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CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

Greg Scott: « Real luxury is being able to blur the boundaries between built spaces and the environment »

By Benedicte de Comarmond,

Greg Scott is the architect behind the new luxury residences at Heritage Villas Valriche. These havens of peace located in the heart of Heritage Bel Ombre are refreshing living spaces with an atypical architecture, one that combines interior and exterior spaces.

You’re working on Heritage Villas Valriche’s new villas. Where does your inspiration come from?

Heritage Bel Ombre is a lavish estate that feeds your creativity. It’s so easy to find inspiration in this enchanting place and designing these new villas has certainly been a rewarding project in my career. The hilly landscape, the impeccable golf course, the lush tropical vegetation, the breath-taking views of the sea, the mountains and the golf course are all charming assets that make the site even more graceful. Add to that Bel Ombre’s historic chateau and we have a beautiful canvas to work with. Our role has been to design villas that make the most out of this unique environment and create a lifestyle that lives up to it.

Can you tell us about the architectural concept of these new villas?

Decorating just to decorate is a thing of the past. Nowadays, the concept of luxury has completely changed: true luxury is all about minimalism. It means being able to blur the boundaries between built spaces and the environment, especially for a development such as Heritage Villas Valriche. It’s no longer about creating spaces where people are confined to live between the walls and the roof. This is why we sought, as far as possible, to dematerialise the villas so that they merge with the external environment.

So how exactly do you realize that?

An increasing number of potential buyers are looking to open their houses to the outside. To meet this growing demand, we sought to eliminate the walls that separate the interior from the exterior as much as possible. They are replaced by large bay windows which, in addition to offering an exceptional panorama, amplify the space. The swimming pools, terraces and gardens also go far beyond their primary role and combine perfectly with the interior. We have additionally promoted the use of the finest materials that easily transport residents into the Mauritian dolce vita. This symbiosis is a lifestyle in itself.

What are some of the challenges of this project?

In order to maintain a harmonious aesthetic, one of the challenges has been to carefully blend these new designs with the existing villas. All this while meticulously complying with the estate’s architectural guidelines , of course! We also had to propose styles that have character, while remaining classic enough to conform to the tastes of buyers of different nationalities.

What are the main features of each type of villa?

We imagined three types of villas. The two-storey ‘Pure’ villa has three bedrooms – including a master suite. The second storey offers a breathtaking view, while the living room on the ground floor opens onto the terrace and garden outside.

If you prefer a single-storey residence, this second option may be better for you. The L-shaped ‘Glow’ villa comes with three bedrooms, each one with a private terrace. The outdoor covered areas are perfect for hosting a barbecue with friends and family. From its elevated position, this villa guarantees spectacular views of the lush garden, as well as the Heritage Bel Ombre estate.

As for the ‘Bliss’ villa, it is synonymous with space, openness and tranquillity. It features four bedrooms, including two master suites with private terraces, a dedicated home office space and a third covered outdoor patio. And, as a touch of extra elegance, large wooden sunscreens delicately filter the tropical light of the property’s landscaped garden.

Finally, what are the advantages of living in Mauritius according to you?

I often visit your island and every time, I am amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and kindness of the inhabitants. From my discussions with clients who have invested here, I also gathered that the country offers good economic opportunities.

All elements come together for a pleasant and dynamic living environment!

Read also: A guide to non-citizens (Property Restriction) Act “We use our know-how to contribute to sustainable development in Mauritius”
CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

“Our partnership with La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche is self-evident” – Maxime Gonin, Director of Roche Bobois, Mauritius

By Nazira Mahangeer,

Roche Bobois and luxury residential developments like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche are driven by the same quest for excellence in the quality of their product and service offerings, which are tailored to the lifestyle of their discerning clientele. The prestigious French luxury furniture brand offers personal service and exclusive rates to these customers. The Director of Roche Bobois for Mauritius, Maxime Gonin tells us about the brand implementation and partnerships in Mauritius.

Roche Bobois has a network of more than 250 stores providing premium products and services worldwide. What has led the brand to set up shop in a country like Mauritius?

Roche Bobois has a proud legacy of expertise and quality while embracing innovation and adapting to the demands and specificities of each market where we are present. We could not remain oblivious to the sizeable growth in the Mauritian luxury property market in recent years with the development of a significant number of high-end resorts. Several South-African and European buyers have settled on the island and are looking for products and services that match with those offered by Roche Bobois.

The Mauritian, Bernard Fanchette and his wife, Sandrine are the owners of our showroom in Mauritius. They combine their local knowledge with our expertise in catering to the lifestyle of countries where we operate through constantly offering a choice of furniture and services that reflect our brand’s international quality standards. Upon the advice of Bernard and Sandrine, we launched Roche Bobois to provide highly sought-after upmarket furniture and decoration that were lacking in Mauritius.

How do you explain the brand’s success in Mauritius?

This success has been achieved through in-depth work and the impeccable quality of our exclusive collections and designs, which meets the expectations of a diverse clientele.

Our rich selection of designer furniture and the know-how of our interior designers allow us to provide an array of products and services to suit the needs and preferences of our most discerning Mauritian and foreign clients.

Does this offer fit into the lifestyle in Mauritius?

Roche Bobois works with leading global designers and architects to develop, create and introduce new collections twice each year. We constantly reinvent ourselves, we create new designs and new levels of comfort; we use innovative materials of the highest quality, such a Corian and FENIX. In addition to choosing from our large range of exclusive collections, we offer our customers the opportunity to customise their furniture – sofas, dining tables or bedroom furniture – with their choice of finish and upholstering, and in their desired sizes. Our expertise includes the ability to equip the daily living, occasional leisure or work spaces of our clientele with furniture and accessories that echo the lush tropical setting of the island – whether on the waterfront or amidst golf course with mountain and sea views.

Who are your main clients?

Roche Bobois offer products and services that suit customers looking for finely-executed workmanship as well as appealing and exclusive design. Our brand has a unique design aesthetic. Iconic models such as the AVA bridge, the LEGEND bookcase and the modular MAH JONG sofa have become standards in the industry. Our collection also includes a broader range of outdoor furniture and a larger variety of exclusive finishes, colours and upholstery.

This offering meets the expectations of the greater luxury segment and defining a « main customer category » in Mauritius may therefore prove to be difficult at this stage. It is not surprising however that foreigners, and particularly Europeans, make up a significant proportion of the clientele that turn to Roche Bobois to fit out their villas, offices or apartments. Private investors also call on us to fully furnish and decorate luxury homes.

Additionally, we have a special partnership with upmarket projects like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche that equally benefit homeowners, property developers and our brand.

Can you tell us more about your partnerships with La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche?

Our partnership with property developments like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche is self-evident as we have complementary offers. Roche Bobois offers a blend of inspiration and know-how that benefits our clients through integrating art into their daily lives. For example, it was interesting for us to team up with La Balise Marina, which has brilliantly crafted a unique art of living in Mauritius. Through this partnership, the development’s homeowners enjoy special rates and tailored service throughout the entire process, from in-house interior design to delivery and installation.

This shows the shared perspective and values that bind our respective entities together. This hinges on our product and service excellence and strong working relationship, which benefit all those who place their trust in us.

To read also: Buying off-plan, a safe option to invest in property in Mauritius What inheritance laws apply in Mauritius?
CategoriesDid you know? Editor's Picks

CORAL REEFS PROTECTION: EVERYONE’S CONCERN

By Pamela Marie,

Through its partnership with the NGO, Reef Conservation, Heritage Bel Ombre would like to raise awareness with respect to the threats affecting the lagoon ecosystem, and to come up with a few guidelines for those wishing to responsibly enjoy Bel Ombre coastal region.

Fighting global warming is one the major challenges to protect our planet. As an island, Mauritius is even more affected by the rise in temperature on the surface of the oceans. Over the past 160 years, an average rise of 0.5°C has been recorded around the globe -but that figure is just an average. A rise of temperature of even 1- or 2-degree causes bleaching.

The coral reef ecosystem and its encircling lagoon are essential elements of the postcard vistas associated with tropical islands. Coral reefs provide shelter to a large variety of marine species which contribute to the complexity of the lagoon ecosystem. The coral reef structure buffers shorelines against waves, thus limiting beach erosion. It is therefore essential to come up with solutions to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Since 2016, Reef Conservation conducts monthly surveys on several sites, including Bel Ombre. Research has shown that year after year, corals usually show more pronounced bleaching during the summer months, even though some species of coral seem to offer better resistance. In 2019, Reef Conservation has recorded a peak during the months of April and May.

To limit the consequences of this phenomenon in the Bel Ombre lagoon, a number of measures have already been implemented by the hotels in the region: speed limitation for boats, discontinuation of water skiing from hotel offers and practice of snorkeling only during high tide.

The protection of coral life is a concern for all. By following a few simple guidelines, everyone can help to protect corals, sea shells and other forms of marine life where they thrive best: in their natural environment. Here are a few suggestions which will help you enjoy your next beach or lagoon outing responsibly.

First of all, the don’ts:

  • Do not touch marine organisms: touching coral might kill them and other organisms can be venomous.
  • Do not walk on corals. They break easily, and you could seriously damage corals which grow very slowly (dozens of years for a few centimeters).
  • Do not take away marine organisms such as shells and corals, take pictures instead.
  • Avoid throwing anchors on live coral or sea grass which provide shelter to some species.
  • Do not feed fish.
  • Do not throw rubbish in the lagoon, especially plastic.
  • For your safety, never snorkel alone, bring a friend along.

Instead, feel free to:

  • Enjoy the magic sights of the lagoon whilst snorkeling.
  • Take pictures of the coral reef and of their living hosts, to make them known.
  • Pick up rubbish on the beach.
  • Eventually participate in beach and lagoon cleaning events.
  • Support associations promoting protection of the environment.
  • Spread the word about coral protection to raise the awareness of friends and family.

We live in an era where we are becoming increasingly conscious of the relationship between humans and their environment. Through a few simple actions, we can all contribute to the safeguard of a precious heritage which belongs to all of us.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Things to do

Why is Mauritius a golfer’s paradise?

By Mikael Le Luron,
What are the characteristics of a golfing paradise? Can Mauritius be considered one? To find out, we interviewed Peter Matkovich, designer of three golf courses on the island.

In 1844, the British Army set up a small six-hole golf course on their military base in Vacoas. This not only established the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere, but also made Mauritius the 3rd country in the world where golf was played. Ultimately, it laid the groundwork for a future golfing paradise.

Today, the 2040 km2 island has 12 golf courses and counting, with nine of them being 18-hole golf courses. Many of these are world-class championship courses, expertly designed by golfing legends such as Peter Matkovich, Gary Player, Ernie Els, Rodney Wright and Bernhard Langer, each offering different challenges and breathtaking views.

You designed your first golf course in Mauritius, Heritage Golf Club in the early 2000s. The course is cited as one of the island’s must-play courses. How did you come to design this golfing gem?

Well, I had been to Mauritius before to view other potential golf sites already, but the beauty of that particular site coupled with its natural elements instantly inspired me, everything came about from there. It was a wonderful project!

Heritage Golf Club was awarded Best Golf Course in the Indian Ocean by World Golf Awards for 4 consecutive years. How do you feel about this?

To be honest, I’m not sold on awards and ratings. For me, I find another golfer’s opinion and feedback on their playing experience to hold more importance. Rather than worry about some award, read what other people who have played there think. Nevertheless, I am very happy Heritage Golf Club made it to the top for 4 consecutive years.

So far, you’ve designed three golf courses in Mauritius: Heritage Golf Club, Mont Choisy Le Golf and Avalon Golf Estate. You are currently working on a fourth golf course at Heritage Resorts again. Tell us what’s different about this golf course?

Well, it’s the first time I’m collaborating with Louis Oosthuizen, a champion golfer from South Africa whom also has 8 top 10 finishes in majors, a few of those being runner-up finishes. Design-wise, it is absolutely unique, in fact, I’ve never seen anything like it in the world. To play, golfers are taken to the top of the slope and they play downward from there to reach the Clubhouse. This could encourage people to walk more, which is a huge plus. People are craving exercise nowadays. What’s more, they’ll enjoy some spectacular views as they play slowly down the slopes. My principle when it comes to designing is you must do what’s original and listen to the land. Don’t try to change everything, just let it flow.

Why do you think Mauritius is now internationally recognised as an extraordinary golf destination?

In part, I think the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the annual golf tournament, which is tri-sanctioned by the Sunshine, European and Asian Tour, has helped to give the island the international exposure it needs. But the foundation of all this is the overall quality of the 12+ golf courses, which has helped them earn numerous international awards, coupled with the fact that they were designed by renowned golfers who ensured they made technically challenging greens. And to top it all off, the appeal of golfing on a tropical island with stunning panoramic views of the landscape and sea makes it all the more worthwhile.

Does the weather have any effect on the golfing experience here?

All destinations have their weather that affects our experience while playing. From time to time, you get a bit of wind, which makes the game different and sometimes more interesting. But overall, the weather in Mauritius is ideal for such a sport!

Mauritius hosted the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, what are your thoughts on this?

I think it is incredible. Originally, it was the first time anywhere in the world, in which we’ve got three tours all playing in one tournament. And it has positioned Mauritius as a golfing destination in various parts of the globe!

Judging by the success Mauritius has enjoyed as a golfing destination thus far, only time will tell what other titles and awards this exquisite destination will enjoy. What are your thoughts about the future?

When it comes to golf, I think Mauritius has got everything already. All we need now is to promote the island as a golf destination! It’s already done a great job as a holiday destination, now it’s time to show the world its golfing potential. So that implies doing more tournaments and going on roadshows. Mauritius, the potential is already in your hands, now take it and run with it!

Read also :  Interview with Haydn Porteous, happy owner at La Balise Marina [PODCAST] 6 reasons why moving to Mauritius will make for a healthier lifestyle
CategoriesDid you know? Editor's Picks Local Touch Real Estate

[PODCAST] 8 essential things to know about Mauritius

By Noor Sheriff,

Why come to live in Mauritius?

The multicultural heritage of the country is reflected in various aspects of everyday life such as language, cuisine, religious traditions and customs.

Mauritius boasts beautiful beaches, a pleasant climate and friendly inhabitants. Lots of people have heard about the island but how many of them actually know it? To gain deeper insight, here is a brief recap of 8 essential things to know about this jewel in the Indian Ocean.

#1 Where is Mauritius?

The island is located in the Indian Ocean, south-east of Africa and about 800 km east of Madagascar. The Republic of Mauritius has a total surface of 2,040 square kilometres, including the outer islands of Agalega, Saint Brandon and Rodrigues.

#2 A bit of history of Mauritius

The Portuguese explored the island in the 16th century and the Dutch settled there in the 17th century. The French arrived in 1715 and as early as 1725, thousands of slaves were introduced from Madagascar and Africa. The British took over the island in 1810, during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1835, slavery was abolished and more than 200,000 Indian and Chinese immigrants landed in Mauritius. The country became independent in 1968 and acceded to Republic status in 1992.
Read more about Mauritius here

#3 Who are the Mauritian people?

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The Mauritians are the descendants of French, African, Malagasy, British, Indian and Chinese people who have settled on the island throughout History. This is why Mauritius is often referred to as a ‘rainbow nation’. The country has a population of over 1.3 million.

#4 Beautiful weather all year round…

The island has a tropical climate with a mild and dry winter season from May to November and temperatures varying between 17°C and 25°C. Summer is warm and humid from November to May with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C. It can indeed be concluded that it is a great place to live all year round!
Read more about the climate

#5 A country of many faces

The multicultural heritage of the country is reflected in various aspects of everyday life such as language, cuisine, religious traditions and customs.

The most commonly spoken languages are Creole, Bhojpuri and French, although English is the official language. Hinduism is the prevalent religion and Mauritian food is as diverse as its population.

#6 What does the island look like?

Mauritius is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. The topography consists of a coastal plain that rises towards the mountains surrounding the Central Plateau.

The lowest point is 0m at the Indian Ocean and the highest point is Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828m).

#7 Let’s talk about the economy of Mauritius…

The economy is currently driven by the tourism, textile, and financial services sectors. It is increasingly developing into the information and communication technology and property sectors.

Read our article on the evolution of the Mauritian Rupee over the last 10 years here

#8 Political stability

Mauritius is a parliamentary republic and a stable democracy with free and fair elections at regular intervals as well as a positive human rights record. The country attracts substantial foreign investment and has one of the highest per capita income levels in Africa.

Register your interest for property investment in Mauritius

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CategoriesDid you know? Editor's Picks

Work in Mauritius: Licence to thrive

By Noor Sheriff,

Mauritius combines a picturesque tropical setting with modern infrastructure and lifestyle. There are plenty of opportunities for foreigners who want to live and work or invest in the country. Here’s your guide on how to work in Mauritius.

Booming services and steady 3.5%+ GDP growth

Strong growth in the services sectors has led to increasing demand for various kinds of expertise, hence creating opportunities for foreigners with suitable technical skills or investment projects. Those who have obtained a residence permit through the purchase of property valued at a minimum of USD 500,000 under the PDS/SCS regime can also apply for a work permit.

Tourism, financial and IT services, as well as value-added manufacturing and agro-industries, have long surpassed sugar production as the mainstay of the national economy. The country’s annual GDP growth rate has been hovering around the 3.5-4% mark for the past decade. Mauritius is also a vibrant democracy with very low crime rates, world-class healthcare and education systems as well as top rankings in Africa on social development and corruption indices.

International languages and favourable tax regime

English and French are the main international languages spoken by most of the country’s 1.3 million inhabitants as well as in business and government services. It is therefore easy for foreigners speaking these languages to get involved in various sectors.

The best opportunities in Mauritius lie in finance, IT, engineering, tourism, leisure, healthcare, training and real estate to fill management and technical expertise positions – with a flat tax rate of 15%. Most of the foreigners in senior positions are from Europe, Asia and Africa.

Dominic Dupont, ENL Property, investissement residentiel, residential property
CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

“We use our know-how to contribute to sustainable development in Mauritius”

By Rodney Napaul,

Dominic Dupont explains how ENL Property, a leading property player in Mauritius, draws on the expertise and experience gained in the luxury residential property market to develop the Moka Smart City as an integrated, high-quality project that is consistent with sustainable development efforts.

Dominic Dupont, ENL Property, investissement residentiel, residential property

How is the luxury property market doing in Mauritius?

The residential property segment continues to expand with a significant increase of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Rs 8.895 billion in 2018. The sector continues to concentrate a large part of FDI inflows, thus contributing to boost the country’s economy. There is a growing demand, especially from Europe and South Africa, and the property market in Mauritius has considerably diversified over time.

What is your view on the development of the market since the opening up of property ownership to foreigners?

There has been a boost in foreign investment in the Mauritian market due to the combination of a broad offering, a very good quality of life and an attractive set of measures, such as access to the Mauritian residence permit and tax incentives. The residential property segment has evolved to address the rising expectations of clients, who are now more knowledgeable about the destination and the market. The latter, which initially consisted predominantly of seaside property developments, has expanded into more urban areas, including apartments, with the passing of the Non-Citizen (Property Restriction) Act and the launch of the Smart City Scheme in 2016.

The ENL Group has also broadened its offering, isn’t it?

Our foray into the luxury property segment through Heritage Villas Valriche and La Balise Marina has actually enabled us to enhance our service standards. These two IRS developments have reached a certain level of maturity – La Balise Marina is in its final phase. Over the years, we ourselves have gained a lot of maturity and honed our knowledge of the market and of specific client requirements. In addition, we have strengthened existing relationships with the relevant authorities, which are essential for the smooth running of such large-scale projects. We also remain attentive to the market and to our partners.

We have acquired extensive expertise and experience in retail, residential and office property, which allows us to keep pace with market developments. This is reflected in our significant involvement in projects such as Les Promenades d’Helvétia, the Moka Smart City’s first residential development, as well as office buildings like The Pod at Vivéa Business Park and The Dot, a brand new undertaking at Telfair.

Smart Cities require an integrated and balanced approach, don’t they?

The underlying Live-Work-Play-Care concept of the Moka Smart City involves a mixed-use development using the latest advances in urban planning and digital technologies. Such developments also require environmentally sound, responsible and integrated space planning and management. We leverage our ability to develop integrated, high-quality projects that are consistent with sustainable development efforts.
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Over the past decade, ecology and innovation have been our key priorities in the development of Moka. The region is transitioning into a more sustainable and liveable city through the progressive rolling out of a concept of ‘citysmarting’. This flexible improvement process stems from a well-thought-out Master Plan. The core elements of the plan are: making optimum use of resources; offering an improved quality of life; creating real economic opportunities; and fostering engagement with key stakeholders.

Visit ready to live in apartments in the West Coast! Accessible to foreign buyers

Involvement in community life therefore remains an important component…

We have a strong commitment that goes beyond the social contribution required from certain property developments. La Balise Marina is also positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the Black River region with a contribution of Rs 15 million to date to promoting the empowerment of a number of people through training, employability and NGO support. All these initiatives are structured around Friends of La Balise, a platform for dialogue with the region’s socio-economic stakeholders. In the same vein, we took an innovative approach to launch the citizen collective, Moka’mwad, with the aim to develop a people-centric city. This will allow the residents to play an active role in the development of the Moka Smart City.

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CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Things to do

A guide to the chateaux of Mauritius

By Benedicte de Comarmond,

Most of the “chateaux” in Mauritius were built in the 19th century and the term often refers to the beautiful family houses of former agricultural landowners. These key witnesses to the history of the island have, each in its own way, managed to reinvent themselves to preserve a certain art de vivre.

Chateau de Labourdonnais

Chateau de Labourdonnais in the north of the island now serves as a museum, providing a valuable insight into the life of the estate’s owners in the 19th century. The site includes orchards, a vanilla plantation and a restaurant; guided tours of the entire property and fun discovery activities are also available. Domaine de Labourdonnais is famous for its fruit pastes as well as its guava, lychee, papaya and tamarind jams, which are an absolute must-taste. You can get all these delights from the estate’s shop.

Heritage Le Chateau

Tucked away on the heights of Bel Ombre, Heritage Le Chateau was built by a wealthy Indian landowner, Hajee Jackaria Hajee Ahmed who, however, never visited the house. The building has been recently renovated by the French firm, Perrot et Richard, which was also involved in the restoration of the Sainte Chapelle, the Grand Palais and the Comédie Française, among others. It overlooks the vast, 2,500-hectare natural sanctuary of Heritage Bel Ombre. On the ground floor, there is now a gourmet restaurant inspired by Mauritian cuisine, with a menu specially designed by the French Michelin-starred chef, David Toutain. The first floor has been converted into a presidential suite. It is a great accommodation to spend a night and enjoy breakfast on the terrace with an unobstructed view over the beautiful French gardens.

Chateau Mon Desir

This house stands gracefully among restored ruins and the remains of an old flour mill in Balaclava. A nearby cannon used to be part of former French fortifications. It is now a gourmet restaurant that offers fine international cuisine, combining classic staples with modern influences. Chateau Mon Desir is known for its lavish Sunday brunch (served with a glass of champagne) and High Tea, inspired by the traditional English afternoon tea. Don’t forget to book your table beforehand!

Chateau du Reduit

The history of Chateau du Reduit is a little different. In 1747, Governor Barthelemy David decided to build a place of refuge in the Moka region for women and children in case the British attacked Isle of France. The chateau was requisitioned in 1767 to accommodate Governor Dumas and from then on served as the official residence for all Governors and Presidents of the Republic. The large garden is open to visitors once a year, but they are not allowed to enter the chateau. This is a rare opportunity to take a closer look at the building.

Demeure des Aubineaux

Located in Forest Side, near Curepipe, this wooden house has retained all its original furniture and paintings. A visit of the living spaces is like a leap back into the island’s colonial history. You will also see the old stables, which have been turned into a shop and a distillery. Feel free to take a walk in the Camphor Garden to soak up this ancient way of life. Domaine des Aubineaux is part of the Tea Route, which includes two other interesting stops, Bois Cheri and Saint Aubin.

Demeure Saint Antoine

Located on the edge of the village of Goodlands, Demeure Saint Antoine is recognisable by its various adjoining rooms and verandas adorned with colonnades. You can have lunch or dinner in the restaurant, La Salle à Manger, which previously served as the kitchen and dining room for the household (kitchens were often separate buildings to reduce the risk of fire). You can also stay in rooms furnished and decorated in period style. A truly immersive experience! The garden is simply amazing with its age-old banyan trees

Eureka La Maison Créole

Set amid verdant nature in the heart of the island, at the foot of Mount Ory, it’s easy to imagine the gentle way of life that characterised Eureka La Maison Créole. The house, which has retained all its charm and the rustic adjoining kitchen, which is still operational, are open to visitors! Take some time to enjoy a typical Creole meal on the terrace and if you are still up for it, you can take a post-meal stroll down to the waterfall, have a swim or simply catch some fresh air. This is undoubtedly the highlight of your visit to this house!

Ile aux Fouquets - Mauritius - Ile Maurice
CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Things to do

Magical little pieces of land spread around Mauritius

By Rodney Napaul,

Carried away by the charm of Mauritius, you will be inspired by the myriad of small islands scattered like stardust along its coastline! From north to south, and from east to west, pick an outing that will allow you to explore these idyllic spots. Here we go!

Out towards the northern islands

Gunner’s Quoin is a volcanic island rising 160m above sea level. You don’t have to climb this hardly accessible rocky formation, you can just drop anchor in the surroundings to explore the amazing seabed – all you need is a mask, a snorkel and a pair of flippers! You will certainly spot the iconic tropicbird, flying fish jumping out of the water, and possibly dolphins with a little bit of luck.
Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel are not far from each other and are must-sees. Flat Island is a nature reserve that is home to endemic plant and animal species, as well as a former lighthouse. It is one of the largest islets around Mauritius. The heavenly setting of Ilot Gabriel is perfect for snorkelling and sunbathing. Both islands are situated outside the lagoon and those prone to seasickness should note that the journey may be rough.

A trip off the south-west coast

Ile aux Benitiers - Mauritius - Ile Maurice
At La Gaulette, you can easily find a fisherman who will take you to Ile aux Bénitiers. This two-kilometre-long sand bar is surrounded by a clear blue lagoon. Here happiness lies in simple things like taking a stroll along the white sand beach, enjoying an aperitif in the water or having a nap under the shelter of a filao tree. You can also go for a catamaran outing, including an encounter with dolphins.
Roche-Crystal - Mauritius - Ile Maurice

Further on, you will see the famous Crystal Rock. Standing out in the middle of the lagoon, it looks like a coral or a diamond. But it is the surrounding water that actually glitters in the sunlight! Take a short break for a swim or float on the water under a blue sky before climbing back on board to continue your trip.

An island escapade along the south-east coast

Ile aux Fouquets - Mauritius - Ile Maurice

Ile aux Fouquets (also known as Ile au Phare) lies on the coral reef, between the open sea and the lagoon of Mahebourg. A former island lighthouse and the adjoining lightkeeper’s house were built during the British colonial period and have now been abandoned. This small island tells the history of Mauritius and is a place of rare beauty. You’ll probably want to spend some time there, so take a picnic along!

Ile aux Aigrettes has become emblematic of biodiversity conservation efforts in the country. This small island located in the lagoon at Pointe d’Esny houses some 40 endemic plant species that are characteristic of the flora that once existed in Mauritius. You can also spot the Mauritius Kestrel, the Pink Pigeon and other endemic animal species. Take a guided tour to learn more about the work done on site.

Discovering the eastern islands

Located a short distance from each other, Pointe Bernache and Ile d’Ambre are perhaps less well-known. They are very close to the north-east coast of Mauritius and can be explored by kayak or SUP. Pointe Bernache will appeal more to those who want so spend some idle time relaxing – enjoying lunch by the water, a digestive walk or a nap in a hammock. Ile d’Ambre is less easily accessible and is an excellent place for adventurers who are daring enough to venture into its thick vegetation.
Last but not least, the most coveted of all islands off the coast of Mauritius! Covering nearly 100 hectares, Ile aux Cerfs is a sand bar stretching across the lagoon near the village of Trou d’Eau Douce. The site is very popular with holidaymakers and has become a vibrant location over the years. There is a range of activities including water sports, a golf course, restaurants, bars and shops. If you fancy a calm, tranquil time, a short one-kilometre walk will lead you to a peaceful spot with a fabulous sea view.

Are you craving for a change of scenery? How about exploring the small islands around Mauritius?

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Port-Louis, Mauritius
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What inheritance laws apply in Mauritius?

By Pamela Marie,

Mauritian law governs inheritance of immovable property in Mauritius.

Port-Louis, Mauritius

The main provisions of Mauritian inheritance law are embodied in the Mauritian Civil Code, the Successions and Wills Act, the Code of Civil Procedure, and the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act. Private international law (conflict of laws) rules are derived from French case law (prior to European Regulation reforms).

The principles applying to the inheritance of property in Mauritius are:

  • Lex rei sitae – (the law where the property is located) applies to immovable property
  • Lex domicilii – (the law of the domicile of the deceased) applies to movable property

Mauritian law systematically governs the inheritance of immovable property situated in Mauritius; however, the inheritance of movable assets is governed by the laws of the last domicile (i.e. country of permanent residence) of the deceased. In certain cases, movable property may be governed by another national law designated by the deceased prior to his/her death, subject to the mandatory public policy provisions of Mauritian law.

If real property in Mauritius is acquired through a legal entity, the shares in that entity are deemed to be movable assets in a Mauritian estate and are therefore governed by the domiciliary law of the deceased, unless the transaction was structured for the essential purpose of evading the mandatory statutory provisions of Mauritian inheritance law.

Restrictions on inheritance of property in a foreigner’s country of origin are reciprocated in Mauritius i.e. a foreigner may not inherit property in Mauritius unless a Mauritian citizen is legally permitted to inherit property in the deceased’s country of origin. This provision stems from a general principle laid down in Article 13 of the Mauritian Civil Code whereby “a non-citizen shall enjoy the same rights in Mauritius as those which are or may be granted to Mauritian citizens by international conventions entered into with the State of the said non-citizen“.

Renvoi is given effect under the principles of Mauritian private international law. If the foreigner’s domiciliary law refers inheritance issues back to Mauritius, then the notary or judge in charge of the execution of the Mauritian estate accepts the renvoi and applies Mauritian law.

The procedural aspects of inheritance are dealt with by the Master and Registrar of the Supreme Court of Mauritius (a high-ranking judge). Inheritance cases are heard on the merits before the Supreme Court, either by a Judge in Chambers, or by a Bench comprising one or more judges, depending on the amounts involved.

Prohibition under the Non-Citizens (Property Restriction) Act governs the acquisition of real estate in Mauritius.

Authorization is required from the Prime Minister’s Office before real property can be purchased by a foreigner in Mauritius. The main derogations are acquisitions by inheritance, or by the effect of marriage (subject to certain provisos), or under the Integrated Resorts (luxury villas) and Real Estate Development schemes. The acquisition of movable assets in Mauritius is not subject to such restrictions.

A reserved portion applies in Mauritian law

Mauritius is a forced heirship jurisdiction and reserves a portion of the estate for the children of the deceased. This jurisdiction applies equally to Mauritian citizens and foreigners (provided they are entitled to inherit in Mauritius).

Pursuant to the Mauritian Civil Code, no testamentary provision may encroach upon the “reserved portion”, which consists of:

  • One half of the estate – if the deceased leaves one child
  • Two thirds of the estate – if the deceased leaves two children
  • Three quarters of the estate – if the deceased leaves three or more children

The reserved portion is divided equally amongst the surviving children and the descendants of any pre-deceased children (i.e. children who die before their parent). The descendants of a pre-deceased child are jointly entitled to the pre-deceased child’s share of the reserved portion.

The unreserved or “available portion” of the estate may be freely willed to any other person, including an heir under forced heirship provisions, or any entity, charitable or religious body, whether Mauritian or foreign. The beneficiary under such a will must not be subject to any legal incapacity.

Protected heirs are designated in the absence of a will

In the absence of a will, the legal order of inheritance, in descending order of priority, is as follows :

  • The descending line, and the surviving spouse
  • The favoured ascending line (father and mother) and favoured collateral line (siblings and children of predeceased siblings)
  • The ordinary ascending line (grandparents, great-grandparents)
  • The ordinary collateral line up to the 12th degree.

In the absence of any protected heirs, the deceased’s estate vests in the Mauritian State.

Although the surviving spouse forms part of the first class of legal heirs, he/she is not a protected heir, and his/her share may be bequeathed to another legatee by gift or testament. Notwithstanding the above, the surviving spouse is entitled to a lifetime right of usufruct over the matrimonial home and furniture.

It is advisable for a foreigner to draw up a will in Mauritius.

A will is not required if the testator’s intention is to bequeath assets equally to his/her legal heirs according to the provisions of the Civil Code; however, a will is essential to favour one or more beneficiaries e.g. if a testator wishes to allocate the available portion preferentially to one child, or if a testator does not have children, and wishes to distribute his/her estate amongst non-preferential heirs, or other legatees, or to a charitable institution.

A foreigner is advised to make a local will in Mauritius to avoid cumbersome legalization, registration and cross-border enforcement formalities associated with a foreign will.

A Mauritian will must be in writing and may be drawn up either as a private deed or a notarised instrument. A private deed (holographic will) must be written, dated and signed entirely by the testator’s hand on any kind of material. It is usually remitted for safekeeping to a trustworthy person or a notary. When drawn up by and before a notary, the will may be either (i) a public will, which requires the presence of two witnesses and the fulfilment of a number of statutory formalities, or (ii) a “secret will” (<em>testament mystique</em>) which is handed over in a sealed envelope to a notary in the presence of at least six witnesses, subject to the fulfilment of specific formalities.

It is advisable to have a public will draw up before a notary in Mauritius. This ensures physical preservation of the document and avoids any subsequent unwarranted litigation regarding the validity of the testament.

Inter vivos gifts of property must consider the share of the forces heirs

Property in Mauritius can be given to any person during the lifetime of the owner (subject to exceptions deriving from the application of the donor’s matrimonial regime); however, if the deceased is survived by heirs protected by forced heirship rules, then the donated assets must be pooled back into the estate for the purposes of calculating the reserved and available portions. If the value of the inter vivos gifts exceeds that of the available portion, then the gifts are reduced down to that value, and the excess is allocated to the protected heirs. In the absence of protected heirs, all lifetime gifts remain valid and effective in their entirety.

Ownership of matrimonial property is determined by the matrimonial regime governing the spouses.

The simplest case is that of spouses, whether Mauritian or foreign, married under Mauritian law. In the absence of an express choice, the statutory joint matrimonial property regime (communauté de biens) applies. Only assets acquired after marriage are owned in common, and assets owned prior to marriage remain the sole property of the relevant spouse. Alternatively, spouses may elect to be governed by the separate matrimonial property regime, or by a prenuptial agreement.

If spouses have different nationalities, this is not relevant to inheritance law, but it might become an issue with respect to the spouses’ matrimonial regime. The spouses’ joint matrimonial assets, if any, must be partitioned before the estate of the deceased spouse can be allocated to the protected heirs. Nationality per se is not a criterion for the applicability of a matrimonial regime but can be one of the factors taken into account to determine applicable law where the domiciliary law of a spouse comprises mandatory provisions to that effect.

The situation is more complicated if other elements of extraneity are introduced; for example, a French-Mauritian couple could get married in France during a holiday trip, then settle in the UK, and own property both in England and in Mauritius. The overriding principle is that the law of the spouses’ first effective (not temporary) matrimonial domicile is the applicable law. Thus, although both French and Mauritian law provide for the joint matrimonial property regime to apply by default, in the example given here, both spouses are governed by the English regime of separate matrimonial property, because England is the country of their domicile.

There are myriad such permutations, and each case must be individually assessed for the purposes of determining applicable law(s). However, as in the case of cross-border inheritance, Mauritian conflict of laws principles are exactly the same as those stemming from French case law (prior to European Regulation reforms).

Ownership stems from registered title in the case of immovable property, and from possession in the case of movables.

The evidentiary value of the registered title deed is paramount, but it should be noted that if a person is married under the joint matrimonial estate (communauté de biens) regime, any property purchased in the sole name of a spouse nevertheless automatically becomes jointly-owned by both spouses.

The English legal system of “equity” forms part of Mauritian law, which also incorporates a Trusts Act. Thus equitable interests (beneficial ownership) are recognised and enforced in Mauritius, provided that the legal owner is registered in the capacity of trustee of the property. Implied equitable interests may also arise, although there is no Mauritian case-law on this subject to date.

An estate may validly be vested in whole or part to a minor or other legally incapable person.

A parent or court-appointed guardian must administer inherited property in the interests of a child until he/she is of age. In the case of a protected adult, the property is administered by the court-appointed guardian or curator.

Reposted with the permission of

Ashvin Krishna Dwarka
LLB (LSE), LLM (Tax), DESS (Sorbonne)
Notaire – Conseil
Membre de l’International Fiscal Association | Membre de l’Association of Trust and Management Companies

This article originally appeared on: https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Africa/Mauritius/Inheritance