Through an airplane porthole, Mauritius looks like the Polynesian islands reimagined as a diminutive Pangaea. Cotton wool clouds snag on jagged peaks that slide seamlessly into lush, green plains. This clamshell-shaped island has depth to match the sheen, its national identity a Creole stew of complementary cultures, the ingredients imported by tall ships that, over centuries, navigated to its picturesque shores. Marooned in the Indian Ocean 700 miles east of Madagascar, Mauritius occupies a high position on many Best Honeymoon Destinations lists. It is a reef-ringed tropical island with an intriguing history.
Similar to that exotic archipelago, Mauritius is a world-class beach destination (and a favored bolthole of the just-marrieds). It has the prerequisite warm turquoise waters, tropical fish teeming through bright coral, and languid palms bending over silvery sands.
Wonders of Mauritius | Amazing Places to visit in Mauritius | Travel Video 4K
A Glimpse into History
It’s telling that the Portuguese-which in the early 1500s became the first of the European nations to discover Mauritius-didn’t establish a permanent colony there as they had done on Sri Lanka (another of today’s top-tier honeymoon destinations). Roughly 700 miles east of Madagascar, this African island state is a little off the beaten trade route. While the dodo was finished off within 70 years of the arrival of the Dutch, the island’s colonial history had really only just begun. The French came next (possessively renaming the island “Isle de France”), followed by the English.
While all of the beaches in Mauritius are public, the resorts have laid out their sun-loungers on some of the sweetest stretches, often fringing quiet lagoons. But with such an abundance available to them-Trou-aux-Biches, Belle Mare, and Flic en Flac are all superb-the locals remain relaxed. Your holiday needs will dictate which coast you visit. Families tend to favor the more developed west and north, where the reliably calm coasts are better suited to beach days and snorkelling. However, despite a reputation for windiness (less so during the island’s summer), the east has grown in reputation and is now seen as the quieter, more glamorous option, offering white-sand beaches for lounging (Belle Mare is a standout) paired with top-drawer water sports (kite-surfing in particular).
The colonial trade winds deposited Indian, Chinese, and French cultures upon these shores, and it’s a colorful mix that you’ll see on the weekend at the beaches or while watching Hindu-the island’s primary religion-festivals at the sacred Grand Bassin crater lake (aka Ganga Talao) near to Black River Gorges. The scruffy capital of Port-Louis offers a bounty of street-food stalls in its historical bazaar adrift in a mouthwatering haze of turmeric and cumin rising from pots of chicken curry. Must-try local classics include the fried lentil and potato dholl puri, which comes across like an Indian take on a burrito, and the spicy gateau piment, a kind of falafel fritter often enjoyed for breakfast.
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Mango Village: A Modern Residential Project
Beau Plan Smart City is rising slowly but surely. With educational institutions, l’Aventure du Sucre, les Écuries de Mon Rocher, the Creative Park and Beau Plan Business Park already up and running, a Lakeside is currently being developed; smart is the new beautiful. Mango Village, Beau Plan’s residential neighbourhood, now chimes in to complete the well-rounded offer. A peaceful art de vivre up North! Developed under the Smart City Scheme, Mango Village will be accessible to both Mauritian and foreign buyers.
In the midst of a lush natural environment, this residential neighbourhood will host a cosmopolitan population thanks to its different housing options. With the thrust to fully integrate this Smart City into the historical background of the region, the developers have come up with a unique way to bring living standards to the next level. This is why the Mango Village residential units will proudly rise near the old buildings of the sugar factory showcasing their industrial metallic structures. All apartments and duplexes have also been designed with the goal of providing residents with an intimate atmosphere and dominant views. Nature being the best asset of the site, the buildings will be articulated on different levels to safeguard the greatest possible green spaces.
Beau Plan Smart City overtly ambitions to create a lavish standard of living for future generations through a comprehensive offer: from residential to educational components, going through commercial, creative, cultural and leisure spaces. Created in 2016, Novaterra is Terra’s real estate division.
Mango Village residences will be nestled at the heart of this bountiful environment, in a peaceful environment in close proximity to all amenities. Since October 26, 2022, Mango Village, the first residential built-up project by Novaterra in Beau Plan, has been unveiled to its owners. It is therefore with great pleasure that the Novaterra team has welcomed the new owners of these residences. By the end of November, all 26 homeowners will receive the keys to their new home. More than residences, it’s a quality lifestyle that Novaterra aspires to deliver to its clients. To fulfill this objective and to enhance the charm and assets of the project, the developer followed the project meticulously: a team of landscaper beautified its gardens with a nice variety of trees and flowers, and an interior design agency, has brought style and comfort to the residences thanks to a careful selection of furniture, fabrics and other decorative details.
Given the success of the first phase of Mango Village, work has already started for phase 1.2. As a new feature: this one also has a penthouse for sale, which offers a breathtaking view of the region and its beautiful landscapes. Combining nature’s charm with the practicality of city life, Beau Plan offers an ideal environment for families or couples looking for a living environment at the gates of the North.
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At the heart of Beau Plan Smart City , a new residential project is taking shape! In the heart of the project, near the lake and the urban park, Mango Village showcases a practical and friendly lifestyle. Marketed since the 6th of June, the duplexes and 2 to 3-bedroom apartments of Mango Village are accessible to Mauritians and foreigners alike. An opportunity not to be missed, whether you are a couple looking for a first house, a family wanting to build a household, or a retiree looking for the perfect place.
Historical Landmarks Near Mango Village
To follow the architectural traces of its occupants of the last centuries is to immerse yourself in an astonishing mix between European influences and exotic decorations. A fascinating dive into three historic French-inspired buildings and jewels of Mauritian colonial heritage, under the sign of authenticity.
The Domaine de Labourdonnais
The Domaine de Labourdonnais is located in the north of the island, about fifteen minutes by car from Mythic Suites & Villas. Built in 1856, the Castle was the residence of a Mauritian family for over 150 years, before being transformed into a place to visit. At the end of a superb alley, visitors discover this magnificent building where history, nature, gastronomy and Mauritian know-how meet. The grand mansion is a historical monument and since its conversion into a museum, it has been inviting visitors to discover the 19th century Mauritian way of life.
The field has diversified towards increased agricultural activity in the production of tropical fruits and vegetables. The orchards date back to 1975, and cover an area of 45 hectares that produce passion fruits, guavas, papayas, citrus fruits and mangoes. These fruits are sold in their own grocery store “La Corbeille”, to local customers, to supermarkets and to their processing plant “Les Vergers de Labourdonnais”. This factory produces a variety of jams, juices, candies and fruit pastes. There is also a nursery that offers a wide variety of fruit trees and decorative plants for sale. The excursion by small train in the gardens and ancient orchards of the Domaine allows you to discover endemic plants, the numerous spice trees, exotic fruit trees and a wide variety of century-old mango trees.
After the excursion, go eat at La Table du Château, a contemporary and refined restaurant in the heart of the estate that offers a gastronomic and creative menu that enhances the fruits and vegetables of the estate. On the splendid “La Terrasse” of the café, treat yourself to a snack or a fine selection of traditional Mauritian and international dishes (breakfast, lunch or tea in the afternoon). Finally, finish the visit by the shop to bring back local specialties as souvenirs.
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The Eureka Creole House
Located in the center of Mauritius in Moka, this old house from 1830 is characteristic of the colonial period and a nostalgic dive into the Mauritian lifestyle. The Eureka House, nestled in the heart of a lush garden, has retained all its authenticity and charm of yesteryear.
Perfectly renovated, Eureka allows you to discover the traditional habitat of the time of the colonies, with splendid solid wood furniture and precious collector's items. On the menu of the visit: the music room, the Chinese corner, the large living room dedicated to Paul and Virginie, the bedroom, the four-poster beds, the gramophone, the chandeliers, the Kashmiri carpets as well as numerous paintings, photographs and ancient manuscripts and Japanese porcelain.
Euréka, from Escale Créole, welcomes visitors to its guest rooms. If you are only passing through, do not miss its restaurant renowned for its excellent Creole cuisine prepared according to traditional recipes, including fruits and vegetables from its organic garden.
The castle of Villeague
Located in the tiny village of Grande-Rosalie in the north-east of Mauritius and therefore very close to Mythic Suites & Villas, the castle built in 1740 takes us back to the time of the great sugar owners. The Château de Villeague reflects the French colonial architectural style, with its white walls and gray shingle roof. The castle is built on the site of the first sugar exploitation in Mauritius. Its gardens are home to a unique and rare fauna that testifies to the botanical diversity of Mauritius.
Mauritius Climate
Mauritius has a steady climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from highs of 79°F in January (the wettest month) to lows of 70°F in July. Peak season is between October and April, but with the high temperatures come humidity and a risk of tropical storms between January and March.
Coastal Resorts
Today, Mauritius is a place of competing heavens, with each resort and each coast offering individual tweaks on paradise. And it’s hard to blame them for moving on-the resorts are mind-blowing. Names such as St. Regis, Lux*, and Oberoi have sculpted the prime parts of the island’s 100 miles of beach into manicured reserves replete with bottle palms and G&T bars, where guests drift between sea-view balconies and poolside hammock beds.
The extraordinary coastal resorts, for all their efforts, do not replicate Mauritius inside their well-manicured grounds. In the north of the island, the recently renovated Lux* Grand Gaube (A) offers the island’s only Peruvian/Argentinian restaurant (alongside memorable Turkish and Creole options) within an extensive, imaginatively designed complex encompassing two private bays (with one adult-only beach). In the shadow of southerly Le Morne mountain, the St. Regis (A+)-housed in a former sugar baron’s plantation house-is beachfront perfection. Opt for the first-floor suites and their ocean views. Finally, in the Turtle Bay Marine Park, a prime snorkelling spot, the Oberoi (A+) offers superb service, an award-winning spa, and complimentary activities including wine-tasting.
Find the freshest seafood cooked in Creole style at La Cabanne du Pecheur (A), a yellow shack perched above northerly Trou-aux-Biches beach. On the other end of the ambiance and price spectrum is Le Café des Arts (A+), which offers a Michelin-starred menu in the art-covered surrounds of a converted sugar mill.
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