unique colors. The hotel, which can easily be considered as paradise on earth, offers a variety of activities for the delight of the customers. With 4km of beach at their disposal, guests will have ample space to sunbathe. Outdoor film screenings, concerts and performances are regularly organized. The ocean lovers can observe whales, snorkel or even dive in to watch the small species in their natural environment. You will undoubdtely catch a glimpse of different fish, rays, tuna, barracuda or dolphins. The Maldives are also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. More than 37 underwater diving sites are available.

Water sports sessions are scheduled every day for your pleasure: kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing are available for seasoned athletes. Catamaran excursions and picnics can be arranged on the nearby islets. On land, enjoy table tennis, volleyball or tennis. The hotel also has a pool table and foosball for some indoor games in the evening.

All restaurants and bars offer the best cuisine, combining local flavors and textures. Traditional grilled meats, fish and seafood, pizzas or salads and local dishes: there is something for everyone as (almost) all nationalities are being represented. Discover the local cuisine, Maghrebian, Indian, Lebanese, European, Italian and even Chinese... The chefs will reinvent traditional dishes with a twist for the utmost pleasure of your taste buds. The bars will offer you cocktails and appetizers in a fun and relaxed musical atmosphere. Special mention for the Allegria, which can be reserved for a private and intimate diner and has a wide selection of wines and cheeses.

What to do in Mauritius?

Why are you choosing Mauritius as a holiday destination ? You like its warm weather, beaches and coconut trees ? That’s nice ! But Mauritius is so much more ! You want to get off the tourist tracks and experience the real Mauritian culture? Here’s a list of things to keep you busy during your stay. Especially if you want to wander outside your hotel and discover this beautiful and unique Indian Ocean island. There are obviously some places you can not miss. They are included in all the guides: Ile aux Cerfs, Seven Color Earth in Chamarel or the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. But beyond that, there is so much more to see in Mauritius. Places that are less known yet equally interesting.

The Tea Route (La Route du Thé) is a wonderful tour that will take you to the heart of the colonial history of Mauritius. It will lead you through three extraordinary places in the south of the island. For starters, the Domaine des Aubineaux, an old colonial house built in 1872, now a museum dedicated to the history of the Mauritian tea. A guide will offer you a cultural tour of this area located in the higher Plaine Wilhems. You will also discover the importance of the Mauritian tea industry throughout history. Strolling in the Garden of camphor, observe the variety of exotic plants and some endemic trees of the island. The visit will end with a tea tasting. The tour continues in the Bois Cheri tea plantation, the first tea plantation of the island. You’ll go back in time, in 1892 to check out the tea plant and the different stages for the production of tea. Bois Cheri offers beautiful panoramic views of the south of Mauritius. The last step is located in Saint Aubin where the colonial house has been transformed into a guest house. The sugarcane on the domain is used to make sugar but also delicious rum. You can watch the production at the distillery. At the Maison de la Vanille, you will discover the transformation process of the flower-flavored clove.

In the several parks scattered around the island, you can enjoy the local fauna and flora. Amongst which : Le Domaine de l'Etoile, located south of the island. In this huge park where the fauna and flora have been preserved, many activities are offered, including: quad or horseback rides and various games for the whole family. Next door, not far from the airport, Ferney Valley is a beautiful nature reserve you must see. The Lagrave Domaine is ideal for hikers who want to explore the wild Mauritius. After your your hike, you can enjoy deer or a whole roasted pig.

In a completely different genre, discover the Curious Corner of Chamarel, a strange and funny place. You will most definitely have a good time and take surprising pictures. This house, full of crazy and amazing illusions, is ideal for a rainy day if you're in the Chamarel area. The Curious Corner was built with the aim to surprise the curious imaginative minds. With nearly 40 exhibits, the least we can say is that your senses will be on alert. Just across the Curious Corner, discover the best rum on the island. Surrounded by plantations of sugarcane and tropical fruits, the Rhumerie of Chamarel is a complete experience in the heart of rum production. We recommend that you stop there between September and January, during production period, so that you can see all the machines in action.

One thing for sure: If you follow our advice, you will see Mauritius as few tourists have the opportunity to see it, off the tourists tracks…

Haute Rive Resort & Spa Mauritius

Nestled on the northeast coast of Mauritius, in Haute Rive, near Poste Lafayette, the Haute Rive Resort & Spa is ideally located. You will encounter a warm welcome if you choose this five-star hotel. Its high quality service honors the Mauritian hospitality and its excellent location allows guests to reach very easily the most famous tourist sites. This should facilitate your discovery of the island. The Haute Rive Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and natural environment. As a couple, a family or with friends, you will live a magical experience in Haute Rive. 

The resort features over 100 rooms and villas facing the sea, ideal for a relaxing, peaceful holiday in Mauritius. Classified into three categories, the rooms and suites can accommodate two to four people. The Deluxe and Premium Deluxe rooms feature stylish decor with King Size beds to sleep comfortably, and large windows that allow access to a big balcony with a panoramic view. The suites are equiped with a swimming pool, perfect for relaxing facing the ocean. Guests staying in suites with pool will also have exclusive benefits such as access to the Club Lounge where five menus are served daily, private check-in and check-out as well as a concierge service and assistance.

Haute Rive Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay for travelers seeking elegance and comfort in Mauritius. The five-star hotel offers a rich program of leisure activities, sports and discoveries. Enjoy the beach, the tennis court, the climbing wall or quads available. Canyoning trips are available on request. The sea is your playground. Take a dip in the ocean or plan a fishing outing to observe aquatic life. You can also opt for kayaking, sailing or paddle boating. The Spa Cenvaree is a sports and treatment center where guests can let off steam on the fitness machines or relax in the hands of professional masseurs.

Both Kids Club, one for children under 11 and another one for teens offer age-appropriate activities. Swimming and water sports are on the program. Younger guests can play pirates during a treasure hunt supervised by specialized instructors.

Five restaurants and bars offer delicious local and international meals in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Le Comptoir serves colorful buffets, along with Asian dishes which can be enjoyed by having an unobstructed view of the ocean. If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, opt for Lazuli. Meat lovers will be in heaven at the Black Pepperest specializing in barbecues and grills. And finally, Cyan and Zing bars will serve you refreshments and delicious cocktails.

SERVICES PERSONNALISÉS : Répondre aux besoins de Mauriciens et d’expatriés

Article paru dans le mauricien | 20 octobre, 2015 - 03:00

Créneau porteur ailleurs, en europe comme aux états-unis, les services personnalisés haut de gamme sont nouveaux à maurice. Que ce soit pour les expatriés souhaitant s’installer dans l’île, acheter une résidence ou monter une entreprise ou pour les mauriciens souhaitant organiser un mariage, une fête de fin d’année, un anniversaire ou accomplir un geste aussi simple qu’offrir un bouquet de fleurs… la conciergerie a été créée en décembre dernier pour répondre à de telles demandes

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National Holidays

Experience Unforgettable Moments in the Indian Ocean Islands

Wherever you are around the world, whether you are there for a few days or a few months, the National Day remains an important day for both the locals (living there full time) and yourself who are visiting. The commemoration of this special day in the year, a very emotional one, can help you better understand the history of the country. That should be enough to convince you to take a tour of the Indian Ocean islands during these periods of festivities; this could well be the opportunity to live unforgettable moments and stock up on memories...

In the Indian Ocean islands, huge parties and shows are organized to celebrate the National Day throughout the country. Whether in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar or the Maldives, the islanders are proud of their country, their origins and their history. Most of the time, the major parties are organized in the larger cities. But the villages are not left out either. Smaller events - but just as friendly - are organized in the villages and bring together families and friends. Pretty much all of these islands being former colonies, they mainly celebrate the date they got their independence.

The authorities organize for the general public a national high-profile show including dance, music and light effects. But that's not all… In Mauritius for example, the multicolored flag is displayed all over the streets (shops, homes, schools, buses, restaurants...). Local communities gather for more modest celebrations in towns and villages. Many hotels also celebrate this day by offering customers special menus and events on the theme of Mauritius. Wherever you are, you cannot miss out on the festivities. In the Maldives, when you walk in the streets (mainly in Male, the capital), you can see magnificent dance performances or music shows, impromptu concerts which delight the youngsters as well as the elderly.

Military parades, traditional music concerts and DJ nights are also scheduled. In Seychelles, Maldives, Madagascar or Reunion, the military parades (both from the army and the naval forces) are not to be missed; though smaller, they are just as impressive as those of the French metropolis. Beautiful fireworks that will leave you speechless are also scheduled around the country.

Some of those countries have not one but two or even three National Days. In Zanzibar, the Feast of the Union on April 26th (the anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar) and the Independence Day on December 9th are two major events in the history of the country that are celebrated every year both in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Planning a trip in Seychelles in June might also be a good idea; it’s a busy period with three days of historical commemoration: June 5th, Liberation Day; June 18th, National Day (adoption of the new Constitution) and; June 29th, Independence Day of the country.

All these national holidays are truly an opportunity to see another side of these islands and its people, through cultural and sporting events. With the atmosphere of friendliness that emerges from these celebrations, we strongly encourage you to live this at least once in your life. 

Brief Summary of National Holidays in the Indian Ocean Islands:

- Madagascar: Independence Day on June 26th

- Maldives: Republic Day on November 11th

- Mauritius / Rodrigues: Independence Day on March 12th

- Reunion: National Day on July 14th

- Seychelles: Liberation Day on June 5th

         National Day on June 18th

         Independence Day on June 29th

- Sri Lanka: Independence Day on February 4th

- Zanzibar: Union Day onApril 26th

       National Day on December 9th

Relax, Manta Resort Welcomes You…

Nestled on the northern tip of the still unknown island of Pemba, the third main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, the Manta Resort, a 4 star hotel, enjoys a prime location.

With an accommodation capacity of only forty people, Manta Resort is a small, discreet luxury hotel, with assured privacy and usability. Its 18 rooms provide all the necessary comfort to customers with King size beds, Internet, telephone and air conditioning. They are perfect for family vacation or holidays amongst friends. The Manta innovates with its original room, the Underwater Room. Unique in the world, it is built on three floors, 4 meters under water. While the upper deck allows sunbathing during the day and stargazing at night, the lower floors bring you closer to the fish. The room offers a 360 degree view. The four anchors used to secure the room are actually artificial reefs which attract a wide variety of fish; squid, octopus and fish trumpet.

Many activities are available in and around the hotel: scuba diving, deep sea fishing, kayaking, amongst others... The diving is fantastic around the island. The variety of endemic fish is impressive and underwater coral remained almost intact, the hotel doing everything to protect the environment of the island. Small western islands as Njao or Fundo are excellent diving spots. Breathtaking some may say. The water temperature is regularly around 26 degrees, Pemba is one of the nicest places to dive. If you prefer to visit Zanzibar by land, excursions are organized daily. The hikes and tours are very interesting to discover the local culture. Finally, the Kipepeo Spa is open daily for guests in search of calm, relaxation and wellbeing. Massage and treatments can be scheduled.

The pool and the veranda are where you should meet to enjoy delicious meals with ocean views. Reinterpreted local recipes based on meat or seafood are served. The beach bar allows you to spend some quality time savoring delicious fruit platters and tropical cocktails while eating small snacks.

Dodo Quest, the New Attraction of Mauritius

You like games ? You dream big ? Well, you will be over the moon with Dodo Quest, the latest available attraction in Mauritius. Created about ten years ago in Asia, the concept of Escape Rooms has gradually spread throughout the world and has finally arrived in Mauritius.  

Dodo Quest is a team game around strategy. In groups of 2 to 4 people, you are locked in a cell, in prison. The objective is simple: Successfully get out of there in less than 59 minutes. This game is a brain teaser ; you’ve got to use your brain to get out of there, you cannot just break everything around. You must stay calm and observe your surroundings to find the clues, keys, codes or numbers, that will lead you to the exit!

If you're lost or stranded, do not panic. Cameras are filming you for your safety and a microphone is available if you want to ask for help to advance in the game. Do not forget that you have less than an hour to succeed in your mission, so do not hesitate to ask for help if you see the time fly by.

Located in Moka, Dodo Quest offers three rooms with completely different universes. For now, only the Prison Break part, the one we just described, is available to the public. But the other two rooms should open to the public shortly.

The second room, Adventurer Cabinet: Mystery of Pierre Poivre, presents a rather historical universe in which you are part of a team of explorers close to Pierre Poivre (botanist and French colonial administrator from the 18th century). You must find the golden nuts and seed them to start the planting of the Isle of France. The third and final room, Hunter's Hut: Save the last Dodo! gives you the unique opportunity to save the dodo of extinction. Find the last Dodo egg before the return of the crazy hunter.

Are you interested in these challenges? Then, what are you waiting for ?