Editor's Picks Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Live In Mauritius #liveinmauritius %

1. What according to you are the main advantages of investing in Mauritius for:
a) an individual?
b) a company?

Any individual or company that is considering an overseas investment has the same issues beforehand. They will weigh the benefits against the disadvantages or risks associated therewith. Different profiles will give varying weight to the different criteria involved based on their personal motivations.

For the purposes of this exercise, it is important to distinguish between individuals who invest in order to make a change in their lives on the one hand and those who invest in Mauritius in order to undertake business activities on the other (investments made by companies and especially the corporate interest are usually motivated by an economic gain).

The key decision criteria for an individual investing in Mauritius for a life change will include factors affecting his personal environment such as leisure, safety, the healthcare system, education and climate.

Other criteria will come into play for those making an investment for the purpose of carrying out business activities in Mauritius or manage their business activities from the country. These include economic stability, air connectivity, high-bandwidth digital access and the ease of doing business. The same applies for other legal entities wishing to invest in Mauritius.

It is worth noting that Mauritius has reached upper middle-income country status with a GDP per capita of USD9,200. The country is also internationally recognised for its governance framework as well as its business- and investment-friendly environment.

Mauritius has become a flourishing domestic economy as well as a platform to invest and do business in Africa, the Middle East and Asia through its dynamic financial centre, which accounts for more than 10% of national GDP. All these activities are governed by a network of treaties and trade agreements that go beyond the country’s membership in major regional trade blocs.

The benefits of investing in Mauritius largely stem from its greater economic and business relevance than other jurisdictions that capitalise on tax benefits and opacity of transactions. This is what differentiates Mauritius from jurisdictions relying purely on tax optimisation products, which often entail risks. Such is not the case in Mauritius.

Mauritius provides significant non-tax benefits

Situated in an ideal time zone, Mauritius provides significant non-tax benefits in a politically, socially and economically stable environment. The country’s legal framework is investment-friendly with a culture of confidentiality in a well-regulated financial sector.

A number of international banks as well as reputable law and accounting firms are also present in Mauritius with large networks of highly skilled bilingual professionals at unbeatable costs.

These benefits are topped off by a simple tax environment, but again I insist that taxation should in no way be the primary motivation.

While there is a large number of legal regulations governing real estate transactions in the different European countries, it is important to point out that the Mauritian property law is modelled on French law, following the principles laid down by the French Civil Code.

The deeds of sale are signed before a notary and the concepts of off-plan sale (Vente en l’État Futur d’Achèvement – VEFA), preliminary reservation agreement (Contrat de Réservation Préliminaire – CRP) and performance bond (Garantie Financière d’Achèvement – GFA) are widely used and provide foreign investors with the legal assurance they need.

The Republic of Mauritius is among those countries that position themselves as jurisdictions of substance and whose value added lies above all in the level of expertise and know-how. This explains the fine balance between a business-friendly environment (resulting from the synergy between public authorities and private sector professionals) and modern tax policies which promotes investment.

2. How according to you is Mauritius positioned in relation to other destinations around the world? What are your thoughts on the fact that the Mauritian lifestyle is often cited as a primary criterion for choosing the destination?

Indeed, many foreigners dream of living in Mauritius. The beaches, lagoons and warm weather all year round are the first reasons put forward by those who have not yet had a chance to visit the island. And they are perfectly right!

But those who are familiar with the destination would add to this the harmony that prevails in the country. Mauritius is a multicultural nation, and kindness and smiles are part of the DNA of each of its inhabitants, allowing them to live in perfect harmony.

The beaches and lagoons are definitely beautiful, but Mauritius above all opens a world of possibilities for anyone looking for a destination that is known for its ease of doing business in an exceptional living environment, with an internationally acclaimed quality of service.

Mauritian people live mainly outside. The days are long with excellent natural light. A multitude of sporting activities can be enjoyed in Mauritius, from the lagoons to the very heart of the island, with lush and generous nature that is an invitation to leisurely pursuits.

Mauritius also draws its unique culinary and cultural diversity from a melting pot of people of different origins. The country presents itself as a springboard due to its proximity with France (through Reunion Island), Africa and Asia, which facilitates all kinds of trade and transactions.

Mauritius is an ideal destination to grow and focus on true values, such as sharing, openness and tolerance.

3. What are the tax benefits of purchasing property in Mauritius?

Mauritius has a simple tax system: VAT, income tax and corporate tax are all capped at 15%, including tax on rental income; this is coupled with the absence of inheritance tax for deceased persons with tax resident status in Mauritius.

There is no tax on dividends, net worth or dividends.

Additionally, there is no land or property tax in Mauritius.

Joël Rault has left his diplomatic post to resume private practice within his consultancy firm, Hermès Advisory, as a logical continuation of the activities of a former ambassador for whom economic promotion was a top priority during his mandate.

Drawing on his previous experience in the private sector and as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary as well as Senior Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Mauritius, Joël Rault leverages his knowledge of economic development to deliver extensive services.

He uses his visibility, network and knowledge of the economic and political system in Mauritius, Africa and France as well as his public relations skills, among others, to support any organisation that wishes to move closer to Mauritius, Africa or France.

[email protected] | www.hermes-advisory.fr

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Education in Mauritius

By Pamela Marie,March 27, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Moving abroad with a family can be daunting when it comes to your kids education!”][vc_column_text]After all, what kind of education can you expect from an island in the Indian Ocean? Well, think again: Mauritian schools offer some of the top internationally recognised school programmes, both in English and French. Here is a broad overview of what you can expect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”In the starting blocks: Pre-primary schools”][vc_column_text]If your child’s very first steps into the schooling system terrify you, comfort yourself in the fact that many nurseries and pre-primary schools around Mauritius work according to international standards.

Increasingly popular today is the Montessori system, which nurtures independent learning based on the belief that children feel an intuitive pull towards learning from their environment. While this approach is still relatively new to Mauritius, it is growing rapidly due to popular demand and schools across the island have begun to base their program on the Montessori system. Examples include l’Ile aux Enfants on the West Coast, Little Judy in the South and Montessori Kids’ Paradise in the East, among others.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2745″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Jumping in: Primary schools”][vc_column_text]Mauritius has a well-established network of international schools that have been around for decades. Parents even have the possibility to choose from different teaching languages (English or French) and programmes.

French speakers will feel at home at the Lycée Labourdonnais in Curepipe, l’Ecole du Centre in Moka, l’Ecole du Nord in Mapou or at Ecole Paul & Virginie in Black River. English-medium schools include Clavis International Primary School in Moka, which offers the Primary Year Programme (PYP) in preparation for the International Baccalaureate, International Preparatory School in the North and Alexandra House School in Floreal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”They grow up so fast: Secondary Education”][vc_column_text]In Mauritius, private schools have worked hard to develop internationally recognised accreditations to build independent, learned young adults out of their students.

Le Bocage International School, for instance, was created almost thirty years ago as the first establishment offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Today, they are joined by Northfields International High School, who also allow students to opt for O- and A-levels according to their needs and abilities. IB schools also provide outstanding extra-curricular activities including Model United Nations (MUN) and the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Among French-medium secondary schools, the Lycée Labourdonnais in Curepipe stands out as the first to be built in Mauritius, back in the 1950s. Middle- and high-school goers attend the same establishment. In Moka, the Collège Pierre Poivre and Lycée des Mascareignes separate middle- and high-schoolers but offer continuous programmes according to French standards. These schools follow the internationally recognised syllabus issued by the French Ministry of Education. On their way out, your children will be fully equipped to tackle the challenges of French Universities and Ecoles.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Into the real world: Higher Education”][vc_column_text]In recent years, the options for tertiary education in Mauritius have grown tenfold compared to the possibilities only a few decades ago. The reputable University of Mauritius offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the various fields. The university is particularly well recognised for its departments of agriculture and biological sciences.

Those who seek an international diploma do not have to stray from the island. International institutions like the university of Middlesex, Curtin University in Australia, l’Université Paris-Dauphine and Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas have also entered partnerships with local institutions to provide internationally recognised diplomas under their names. The Charles Telfair Institute in Moka, for instance, offers degrees and diplomas in the Arts, Commerce, Interior Design and Software Development, among others. All courses are given in partnership with Curtin University or TAFE in Western Australia, which are internationally recognised institutions with the highest standards of education. Students may even opt to do part of their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Mauritius and complete their final year at the partner university in Australia.

The options for tertiary study are numerous and still growing, from law degrees to business and marketing qualifications, to masters in hospitality management, marketing and architecture, among others.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2743″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Picking a school”][vc_column_text]With all of these options for your kid, how do you choose the best one? In general, the teacher-to-child ratio is a tip-off as to how much attention your child will be getting. Other factors like outdoor facilities, location from home, infrastructure or an affinity for one system over others may affect your decision.

In the end, know that no matter your choice of schooling, your child is in good hands and can still receive an internationally recognised education in Mauritius.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament 2019

By Pamela Marie,January 24, 2018June 30, 2023

Anglers will have a great time going after big game fish off the Black River coast from 2 to 6 February 2019 during a catch-and-release competition promoting better conservation of fish stocks.

Mauritius has been a top-rated destination for big game fishing for decades. A number of avid sports fishermen from around are expected to visit the island in February to take part in the Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament 2019. Professional and amateur anglers alike will try to qualify for the largest offshore fishing tournament in the world, the IGFA Offshore World Championship.

Located in the western region of Black River, a hot spot for big game fishing on the island, it was quite natural for La Balise Marina to partner with this exciting sporting event. A sponsor of the tournament since the second edition in 2016, the first and only residential marina in Mauritius hence contributes to promoting sustainable game fishing.

Organised by a group of enthusiasts and professionals, the Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament will be held during the peak season for marlin fishing, usually from November through April. The dates have been carefully chosen, taking account of the moon phase and tide. Black River is also sheltered from prevailing winds, enjoying excellent fishing conditions.

In line with the catch-and-release concept, which requires specifically adapted equipment and techniques, all marlins caught will be returned to the sea. This should allow them to survive and continue living in their natural habitat while avoiding overfishing.

A total of 56 anglers forming 14 teams registered for last year’s edition of the competition. Fishing in the Mauritian waters was good in 2018 with a total of 28 marlin caught and released, including some amazing catches ranging from 270 to 300 kg, and an equal number of strikes were recorded.

The Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament 2018
The Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament 2018
Posted by JPH Charters - Mauritius on Monday, March 5, 2018

The Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament 2019 promises to be a beautiful human and sporting adventure. Let’s hope the fishing is just as good this year!

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An end of year holiday like no other in Mauritius

By Noor Sheriff,December 28, 2017June 26, 2023

An end of year holiday like no other in Mauritius

As Franck might say “You dream of a white Christmas” but in Mauritius, surrounded by the Indian Ocean we do not talk about snow but of white sandy beaches. We are in a wonderful place to live all year round and especially when the holiday season rolls around. Here is a taste of what you can expect for your end of year holidays.

North

Feel the heartbeat of the lively seaside village of Grand Bay. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs are available for the night owls who want to party the night away.
The bay also offers a great vantage spot for the numerous fireworks that are fired by the various hotels along the coast. This breathtaking display attracts tourists and locals alike from all around the island.

South

The South is well-known for its beautiful beaches, pristine nature and golf! If this combo suits you well, check out Heritage Bel Ombre for a festive holiday that will satisfy the desires of the entire family.
Some can enjoy a round of golf while others are having a quad ride around the nature reserve, or even spending the day lounging around in the sun by the pool and party at night at Heritage C Beach Club.

Centre

If you are more interested in the decorations and lights that brighten up shop windows during the Christmas season, you will find whatever you desire in the central part of the island. Bagatelle Mall, for example, is the ideal place to find your Christmas gifts with a number of shops.
There is also a wing dedicated to leisure with futsal and bowling as well as a cinema area. You can also come across Christmas markets, parades and a host of other animations that will appeal to both children and adults.

East

If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, head off for the east coast. You will enjoy the quiet of the white sandy beaches and the cool gentle breeze wafting through this region of the island, which is ideal in very hot weather.
Hang a hammock between two filao trees and enjoy some reading after a snorkelling treat. Explore the charming little villages dotting the coastline on a road trip and get acquainted with this timeless side of Mauritius.

West

The west coast is the warmest place on island. Take every opportunity to spend time in the water and try various nautical activities. Rent a stand-up paddle in Tamarin Bay to explore the river, take an early morning swim with dolphins, book a New Year’s Eve cruise aboard a catamaran departing from L’Estuaire or enjoy the thrill of kitesurfing in Le Morne.
On New Year's Eve, families come to enjoy a picnic in Tamarin Bay with their torches, barbecues and campfires. What a unique, warm atmosphere!

Take a break to discover Mauritius

Take a break from the cold Northern Hemisphere winter to soak up the sun and splash about in the sea, with temperatures around 28°C.
If you haven’t already done so, it is high time to consider setting up a home base in Mauritius! Because while Christmas will always be on 25 December, you could then experience the tropical magic every day!

Porlwi by Nature - Throwback - Live in Mauritius - Festive Season - December

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Porlwi by Nature: An encounter of the third kind

By Benedicte de Comarmond,December 11, 2017June 26, 2023

Porlwi by Nature: An encounter of the third kind

Port Louis, Friday 01 December, 7p.m. My first stage leads me to La Citadelle. I join the queue of people waiting to take the shuttle to the historic monument. The lights are already visible from below and one can feel the excitement in the air. Up there, some inquisitive visitors are flocking around the “solar jar”; they are very interested to see how this solar-powered light works out. The music playing from within the fortifications draws me into another world.

Before heading back down, I stop by the bar overlooking the city. You can sit there and chat for hours while enjoying the view. On the way down the Sebastopol descent, a surprising journey – called “Photosynthesis” – awaits me. This light path created by AC3 and Armand Gachet is as fascinating as it is intriguing. It guides the visitors on their way downhill, gently bringing them back to reality.

It is well past 8p.m. and I am getting a bit peckish. I therefore make a halt at the Food Market and choose a wrap from Manoushé that I eat sitting on the sidewalk. Food is something that brings people together, as exemplified by the warm and lively atmosphere around the booths and tables set up in the middle of the road (which has been turned into a pedestrian path for the occasion). I take a few sips of water before continuing on.

Porlwi Food Market

Best street food in the city

I keep my eyes wide open to fully enjoy the show in Bourbon Street. Particularly in view are the beautiful floral windows created by Sanjeeyann Paleatchy and the green architectural touches added by the Collectif LESS. There is also street art and it’s a pleasure watching the artists busy completing their works. I continue on my way down to the harbour to the rhythm of musical performances featuring instruments such as the didgeridoo, drums and Chinese violin.

After reaching the waterfront, I walk down to Ilot Grenier and enter the contemporary art exhibition, quickly falling under the spell of the first work on display: beautifully lit plants floating in zero gravity. At the military hospital, I take the time to enjoy the performance by the Joseph brothers (including the famous salt choreography) and a hypnotic art installation, “Beyond the Visible”.

I feel the need to come back to my senses after such exciting experiences and continue my journey towards the open-air cinema. Sitting comfortably at “Kas Enn Poz”, I tell myself that this installation should be a year-round feature! I take the opportunity to watch a preview of excerpts from the Dittberner brothers’ documentary, Mystic Mauritius. I discover another Mauritius, which is even more beautiful than what I pictured in my memories.

The final stretch leads me to Le Caudan Waterfront. In addition to the restaurants and cafes that normally contribute to the lively atmosphere of the place, I come across street performers, including some strange animals perched on their “green” swings. But what really catches my attention is the Nature Cocoon, a kind of bamboo hut which offers a sound and visual immersion experience created by The Collective, Current Projects and electrocaïne.

Lying down on the ground and surrounded by strangers, this last experience is the perfect conclusion to my “Porlwi by Nature” adventure: a voyage into another world, an encounter of the third kind.

Epilogue

Port Louis, Sunday 03 December, noon. I am back in the capital with a group of schoolchildren attending a workshop at the top of La Citadelle, sponsored by the ENL Group. After a guided tour of the Granary building, we get on a large bus that takes us halfway there. We still have some way to climb and the children complete the walk in good spirit.

There is a general feeling of relief when we reach the top. We form two groups and while one group takes a visit of La Citadelle to learn more about the history of the monument and the city, the other one joins in the “solar jar” workshop. We all show much enthusiasm in making our own solar-powered lantern and learning how it works.

After participating in both activities, the children seem to have been won over, each of them taking back home an environmentally-friendly light with their first name written on it. They can place these lights under their Christmas tree to show the way to Santa Claus!

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The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 2017, in the words of a golf enthusiast

By Sandrine de Speville,December 6, 2017June 27, 2023

The morning sun is already shining over the horizon and I can’t help but look at the wonderful panorama stretching out before me as I follow the winding road down from the Central Plateau to the southern coast of the island.

Along this road that descends along the mountainside to the coastal road leading to Bel Ombre, I feel a rush of excitement at the thought of seeing some of the world’s finest golfers from up close. But wait, did I tell you that I was on my way to the third edition of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, taking place at the Heritage Golf Club in Bel Ombre?

An immersion in the final of this international championship

I am well acquainted with the Heritage Golf Club, having played there many times. It is one of the most spectacular golf courses on the island with magnificent scenery and a delight to play time and again. Set on an idyllic piece of land between rolling mountains and the turquoise lagoon of the Indian Ocean with beautiful vistas from every green and tee, the Heritage golf course provides an enjoyable and challenging experience for golfers of all handicap levels. It is no coincidence that it was voted Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course in the last three years!

Once there, I scan the leaderboard to find the favourites. It is the fourth and final tournament day and out of the initial field of 156 players, there are only 66 finalists left, including a number of renowned tournament winners such as Louis Oosthuizen, George Coetzee, Arjun Atwal and Dylan Frittelli.

I spend the morning hanging around the first holes in groupie-like style, contemplating the birdies and bogeys among a cheerful, eclectic crowd of families, amateur and professional golf enthusiasts. At noon, the tropical summer heat kicks in and I am unable to decide whether to go to the Heritage C Beach Club for a lunch break by the pool… I finally choose not to miss a single second of this final day and stay on the course. I make my way towards the catering area to get a drink and have a chat with other golf fans.

Broadcast live to more than 480 million homes to 5 continents

This proves to be a good decision as I come across someone in charge of the video broadcast of the Open who tells me a bit about his work. It is no easy task as the event is broadcast live to more than 480 million homes across 5 continents! I knew that the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open was a renowned event but I had not imagined such an impact. This Golf Open has been around for only 3 years but it is quickly becoming a major event on the different professional tours. It is actually the world’s only tri-sanctioned golf tournament endorsed by the European, Asian and Sunshine Tours.

Frittelli however proves stronger and wins the 2017 Open.

As the day comes to a close, things get serious with Frittelli and Atwal fighting it out on the 18^th hole, and the latter leading by only one shot. Atwal takes a big risk by attempting an aggressive play on this par 5 and reaches the green with his second shot. He misses a tournament-winning eagle by only a fraction of an inch. He finally ends up with a birdie to take it to a play-off. Frittelli however proves stronger and wins the 2017 Open.

Wow, this thrilling duel winds up in style an exciting day in paradise!!!

Looking forward to the next edition!

mauritius-ranks-first-among-africa-most-competitive-countries-sothebys-live-in-mauritius

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Mauritius ranks 1st in Africa’s most competitive countries

By Mikael Le Luron,September 27, 2017November 29, 2023

Africa is full of brilliant, educated young people. Troublingly full.

The number of working-age people in the continent is expected to grow to 450 million over the next couple of decades. But Africa’s engines of job creation aren’t keeping up. If enough new positions aren’t created by 2035, Africa may be sailing towards a crisis of youth unemployment.

According to the Africa Competitiveness Report 2017, published today, African leaders have a choice. They can either put into effect structural reforms that improve people’s livelihoods or allow current, not-quite-adequate constitutional policies to unravel towards inequality and civil unrest.

The chart below, taken from the report, shows the rise in the number of working-age Africans since the 1950s, with the soaring red line plotting the expected rise in sub-Saharan numbers over the next 30 years.

Sub-Saharan Africa in red
Image: Africa Competitiveness Report 2017

It’s a dramatic demographic forecast. But what can Africa do to avoid it turning into disaster? Progress at raising competitiveness and productivity has been slow – yet without those two desirable traits, economies will struggle to provide more employment opportunities.

In fact, unless current policies change, there’ll only be a quarter of the required jobs by 2035.

The solution may lie in competitiveness, in pushing forward structural reforms that boost productivity, create jobs and determine how prosperous a country can become. This can be anything from affordable housing to clean water, better transport and sharper training initiatives – anything that helps people learn and connect and thrive.

The top performers

So which countries are getting it right? Below is a list of the 10 best-performing African nations, as measured by the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Competitiveness Report. Mauritius, South Africa and Rwanda come out on top.

First, a little perspective: although Mauritius ranks first among African countries, it is still only at No 45 in the global index, a sober nod towards Africa’s slowing productivity levels after a decade of sustained growth. If Mauritius consistently outperforms its continental peers, it’s because its leaders have removed the hurdles that prevent so many other countries from achieving prosperity; in this case, streamlining its goods market, building solid infrastructure and promoting a healthy workforce.

South Africa and Rwanda also do well and have improved their global ranking since the last index was released in 2015. Their continued growth can be attributed to the uptake of technology, efficient financial markets and a focus on strengthening institutions.

These are just some of the factors that contribute to a country’s prosperity. But the most important are those that enable people to find employment, travel to work and carry out their jobs. If they can do that, then disaster is not only averted, it is turned inside out, into an economic revival that may yet sweep Africa to prosperity.

Africa Competitiveness Report 2017: read the full report here

Anna Bruce-Lockhart, Editor, World Economic Forum

Source: World Economic Forum

The 5 Best Beaches in Mauritius

By Nazira Mahangeer,September 26, 2017June 13, 2023

Ok, so first up: writing this post is impossible. Mauritius has over 160 km of beaches, and pretty much all of them are pristine. Creating a definitive list (and don’t even get me started about rankings!) is tough going. My top five, therefore, are just those beaches where I like to hang out. Had this post been written by anyone else, you would be reading a totally different article: Mont Choisy, though gorgeous, isn’t here – simply because I don’t really go there. Neither is the iconic Trou aux Biches, a favourite place for many Mauritian families. Flic-En-Flac is lacking in mystique, for me, just because of habit: it’s where I spent most of my childhood weekends.

Another issue when writing was this: how exactly do I go about describing each of these beaches without sounding repetitive? The sea’s temperature is basically bathwater come summer. All of these places have fine, golden sand, advert-style, and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for relaxing in or exploring. Like pretty much all the hotel brochures will tell you, “a large variety of watersports can be practiced on the island”, too.

Which is why I’ve chosen the beaches with personality, history, and a bit of a wild side. I’ve cheated a little bit in some places – there are ‘stretches’ of coast that I really love, which contain three or four ‘slices’ of shore that you should discover on foot (there’s no excuse not to!) Here we go:

1. Tamarin, West Coast

I can never get enough of Tamarin bay. The sand is light basalt-grey, as if the place demanded a personality different from the rest of the island. It’s possibly the one beach where you’ll find tourists, foreigners and locals mingling all together, a symbol of unity that’s made Tamarin a hotspot for artist gatherings and musical events. What you really should come for, however, is the sunset. It’s unlike anything else you’ve ever seen: the whole bay is drenched in colour, reflected in the water, in the mountains, a golden pink, purple and blue that, honestly, no adjective could do justice.

Photographers love this place. Saskia P’s latest collection was shot here.

These two are my own, taken with my phone.

2. Le Morne, South West coast

This place defines iconic. This whole stretch of coast is among the world’s most beautiful – and this isn’t just my opinion! The beach and lagoon are gorgeous – but that’s the usual deal. What makes this whole place extraordinary (so many adjectives so far, I know, but trust me it’s justified) is that, when you’re swimming or just lying on your back, eyes turned towards the land, you’re met with spectacular jagged mountains in a palette of green and purple. Make sure to stay long enough so you can enjoy a sunset swim, where the whole coast is tinted pink and gold. Photography lovers: you’ll want to camp here for a while. That’s not all, of course: Le Morne is a UNESCO world heritage site, a place commemorative of the horrors of slavery. It almost cuts you with its geographical memory. It’s the place you would choose, if you were to describe one of the areas that defines or encapsulates Mauritius.

This shot was taken near Le Paradis hotel – again, from my phone. The view is phenomenal.

Venture a little further away, to Le Morne mountain: this spot here is prized by kitesurfers

Yep, you guessed it – come sunset, photographers appear!

3. Bel Ombre, still on the South West Coast

Look at this photo below, it’s a good guide:

Driving from Tamarin will lead you straight to Le Morne…and from there, keep driving south! You’ll arrive on another stretch of coast I love, called Bel Ombre: an expanse of white sand, gilding one of the most tranquil shores of the island. Bel Ombre is quietly stunning: a slice of wild southern beauty, complete with forests, waterfalls, crescent-shaped lagoons and an array of beaches to explore. Don’t miss the gorgeous Rivière des Galets, the one beach in Mauritius totally covered by smooth, grey pebbles.

4. Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny, South Coast

If you love snorkelling, or even just gazing down from the comfort of your glass-bottom boat – you have to visit Blue Bay. The beach can get a little crowded though, sometimes (and honestly, it totally deserves the attention it garners – thick white sand that pillows your feet), which is why I like to head to Pointe d’Esny. It’s quite residential, but the beach (like all beaches in this country) is public, and worth the trip even just for the view of those mountains jutting up from the land.

One of the cute things about Pointe d’Esny is the path you use to access the beach. The two photos above are © Khatleen Minerve. Below, © Connie‘s insta-postcard:

5. Pereybere and Bain Boeuf, Cosmopolitan North Coast

A tourist favourite, and for good reason: the sea is almost transparent and so clean, the sand ultra-fine. It’s the place made for weekends, no matter the season, since you’re guaranteed warm temperatures and little to no wind. It’s picturesque, too, when you know where to go. The public beach has access to all the restaurants and fresh fruit that have made the little town a go-to spot for years; however, keep walking east, heading to Bain Boeuf. You’ll see Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) framed by pirogues, crescent-bays that are postcard perfect.

My own shot. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a catamaran and visit Coin de Mire and the Northern Islands!

6. Ilot Bernaches, Islet off the North East coast

…Ok, Ok, so here’s a sixth spot. Couldn’t help myself.

Ilot Bernaches is the haunt of a few very large Mauritian parties once or twice a year, but other than that, the islet is still rather well-preserved – I guess it’s because it’s a little out of the way. Fifteen minutes from St Antoine by speedboat, still secluded, and never, ever overcrowded (unlike that other famous tourist destination, Ile aux Cerfs). What more could you want for a mini, mini getaway?

The mangrove trees nearby make for many memorable kayaking or SUP sessions – so why is it on my list of the best beaches? Well, for a start, it offers you a couple of different ways to enjoy the lagoon. On one side, you’ve got the wild, rockier sea stretching out before you: the perfect place to just sit and contemplate. On the other side – the one that you disembark on – you’ve got this gorgeous ‘sea bathtub’ experience: the water is comfortably shallow, so you could sit or lie down, as you would on the dry sand, with a glass of chilled wine in your hand.

While writing this piece, a couple of news sources have confirmed that Mauritius is in fact part of a long-lost subcontinent. Forget Atlantis – the magic’s here.
Enjoy the weekend!

This post originally appeared on Realty Splendeur Blog by Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty.

Life on the greens

By Benedicte de Comarmond,September 26, 2017June 13, 2023

On the southwestern coast of Mauritius, the Domaine de Bel Ombre is immortalised in Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s novel, Paul et Virginie. The French author was also a botanist and natural historian, who visited Mauritius to study plants in the late 1760s. His story, about two half-siblings who were prevented from exploring their affection for each other and died tragically young, has been compared to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. First published in 1788, the novel has been translated into multiple languages.

Le Chateau de Bel Ombre

A 1,300 ha sanctuary for the fauna and flora

The Domaine de Bel Ombre is a former sugar estate, which now boasts two five-star hotels and a beach club practically at the water’s edge, a spa, the fine-dining restaurant Le Château de Bel Ombre, a championship level golf course and the Frédérica Nature Reserve. The latter is a 1 300ha sanctuary for fauna and flora, providing a haven for wild apple and ebony trees as well as monkeys, birds, wild hares, boars and Java deers.

At the heart of the estate, just 40 minutes’ drive from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, is the prestigious Integrated Resort Scheme, Villas Valriche. Developed and promoted by the ENL group on freehold land that can be sold to foreigners, at a price that also qualifies buyers for Mauritian residency, almost 90 percent of the first 160 plots released have been sold.

Villas Valriche Oceanfront Golf Estate

There are five standard designs that can be applied in different configurations to the 288 plantation-style villas in the development. They range in size from two to four plus bedrooms and a surface area of 150m² to 500m², with landscaped gardens from 700m² to over 2 000m², generous verandas and an infinity pool. The price ranges from a two-bedroom villa at $890 000 to a three- to four-bedroom villa for $3 004 000.

The villas overlook the sea, or the golf course designed by Peter Matkovich, which extends over more than 100 hectares. The golf complex incorporates an 18-hole championship course that is the venue every alternate year for the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the only worldwide trisanctioned tournament endorsed by the European, Sunshine and Asian tours. ‘The international exposure this brings for the island is very important,’ says Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty real-estate manager Jennifer Hirst, ‘and we always see a spike in interest in Villas Valriche when the championship is held at the Heritage Golf Club.’

For owners who desire bespoke homes and privacy, the plantation-style Villas Valriche development incorporates five standard designs that can be applied in different configurations, ranging from two to four bedrooms, with landscaped gardens, verandas and infinity pools.

Limited selection with elevated views on the island

More plots just released are located on the west side of the estate, leading down towards the C Beach Club, as well as a limited selection of the plots that offer the best elevated views on the estate (if not on the island), says Hirst. ‘This exclusive collection of villas is ideally suited to owners who desire larger, bespoke homes in an exclusive private setting.’

For more information, contact Jennifer Hirst on [email protected] or visit villasvalriche.com or sir.mu.

Source: Private Edition, Issue 33. Original article by Debbie Hathway.

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Mauritius provides significant non-tax benefits

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Anglers will have a great time going after big game fish off the Black River coast from 2 to 6 February 2019 during a catch-and-release competition promoting better conservation of fish stocks.

An end of year holiday like no other in Mauritius

North

South

Centre

East

West

Take a break to discover Mauritius

Porlwi by Nature: An encounter of the third kind

Porlwi Food Market

Epilogue

An immersion in the final of this international championship

Broadcast live to more than 480 million homes to 5 continents

Frittelli however proves stronger and wins the 2017 Open.

The top performers

1. Tamarin, West Coast

2. Le Morne, South West coast

3. Bel Ombre, still on the South West Coast

4. Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny, South Coast

5. Pereybere and Bain Boeuf, Cosmopolitan North Coast

6. Ilot Bernaches, Islet off the North East coast

A 1,300 ha sanctuary for the fauna and flora

Villas Valriche Oceanfront Golf Estate

Limited selection with elevated views on the island

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1. What according to you are the main advantages of investing in Mauritius for:
a) an individual?
b) a company?