The island of Mauritius has a rich culture, which is due to the diversity of its population, native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. This multiculturality is expressed in its museums, which offer a unique opportunity to discover the history, culture and biodiversity of this paradise island. Historical, naval, agro-industrial, stamp or photography, so let’s browse through the museums to visit during your stay in Mauritius.The Aapravasi Ghat Situated in Port Louis harbour, this very interesting interactive museum gives an insight into the history of the Mauritian population. This former landing place of the first indentured labourers draws an exceptional family tree of the Mauritian population, with many fascinating documents that are worth discovering. It was the first site of its kind to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Today, the Aapravasi Ghat is an important symbol of the cultural diversity of Mauritius and a memorial to the indentured labourers who have contributed to the economic growth of the island. https://aapravasi.govmu.org/Blue Penny Museum Famous for housing the rare and precious Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, considered the most expensive in the world, the Blue Penny Museum is an interesting immersion into the history of Mauritius. Philatelists are sure to appreciate the visit, with many old documents, marine charts, paintings, sculptures and a fine collection of works that recount Mauritian history, culture and local fauna and flora. A room dedicated to the legend of Paul and Virginia gives access to different editions of the famous novel, paintings and a statue that relate the tragic story of the star-crossed lovers. https://www.bluepenny.museum/   The Natural History Museum of Port-Louis Founded in 1880, the museum houses an impressive collection of natural artifacts, ranging from minerals and rocks to fossils and plants, as well as specimens of marine and terrestrial animals from the region, including rare and endangered birds. The museum also features an exhibition on the geological history of Mauritius, which dates back millions of years. Visitors can discover how the island emerged from the sea bed and how the fauna and flora have evolved over time. The museum also offers educational activities for children and organizes events throughout the year. The highlight of the visit, which should delight children who are fans of the cartoon “Madagascar”, is the reproduction of a dodo, the most famous bird of Mauritius, now extinct, as well as bones and a presentation of its lifestyle.The Mauritius Postal Museum The 19th century stone building, which is a listed building, testifies to the major events that have marked the history of postal services in Mauritius since its origin in 1772. Postal and philatelic history enthusiasts will be delighted by an impressive collection of stamps and envelopes, as well as stamp machines and old postal uniforms.The Photography Museum In the heart of Port-Louis, this small private museum is a must for all those who love photography. It houses all kinds of objects and documents on Mauritian photography, and the beginnings of cinematography. From old cameras to lenses, old books on photography, some of the first images of daguerreotype on metal, material projection, and an impressive collection of old stereoscopic photographs, immerse yourself in the exciting iconographic history of Mauritius. Visitors can also buy books, posters and other photography-related products in the museum shop. https://www.facebook.com/people/Mus%C3%A9e-de-la-Photographie-%C3%8Ele-Maurice-Photographic-Museum-of-Mauritius/100057584825463/The Château Labourdonnais   This splendid colonial house on a former sugar estate in the north-east is a magnificent testimony of the colonial period in Mauritius until its independence. In addition to its magnificent lush garden, visitors can admire the superb renovated residence of former landowners, with its rich collection of furniture, paintings, objects and carpets. https://domainedelabourdonnais.com/Mahébourg naval museum   Head off to this small museum in the south-east which houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts and documents, covering a period from the Dutch colonization of Mauritius in the 17th century to independence in 1968. Visitors will learn about the history of the slave trade, the sugar industry and Indian immigration, all of which played an important role in the development of the island. The museum houses old cannons, the famous bell of the famous ship Le Saint-Géran, which inspired Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s mythical story of “Paul and Virginia”, antique furniture and a wagon in the garden. Visitors can also get to know the history of the naval battle of Grand Port which took place in 1810. With its quaint atmosphere and unique artifacts, the Mahébourg naval museum is a must for naval history enthusiasts.   L’Aventure du Sucre   Dedicated to the crucial and founding history of the Mauritian sugar cane industry, L’Aventure du Sucre, housed in a former sugar factory, proposes an interactive immersion in several languages on the history of sugar, from its production to its transportation by man, as well as reconstitutions of the living conditions at that time. Children will be delighted to participate in workshops and discover the different varieties of sugar as well as a sugary boutique. https://aventuredusucre.com/fr/Eureka, the Creole house In the heart of Moka, in the center of Mauritius, the Eureka house is a nostalgic and impressive dive into the colonial history and ancient domains of the country. Restored and maintained with care, this superb house offers an idea of the gentle lifestyle of the islands, with its beautiful varangue, its waxed wooden floors, its fine furniture and precious works of art and decorative objects rarely to be seen nowadays.  The house is surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque waterfalls, providing an idyllic setting for a relaxing walk.   The museums of Mauritius are fascinating for a better understanding of the extraordinary history and interbreeding of its population during your stay. Please check with our concierges for opening hours and days.

Mauritian nature is generous. Across the island grow fruit trees that offer Mauritians a lot of vitamins on a daily basis. You do not even need to go to the market, simply walk across the streets and open your eyes… In Mauritius, it is common knowledge that all the fruits available at the edge of the road belong to everyone. Any person can consume it whenever he wants to.For those who are observant, spotting wild fruit trees in the Mauritian countryside is a child’s play. They are quite numerous and they are almost everywhere: cities, villages, fields, and forests… Most of the seeds of the species such as mangoes or papayas, are spread through the frugivores like birds or bats.A wide variety of vegetables and fruits produced in Mauritius is very appreciated by the Mauritians; It should be noted that these form a very important part in the daily meals of Mauritians. A vegetable curry is normally an essential part of a lunch or a typically creole Mauritian dinner, then a fruit salad or a ripe and juicy fruit (mango or pineapple) complements the meal.Everyday, local markets display a multitude of fresh and colorful vegetables. Locally grown in rural areas, they are taken early in the morning to be sold during the day. Some common vegetables that can be found on the stalls are mainly eggplants, cabbage, bitter gourd (with a bitter taste, but also healing properties), gourds, green beans etc… There is also a variety of leafy vegetables (edible leaves such as watercress, “brède malbar” etc…) which are cooked in a broth or a stir fry with onions to accompany a creole “rougaille” or any other sauce.The paradise Island of Mauritius offers a wide variety of tropical fruits. Most of the fruits ripe in summer, but some of them can be purchased at any time during the year. For example, small bananas (called “banane zinzeli” by the locals) with its fragrant flesh can be obtained at any time. You can also find papayas, mangoes (different varieties), cinnamon-apple, pineapple, soursop with its white and soft pulp, litchis (from China) and longan from the same family (but sweeter). There is also the seasonal fruit “Goyave de chine” (from Brazil initially) grown in the forest. All these delicious fruits can be found in local markets.

Mauritius has a great diversity of fauna and flora; very impressive for such a small space. It is because of its volcanic origin, time, isolation and its unique area. Mauritius has 670 species of native flowers, with about 45% of it endemic to the island. Many endemic plants became rare because of the destruction of their habitat. During the colonization of the island, only a few animals have found refuge on the island by plane or by boat, mostly birds and reptiles, but no mammals except for bats. It is interesting to note that no amphibian lives on the island. Ile aux Aigrettes, on the southeast coast of the island, is used for the reconstitution of native forests and the reintroduction of rare species on the island. Fauna The Mauritius Kestrel once was named the rarest bird in the world, because there were only 4 specimens in the 1970s. It is the only bird of prey of Mauritius and the rarest falcon in the world. Over the last 23 years, an intensive captive breeding saved this beautiful Kestrel from extinction.The Pink Pigeon is the rarest pigeon in the world and was found everywhere on the island in the past. This species is now only found in the forests of the wet Highlands in the southwest of the island. A captive breeding program began in the 1980s. The wild population of Pink Pigeon now account over 250 birds, compared to a total as low as 15 to 20 in 1985.The Echo Parakeet has been largely limited to the crest of the Macchabee forest in the National Park due to the catastrophic decline of its natural habitat. With a minimum of 20 to 25 birds in the 1990s, projects have been launched to save the rarest parrot in the world, the only endemic parrot in Mauritius.For their size, the Mascarenes islands (Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues) were once occupied by several species of unique reptiles, most of them in Mauritius. However, the arrival of humans, the destruction of habitats and the introduction of non-native plants and animals have caused the extinction of reptile species in Mauritius. The island was once home to endemic turtles. Unfortunately, they disappeared in 1844. Fortunately, analog species have been introduced in the country, namely the giant turtle of Aldabra which can be seen in some parks, such as Casela, and on Île aux Aigrettes.Flora Maurice was a patch of green, lost in the Indian ocean. In the past, a compact forest covered the entire island, except on certain points of the coast. And the splendid forests of “exotic wood”, with ebony trees have been tempting for merchants and captains. Quickly, the Mauritius Ebony wood had a great reputation in the European markets. The Dutch have massively exploited the Ebony wood, thinking it was an unlimited resource. Trochetia Boutoniana or the Boucle d’Oreille, is the national flower of Mauritius. It was named after the famous French botanist Louis Bouton and is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It is now found on a single mountain in Mauritius, but you can see it in some gardens on the island. This flower is a beautiful shrub reaching about 2 to 3 meters in height with orange-red flowers that bloom from June to October.Exotic red Anthurium plants represent the island and are often used as gifts. Mauritius is a major exporter of anthurium flowers for South Africa, Europe, and Australia. Picked early in the morning, the anthuriums are sold in packs that last at least 4 days, without water. At Quatre Bornes market, there are a lot of florists. The colors of the Anthurium vary from satin white to frosted pink and from bright orange to crimson red. There is also an abundance of delicious fruit, especially in summer: many varieties of mangoes, lychees, pineapples, avocado, longan, various lemons, guavas, papayas, jamalacs, cherry etc… As imported fruits over time have invaded the local stalls, people generally buy apples, oranges, plums and kiwis… However, imported fruits cannot replace the local ones for the making of chutneys and pickles.

Mauritius, being a volcanic island, contains several breathtaking summits and valleys to explore by foot. The island is well known for its natural beauty. Maurice offers many hiking and trekking spots in parks and reserves, around its basaltic mountains and in many other beautiful places. Each peak offers a unique panoramic view of this paradise. Some of the most popular hiking spots in Mauritius are:The Black River Gorges National Park Le Pouce mountain The Morne Brabant Nicoliere reservoirBlack River Gorges Park NationalThis Park, which is located in the South-West of Mauritius, extends over an area of 6 754 hectares and covers about 2% of the total area of the island. There are several hiking spots, short and long, recommended in the park. With the help of guides, you will discover the natural heritage of Mauritius in this unique region, which is also the location of one of the rarest forests in the world. It houses approximately 311 species of native and endemic plants, and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. You’ll find yourself in the heart of a native forest which offers many scenic views, and a refreshing river where you can swim. Le Pouce mountainHiking at this mountain is not the most difficult hike but is the most popular in Mauritius. This hiking trail is very loved by nature lovers, hiking lovers and especially beginners. Le Pouce is located on the northwestern part of the island of Mauritius, in Moka district, between the Signal mountain and Pieter Both mountain. The peak of this mountain is recognized as the third highest mountain in Mauritius with 812 meters, after Pieter Both, and Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire. The Morne BrabantThis iconic trail in Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant, is definitely among the best things to do during a visit to Mauritius. This majestic mountain was declared a world heritage by UNESCO to commemorate the legacy of marronage (runaways slaves) in Mauritius. The Morne Brabant is one of the most unspoiled and wildest mountains of the island. This mountain is home to a great variety of endemic species, such as the Trochetia Boutoniana, which is the national flower of Mauritius. The NicoliereThe Nicoliere is a water reserve located on the eastern path. This small lake is surrounded by hills, forming a protected area where the vegetation is completely different from that of the coast. Discover an incredible path in the reserve of the Nicoliere where you can meet monkeys and wild boars. The trail will lead you to rivers and forests, with breathtaking views of the Lake of the Nicoliere and the islets of the North. Do not hesitate to contact the Marguery Exclusive Villas’ concierge for any activity booking.

Far from the stereotypical image of Mauritius, including the white beaches with turquoise waters and filaos, this island is so much more than its typical image. This volcanic island is filled with panoramic landscapes, lush forests, mountains, roaring waterfalls, plunging cliffs, and gorges. There are numerous remarkable waterfalls in Mauritius, and each one is just as beautiful as the other. With fertile soil and lush vegetation, these waterfalls are havens of relaxation and a means to connect with nature. Most of the waterfalls are located in isolated and serene places, and the paths to reach can be very difficult. Yet, it is worth to discover the rustic and wild side of this island. Chamarel FallsLocated in the village of Chamarel, Chamarel waterfall is the highest waterfall in Mauritius, with a height of 100 meters (almost the same height as the Statue of liberty). It falls down in a picturesque environment of lush forests and breathtaking mountains. There are volcanic rocks from some 8 million years ago, representing some of the oldest rocks of lava of Mauritius. Alexandra FallsAnother example is the iconic Alexandra Falls. Located at some 700 meters above sea level, the incredible Alexandra falls are located in the Black River Gorges National Park. The captivating green of the region, the diversity of its flora, its lush wildlife, and stunning scenery make this place a wonderful way to connect with nature. You can access the waterfalls going Plaine Champagne and in the direction of Grand Bassin. Tamarind FallsAlso known as Seven Waterfalls, the falls are considered one of the most popular sites on the island. Located in the village of Henrietta in a remote and wild zone, Tamarind Falls represent pure nature in all its glory. They are surrounded by a stunning green forest nestled in the heart of a valley. These falls are considered dangerous and should be explored by taking all necessary precautions. Rochester FallsThe iconic Rochester Falls is located in the district of Savanne, only about 2.5 km from Souillac (South of Mauritius). This waterfall is also known as the widest waterfall in Mauritius. This majestic waterfall is located in a remote, wild and lush green area where you can find unique and spectacular cliffs that have been transformed into rectangular blocks by the force of water over the centuries. Grand River South-EastLocated in the village of Grand River South East, the waterfall was an important place centuries ago. The river, which is the longest river of the island, was also used to store and ship ebony wood during the Dutch era. The visit to this waterfall is usually combined with a trip to Ile aux Cerfs, another tourist attraction of Mauritius. Along the way, you will be surprised by the radical change in the landscape. Of course, there are many other waterfalls known in Mauritius that are gorgeous, but the waterfalls in the list above are the best. If you are planning a hike to these waterfalls, don’t forget your lifejacket and a rope, but also a nice pair of trekking shoes. Do not hesitate to contact the Marguery Exclusive Villas’ concierge for any activity booking.

Tea, an aromatic drink usually prepared by pouring hot or boiling water on leaves, is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Known under the name of “thé” in French, “Cha” in Mandarin, Korean and Japanese, and “Chai” in Persian and Indian, tea is available in various forms and tastes.The Mauritian passion for tea has never wavered. The history of tea in Mauritius dates back to 1890. The first seeds of tea have been introduced from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in 1886. In 1919, vanilla tea has been introduced on the local market and up to today, it is the most popular drink among Mauritians. Currently, there are three main manufacturers of tea in Mauritius; Chartreuse, Bois Chéri, and Corson.In Mauritius, tea is grown on the fertile high plateaus, where the climatic conditions are ideal for the cultivation of tea of superior quality. Mauritian tea is known to be cultivated while respecting the environment, free of pesticides. The annual collection of tea leaves is 6732 tons which are grown on 574 hectares with 1295 tons of tea produced.Over the years, Mauritians tea manufacturers have innovated in the creative mixture and the development of unique varieties of tea. Today, the tea industry in Mauritius produces more than 20 varieties of tea. The innovative products available include green tea, coconut tea, lemon tea, caramel tea, cardamom tea, lemongrass tea and other exotic fruit’s tea, iced tea, and the tea chutney.Mauritian tea is exported mainly to France, Reunion, Madagascar, Seychelles and to other regional markets. Recently, new markets such as China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Hungary and the Czech Republic have joined the list of buyers. The Chinese are fond of the black tea of Mauritius which is considered as a luxury product.Herbal tea is another recent development in the tea industry of Mauritius. For centuries, herbal tea has been used as a medicinal product. Arising from this use, Mauritian manufacturers have developed herbal teas with the aim of promoting their nutritional value. Today, a wide range of herbal teas is exported around the world.During your stay in Mauritius, you can know more about the history of tea in Mauritius by following the Tea route at the tea plantation of Bois Chéri. Do not hesitate to contact the Marguery Exclusive Villas’ concierge for any activity booking.

Ile aux Cerfs is a small island near the east coast of Mauritius in the district of Flacq. This paradise island represents approximately 100 hectares of land. Nowadays, there are no more deer on the island, but you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You absolutely need to visit Ile aux Cerfs during your stay in Mauritius. It is famous for its beaches of white sand, its beautiful lagoon and its large choice of activities and facilities.Ile aux Cerfs is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers who seek to make the best of the tropical climate and the beautiful crystal-clear waters of Mauritius. Although swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon are an absolute necessity, there is also a huge range of land and water activities available; rides in speed boat, water skiing, banana boat, parasailing, boat rides in the turquoise lagoon, and ziplines in the Adventure Park. The adventure park welcomes both children (aged more than 4) and adults, with different degrees of difficulty available depending on the age of the visitor. If you are in the search of an active day in the sun, Ile aux Cerfs is definitely the place to be.The coral reef is beautiful and full of marine life, and with the large black rocks out of the water, it is an ideal place for diving and to enjoy the underwater world of Mauritius. On Ile aux Cerfs, you will find many restaurants that correspond to almost all tastes and you should certainly try some of the local specialties. The island also has a golf course of 18 holes, so if you want to experience Mauritian golf while enjoying the breathtaking views of the lagoon and the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, it is definitely one of the best locations.For those who just want to relax, the sands of the beautiful virgin beaches of Ile aux Cerfs are exceptionally warming. The island is the ideal place to get a good dose of vitamin D. Place your towel on the beach or pay a nominal fee for a long chair and spend your day admiring the view, immerse yourself in your favorite book while sipping a refreshing cocktail.So, when you visit the island of Mauritius, do not forget to visit Ile aux Cerfs, the paradise island of Mauritius. You will have an incredible experience that you can share with your family and your friends. Do not hesitate to contact the Marguery Exclusive Villas’ concierge for any activity booking.