Travel diary

 A magical garden a few kilometres from Mythic Suites & Villas invites you to immerse your senses among healing plants. In this haven of greenery and peace, delicate and comforting organic herbal teas made from plants from a 100% natural garden are prepared in a traditional and passionate style. Take a guided tour through this wellness Eden.   A certified organic farm Nathalie Baissac Daruty’s love of healthy and sustainable nature and her training in phyto and aromatherapy are the foundations of her magnificent “Feuilles et Fleurs” garden. Thanks to permaculture without pesticides or insecticides and to a permanent concern for the preservation of the environment, the herbal teas produced here are organic and benefit from an international certified label of quality.   The organic garden visit The visit begins with a guide explaining the virtues and qualities of each plant within the garden. A range of greens enhanced in places by the bright colour of a flower: time seems to stand still in this picturesque setting. Although some of the plants are easily identifiable, others are completely new: your guide will explain the benefits of ayapana, which has calming properties, and tulsi, with its soothing properties. All you have to do is bend over and breathe in these aromas to immediately experience peace of mind. The visit to the garden ends with the tasting of five different herbal teas.   The craft workshop After the visit of the garden, get to know the process of making herbal teas. Everything is done by hand in order to preserve the active ingredients of the plants. From growing to harvesting, from drying to packaging, each step is carefully and delicately handled. The plants are stripped by hand, leaf by leaf, and dried in a special drying cabinet. This workshop helps to better understand how the herbal teas are made and how to enhance the properties of each plant.     A wide range of herbal teas to take home  “Feuilles et Fleurs” offers eleven varieties of 100% natural and organic herbal teas in attractive packaging. Simple herbal teas based on a single plant or mixed, you”ll find plenty of options: lemongrass, ginger, sage, turmeric, rosemary, green tea, lavender, cinnamon… The range includes herbal teas for detox, digestion, toning and slimming…   “Feuilles et Fleurs” also runs a gardening and herbarium creation workshop open to all. Guided tours are available by appointment, your concierge will take care of the reservations for this refreshing and educational visit. 

History and nature enthusiasts? Just twenty minutes from your resort, the magnificent Domaine de Labourdonnais invites you to a fascinating visit. This 540-hectare former sugar estate has admirably diversified its activities around its agricultural and food-processing centre. Discover a haven of beauty and delight amidst historic buildings and colourful fruit orchards.   The Château de Labourdonnais Built between 1856 and 1859, the castle is set at the end of a beautiful tree-lined driveway, the Allée des Intendances, named after these imposing trees. It illustrates the 19th century lifestyle in Mauritius. Restored to its original state, the house tells the story of its plantation owners, and features a number of splendid items worthy of collectors. Paintings, furniture, bibelots, crockery, splendid teak floors, picturesque scenes on the walls, the atmosphere is full of nostalgia. With its double colonnaded gallery, the Château stands out in this well-preserved and elegant setting.   The Estate Park The wide variety of native plants, the fifty or so varieties of century-old mango trees, the spice trees and many other exotic fruit trees are worth exploring. The park, which can be visited on a small train, is perfectly maintained and you can also see giant turtles grazing, much to the children’s delight.          The Labourdonnais Nursery Created in the 1950s, the Pépinière du Domaine is one of the best known in Mauritius for the extraordinary diversity of its plants. All those with a passion for botany come here to buy and choose their plants from among the hundreds of species on offer: fruit trees, bedding trees, palms, climbing plants, trees and shrubs, aromatic plants… The visit to the orchards and the discovery of these lesser-known species is the highlight of this excursion for nature lovers. The nursery supplies the raw material for the fruit jellies and other local delicacies produced on the estate.   The Labourdonnais Orchards Since 1995, the Domaine has been producing several types of food made from orchard fruit. With authentic cooking recipes that enhance the flavour of the fruit, the Labourdonais Orchards brand is widely recognised on the local and international markets for its gourmet products: fruit pastes, sweets, jams, marmalades, fruit jellies, fruit juices, sorbets and ice creams, and fruit mashed products. If you stay at our resorts, Marguery Villas and Mythic Suites & Villas, you can taste these products at any time of the day.   Labourdonnais Rhums The visit to the Château de Labourdonnais ends with a fruit jelly tasting and the excellent rhum produced by the estate. During the distillation period, feel free to visit the Mascareignes factory, which produces pale, amber and white rhum. In the Château’s shop, numerous products from the estate will make excellent holiday gifts.          At the end of your visit, you can have lunch at La Table du Château, a gourmet restaurant that combines refined cuisine with superb decor. The Domaine de Labourdonnais is one of the best places to visit in Mauritius and should be on your to do list.

This excursion will delight everyone in the family. Have you already discovered the magnificent lagoons of Mauritius with a mask and snorkel or on an excursion to the northern islands? Discover the fantastic underwater world and the different local ecosystems at Odysseo, the largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Islands, and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Pools, aquariums, sea laboratory, conservation programme… learn and have fun!   An ecological and educational challenge Odysseo is set on 1.5 hectares facing the harbour of Port-Louis and is a twenty-minute drive from your Mythic Suites & Villas resort. It welcomes its visitors for an exciting educational adventure involving 200 species and 3,500 specimens spread over 45 aquariums. The aim? To make Mauritians and visitors to the island aware of the richness and fragility of our oceans, by encouraging responsible and sustainable actions to preserve them and by raising ecological awareness, all through fun education. By limiting the use of plastic, preserving coral reefs, helping coral regeneration and protecting endangered sea turtles: each and every one of these objectives is meaningful and encourages everyone to reconsider their contribution to preserving our planet.  Moreover, a team of 10 biologists and veterinarians ensure the well-being and comfort of the animals by carefully monitoring their health.   Welcome to Nemo’s kingdom Odysseo’s unique structure means it can be explored on several levels in an interactive way. Thousands of brightly coloured fish, extraordinary corals, fierce moray eels, peaceful sharks, sea urchins, disturbing rays, eels… each tank or aquarium makes visitors gasp with delight. The skilfully orchestrated semi-darkness enhances the wild beauty of the aquatic occupants of the place.   All about the ecosystems of Mauritius Within this educational and eco-responsible approach, visitors to Odysseo will have the opportunity to explore the four ecosystems and the incredible richness of the local biodiversity: the lagoon, the inland forests, the coral reefs and the open sea. Each is represented and explained in an interactive and entertaining way that emphasises the need to protect and preserve these fragile ecosystems. Hats off to the very successful work of raising awareness: it is always entertaining, never guilt-inducing, but it undeniably makes you more aware.   100% thrills At Odysseo, everything is designed and thought out to be as close as possible to the underwater species: open tanks, magnifying windows, multi-level aquariums… This is why crossing the tunnel guarantees both thrills and excitement. Above your head and separated by a glass window, two bulldog sharks quietly pass by, showing off their fearful teeth as they pass a ray and a black-tipped shark. Fear soon gives way to wonder at the oceans’ undiscovered beauty.   Odysseo will soon launch several immersive experiences for marine life enthusiasts. You will be able to discover or sleep with sharks, feed stingrays and experience an immersive reality experience. Odysseo can only be visited by reservation: your concierge will be happy to arrange it.

How about choosing another means that combines freedom and safety to discover Mauritius during your holidays? Experienced rider who loves nothing more than the sensation of the roaring engine and the feeling of the wind on your body? Mythic Suites & Villas gives you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful and safe road trip on a beautiful motobike.   What kind of bike? A roadster made for discovery: the Royal Enfield 350 is a British classic now manufactured under the Indian banner. With its 349cc engine, this roadster is resolutely modern and has excellent road grip.   What are the terms and conditions? All you need is your driving licence (A, A1 or B). Your Royal Enfield motorbike is delivered directly to the resort by the service provider, who will inform you about the motorbike and advise you on the routes to take.   Why a motorbike rather than a car? For the pleasure of riding at your own pace, for the feeling of freedom that comes with riding on sandy paths or trails that are impractical by car. To take the time to discover, to exchange, to be amazed, for the taste of authenticity and new encounters.   What are the rates? The rate is per day – MUR 1300 – and decreases over the duration of the rental. It includes a full tank of petrol and insurance. Two helmets and two reflective waistcoats (compulsory in Mauritius before and after sunset, but recommended all day long when you are a traveller and not very familiar with local driving habits) are provided. A deposit of MUR 8000 is required.   For which routes? From Mythic Suites & Villas, you are spoilt for choice. Renting the Royal Enfield for a day? Explore the hectic pace of the north of the island and find our best advice here (LINK). If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, take the eastern route and enjoy the deserted beaches and picturesque villages. Planning to keep the bike for your entire stay? Our concierges can help you draw up a programme of rides according to your needs and preferences.   Ultimate advice In Mauritius, we drive on the left side of the road and some drivers or motorcyclists are not very scrupulous about the driving rules. Ride at a moderate speed and be aware of other road users. Mauritians tend to cross without proper safety regulations in towns and villages, so slow down as there are no pavements everywhere. Finally, watch out for dogs that tend to wander onto the road!   Another way of discovering Mauritius without giving up your passion during your holidays: with the Royal Enfield, you will have plenty of memorable souvenirs. Inquire at the concierge desk.   

The most photographed islet of Mauritius is located on the east coast in the splendid lagoon of Trou d’Eau Douce. Very popular with travellers and Mauritians alike, Ile aux Cerfs is an enchanting place to feel like a Robinson for a day. Under the generous sun, dive into the turquoise waters of this tiny piece of paradise.   One destination, four ways to get there Located a 20m drive from Mythic Suites & Villas, the charming village of Trou d’Eau Douce serves as a regular boarding point for Ile aux Cerfs. Water taxis shuttle from the pier every 20m, so no stress, you can always board no matter what time you arrive. The pleasant boat trip is short and already gives a promising foretaste of the pleasures that await you in front of the incredible palette of transparent and fishy waters. Another option is the catamaran crossing, which also offers a lot of excitement, with many stops for swimming and barbecuing on board the boat. For the long-distance adventurers, it is at Pointe-Jérôme, in the south of Mauritius, where you can board your delighted youngsters on a replica of an old pirate ship for a sailing trip. You can also book a skipper and boat for an unforgettable experience far from the beaten track, with your own itinerary and as many stop-off points as you wish.   Discovering Ile aux Cerfs Arriving there is spectacular, with a stretch of blond sand sinking into the turquoise waters. The islet is uninhabited, but there are beach restaurants and two good addresses, Massala (Indian specialities) and Paul et Virginie (seafood). Lunch is served under kiosks, feet in the sand or in the trees, facing this incredible postcard landscape. The island is home to one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, offering a unique experience on this professional track (LINK). Many sporting activities are available for guests: parasailing, snorkelling, towed buoys, water-skiing… Children (as well as the eternally young) are spoiled with an adventure park where they can practice zip-lining or tree climbing Contemplative or epicurean? Settle down on a deckchair or put your towel down on a less crowded beach. The island is very touristy, but it is still possible to find some privacy away from the main beach. Head east to discover small, deserted coves where you can dream or splash around facing the ocean. No deer are to be found on the islet, there has never been any. Opposite Ile aux Cerfs, the tiny islet Mangénie is accessible by crossing the channel on foot.   The pleasures of Ile aux Cerfs can be enjoyed all year round, but if you have the opportunity to go there out of the tourist season, enjoy it! Choose the date of your excursion and contact our concierges to plan your dream day.

It’s a family, a friends or a professional project, a need to escape and to feel free, living at your pace. Going away for a few weeks to a dream destination, at the end of the world and soaking up the sweetness of the islands. Mythic Suites & Villas believes that nomadism and long stays are wonderful living experiences, and offers its travellers an unforgettable stay in one of the most idyllic villas on the island.    Luxury, relaxation and pleasure of a long stay in a Villa    An oasis of peace and greenery is the setting for your long stay in a villa in Mauritius. Far from mass tourism, the splendid north-east coast immediately seduces with its wild beauty and its incredible sea shades. One kilometre from Grand-Gaube beach, in a lush garden, enjoy an indolent and peaceful holiday in a luxurious setting where freedom is the key word.   Privacy and comfort … This fully-equipped luxury villa makes you feel at home immediately. The spaciousness and the brightness of the rooms will make you enjoy the Mauritian way of life to the full. With its 480m2, its 3 or 4 bedrooms, the Villa can accommodate up to 8 guests in a high quality and very well laid out accommodation. The large and very convivial living room includes a lounge, a dining table, a fully equipped kitchen with a glass roof and a direct access to your private swimming pool. In the shade of the palm trees, your tropical garden and the beautiful pool are the children’s favourite playground. Parents will appreciate the beautiful veranda with its gazebo where they can entertain, have a drink, read or dream in total peace and serenity.   … with the comfort of top-of-the-range hotel services Your Villa features a full range of excellent services to ensure that you enjoy your long stay to the full. Housekeeping is done daily, linen and beach towels are provided, WIFI is available. Our concierge service is there to provide you with assistance in the management of your holiday. Fresh breakfast delivered to the villa, home chef or catering service, Mythic Suites & Villas has a renowned restaurant, L’Atelier, which serves refined local cuisine.   Well-being, relaxation and discovery on the agenda The ideal opportunity to re-connect yourself with your body. Villa massage, relaxing care, yoga and meditation under the guidance of a personal trainer: enjoy an exceptional experience during your long stay. A fitness room is also available. Want to discover Mauritius? Follow the advice in our Travel Diary and experience countless cultural, culinary and sporting adventures with the help of your concierges.    And here’s a great surprise: the longer you stay, the less you pay! Save on rates for your stay of more than a week at Mythic Suites & Villas. Get in touch with us and together we can plan your long stay in a villa.