A stone’s throw from Mauritius and part of its territory, Rodrigues the authentic is a tiny piece of land with an old-fashioned charm. Surrounded by an immense transparent lagoon, bordered by long deserted beaches and dotted with strings of islets inhabited by seabirds, Rodrigues differs from its elder sister Mauritius by its very dry climate and its nicely undulating landscape. From this particularity, the Rodriguans extract the best. This is the case of the famous Rodrigues honey, tasty and delicately perfumed, which is also sold in Mauritius and which reveals here its numerous therapeutic, healing and beauty virtues.   Rodrigues, between authenticity and relaxed living   Visitors agree that Rodrigues is similar to Mauritius thirty years ago. Mauritius’ little sister has an authentic, wild and proud island charm. If you dream of privacy and beautiful deserted beaches bordering transparent waters, if you like the warm and simple contact of a welcoming and genuine population and enjoy the local seafood Creole cuisine, Rodrigues will seduce you at first sight. The island prides itself on protecting many species of sea birds on its islets and offers magnificent diving sites. Kiteboarders will appreciate the expanse of its beautiful lagoons. Here, all is just peacefulness and delight.   Rodrigues honey, both wild and sweet Well-known in the Indian Ocean area, Rodrigues honey benefits from scattered vegetation spread over a steep ravine landscape or soft shaped valleys. Nature flourishes generously between coastal dryness and the more watered heights, away from any kind of pollution. In Rodrigues, people value quality products, such as honey, which is certified natural and organic: the local people cherish the art of doing things right and health is preferred to productivity. A visit to Victoria’s beekeeper Rodrigues’ favourite honey is produced in the buzzing secluded hives of Bigarade, a small hamlet in the upper part of the island. The only way to discover it is to follow the schoolchildren’s path and embark on an adventure. In the middle of a forest of eucalyptus and “poppy” trees, the main source of honey flower bees relish, looking for the way on winding paths you will find the white beehives of Victoria honey producer. In the heart of this dense vegetation where giant bamboos stretch towards the sky and where a river gently flows, the bees are undoubtedly in optimal conditions to produce the finest amber honey. This human-sized company is dedicated to traditional, environmentally responsible production and, above all, provides work for young adults with disabilities. Another convincing incentive to opt for a truly sustainable product!The many gourmet, wellness and health applications of Victoria honey    Although the many health benefits of honey are well known from the start, this natural and organic product comes in many different varieties and styles in the shop of Bigarade, with its charming typical architecture.   On the sweet side, in addition to honey in jars and honey bread reserved for gourmets, delicious honey sweets are made with the same love, including the tasty ginger honey, which alone is worth the trip, as well as delicate fondants.   Honey delivers all its health benefits in pretty little jars that enhance its renowned healing properties. Rich in antioxidants, it promotes cell regeneration and healing. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties have been known for thousands of years, as have its antibacterial properties when ingested or applied to the skin. Victoria organic honey is also available in the form of soaps, care creams, propolis (a plant resin with numerous therapeutic and antiseptic properties), essential oils with honey wax and “Bee coco cream” (with rehydrating qualities for the body and hair). A successful rejuvenation and well-being cure!  Where to find Rodrigues honey in Mauritius? Products from Rodrigues can be found on stalls in Mauritius, supermarkets and major food stores on the island sell them: just check out the labels in the honey area. Malls regularly host occasional stands selling products from Rodrigues,such as achards (candied vegetables with spices), limons (small limes), jams and marmalades, candied fruits, the famous pineapple pie from Rodrigues including the famous Victoria honey. Local craft shops sometimes sell it as soaps and essential oils. You can also order Victoria honey through the Facebook page and have it delivered to Mauritius. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064072417391How to get to Rodrigues during your stay in Mauritius ? Are you on a long stay at Mythic Suites & Villas? What if you took the opportunity of a long weekend to spend two or three nights on this bewitching island? Any travel agency in Mauritius can arrange a short stay ticket and hotel for you. The flight takes an hour and a half and the change of scenery is immediate. Contact our concierge who will recommend our usual travel providers.    Honey from Rodrigues is a typical mirror image of this small unspoilt paradise: wild and profoundly unique. While staying at Mythic Suites & Villas, place your order directly with the manufacturer and have it delivered to the resort.

Ever dreamt of being like Robinson on a private islet, yet fully equipped with all of Mauritius’ luxury amenities? Join us on a journey through this small, unspoilt paradise in the heart of the Blue Bay Marine Reserve for an exceptional day out to be enjoyed to the full with your family.   Ile aux Deux Cocos, Mauritius : A private and unique paradise With turquoise waters, crystal-clear lagoons, colourful fish and coral, if you thought you had experienced everything Mauritius has to offer, there is something unexpected and idyllic in store for you: the island of Deux Cocos, an exclusive site located in the south-east, near the Blue Bay Marine Park. This islet offers crystal-clear, palm-fringed beaches and a real aquarium within snorkeling distance.   The islet was used as a summer residence for former British governors a hundred years ago. A splendid residence, a perfectly maintained luxury villa with Moorish accents, a panoramic swimming pool, elegant Bedouin tents and most importantly, a dedicated team to make sure you have a great day out.   Welcome to the island After enjoying a motorboat or glass-bottom boat ride to start the day, dock at the island’s pier, where our staff greets you with a refreshing drink. The place is exceptionally beautiful and ideal for Instagramming. Make yourself comfortable, take your bearings and dive into the warm waters inhabited by an array of underwater flora and fauna. Once you’ve had a chance to explore, relax on the sun loungers and enjoy the peace and quiet of the lagoon’s extraordinary colours.   Have lunch with feet on the sand Choose to have lunch on the beautiful terrace overlooking the sea or the Moorish style sofa in the white pavilion, as you wish. Our excellent buffet and grilled meats are served with wine, beer or soft drinks. Take a break from sipping on a house rhum and relax in a hammock overlooking the sea. Soak up the song of the wind and birds under the filaos along with the roar of the waves on the rocks.   Time for action Once you have had your time to rest, make the most of the afternoon to join in the fun activities proposed: an exciting game of beach volley, a petanque tournament, a frisbee game or a match of giant chess? Unless you succumb to the ocean’s spell and head back to explore the splendid seabed. The only rule at the Ile aux Deux Cocos is: You come first and your pleasure is our priority!   The Ile aux Deux Cocos is exclusively managed by a private hotel group, so reservations are required. Please enquire at your concierge desk and enjoy this enchanting experience.

Why not bring back exotic and original Mauritian gifts? Whether textile, handicrafts, food or culture, there are plenty of 100% local, handmade and Mauritian know-how souvenirs to choose from.   – A local T-shirt Many brands available include young, ethical, locally made, original and fun T-shirts to choose from for those seeking something different. Street wear, surf wear, beach wear, witty messages… You are spoilt for choice! (Available in malls and trade fairs).   – Spices in Port-Louis market The ideal place to stock up on exotic spices: cinnamon, vanilla, curry powder, cardamom, cumin, saffron… Just bargain or buy them at the supermarket.   – The Ravior HOPE bracelet This bracelet available in several colours bears a universal message in Kreol and English: Lamour, Lespwar, Linité (love, hope, unity). (Available online, at the airport duty-free shop and at Bagatelle shopping mall).   – Fruit pastes by Domaine de Labourdonnais Traditional family recipes made from papaya, mango, guava… savour something sweet from Mauritius. (On sale in all supermarkets in Mauritius).   – A seggae CD This local music mixes Jamaican and Sega styles. Listen to our popular local artists and get a taste of the Mauritian music culture, with no limits. (On sale at the airport shops or in some bookshops)     – A Rhum from Chamarel Rhumery Fine and tasty amber rhums: Whites, aged, Premium, Arranged Rhums & Rum-based liqueurs (available in supermarkets)   – A ship model made by Historic Marine With over 120 different models of teak and camphor boats, ranging from the most ancient to the most contemporary: Historical and contemporary vessels, classic sailing ships, liners, local pirogues, motorboats, and more.   – A comics of Tikoulou’s adventures This is our favourite local comic book hero who goes on many adventures with his friends and solves many mysteries. (On sale in bookshops).   – A pullover to get through winter One of the local favourites, with excellent wool, cashmere or mohair fabrics, confirming the local textile industry’s reputation for quality. (On sale in shopping malls)   – The role-playing game Ti t’Albert A 100% Mauritian board game, based on Les Loupsgarous, a French game for those who like to bluff. On sale on the Atomic Game website.   Fun, stylish, supportive or tasty: bring back some sun and warmth with our selection of 100% original Christmas gifts from Mauritius and please the ones you love.

As Mauritius is on the migration route of the humpback whales, with a population of some 300 individuals living on the north and west coast of Mauritius, your holiday is an ideal opportunity to encounter these fabulous ocean creatures. This protected species is to be seen during an exclusive spotting boat tour. Let’s dive together to meet the giants of the sea.   What is the difference between a whale and a sperm whale? The whale is a marine mammal belonging to the cetacean family, which is divided into two categories: the mysticetes, including baleen whales, and the odontocetes, including toothed whales. The whale is a very large animal: it can measure up to 30 metres in length. It can weigh up to 150 tonnes. It also has a tongue that can weigh 2 tonnes. This mammal breathes with its lungs when it swims on the surface. Some species of whale, such as the sperm whale, can dive to a depth of 2 km and remain underwater for more than an hour. Sperm whales are the largest cetaceans in the oceans. Male sperm whales are generally found in cold waters where food is plentiful, while females are found in equatorial or subtropical waters, which is the case in Mauritius. Their life expectancy is about 70 years. The population of sperm whales has largely decreased during the 20th century, notably because of hunting which lasted until the 1980s. Today, the species is protected in almost all of the world’s countries, including Mauritius.The difference between a whale and a sperm whale is the teeth. The whale has baleens, and only on its upper jaw. The baleens are sorts of soft horn blades covered with hair. They allow the whale to filter the water so that it can swallow only plankton, its main food. Other fish and marine animals that it catches involuntarily are spat out. The sperm whale, on the other hand, is a true marine carnivore and has teeth on its lower jaw. These teeth, which weigh almost 1 kg each, enable it to feed on crustaceans, squid, herring and jellyfish. Swimming with sperm whales in Mauritius: special conditions apply   Although sperm whale watching from a boat is still possible, swimming with these enormous cetaceans is highly regulated in Mauritius. No launching is allowed, except for scientific, educational or media purposes with written permission from the authorities. Only NGOs or specialized professional journalists can obtain these authorisations. This is the case for the Marine Megafauna Conservation Organisation. To carry out a sperm whale watching dive in this particular setting, a financial contribution and the handing over of all rights on pictures to enhance the research fund, the strict respect of safe observation rules is expected. Swimming is only allowed for scientific purposes during survey missions and only after a few days training. It is not necessary to be a certified diver to participate: the discovery is conducted under apnea. The course teaches you how sperm whales live and how to approach them. Then finally comes the great adventure! However, it can happen that outside of this very specific scientific context, that during a boat excursion, a scuba dive or during humpback whale watching during the southern winter (from June to October), you come across sperm whales. The rule: stay in the boat, or if you dive, stay away from the whales.Swimming close to sperm whales: those who have experienced it report… There are only a few people who have had the extraordinary opportunity to observe sperm whales in their natural environment, in the ocean, but their stories are always intense and the sensations unforgettable  The encounter usually takes place in shallow water or at the surface. As a sperm whale weighs around 50 tons and is several meters long, the thrill of the encounter is both immediate and intense. The mammals often stand upright, which adds to their giant dimensions. You are gripped by a feeling between apprehension and fascination. Eventually, as your heart begins to slow down, you will fall in love with sperm whales for the rest of your life. The cetaceans are fairly calm and sometimes have fun reproducing swimmers’ strokes, in a surprisingly graceful ballet. The presence of a whale calf and experiencing the love of its mother is one of the highlights of this unforgettable encounter.   Boat observation of the sperm whales of Mauritius   This option is more accessible because it is less subject to conditions. It offers the opportunity to watch sperm whales around the west or north coast during an outing at sea. It is sometimes necessary to go far away to have the chance to meet the largest toothed whales in the world. This is an opportunity to capture this unforgettable encounter with photos. We propose to our travelers responsible service providers who organize sperm whale watching trips by boat, such as the Blue Water Diving Centre (http://bluewaterdivingcentre.com/fr/prestations/observation-des-baleines-et-cachalots)   As with all whale watching, it depends on the weather conditions and the presence of sperm whales on the scheduled excursion. Your concierge will contact the service provider beforehand to make sure you have the best possible chance of spotting sperm whales on your outing.

Your stay at Mythic Suites & Villas will be an unforgettable discovery of the many tasty dishes of Mauritian gastronomy. Out of this fascinating multicultural melting pot has emerged a delightfully mixed cuisine, high in colour and exotic flavours, influenced by Creole, Asian, European and African cultures. Surprise yourself with our range of typical recipes served in our restaurant, l’Atelier, Mauritius.   A taste of Mauritius on your plate at L’Atelier   No need to leave the resort to be introduced to Mauritian cuisine: l’Atelier serves our residents and guests a new menu with typical local dishes. Featuring the finest produce, some from our eco-friendly garden and the best local and regional suppliers, our dishes are lovingly concocted by our Chef Vijendra Kundun and his team. Daily catch, fresh vegetables and fruits, local meats and venison, exotic spices: we aim at providing the tastiest of what Mauritius has in store.   Manze lakaz” – an original and innovative formula of L’Atelier, Mauritius   Both in the restaurant and in the Suite or Villa, l’Atelier proposes a mouth-watering menu of local dishes of the day called “Manze lakaz”, which means ” Home-style cuisine “. The concept? Each day a typical dish served with a daily dessert. Experience the authentic, varied and original local cuisine Mauritians are fond of every day.   The most popular dishes of Mauritians   A must try dish in Mauritius, the Chicken, Eggs and Shrimps Upside Down Bowl is a very popular Chinese dish, served as a dome of rice mixed with various ingredients. It is also a popular street food meal at lunchtime. Another popular Chinese speciality is Salted Fish Fried Rice (called snoek here), with omelette, curry leaves and mushroom soy sauce. Also on the menu is the typical recipe of many households, the Fish and Bringelles (aubergines) / White Rice / Dry Grains Curry, which enhances the fish caught that day. More refined but just as succulent is the Dry Beef Curry / White Rice / Cucumber Salad, a dry curry, consisting of meat flavoured with curry and very little sauce.   French influence crossed with local flavours   L’Atelier brings a new twist to authentic Mauritian cuisine by offering a dish full of flavour: The Chicken Salmis / Cucumber Salad / White Rice / Fricasseed Black Lentils. Another delicious treat that combines French tradition and local products is our Stir-fried Beef with Onions / Watercress Broth / Tomato Chutney / Fried Potato Ring. A quick visit to Rodrigues One cannot fail to enjoy the Rodriguan cuisine and the delicious local pork dishes with the Rodriguan Rougaille Saucisse / White Rice and Lentils Fricassee. The Rougaille is a very spicy and tasty meat and tomato dish.   Each of the local dishes comes with three different achards, marinated or pickled vegetables that add to the flavour of the dish. At the Atelier or on delivery, check out our traditional dishes and book with our concierge.

A holiday in Mauritius and a stay in one of our elegant Suites is an opportunity to discover and taste – in moderation – the local spirits and cocktails, watching the crimson colours of the sunset from your terrace. L’Atelier’s bar favours local ingredients to prepare surprising cocktails. For more authenticity and character, we call upon the best Mauritian producers of rhums, sugar syrups and fruits. By the pool, on your terrace with friends or before dinner at our restaurant L’Atelier, these are some of our residents’ favourite cocktails.   Our Mauritian mojitos cocktails : L’Atelier Restaurant offers fresh mojitos made with passion! The Mojito cocktails From the golden green of its garden-picked mint leaves to the bright yellow of the local lemon, this classic cocktail proudly claims its Mauritian flavours with the sugar syrup of the canes and especially its white rhum from the Domaine de Labourdonnais Distillery.   The Passion Mojito We keep the classic Mojito recipe and add a touch of acidity and sweetness from the passion fruit, called grenadine in Mauritius. This mauve berry, which grows on a climbing plant, contains a very fragrant orange flesh with a marked flavour and a touch of acidity. Widely used in local cocktails and juices, passion fruit is the ultimate twist to this Passion Mojito.   The Strawberry Mojito An explosion of flavours and vibrant colours are the signature of this variation of the classic Mojito, with a focus on local strawberries. This pink cocktail combines the acidity of the lemon, the freshness of the mint leaves and the sweetness of the strawberries.    Our top cocktails at L’Atelier Restaurant, Mauritius : Mauritius is famous for its delicious home-made rum, but don’t be fooled, let yourself be surprised by other cocktails! The Dark & Stormy Dark and Stormy: this intriguingly named cocktail combines the sunny, sweet pulp of Victoria pineapple with the deep amber of Dark Rhum produced by the Labourdonnais Distillery. They are aged in a variety of specially selected French and American oak barrels to produce delicious aged rhums. The pineapple juice comes from the Domaine’s orchards, which grow the finest tropical fruits all year round. The final exotic touch is the decorative pineapple, which comes from a local producer.   Yuzu Gin Tonic This fresh and invigorating version of the classic gin and tonic is particularly appreciated by purist enthusiasts. Various gins are available including Bombay Sapphire, The Botanist and Hendrick Scottish gins, which combine perfectly with local rhum and rosemary from the garden.    Our cocktails are an excellent appetizer before dinner. Enjoy the classic but still excellent chicken and prawn curry with white rice and black lentils at L’Atelier or have it delivered to your suite. Discover the list of our cocktails here.