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The Rich Heritage of Mauritius

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Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies an island full of rich heritage and beauty to behold. Past our stunning suites on stilts, Mauritius is a nation of natural wonder and fascinating history, with many guests venturing beyond our hotels to soak in what it has to offer .

From the past of Le Morne to the marvel of Seven Coloured Earth, here’s our guide to experience Mauritius both, past and present.

Mauritian Heritage

Port Louis

Port Louis embodies the essence of this tropical paradise, combining rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes for one of the most popular day trips for guests. Mauritius’ capital and most populous city, is the hub of the country’s economic, cultural, political and administrative growth.

Dating back to the 17th century, this vibrant city still pays homage to its cultural heritage. Stroll across the iconic Le Caudan Waterfront, where old warehouses have been transformed into modern shops, restaurants, and a museum, offering a captivating blend of old and new.

Credit: Peter Kuchar

Indulge yourself at the colourful Central market, a cultural kaleidoscope where the island’s flavours, scents, and craftsmanship converge. Let the vibrant atmosphere of local vendors transport you back to a time of spice trade and bustling bazaars.

As you explore the city, you’ll encounter grand buildings like the Government House and the Jummah Mosque, reflecting the diverse architectural influences that have shaped Mauritius over the centuries.

Le Morne

Le Morne is a captivating fusion of historical heritage and awe-inspiring natural beauty. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases its cultural significance amidst breathtaking scenery.

At the heart of Le Morne lies the iconic Le Morne Brabant, a towering basaltic rock formation. For the adventurous spirits, embark on a trek up the rugged slopes of Le Morne Brabant, where each step unveils panoramic views of the island and the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Credit: S Molteno

Surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine white sands, Le Morne boasts a coastal beauty that takes your breath away. With vibrant marine life that thrive in the coral reefs beneath the waves. Spend a day by the pristine shores, where you can snorkel among colourful fish and graceful turtles.

Delve into the rich culture and panoramic views, Le Morne has to offer. Whether you seek to trek up the rugged slopes for panoramic views or dive into vibrant coral reefs below, Le Morne promises unforgettable adventures. Embrace the spirit of this unique destination, where history and nature come together to create an unforgettable journey.

Sugar Museum and Factory

Sugar production holds immense cultural significance in the history and identity of Mauritius. The green colour on the Mauritian flag is even said to represent the cultivation of sugarcane in Mauritius. As you explore the beautiful island, it becomes evident that sugarcane is deeply woven into the fabric of its past, present, and future.

One of the best places to start this captivating journey is at L’Aventure du Sucre, located in the north of Mauritius. This former sugar factory has been transformed into a world-class museum, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the island’s sugar industry.

Credit: Hansueli Krapf

Venturing further, you’ll encounter the Sugar Museum in Pamplemousses. Nestled within an enchanting estate, this museum showcases the evolution of sugar production techniques throughout the centuries. It houses a collection of antique machinery and artefacts, offering a glimpse into the labour-intensive processes that once defined the industry.

Another gem is the Bois Chéri Tea Factory, where tea and sugar come together. While primarily known for its tea plantations, Bois Chéri showcases the close relationship between tea and sugarcane cultivation in Mauritius.

Breathtaking Scenery

Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth

“Terres de 7 Couleurs” or Seven Coloured Earth is a geological phenomenon that beckons travellers with its uniqueness. Nestled in the small village of Chamarel, on the west coast of Mauritius, the geopark’s rainbow-coloured sands are a must-see.

Unlike other dunes, Seven Coloured Earth is naturally painted with a breathtaking array of hues. Boasting dunes adorned in seven vibrant colours – reds, browns, violets, greens, blues, purples, and yellows. This rare phenomenon evolved through the conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals, creating a surreal landscape.

Credit: Mauritiustrip

The beauty of the sands can be witnessed throughout the day, but as the sun graces the horizon the dunes truly become alive. As if the sands have awoken you will be blessed with a true symphony of colours, the like only seen when you look to the cosmos.

Amidst the picturesque landscape of Chamarel are many other natural beauties. Marvel at the Chamarel Falls, where waterfalls against a backdrop of lush jungles and rolling hills all year round. Or spend some time with local fauna in Tortoise Park, a sanctuary for these graceful giants in their natural habitat.

Underwater waterfall

The legendary Underwater Waterfall off the southwest coast of Le Morne is an incredible sight too behold. The natural phenomenon is a visual experience that will play tricks on your eyes, see the surreal illusion of cascading waterfalls beneath the crystal-clear waves of the Indian Ocean.

Despite its name, the Underwater Waterfall is not an actual waterfall; it’s an optical illusion caused by the interplay of currents and sand formations on the ocean floor. As the sand and sediment descend into a steep underwater chasm, the sunlight filtering through the water creates an extraordinary visual effect, mimicking the appearance of a cascading waterfall.

To fully appreciate the grandeur of the Underwater Waterfall, consider taking to the skies with a helicopter or plane experience. Witnessing this enchanting illusion from above provides a unique perspective, offering unrivalled views of the stunning underwater spectacle.

Credit: Satellite Photograph by DigitalGlobe via Google Maps

Embrace the allure Mauritius has to offer with Constance Hotels & Resorts. Discover the enchanting wonders of this tropical paradise, from the historical sites of Port Louis to the natural marvels of the Seven-Coloured Earth, which can be reached from Constance Prince Maurice or Constance Belle Mare Plage.

Join us in this extraordinary journey and indulge in luxury like no other, as you stay at one of our two exclusive resorts on the island. Let us pamper you with world-class hospitality, where every detail is designed to exceed your expectations.

Experience the wonders of Mauritius with Constance Hotels & Resorts – book now and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X.

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