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…

Kilindi Zanzibar

Nestled on the northwest coast of the main island of Zanzibar, the Kilindi Zanzibar, 5-star luxury hotel, offers exceptional service in an extraordinarily relaxing setting. The least we can say is that the Kilindi Zanzibar lodges located on the seafront are gorgeous. These luxurious residences offer privileged guests a private retreat, a haven of peace. Tranquility, privacy and comfort are the key words that punctuate life in Kilindi Zanzibar. The 15 villas of the resort are surrounded by nature with the sea on one side and tropical gardens on the other. It is precisely this spirit of harmony with nature that customers seeking a relaxing holiday want.

A private pool and huge shower are available in each lodge. A butler service is also at the disposal of each hotel guest. A specialized ventilation system provides an ambient temperature at bedtime. The wooden shutters of the main rooms certainly provide privacy for residents but also protect from the sometimes scorching sun.

The Kilindi Zanzibar offers many water activities like scuba diving, water skiing or fishing, allowing guests to discover the unique wildlife of the region. Catamaran outings and excursions are organized daily. Rest assured that land-based activities have not been forgotten. The Kilindi Spa welcomes guests in its sanctuary located in the heart of the tropical gardens of the resort. There, you can relax with the help of professional masseurs who will offer you the best care. You will no doubt feel well rested after a treatment. That’s a promise. A wide range of treatments is available, from gentle massage to deep tissue therapy but also body scrubs and refreshing facial treatments…

Several dining options are available. You can opt for a private dinner in your lodge or a romantic diner on the beach or by the pool.

This hotel is perfect for a honeymoon, for a couple getaway or simply for those who need a break to breathe and rest. The Kilindi Zanzibar wants to be a refuge for anyone who wishes to reconnect with nature.

Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie

Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie. Just the name of this four star hotel, nestled in the heart of the island of La Digue in the Seychelles archipelago, is an invitation to dream. But beyond its exotic sounding name, Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie is the perfect spot for those looking for tranquility and an authentic experience.

The estate offers 63 luxurious villas, all located near the beach of Anse Sévère. Divided into five categories, the villas of 60 to 485 m2 can accommodate up to six people. The villas have been designed and decorated to obtain a Zen environment like the one prevailing in the local houses. The goal is to offer the tourists a typically Seychellois experience. The villas are fully equipped for the comfort and enjoyment of customers: telephone, flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, large dressing room, mini bar and tea/coffee. The generous private terrace has a beautiful view of the beach. The most luxurious and charming villas offer, in addition to these basic amenities, a Jacuzzi nestled in nature itself. As for the presidential villa, the least we can say is that it is the most luxurious of all. A personal butler is available to customers of the villa with access to a private pool. 

At Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie, tourists won’t be rushed, their daily routine will be quiet and calm. And of course, the proposed activities also go along those lines. Everything is done for you to relax. On the island of La Digue, not a single car in sight. You can borrow bikes to go explore the island and meet the Seychellois people. Obviously, with an ocean and wildlife as exotic and unique, diving activities are available with the possibility to rent snorkeling equipment. Enjoy the scenery and sunbathe on the beach of Anse Sévère.

Embark on the O'Plezir catamaran for a fantastic cruise. This is an original and unique way to discover the Seychellois landscape. If you would rather see the island from above, helicopter trips are regularly organized. And last but not least, the Eden Rock Spa opens its doors every day for you to enjoy multiple treatments, massages and also the hammam. Eden Rock is the perfect place to relax while being pampered.

The dishes on the menu of the restaurants of Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie are inspired by Creole, Mediterranean and Asian specialties and traditions. The Combava located on the sea front offers a wide selection of à la carte meals. The Santosha, facing the ocean, gives an exceptional view of the island of Praslin. Are offered in this restaurant an open buffet with a different theme each night around the local or international cuisine. As for the Alambic Bar and Infinity Pool Bar, respectively close to the beach and the swimming pool, you will most definitely have a good time there, enjoying delicious refreshing cocktails in a chic tropical atmosphere.

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…