The island of Mauritius, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, boasts a rich and complex history shaped by various colonial powers and diverse populations. From its early discovery to its modern transformation, Mauritius offers a captivating story worth exploring.
Early Encounters and Colonial Rule
It was a Portuguese sailor, Don Pedro Mascarenhas, who encountered the island of Mauritius in 1512, though he may not be the first Portuguese explorer to set foot on the island. In 1528, explorer Diogo Rodrigues named the islands of Réunion, Mauritius and Rodrigues the Mascarene Islands, after Don Pedro Mascarehas.
The Dutch were the first to really settle on the island in 1598. They landed at Grand Port in the southeast, driven by a storm. They remained here until 1710 and left discouraged by the successive storms, the infestations of pests and epidemics. It is therefore in the south-eastern region, around Vieux Grand Port, that you will see the remnants of this period. Dutch First Landing is a monument to mark the point of their first landing on the coastal road near Ferney, Mahebourg, with the majestic Lion Mountain in the background. At Vieux Grand Port, the Frederik Hendrik Museum and ruins relate to the Dutch stay on the island.
Until 1767, the island was under the administration of the French East India Company. Under his governorship, François Mahé de La Bourdonnais erected numerous buildings, a number of which are still standing and visitable today.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the island became a base from which the French navy and corsairs organised raids on British merchant ships. But everything would change in 1810, when a British contingent was sent to capture the island. The British arrived, overpowering the French.
Read also: Island Escape: St. Regis
The British administration began with Robert Townsend Farquhar as governor and was marked by rapid social and economic changes, most notably the abolition of slavery in 1835. As a result, around 3000 planters received their share of compensation for the loss of their slaves who had been imported from Africa and Madagascar during the French occupation. As a result of the abolition of slavery, planters took part in the ‘Great Experiment’ initiated by the British Government.
The Names & History Of Mauritius
Tensions began to rise between the Indian population and the Franco-Mauritian population in the 1920s, leading to fighting and many deaths. The Mauritius Labour Party was born out of this tension in 1936 and, by 1947, elections were held for the newly-created Legislative Assembly.
The independence movement really started to gain traction in 1961, when the British agreed to permit additional self-government and eventual independence. British rule ended with the Mauritius Independence Act 1968. In the first years of independence, Mauritius attempted to diversify beyond the production of sugar, but with limited success. In 1991, the legislature voted to transition to a republican form of government and, on 12 March 1992, Mauritius became a republic.
Mauritians are mainly descendants from Indian labourers, Chinese traders, African slaves and Dutch, French and British colonists. Today, this creates a diverse, yet peaceful, community that celebrates all religions and ethnicities.
Visit Mauritius and you won’t have to look far to see the impact that the French had on the island, not least because the most popular languages used on the island are French, English and French-based Mauritian Creole.
Read also: Symbolism in Saint Mary's Iconography
Historical Sites and Monuments
Mahebourg, in the south-east of the island, contains a lot of vestiges of the history of Mauritius. At the entrance of Mahebourg, you can drive across Cavendish Bridge, also known as the Ville-Noire Bridge, built during the British era in the early 20th century. Constructed in 1856 for sugar cane transportation, Cavendish Bridge, commonly known as the ‘Pont de la Ville Noire’, literally ‘the black town bridge’, was originally constructed from wood, while all other bridges in Mauritius were made from steel. Between 1908 and 1911, it was transformed into a reinforced concrete bridge.
Museums are of course a very good way to discover the history of Mauritius. In addition to those of Mahebourg and Vieux Grand Port, most of the museums are located in Port Louis, including the Natural History Museum, where you will discover the history of the famous Dodo. A French colonial building from the eighteenth century houses the National History Museum. Old maps, engravings, crockery, pirates’ swords and even fragments of shipwrecks recount the rich maritime history of the island. The crown jewel of this fascinating museum is the bell recovered from the wreck of the St Géran. You can also learn about the history of the island at the Blue Penny Museum with its famous exceptional stamps that have travelled across the world.
Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Slavery is part of the history of Mauritius.
You might come across some intriguing monuments in coastal areas. These are the Martello Towers, circular stone defence towers built by the British during the first half of the 19th century to defend the island from their all-time enemies, the French. To learn more about British rule while you’re in Mauritius, visit the Martello Tower at La Preneuse, which was built by the British between 1810 and 1846 to protect them against the French navy. La Preneuse Martello Tower has been restored and transformed into a museum and is open to the public for guided tours.
History is also revealed through architecture in Mauritius. Fortunately, Mauritius still has some beautiful colonial and Creole-style homes that testify to the country’s past, the oldest dating back to the 18th century. Most of these buildings are part of family legacies and some are open to the public, such as Maison Eureka in Moka and the Château de Labourdonnais in Mapou. You can also stroll around the streets of the capital city, Port Louis. Under the French occupation, 27 defence guns controlled access to the island.
Read also: Camp Programs at St. Mary of Egypt
It was on this imposing mountain that the runaway slaves, called the ‘maroons’, used to hide. Protected by isolated wooded and almost inaccessible cliffs, the escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne mountain. It is said that when the British passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1834, a group of officials went to Le Morne to let the runaway slaves know that they were finally free. As they approached, the slaves feared that they were going to be re-captured, climbed the mountain and threw themselves off.
Le Morne Brabant, a symbol of the slaves' fight for freedom in Mauritius.
The Tragic Tale of the Saint Géran and Paul et Virginie
Everyone knows Romeo and Juliet. Well, Mauritius also has it’s own impossible love story; written by the french author Bernardin de St Pierre (1737-1814) in 1788, in the form of a short novel Paul et Virginie (Paul and Virginia) is our local version. The book, probably the best he wrote, recounts the story of 2 children, Paul and Virginia who are raised as brother and sister on Isle de France (the name of Mauritius at the time). Everything becomes more complicated as they reach their teenage years and fall in love. Virginia is then send to France by her mother to keep them separated and preserve her good name. She comes back to the island in 1744, but the St Géran wrecks on the sharp reef of Isle de France. She refuses to take off her clothes in front of the sailors and tragically dies on the ship. Paul, who is waiting for her on the shore, sees the ship go down and the love of his life dies while he is watching.
The book was a huge success at the time. A predecessor to romanticism and exoticism. In the 19th and early 20th century it was encouraged for young people to read the novel because it praises modesty and virginity to the point of the main character dying. It is today considered a classic and a novel many young people would read in France as part of their studies (or just for fun, of course). Paul and Virginia, as well as the St Géran are widely remembered on the island today. There are many places where we are reminded of the fate of these two young lovers.
The St Géran wrecked on the Northern Coast of the island, as it crashed outside the small village of Poudre d’Or. 149 sailors, 13 passengers and 30 slaves died (notice how slaves are not really passengers…) but let’s keep it historically correct (even if not politically correct). The monument to commemorate the Saint Géran can be found in that little village, Poudre d’Or. It was erected in August 1944. The site is not very big, but it is an important part of the history of Mauritius. The ship was bringing machinery for the first sugar cane refinery on the island. Only 9 persons survived - 8 crew members and 1 passenger. There is a little walking path behind the Anglican church that will take you to the hospital of the village.
There was a diving expedition in 1966 that brought up many things found on the wreck. These things are on display at the Naval Museum in Mahébourg. 28 of the cannons can also be found there and others at the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis.
The Monument en mémoire du naufrage du Saint Géran, also known as the Paul and Virginie monument, is an iconic and poignant site located in Poudre d'Or, on the northeast coast of Mauritius. The monument commemorates the maritime tragedy that occurred on August 17, 1744, when the French East India Company ship Saint Géran, en route from India to the Île de France (now Mauritius), sank on the island's reefs, killing most of the crew and passengers. This tragic event profoundly marked the history of Mauritius, and is immortalized in the famous novel "Paul et Virginie" by author Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre.
The monument stands proudly just a few meters from the shore, where the waves of the Indian Ocean break in eternal tribute to the sailors who died. The site offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and reflection for visitors. The monument is a granite pillar engraved with the names of the shipwreck victims, accompanied by an explanatory plaque recounting the history of the Saint Géran. This memorial commemorates not only the tragedy of the Saint Géran, but also the courage and resilience of the people of Mauritius who assisted in the rescue efforts and came to the aid of the survivors. Historical accounts tell how villagers rushed to help the shipwrecked, despite the dangerous conditions.
The Monument de Paul et Virginie is a must-see for history and literature buffs, as well as for anyone wishing to pay tribute to the victims of the sinking of the Saint-Géran and remember this tragedy that marked the history of Mauritius.
Further information on the sinking of the Saint-Géran and the novel "Paul and Virginia":
- The sinking of the Saint-Géran: The ship was carrying goods and passengers, including two young women who inspired the character of Virginie in Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's novel. The shipwreck was caused by a navigational error and a storm.
- Paul et Virginie": This novel tells the tragic love story of two young people, Paul and Virginie, in an exotic, idyllic setting. It deals with themes such as love, death, nature and society. The novel enjoyed considerable success and was translated into many languages.
Monument Paul et Virginie in Poudre d'Or, Mauritius
One&Only Le Saint Géran: A Luxurious Transformation
The iconic One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius has emerged transformed, following a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2017 that has seen the entire resort completely reimagined. Long hailed as the legendary iconic luxury retreat in Mauritius, One&Only Le Saint Géran has retained what guests have always loved - a sense of exclusive seclusion on its own private peninsula with a beachfront and calm lagoon unlike any other resort on the island.
As guests arrive at One&Only Le Saint Géran, soaring wooden doors open to reveal a majestic open reception with unobstructed views to the spectacular ocean. The high-ceilinged stone and wood breezeway is interspersed with vast dome-shaped open windows letting light and air flow through the entrance hall, and elegantly framing the white sand and crystal waters of the private beach beyond. Walking through the gallery, a striking starfish artwork by Dong Sculpture adorns the wall, celebrating the abundant Mauritian marine life. Capturing the eye from the Lobby, a unique stainless-steel spherical structure inspired by Mauritian culture and history overlooks the coastline. Designed by Dong Sculpture in the form of a palm frond blowing in the wind, the sculpture symbolises the strength of the Mauritian people to adapt to their changing environment.
The guest rooms feature gracious living spaces in a contemporary, timeless design with muted hues of warm white marble, teak and greys, while retaining a relaxed island feel. A strong focus has been placed on showcasing the magnificent views and surroundings of the resort, with furnishings, fabrics and colour schemes reflecting the lush tropical landscapes, the vibrant turquoise Indian Ocean, and the bleached white of Mauritian sand. The sophisticated interiors of each guest room and suite are finished with natural materials such as timber, stone, leather and linen. All One&Only Le Saint Géran’s guest rooms feature a private balcony or terrace, marble-lined bathrooms with rain showers, and an indulgent separate bath opening up to a cleverly designed dressing space.
More than 50 rooms across the resort are be available as an interconnecting options, making it an ideal retreat for families. One-bedroom suites with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean, the white sand beach or the spectacular lagoon range in size from 110 to 150 square metres, each with a master bedroom, spacious lounge and dining room. Suites located on the ground floor extend to a generous sun-filled private wooden deck with large sofa, daybed, terrace, chairs and table. The introduction of spacious one, two and three-bedroom suites was a request from loyal guests, especially those who travel with large families. The 190 square metre two-bedroom ocean and beach-front suites include two sophisticated bedrooms, three marble-lined bathrooms and two private terraces. Guests can also luxuriate in one of the four three-bedroom suites which sprawl over 250 square metres, each with a master bedroom, a living room and a prime location directly onto the soft white beach.
One&Only is renowned for its collection of private villas offering the ultimate in space and privacy within each resort. The transformed Villa One at One&Only Le Saint Géran is the most desired address in Mauritius, a private two-bedroom secluded island home for up to four adults and two children with sensational views over the Indian Ocean. Great care has been taken to select inspiring works by Mauritian artists for Villa One, connecting guests with the heritage of the island and the essence of the culture. Mauritian artist Sarah Thompson designed two abstract ceramic pieces for the Master Bedroom and the Dining Room; inspired by the underwater treasures of the Indian Ocean, she utilised a sea urchin application on white with touches of glaze and metal to celebrate the local marine life. Complementing this, local artist Helene de Senneville, turned to the tropical gardens and beauty of the natural surroundings for her work. In the Master Bedroom, a contemporary figurative acrylic and gold silver leaf painting by Helene is displayed, while the Second Bedroom features a collection of her handmade ceramic plates evoking the colourful indigenous flora and fauna. In honour of One&Only Le Saint Géran’s distinguished heritage, the living room of Villa One also houses a selection of paintings that have been collected to reflect the resort’s history. One&Only Le Saint Géran has also launched Private Homes for guests who want to make the resort home.
As part of the renovation, the culinary experiences as One&Only Le Saint Géran have also been completely redesigned, and exceptional new restaurants and lounges have been introduced. PRIME Restaurant, One&Only Le Saint Géran’s celebrated steakhouse, has been transformed with an ultra-modern, butchery-inspired aesthetic and a water courtyard dining area that embraces its wild Mauritian setting. At the much-loved La Terrasse, peaceful open-air dining pavilions with traditional wooden shutters float above glistening water features, looking out onto expansive sea vistas. The over-water walkways surrounded by cascading pools lead directly to the open kitchen at the heart of the buzzing restaurant, featuring a generous Marrone range designed especially for the resort’s culinary team. Freshly prepared dishes are served on a bespoke mix of crockery sourced from the UK, Mexico, Japan and Belgium, with glassware from La Rochere, the oldest glassworks in France, all coming together to reflect a warm and residential, yet luxurious ambiance.
Housed in a traditional, thatched Mauritian structure on stilts, Asian-fusion restaurant Tapasake welcomes guests through oversized, weathered timber doors to a spectacular over-water setting. With sugarcane-clad mountains in the distance, guests soak up spectacular sunset views with a crafted cocktail in hand. Overhead, a dramatic lighting feature made from handwoven, re-purposed fishing baskets depicts a school of fish swimming across the dining space to the ocean. In the beautiful surroundings of Palm Grove Beach at the tip of the peninsula, new restaurant La Pointe is the epitome of rustic beach elegance, with feet-in-the-sand dining and traditional Mauritian thatched roof pavilions made from locally-sourced sugar cane. L’Artisan, the new artisanal bakery and specialist coffee lounge, has an uplifting colour palette and rustic, crafted furnishings for guests to enjoy light bites throughout the day. Le Carré Lounge, a newly designed space, sits above La Terrasse with an expansive terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The lush and tropical garden that the resort lies on has never ceased to surprise guests, and this is something that has not changed. Upon entering the gates of the resort, over 4,000 palm trees greet guests amongst the plethora of flora and fauna across the property. Guests can enjoy cool palms swaying in the gentle breeze, savour the delicious tropical scents that float across the gardens and discover hidden nooks in the shade of palms for moments of rest. All the materials used in the renovation have been chosen with care and attention. Sustainable teak wood has been used throughout the outdoor areas due to its durability against the elements, while local timber was chosen for the shutters in Le Terrace to be true to the traditional Mauritian design.
Popular articles:
tags: #Mauritius
