No other island will enliven your spirits like the pearl of the Indian Ocean. A small island with a huge heart, thanks to the cheerfulness and high spirits of its inhabitants and the splendour of its exotic landscapes and indigenous plants and animals… Mauritius is a necessary milestone in your quest for perfection…

Situated in the Southwestern Indian Ocean at about 2000km from the coast of South Africa and 900km from Madagascar, Mauritius is very proud of its cultural melting pot, a perfect blend between India, Asia, Europe and Africa. The island was first colonized by the Dutch in 1598, by the French in 1710 and finally by the British in 1810 until its independence in 1968. Mauritius has preserved a rich cultural and historical heritage and you will enjoy discovering its numerous facets. Beside its beautiful sandy beaches, its sugarcane fields, the Dodo and its forests, Mauritius is truly a welcoming and charming island, a cocoon of pleasure that makes one’s voice vibrate with emotion.

10 Must Sees

Maison Euréka, Ile Maurice

Casela Bird Park

Set in a magnificent site in the Black River District, the bird park is home to over 140 species of birds from around the world. Spreading over 25 hectares of land, this area offers many activities such as safaris or a ‘Walk with lions’. But the main attraction remains the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest bird in the world still striving not to follow the steps of the dodo…

The Champ de Mars in Port Louis

Located at the foot of a mountain, the Champ de Mars is the perfect place to watch the Mauritians gather joyfully for the horse races. The atmosphere and the crowd offers a vibrant picture of the Mauritian folklore. Races take place only on Saturdays or Sundays afternoon from March to December.

The Blue Penny Museum at the Caudan waterfront

Discover the rare gems of world philately at the Blue Penny Museum. Situated at the Caudan Waterfront, the museum possesses two high valued stamps representing Queen Victorias’s Left profile. In addition to their rarity (only one issue of 500 copies were printed for the Mauritian Post), these stamps also hold a «printing error» which prompts stamp collectors to look for them !

The Citadel- Fort Adelaide

Situated on a hill overlooking Port Louis, this fort was built by the English in 1835 in anticipation of possible rioting in the capital before the abolition of slavery. Nowadays it hosts concerts and shows by local and international artists.

Love nature…Love Chamarel !

Commonly known as the Seven Coloured Earth, it is one of the most unusual sites of the island : a landscape consisting of different shades of blue, green, red and yellow colours, due to the weathering of volcanic rocks. Nearby you will also discover the Chamarel waterfall which possesses a rare beauty. In the village of Chamarel you will find several “table d’hôtes” where you will enjoy the taste of typical Mauritian cuisine.

Naval Museum of Mahebourg

Go to Mahebourg to admire the remains of the French colonial period. The museum is located in a French colonial house dating from the 18th century, where you can admire replicas of the ancillary that were used in the historical battle which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Ile aux Cerfs

Famous for its white sandy beaches, its magnificent lagoon and its various water activities, île aux Cerfs is the perfect place if you aspire to a cool relaxing day under the shade of filao trees. You can also have lunch on a pirate ship (fish and grilled lobster) and after that, take a speedboat to visit the GRSE waterfalls.

La Maison Eureka

Nestled in a beautiful landscape, a magnificent and beautiful Creole mansion surrounded by a veranda. Built in the 1830′s, the house has been reopened to the public as a museum showing colonial life, typical furniture, antique maps and Chinese and Indian housewares.

La Vanille Crocodile Park

Also known as La Réserve des Mascareignes, this park is located near Rivières des Anguilles, in the south of Mauritius. It is home to various species of exotic animals such as deers, tenrecs, bats, giant tortoises, geckos and mongooses. The main attraction is of course the thousands of Nile crocodiles bred for their skin. The park also offers a nature walk surrounded by sugarcane filelds and fresh water springs.

Grand Baie

A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Baie is also the most popular beach and considered as the major tourist town and undoubtedly the ideal place if you want a night out. Abounding with restaurants, bars and trendy night clubs, Grand Baie offers many possibilties : windsurfing, water skiing, boat trip to visit islands such as The Coin de Mire, île Plate or île Ronde. You can also book a helicopter trip for an excursion along the coast.

10 Must Do

Four Seasons Golf Club at Anahita

SSR Botanical Garden

This lush garden is famous for its Victoria Regia water lilies and many species of exotic plants such as the Talipot palm which blossoms once every 100 years ! Different avenues lead to the Château of Mon Plaisir, built by the English. Erected in the mid 19th century and surrounded by the sweet scent of roses, the building is now a protected monument.

Big Game Fishing

This sport popular in the west of the island will give you the opportunity of teasing the Marlin off the Mauritian coasts ! The Rivière Noire Centre de Pêche, offers all facilties for big game fishing and over the past few years, big game fishing championships have been regularly staged with participants of different countries.

Yemen Reserve

If you want to get close to the herds of deer as well as admire some splendid species of the Mauritian Fauna, this reserve is the perfect spot for you ! You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea from the kiosks scattered throughout the area.

Black River Gorges

This national park was created in 1944 to protect the remaining rain forest of Mauritius. You will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, endemic plants and rare species of birds. Permission is required for hiking through the forest.

Domaine du chasseur

To admire the richness of Mauritian fauna and flora nothing compares to this beautiful area located at Anse Jonchée in the South east of the island. The Java deer, wild boar, monkeys and the famous kestrel live amidst this vast land stretching over some 1950 acres. If you are hiking to hunting, you will have the opportunity to admire the different species of protected animals and rare trees during a nature walk. Feeling hungry ? The area offers a panoramic sea view restaurant with a very good typical Mauritian menu. A must !

L’île aux Aigrettes

This coral island of 25 acres off Mahebourg was declared a natural reserve and is home to several endangered species of plants and animals. Among them, some of the world’s rarest species : Pink Pigeon, Kestrel, Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Treat yourself to a genuine ecotourism trip on this spectacular island…

A Relaxing day on Mauritian greens

Golfers will not be disppointed. Mauritius offers golf courses across the island. Among them : Anahita, Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, The Legend, Paradise Hotel, Saint Geran, Tamarin Golf Estate & Beach Club, Le Touessrok, Domaine de Bel Ombre (Golf du Château). The greens are waiting for you !

Swimming with dolphins

Tamarin Bay is a spot where you can swim with black dolphins and long beaked dolphins or simply watch them in their natural environment ; discover these endearing animals during catamaran cruises along with a visit to Crystal Rock and Benitiers island.

At the heart of traditional Mauritius, discover ‘La route du Thé’ in three steps

Discover History and typical Mauritian cuisine during a special trip at three different spots in a lush and charming region. The tour begins at the Domaine des Aubineaux, a colonial mansion of the late 19th century with a fine collection of original photograhs. Then forward to the Bois Chéri Tea Factory and then finally to Saint Aubin. On this beautiful property, sugar produced from sugarcane is also used to make a delicious rum. You can observe the various stages of production at the distillery. And last but not least, the ‘table d’hôte’ with a typical Mauritian menu is awaiting you in the exquisite colonial house built in 1819.

2 amazing luxury hotels

Royal Palm

Calm retreat of heads of state and noble families, the Royal Palm is a haven of peace which perpetuates the Mauritian lifestyle, tinted with luxury and traditions. With its wonderful and savoury cuisine led by a stunning chef, its sunny suites and bedrooms and more particularly its discreet and excellent service, the Royal Palm is the most prestigious address of the Indian Ocean.

Discover and book the Royal Palm

Four Seasons Resort Anahita

Gracefully framed in a charming environment and a sparkling lagoon with sweet accents of paradise…the four Seasons Anahita is a delightful haven of peace. Golfers and ‘amateurs’ of lazing by the pool, will not be disappointed ! The hotel offers a magnificent golf course designed by Ernie Els, and the spectacular swimming pool will provide you with delightful moments of pleasure and happiness.

Discover and book the Four Seasons Anahita

Practical Information

When to go

Due to its climate, Mauritius is a pleasant destination throughout the year. For diving, the most appropriate period is from December to March and for surf, from June to August.

Climate

Between 24°C in July and 31°C in February. The rainy season is between January and April. The seawater temperature never drops below 22°C.

Flight

Approximately 12-14 hours from Europe // 4 hours from South Africa // 6 hours from Middle East // 14-16 hours from Asia & Australia // 21 hours from New York // 14 hours from Brazil.

Languages

English is the official language but French is widely spoken.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita : nos offres spéciales

Having learned his trade among some of the most illustrious French chefs, including Eric Fréchon, Alain Senderens and Eric Briffard, Christopher Hache took over the reins of the Hôtel de Crillon’s kitchens last January with modesty and passion. At only 29 years old, he is fulfilling his childhood dream as he successfully embraces what is undoubtedly the biggest challenge of his career. In early February, he was named “Young Chef of the Year” by the renowned Pudlo Guide. Organization, rigor, technique and precision – these are just a few of the qualities that make Christopher Hache one of the most talented chefs of his generation.

This first star honors the work of an entire team comprised of Amandine Chaignot (Assistant Chef), Justin Schmitt (Sous-Chef), Tarin Bonnefoy (Sous-Chef), Jérôme Chaucesse (Pastry Chef), Pierre Jung (Restaurant Manager) and many others.

Hôtel de Crillon : nos offres spéciales

Didier Elena

The St. Regis New York and Alain Ducasse are delighted to welcome Didier Elena as the new Executive Chef at Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York.

Recognized as one of France’s most exceptional culinary talents, Chef Elena returns to New York following six years in France at the helm of one of the country’s renowned two Michelin-starred restaurants, Hotel Le Château des Crayères, which is celebrated as the Champagne region’s finest culinary experience. Prior to arriving at Hotel Le Château des Crayères, Chef Elena was the Executive Chef at Alain Ducasse at The Essex House, from 2000 to 2004, during which time the restaurant was awarded four stars by The New York Times and voted Best New Restaurant by The James Beard Foundation in 2001.

The relationship between Chef Elena and Alain Ducasse began with a chance encounter which ultimately changed the course of Chef Elena’s life and career, prompting him to leave medical school and receive his culinary education under the guidance of one of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Working and learning directly from his mentor, Chef Elena’s signature style and cooking philosophy reflect that of Alain Ducasse’s, combining a passion for the season’s freshest ingredients with the finest technique to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Chef Elena will continue to evolve Adour’s menu to reflect Alain Ducasse’s contemporary vision and culinary passions. In keeping with Adour’s philosophy of “cuisine designed with wine in mind,” wine will continue to play an integral role in each dish on the menu. Chef Elena takes cues from the flavors and characters of wine to determine the direction of his menu and its ingredients. Each dish he creates has purpose on the menu and a story from beginning to end of each ingredient and its origin. One of the highlights of Adour’s new menu will be the seven-course seasonal Tasting Menu.

As a graduate of École Supérieure de Cuisine Française in Paris, Chef Elena has worked in many of France’s most acclaimed kitchens, including the three Michelin-starred restaurants Paul Bocuse in Lyon and Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV in Monaco. It was during the early 1990s, at Le Louis XV with mentor Ducasse, that Chef Elena learned his craft. Throughout his career, Chef Elena has also served as Culinary Consultant for ALAIN DUCASSE Entreprise and assisted in the development of Alain Ducasse’s books, Flavors of France and L’Atelier d’Alain Ducasse.

The St Regis New York : nos offres spéciales

Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced that it has signed an agreement to manage a new, luxury hotel currently under construction in Pudong, Shanghai. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2013

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai will be located in the heart of the Lujiazui Central Financial District. The property will form part of ‘Harbour City’ a 25 hectare mixed use development, comprising office towers, a residential complex, significant retail and extensive landscaped gardens that will transform the neighbourhood. The development is within walking distance of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the regional headquarters of major domestic and international financial institutions, and has direct access to the promenade on the banks of the Huangpu River.

The hotel will feature 362 guestrooms and 210 serviced apartments. All accommodation will be spacious and elegantly styled, with outstanding views of the city skyline and the Huangpu River. Subtle design touches will reflect the Group’s oriental heritage, while Mandarin Oriental’s renowned customer-centric and highly sophisticated in-room entertainment systems will be a prominent feature. Guests will also have access to an exclusive executive club lounge.

Guests will enjoy an array of innovative dining opportunities, with a choice of three eclectic restaurants, a lobby lounge and bar, and a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. For the local community, an extensive range of stylish banqueting venues, including a grand ballroom, will provide the perfect backdrop for celebrations, while a wide variety of well-equipped meeting rooms will appeal to the business community.

The hotel is ideally placed for leisure guests with direct access to extensive gardens that will change the local landscape. An all-encompassing Spa at Mandarin Oriental, will provide holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. There will also be 25 metre indoor swimming pool and a fully comprehensive fitness centre.

Designed by world-renowned architect, Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai will be an urban oasis in the heart of the city.

The project owner is Shanghai Rui Ming Real Estate Company; a joint venture between the Hong Kong listed CITIC Pacific Limited and the PRC state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

Grand Luxury Hotels, the most exclusive label of prestige hotels granted to only 150 hotels worldwide announces the inclusion of the new Mandarin Oriental property in Las Vegas in its collection.

Upper Lobby

The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas located at the heart of the Strip and the forefront of CityCenter provides exceptional comfort and efficient service in Vegas. This non-gaming hotel boasts spectacular accommodations with expansive views of the Vegas skyline, rich contemporary decor and state-of-the-art technology. With its impressive  23rd floor sky lobby and the variety and quality of its food and beverage outlets, the Mandarin Oriental is now definitely the place to be for those seeking modern decor, highest technology and quiet environment.

Apex Suite

Grand Luxury Hotels, a  French company created in 2007, has quickly become a reference for prestige hotels with  a uniquely restrictive label. Only a very few hotels are invited to join this very select collection, after very demanding site inspections and reviews from a unique network of frequent travellers and experts. The success of Grand Luxury Hotels comes from the reliability and exclusivity of its collection selected for an experienced clientèle : no place given to fashion and trendy openings, only uncompromising attention to the quality of the decor, refinement of the atmosphere and excellence of the service.

Grand Luxury Hotels’ clients benefit from ultimate personnalized service. By booking through Grand Luxury Hotels each client will enjoy exclusive benefits in most properties, complimentary concierge service and a dedicated personal reservation expert who will do his best to satisfy all his requests.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas : nos offres spéciales

Philippe Leboeuf, Mandarin Oriental Paris General Manager

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Philippe Leboeuf as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Paris which is scheduled to open by mid 2011. His appointment is effective from 1 June 2010.

Philippe Leboeuf will be responsible for positioning Mandarin Oriental, Paris as one of the pre-eminent luxury hotels in the city, showcasing the best in French design and Parisian flair combined with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of award-winning service.

Leboeuf has over 25 years of senior management experience in the luxury hotel industry. He has worked in the world’s most important locations, including New York, London and Paris. He joins Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group from Claridge’s in London where he held the position of General Manager since 2007. From 1995 to 2001, Leboeuf was Managing Director of the Crillon Hotel in Paris, and then became Executive Vice President of Crillon’s owning company, Group des Hotels Concorde. In 2004 he was appointed Executive Vice President of Louvre Hotels with responsibility for operations, sales, marketing and development. In 2006, Leboeuf moved to Dallas in the capacity of Vice President, Operations for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. He was also a Board Director of The Leading Hotels of the World organisation from 1999 – 2006.

Commenting on the appointment, Christoph Mares, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Director of Operations for Europe, Middle East & Africa said, “Philippe will bring a wealth of international and local experience to his role as General Manager of our new European flagship. With an unprecedented understanding of the luxury hospitality industry, combined with invaluable insider knowledge, Philippe is the perfect choice to position Mandarin Oriental, Paris in this brand-defining city”.

Leboeuf is a graduate of HEC School of Management in France. A French national, Leboeuf is also fluent in English, Italian and Spanish. He sits on the board of the French children’s cancer charity “Chacun son Everest”.

L’été approche… La Cour Jardin ouvre ses portes ! Entouré de vigne vierge, de géraniums « rouge Plaza » et à proximité d’un olivier de 200 ans installé au centre de la Cour, oubliez l’effervescence parisienne le temps d’un déjeuner, d’un thé ou d’un dîner…

La grande nouveauté cette année ? La Cour Jardin est ouverte de « midi à minuit », sans interruption.

Cour Jardin du Plaza Athénée

Au déjeuner et au dîner, le chef Sylvain Fouilleul, sous la supervision d’Alain Ducasse, décline une cuisine aux accents méditerranéens avec, entre autres, des «légumes de nos maraîchers en « cookpot », sirop de tomate épicé », des « goujonettes de saint-pierre poêlées, petits farcis de Didier Pil, bouillon parfumé » ou encore des « côtes d’agneau de Lozère, artichauts et pommes de mer, jus d’un rôti »

L’après-midi, la Cour Jardin accueille pour un lunch tardif ou un tea time gourmand les adeptes de ce havre de paix en plein de coeur de Paris, en y proposant une carte variée d’encas salés et de délices sucrés (celle de la Galerie des Gobelins, pour les connaisseurs du lieu!)

Cour Jardin du Plaza Athénée

Hôtel Plaza Athénée : nos offres spéciales

Diane von Furstenberg’s signature style and flair will be the talk of London in June 2010 as the designer and Claridge’s unveil her first interior design project with a series of rooms and suites. Claridge’s, the Art Deco jewel in Mayfair, has always been at the forefront of design and Diane von Furstenberg, a longtime guest and friend of the hotel, will bring her iconic prints and bold colours as well as original pieces of furniture to the legendary landmark.

Claridge’s and Diane von Furstenberg have enjoyed an intimate relationship since the 1970’s and some of her past collections have even been inspired by the renowned hotel.

Diane Von Furstenberg

“For more than a century, Claridge’s has stood as an emblem of timeless glamour,” commented Stephen Alden, CEO Maybourne Hotel Group. “Our collaboration with the talented Diane von Furstenberg is the latest storyline within our history of forwardthinking design. Diane’s personal love and passion for Claridge’s provides a unique perspective which she will draw upon in executing her creative vision.”

Claridge's : nos offres spéciales

Thierry Marx, Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental Paris - ©Jeff Nalin

With his creative and innovative cooking, Thierry Marx not only draws inspiration from his native France but also from his extensive travels through Asia-Pacific. His career has taken him to Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. Using the finest and freshest ingredients, and offering the avant-garde textures and flavours for which he is renowned, Marx is sure to delight diners with his unique style and expertise at Mandarin Oriental, Paris’s signature restaurant. Chef Marx will also oversee the hotel’s additional restaurants and bars in his role as Culinary Director.

Peninsula Chicago Front Entrance

A une minute de la Water Tower Place, remarquablement situé sur le Magnificent Mile, le Peninsula Chicago offre une synthèse du grand luxe hôtelier.

Dès l’entrée, le visiteur ressent ce délicieux mélange d’opulence contenue et d’intimité. Quelques étages plus haut, vous parvenez à la réception et au grand Lobby. Celui-ci trouve son inspiration dans l’hôtel mythique du même groupe, le Peninsula de Hong Kong. L’hôtel a su maintenir un caractère chaleureux à cet espace de grande taille, et s’est ainsi doté d’une pièce lumineuse et attrayante, avec ses grandes baies vitrées donnant sur la cour extérieure de l’hôtel. Quelques marches derrière le Lobby, à l’opposé du restaurant Avenues, le bar vous accueille avec ses chaleureuses boiseries et sa cheminée, invitation à la détente et à la dégustation de vins et de cocktails (fort bons d’ailleurs). Le séjour s’annonce déjà des plus agréables.

Les chambres sont très confortables, l’ensemble des installations mises à disposition des clients sont particulièrement soignées, la cuisine étonne par son originalité.  Vous avez compris que vous êtes dans un hôtel de grand luxe.

Mais s’il est un domaine où le Peninsula de Chicago excelle sans conteste, c’est la qualité exceptionnelle de son service. Comme dans une pièce réussie, maintes fois répétée, tout s’enchaîne, sans heurt, dans une totale harmonie, en faisant oublier le travail considérable qu’il faut déployer pour atteindre ce degré de perfection. La qualité du management quotidien, un personnel sélectionné avec le plus grand soin, une formation sans faille, et une véritable envie de servir les clients peuvent seuls permettre cette attention portée à la qualité du service. Avec un plaisir affiché, le personnel du Peninsula Chicago veut faire de votre séjour un moment inoubliable, et il va réussir…

Depuis le check-in, en passant par les différents restaurants ou bars, sans oublier le spa et le service en chambre, le Peninsula Chicago sait doser avec la plus grande subtilité l’équilibre entre la présence active et efficace et le discret effacement d’un personnel sans cesse attentif à vous satisfaire. Que dire du service concierge ? Tout simplement remarquable.

Nombreuses sont les petites touches marquantes. De votre journal préféré, y compris de votre pays d’origine (spécialement imprimé pour vous et apporté dans votre chambre chaque jour) à l’application mise par certains membres du personnel à vous appeler par votre nom de famille dès le lendemain de votre arrivée.

C’est d’ailleurs ce lendemain que vous découvrez l’excellent petit déjeuner, conçu autour de produits de grande qualité. Les viennoiseries sont superbes de craquant, d’onctuosité et de fraîcheur et vous n’oublierez ni le croissant aux amandes, ni le blueberry muffin.

Le Peninsula Chicago finalise actuellement la rénovation de ses chambres, opération qui devrait se terminer fin mai cette année. Le style du groupe y reste bien sûr très marqué, mélange de traditionnalisme et de technologie. Les équipements les plus modernes sont désormais présents avec ces superbes écrans plats dissimulés dans un élégant mobilier spécialement conçu pour libérer plus encore un espace déjà relativement grand.

Le Peninsula Chicago atteint l’excellence dans la qualité de son service, et parmi les 150 hôtels retenus par Grand Luxury Hotels pour figurer dans la plus exceptionnelle collection d’hôtels de grand luxe, il tient sans conteste une place de premier plan.

I.L.

The Peninsula Chicago : nos offres spéciales