Sri Lanka or an Immersion in the Heart of Buddhist Spirituality

You have one wish : leave on a jet plane, travel, discover a new destination, a new culture... But where to go? Especially since you are looking for a trip out of the ordinary for your holiday. We can only advise you to opt for a paradise island where the unusual is key : Sri Lanka, also known as the resplendent island.

Equivalent to 1/10th of France, this island south of India, is small only by size. Sri Lanka is truly a unique destination in the world and has the advantage of pleasing all types of tourists. Family, friends or lovers, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination that will satisfy a diverse and demanding clientele.

Sri Lanka evolves around a very spiritual environment. This is indeed the bastion of traditional Buddhism. It is possible, for the delight of tourists, to visit many cultural, archaeological and religious sites. Numerous temples and statues built in honor of Buddha can be found around the country. You can visit the city of Bodhagaya, which is considered one of the four holy places of Buddhism. You will find there the Tree of Bodhi, where Buddha would have found enlightenment, and the magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, classified UNESCO World Heritage. Do not forget to stop in the famous Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of the country, also classified by Unesco. You can see the huge Lion Rock Sigiraya with its wonderful frescoes and ruins. Although beautiful, the cave temples of Dambulla City, home to more than 150 Buddha statues with twelfth century engravings, make Dambulla one of the most curious places in the region.

For a less spiritual experience, enjoy a safari in Yala West National Park where you can see elephants, buffaloes, leopards, bears and crocodiles. Adam Pic is also an amazing place to see. Over 2200m high, it is considered a holy place and is a gathering point for many pilgrims who claim that at the top can be seen the foot print of Buddha, Adam, Shiva or St. Thomas depending on the different religious versions. Sri Lanka also offers many gifts hidden and unknown to the public. We recommend you to take a ride to Haputale to discover the tea plantations and processing plants. These teas are famous worldwide.

And how can you even think of leaving Sri Lanka without spending some time at the beach? Treat yourself to a relaxing break, enjoy the sun, white sand, beautiful blue sea and exotic cocktails. Even more so that Sri Lanka is also a great place to enjoy water sports in a dream panorama. We recommend the beaches of Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay for surfing, kitesurfing and diving. On the beach in Weligama, you can observe a rare and unusual local tradition. Fishermen on stilts who play tightrope because of the power of the waves.

 So when are you leaving for Sri Lanka?

The Indian Ocean Witnesses the Rise of Outdoor Sports

Sit still and do nothing, that’s definitely not something you would do ? You're the sporty type, a thrill seeker? If over and above all of that, you like to travel and explore distant lands, we have for you the ideal destination. With its idyllic surroundings, fantastic scenery and lush green mountains, the Indian Ocean islands offer a perfect field for all adepts of racing in nature, those who do not fear obstacle races.

Many trails are now organized in the Indian Ocean islands throughout the year and whatever the type of athlete you are, there’s something out there for you. Mauritius, Reunion Island and Madagascar are the most active in this niche. For 2015, no less than 140 races, marathons, trails and other endurance sporting challenges are programmed for runners of all backgrounds and levels.

This year, the most difficult races will once again be on the calendar, amongst which , the Dodo Trail, in the south of Mauritius, which is more than 50 km long with an elevation of 3500m. Well enough to satisfy climbers... Meanwhile, the UTRB offers a 120km journey in the east of Mauritius with gradients of more than 4500m. More and more of these ultra trails are organized in all the Indian Ocean islands. While some take place on a day, others turn into obstacle races. They force the athletes participating in these races to push their physical and psychological limits. Among these events, the Sri Lankan Wild Elephant Trail offers participants six days of intensive competition, during which they cover over 210Km. In the same line, the Trail of l’Ile Rouge in Antananarivo also runs on six days over 135 km.

It goes without saying that the safety of the participants is taken very seriously and that these technical races are targeted towards seasoned athletes and those already accustomed to extreme conditions. However, beginners and average riders rest assured. The trail remains an open challenge to all. Many more relaxed and much less long runs are available for all to enjoy the wonderful environment of these islands. The Ferney Trail and the Royal Raid Mauritius offer 4km and 15 km races* for beginners.

The next trail on the calendar is the Mauritius Adventure Raid Trophy (MART). It will take place on February 7 and 8 in the "wild" south of Mauritius. This is a challenge for those who want to try a multi-sport competition and test their team spirit. In teams of three, you can share the challenge. Running, cycling, archery, water crossing and paddle, pick your sport. It should be noted however that the MART is dedicated to trail specialists. Two accommodation options are available to international athletes. They can sleep in the comfort of a Lux* hotel or in the wild, in tents installed in the Domaine Chazal.

These races allow participants to excel physically and mentally while discovering the islands in another aspect, with another eye. They draw you in fact to beautiful and fascinating landscapes on the mountain heights of Mauritius, Madagascar and Sri Lanka as well as inland areas sometimes inaccessible otherwise...

Here is a list of some trails to come in the Indian Ocean islands for 2015:

Adventure Raid Mauritius Trophy (30Km) - Mauritius: February 7-8

Marathon Eco Friendly (42Km) - Seychelles: February 22

The Wild Elephant Trail (210Km) - Sri Lanka: 6-14 March

Trail Grand Bassin (60Km) - Reunion: March 28

Trail of 2Rivières (60Km) - Reunion: April 11

UTOP (30/60/120) - Madagascar: 01-03 May

Royal Raid (15/35 / 80Km) - Mauritius: May 9

Arc en Ciel Course (63Km) - Reunion: June 27

Isalo Raid (22/42 / 80Km) - Madagascar: July 25-26

Dodo Trail (5/10/25 / 50Km) - Mauritius: July 26

UTRB Mauritius (10/42 / 120Km) - Mauritius: August 1-2

Ferney Trail (4/10/17 / 35km) - Mauritius: September 5

Trail of the Red Island (135km) - Madagascar: September 22 to October 4

Trail of Rodrigues (7/22 / 42Km) - Rodrigues: November 8

Nosy Be Trail (30 or 60km) - Madagascar: December 12

Credit Photo: Stephan Laï-Yu & Lux*Sports

Hinduism Celebrated!

You like white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, but this is not enough for you ? You would also like to take advantage of your vacation to feed your soul and your thirst for knowledge of new cultures? Well, the Indian Ocean islands could well be a dream destination for you! The Indian Ocean islands are indeed known for their openness and tolerance of all cultures and religions. There are a multitude of religious festivals but the Hindu celebrations are amongst the most spectacular. To attend one of these celebrations remains for Hindus as well as those practicing other faiths a memorable event. Quick overview of these celebrations...

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is one of the most spectacular celebrations of March. Participants splash water with colored powders on their face and clothing. It's a rainbow party where everyone celebrates the joy and prosperity in families and homes.

The Thaipoosam Cavadee represents the cleansing of evil. The Tamil carry on their shoulders the Cavadee profusely decorated from their home to the temple. Fasting, music, fatigue and prayers allow men to go into a sort of trance to be closer to God. They pierce their body with needles or hooks on which they hang small objects. This is a very impressive celebration for Tamils to observe discretely. 

Maha Shivaratree or the Night of Lord Shiva, is held in the month of February or March. During the ceremony, pilgrims dressed in white, the symbol of purity, go to Grand Bassin, in Mauritius, a sacred lake where water from the Ganges was poured in 1972. They carry the traditional Kawar, decorated with multicolored flowers, bells and pictures or statues of Shiva. Over 60% of the Mauritian population is Hindu, so it is best to follow the procession on foot due to the large crowd at Grand Bassin.

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of the year in towns and villages. It is celebrated in honor of the God Ganesh, the God of prosperity, and marks the triumph of good over evil. During the night of Diwali, all the houses are illuminated with rows of traditional clay lights or lights of all colors. Traditional cakes are shared within families but also in the streets, with neighbors. This moment provides a magical spectacle that should not be missed in November.

All these festivals are celebrated in a very pious way, with specific rituals. This is the kind of event that one rarely sees in Europe. They are a pleasure to the eyes and a unique opportunity to discover a little-known Indian culture. Color, dance, music, cakes are honored to celebrate the Gods. Although celebrated throughout the Indian Ocean, it is mainly in Mauritius that are held large-scale demonstrations, like the ones you see in India. People make the trip from Reunion, South Africa, Madagascar, Sri Lanka to Mauritius to participate in these celebrations.

For those interested in a spiritual journey, here are the dates of the celebrations for the year 2015:

- Thaipoosam Cavadee: February 3

- Maha Shivaratree: February 17

- Holi: March 6

- Ougadi or Hindu New Year: March 21

- Diwali: November 11

Mauritius, Party Island

You are a party animal? Well then Mauritius is the tourist destination tailored for you; and that whether you are traveling with family or friends... Many parties and festivals are held throughout the year on the various beaches of the island. It is during the high season, especially during summertime though, that the festivities reach their pinnacle, when tourist traffic increases massively. 

During summertime, nightclub managers work non stop to offer each evening theme parties to the clubbers. On the north coast of the island, the place to be is either Les Enfants Terribles or Banana in Grand Bay, on the west coast, party animals meet at Shotz, in Flic en Flac or Big Willy's, in Tamarin. But one thing is certain, regardless of where you find yourself, you can have fun and enjoy one of the most exciting nights of your life. But we must admit that to have fun on the dance floor, it is better to move to the north of the island where the majority of nightclubs are located.

If you prefer to wiggle your toes in the sand, remember that many parties are organized on the beaches of Mauritius. At the C Beach Club, located on the Bel Ombre beach, the club’s concept of afternoon buffet on the beach and Dj blasting music in your ears, has been a hit since 2010. You are in Mauritius currently ? Add to your agenda the next event at the C beach Club : February 1st with DJ Carlos Campos. 

It’s not only on the mainland that all the parties are happening though. A few minutes travel by boat to île aux Cerfs, île aux Bénitiers, île aux Bernaches or îlot Mangénie and you can enjoy the best parties ever. It’s on these islets around Mauritius that take place the best New Year’s eve parties with fireworks, music and booze. A great way to kickstart the year in style.

 Mauritius has been very active in the last ten years to be known as "the place to be" for memorable evenings. This is how - and maybe why also - several international parties were held in Mauritius. They are innovative and provocative, the kind of party where people dance and drink the night away with friends. A good example is the Clubbing TV evening of June 28, 2014 at Château de Labourdonnais where a robot performed pyrotechnics to the delight of those present. Or the evening of November 15, the Fashion TV Glamourous Party, followed by the Fashion TV channel. It started with a fashion show and then the evening continued with several international Djettes who put the house on fire !

Do not think that Mauritians party during summertime only! The Indian Ocean Break organized in Flic en Flac between July 30 and August 4 last year is the living proof that winter time is also party time in Mauritius! More than 1,000 people from all around the world met for the first edition of this festival.

In Mauritius, the party keeps going all year round !

Credit photo: AVS Vimeo & Black Afternoon 

Adult Only Hotels, Peaceful at Will

It's not that you do not like people but you love above all tranquility. Especially on vacation! Especially if you have booked in one of the beautiful hotels of the Indian Ocean islands! Cohabitation with other customers may be distressing or even unpleasant. Being woken up at 7a.m. by a baby crying or children who heckle? You are not in?

That’s why, at the risk of offending many, many hotel groups in the Indian Ocean, and more generally in the world, deny access to their hotels to the children, even if they are accompanied by their parents. Some of these “Adult Only” hotels are entirely dedicated to adults, while others, more “lenient”, reserve certain privileged areas for adults only.

In Mauritius, this “Adult Only” hotel concept has become widespread throughout the island. Ambre Hotel in Belle Mare, on the east coast, was the first hotel on the island to opt for the ban to children under 16 years old. The Attitude Group, one of the biggest in Mauritius, which has six hotels scattered all over the island has implemented these prohibitions in the majority of their hotels. Their hotels are open to clients as from 18 years old. Seychelles and Maldives are following the trend and many resorts are prohibited to children. This trend existed for many years but now seems to be assertive and even became common in all of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide.

Partial or total, these “Adult Only” hotels promote the comfort, luxury and charm of their destination. The objective is to offer a different atmosphere than the one offered by club hotels: no noise, a quiet pool and cool animations with lounge bars. Guests can enjoy sports (kite surfing, tennis, diving) or relax (spa, massage, pool, sunbathing under parasols). There's something for everyone, provided you come without children... Whether with friends or lovers, these hotels guarantee complete tranquility to enjoy a relaxing vacation. A unique experience. Why not start your life together this way? These hotels are indeed ideal destinations for honeymooners…

Credit photo: Ambre Hotel & Attitude Group

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Watch a movie in a dark theater? Why would you do that when you can be comfortably seated in a long chair, on the beach? Outdoor cinema is definitely the new trend in the Indian Ocean islands. A phenomenon that has grown in recent years, among both tourists and residents alike. This trend was confirmed this summer. With places of exception and climatic conditions more than pleasant, the least we can say is that the outdoor cinema gets attention…

Popularized in Mauritius by the festival Ile Courts, today, many hotels offer outdoor cinema sessions, mostly on the beach, to the delight of their customers. Watch a movie other than in a movie theater, experience something different, this is what hotel Ambre and Lux Group* want to offer to their clients. Ambre Hotel, a 4 star hotel in Palmar, on the east coast of Mauritius, invites guests to enjoy - for free - various and varied movies on giant screens, while they sit comfortably in deck chairs on one of the most beautiful beach of the island... Screenings will be held two Mondays per month from 21:30 throughout the summer.

 The Lux* Group, which has hotels in several islands in the Indian Ocean, offers, various movie screenings including on Le Morne beach on the south coast of Mauritius, on the beach of Ermitage on the west coast of Reunion Island and on the island of Dhidhoofinohu, in Maldives. Needless to say that watching a movie in an original and wonderful environment, that’s a great way to enjoy your summer evenings!

 Outdoor cinema is particularly popular on Reunion Island, where several hotels offer movie screenings under the stars, several times a week. There are also several film festivals such as the Reunion Island Film Festival which is held annually in October. The 2015 one is scheduled between October 27 and 31.

 In every dream destinations of the area whether the Maldives, Seychelles or even Madagascar, outdoor cinema screenings, on beaches, are increasingly frequent to the delight of tourists and residents. Whether the latest US blockbuster, a classic movie or even a local documentary, these screenings are intended to bring people together while leaving the classical framework of watching movies in a theater or on television. 

In short, a “change of scenery”…

Beach Tennis, the New Fashionable Island Sport

Did you know that beach tennis was born in the 80s in Italy? Long unknown to the general public, it is nowadays the trendy sport on beaches around the world. Tourists on holiday in the islands always find time for a game of beach tennis!

You’re not one of them ? This is probably because you do not know beach tennis yet ! It is imperative we fix this! One sure thing : you will thank us! 

Inspired by traditional tennis, beach tennis rules are slightly different from those of its "older brother". The field and the racquet alone are very different. Unlike tennis which is played on a flat 23m long and 8m wide field, a beach tennis field has no specific dimension. 

It can be played anywhere as long as there is room on the beach. This most certainly contributed to its success ... However, often a beach volleyball court  of 16m long and 8m wide, on which the net is lowered, is used. Regarding the racquet, it is full (that is to say without rope) and smaller. In addition to this, the distinction between the two sports is probably the bounce (or rather the lack of rebounds), since the ball must never touch the sandy soil.

If you do not want to be the laughing stock of your fellow players; do not confuse beach tennis with beach ball. Despite strong similarities between the two sports, beach ball is distinguished by its wooden racket and the lack of field and net. This is a sport that requires very little – if any – infrastructure…

Very popular in the islands, those of the Indian Ocean also, beach tennis is widely practiced by the locals as well as tourists. In Reunion Island, beach tennis has even almost become a national sport. The islanders from Reunion are thus amongst the world's best in their category. With Mauritius, Reunion is amongst those who promote this sport the most in the world. Both islands are also the only Indian Ocean destinations to organize international tournaments like the Mauritius International Beach Tennis Open.

The other islands in the region are not far behind though. Whether in Maldives, Sri Lanka or Madagascarm beach tennis has become so widespread that many hotels scattered throughout the area offer this activity to tourists from all backgrounds and destinations.