QUATRE BORNES

While you will encounter a number of cultures during your stay in Mauritius, it is safe to say that Quatre Bornes has the energy and the charm of the French. In fact, the city name "Quatre Bornes" is French and translates roughly to "four boundary stones."

The locals have another name for this quaint marketing town - Ville de Fleurs or Town of Flowers. Quatre Bornes is jus ten miles south of Port Louis.

A Little Local History

Settlers from France found their way to what is now Quatre Bornes in the 1720s and slowly began developing the forested area which sits at the base of a mountain. In the early 1800s, the area was turned over to British rule. The development of a railway line resulted in faster growth than many other places.

However, it wasn’t until the 1890s that Quatre Bornes was declared an official village. Villagers often refer to themselves as Quatrobornians. Sugar cane has long been an important cash crop in the area and in fact, played an indirect part in the town’s name. Quatre Bornes was named for four actual boundary stones, each one located at four individual large sugar plantations, mapping out the village limits. Today, the town continues to grow thanks to various attractions, nature activities and therobust market place.

The Market Place … The Place for Shopping and Deals

Quatre Bornes has some excellent shopping opportunities with several malls and centres with quality local goods. You will discover a great flower market as well as an extensive fruit market with plenty of options to suit your tastes. The many shopkeepers with stalls in the general marketplace make for a lively environment where you can find a number of goods such as clothing, fabrics, food, and native handicrafts and jewellery. The clothing marketplac , open on Thursdays and Sundays, is the main shopping draw, not only for tourists but also for the locals. You’ll find some superior quality clothing, textiles and other garments, including designer names, at great prices. Energy and activity bustles throughout Quatre Bornes which is often as busy as nearby Port Louis.

Gambling Fun

The night activities Quatre Bornes has to offer are dining and dancing. However, if you are in the mood for the slot machines, roulette or card games, you can satisfy your gambling fever with a visit to a local casino called Ti Vegas. Ti Vegas is the most famous casino on the island of Mauritius. It was designed and built with the latest technology in gambling, so you can bet that the slot machines are top of the line in quality. Play roulette or chance the dice with the ancient Chinese game called Sic Bo. Of course, there is blackjack and everyone’s favourite, Texas Hold’em.

Festival for Local Colour

If you’re ever here in January or February, you’d have an opportunity to witness the colourful festival called Cavadee. Indian temples at the base of the Corps de Garde Mountain host this Hindu celebration and the local Tamils celebrate for days in honour of the God Muruga. The Tamils are fervent in their worship of Muruga. This is very apparent as during the festival, they fast, parade to the temples carrying a cavadee ( a type of wooden yoke), and even pierce their bodies with skewers and needles.

Nature Lovers Have Options

Surrounded by forested area as well as its location at the base of Corps de Garde,
Quatre Bornes has a number of nature activities to try. Exploring nature trails observing the local flora and fauna is quite fun. Hiking and mountain climbing on the Corps de Garde is quite rewarding too, as the highest point is about 720 metres. The Corps de Garde Mountain resembles a sentry man lying down, thus the mountain’s name translation “body of soldier.” This hulking mountain has a basaltic rock face and the sunrise is quite spectacular from it. If you decide to explore the mountain on your own, be prepared for quite a trek. It is best if you seek out a guided tour as a tour professional will know the best and safest trails to follow.

Get an Energy Buzz

Quatre Bornes may not have the beaches other areas do but it certainly has the lively energy of a market town. You will have a lot of fun meandering through the streets, popping into the shops and discovering great restaurants and nightlife. Shopping, gambling, and nature activities – the area covers something for just about anyone.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

Dolswim

Mauritius is an ideal destination for those who dream of discovering nature’s mysterious secrets. The island particularly promotes exclusive encounters with the wild, in ways which value proximity and for the wonders of nature. Dolphin and whale watching, proposed by the renowned Mauritian company Dolswim Ltd, is one such grand opportunity for adventurous souls to commune with nature in a unique and an unforgettable way.

The dolphin (from the Greek “Delphys” meaning “womb”) is a marine mammal which evolved about 25 million years ago. As an epitome of beauty, intelligence, and freedom, it has carved a special place in human culture. Poets, scientists, philosophers and artists worldwide describe the dolphin as a highly social animal, taking loving care of their babies and displaying friendly attitudes towards humans. Tales abound as to how these graceful and wise mammals have rescued humans and helped endangered ships in treacherous waters.

It’s no wonder that the Greek Sun God Apollo portrayed the dolphin as the quintessence of peaceful virtue, undisguised joy and as a guide to another world. Dolswim Ltd, registered in 2003, gears all its efforts towards realizing one’s dream of cruising on the wild side. Operating on the west coast of the island, in Rivière Noire, the company offers various recreational activities which allow visitors to behold the inspiring marine mammals as they engage in their daily routine of hunting, playing, courting, and socializing in the bay and beyond. The expeditions vary from two hours to a full day.

A typical full day excursion starts at 8:00 and includes a two-hour encounter with the dolphins as well as lunch on Benitiers Island where one may laze on the beach, admiring the splendid view of Le Morne Mountain. The adventure begins once you step in one of the three speed boats, each covered by insurance and properly equipped with life jackets and other safety gear. Indeed, one of the strong points of the company is its professionalism and uncompromising attitude towards safety. In each boat there are two highly experienced skippers whose expertise and knowledge of first-aid ensure a safe and enriching trip. The day begins with a briefing on the types of dolphins that you’ll encounter, their habits, security measures and swimming procedures.

Guidelines for sustainable dolphin watching are also emphasized. Indeed, Dolswim Ltd adamantly promotes the protection of these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat. The company encourages guests to come to an encounter in a spirit of respect, consideration and sensitivity. The dolphins are not harassed in any way; they are free to come and go as they please, choosing whether they want to make contact
with humans or not. Watching them frolic freely in their natural environment amidst their family makes us aware of the negatives of captivity. The excitement aboard is palpable once the wild dolphins appear in the clear open sea. Scanning the surface for the small dark fins, guests are thrilled when they spot the mammals.

As they glide gracefully, unfettered and serene, visitors cannot help but reflect on the wonders of nature. The high point of the journey is undeniably the swim with the dolphins. With the help of the skippers and the snorkeling equipment aboard, guests may dive in the warm water to be closer to the playful and curious animals. Being in their element, right next to them, as they dance, swim in synchrony, twist, turn and spin is an exceptional experience to cherish forever. The species observed are the Bottlenose and the Spinner dolphins.

During a trip you may observe from 15 to 100 Bottlenose Dolphins as they move in groups called pods. Spinners congregate in groups that vary from just a few dolphins to great schools numbering in the thousands. They are acrobatic and keen bow-riders. As for the whales, the two species that can be observed are the Humpback Whales and the Sperm Whales. Both species move away from the poles to warmer seas near the equator, to reproduce, give birth and breed, before getting back to the Arctic.

The Humpback Whales can only be observed between July and November. The Sperm Whales can however be observed all year round along the west coast of the island. (Whale watching is a different outing as one has to go further out to sea and the excursion will depend much on weather and sea conditions.) Dolswim Ltd organizes memorable trips which blend excitement and relaxation. While guests are often overwhelmed by the soothing magnificence of the marine mammals, they are also made aware of the need to protect them from extinction. Swimming with dolphins is a unique experience which uplifts the human spirit; their songs echo in our hearts long after we’ve left them behind in their world of freedom and innocence.

The excitement aboard is palpable once the wild dolphins appear in the clear open sea. Scanning the surface for the small dark fins, guests are thrilled when they spot the mammals. As they glide gracefully, unfettered and serene, visitors cannot help but reflect on the wonders of nature.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

Mahebourg

Mahebourg is a delightful blend of the old and new, with some buildings originating back to the 1800’s interspersed with modern island architecture. This historic port city was once the capital of Mauritius and is an excellent home base for your island vacation. This laid back, friendly city is a main fishing centre on the island but fishing is not necessarily the primary draw for tourists and other visitors.

The allure of Mahebourg’s attractive waterfront lies with views of the majestic Lion Mountain and its pristine blue lagoon in the distance.

A Brief History Founded originally by Dutch colonists around 1805, Mahebourg was named after a popular French governor Ber trand-Francois Mahé de La Bourdonnais during the French colonial period in history. The Dutch chose to colonise the site because of its proximity to abundant water supplies, namely nearby streams and rivers. It served as an excellent port city for trade. However, it was the Battle of Grand Port in 1810 that truly defined the port of Mahebourg.

The British tried to take over the entire island of Mauritius and failed, thanks to the French efforts to protect it. Eventually, the French chose Port Louis as their primary port, relegating Mahebourg to a small town with fishing and tourism as its primary commerce. Still, this historic city boasts the best of its founding fathers with the wide streets and hints of the Dutch and French influence in the architecture, particularly in the old areas of Mahebourg.

The waterfront, while not boasting beaches, has been developed and is now a huge draw for visitors. It is perfect for a stroll at sunset and there is even a pavilion to rest and enjoy the view. Things to See and Do Perhaps one of the most interesting draws to Mahebourg is the Naval Museum housed in a restored colonial French mansion that once served as a medical base during the 1810 war. Two of the three floors of the mansion house artefacts from historic battles
on the island.

View the cannons, swords and other weaponry from the war in addition to wreckage from ships. There is even a restored village settlement on site so that you can see the lifestyle of the settlers from several centuries ago. Biscuit Factory, dating back to 1870 has been in the Rault family since its inception and produces square, crispy cookies using a secret recipe without the implements of modern technology.

You can tour the factory located on the outskirts of Mahebourg and even sample their wares! History and architectural buffs can visit the Notre Dame des Anges Church, built in 1849. The timbers of the roof are quite grand and the statues are interesting too. Some of the locals even present offerings to the statues. The view from the tower spires provides a picturesque look at Mahebourg and the waterfront.

Another popular draw is the longest spanning bridge on the island which connects both banks of the La Chaux River. There is also the maritime monument on the coast of Mahebourg which honours those fallen in the naval battle in 1810. And thanks to the progressive development of the tourism industry, the new casino near the beautiful waterfront offers bright lights and entertainment.

There are also a number of nature activities to consider when visiting Mahebourg. You can take rides in glass bottom boats to neighbouring islands or snorkel in the clear waters to check out the sea life. Coral diving is popular as are visits to the Grand Waterfall nearby. The Lion Mountain area offers exploring such as hiking and nature tours. You can also witness additional local wildlife and flora at the Airgettes Bird Sanctuary. To see the sights of the area, you can walk to most destinations or hop on one of the buses that travel throughout the small city. If you want to see the sights on your own, you can hire a car or even rent a motorcycle or bicycle. Of course, you can also explore nearby waters and islands by boat.

If you want a Mauritius home base during your vacation, then Mahebourg can be a great choice. Because it is not a beach town, you will not have to fight crowds but you still get to enjoy the sea thanks to its beautiful waterfront and clear blue lagoon waters. Mahebourg offers a blend of cultures present in the population and in the entertainment and eateries in the city.

You can find Indian, Creole, Chinese, Dutch, German, French and other European influences. The city also boasts some great shopping, thanks to the local shops and weekly flea market where you can get some excellent souvenirs.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

LE CAUDAN WATERFRONT

Le Caudan Waterfront is the Mauritian hot spot for shopping. Sitting right on the Port-Louis harbour, in the island’s capital, Le Caudan Waterfront offers a lively atmosphere and full range of services, varying from restaurants to casinos. It allows tourists and locals to fully embrace nightlife, outdoor events, unique shopping experience, entertainment and cultural opportunities.

More than just another modern commercial centre, Le Caudan Waterfront carries part of the local history. Named after the French explorer Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, Le Caudan Waterfront started out as a saltpan near Port-Louis in 1726. The peninsula where its is situated was first known as a powder magazine, before hosting the island’s first meteorological observatory as well as warehouses and quays used as a sugar terminal. The former salt pan area has become today the Robert Edward Hart Garden.

The Port-Louis Cultural Walk

The Walk is a journey through Port-Louis’ cultural landmarks including an old marketplace, past historical buildings, the gate to China Town and the main gardens of the city. Le Caudan Waterfront was chosen as the starting point of the Cultural Walk, with two main features, the Blue Penny Museum and the Observatory.

The Blue Penny is a must see for all. Its walls of origin are still standing, from the time that the site hosted the New Mauritius Dock Company Head Office in 1930, bearing an authentic touch to its purpose. Indeed, the museum’s exhibits include artefacts and possessions from the island’s historical heritage, including the famous and very rare Blue Stamp of 1847, after which the museum was named.

Another main attraction of the Cultural Walk, the Observatory was built in 1832 as a powder magazine. It was taken over in 1866 by the New Mauritius Docks Company. Given its ideal view over the harbour, the building became the first meteorological observatory in the Indian Ocean; the weather forecasts issued were essential for the ships and the Observatory played a major role part in navigation at the time. The tower was razed in 1880 but the remaining building still standing today dates back from the original 19th century construction.

The information kiosk inside Le Caudan Waterfront provides the full itinerary of the Port Louis Cultural Walk.

Bassin des Chaloupes

Le Caudan Waterfront offers a sheltered mooring area for a certain number of yachts and other boats. This marina, named Bassin des Chaloupes has already made a name among organ-isers of sailing events. It is also very popular among mariners and visiting foreigners, as it caters for their needs during their stay, including fresh water supply, bathroom facilities and all other necessities at quay. The marina is also an attraction for the locals and tourists.

Le Caudan Waterfront also hosts two hotels on its premises for the more demanding mariners. The Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel and Le Suffren Hotel & Marina provide easy and quick access to the shopping centre and a practical location, close to the quay and the city.

Things to do Shopping is the most prominent activity at Le Caudan Waterfront which has built a reputation of excellence in this sector. The centre’s 170 stalls and boutiques offer an amazing variety of products and customers will love to stroll around casually and enjoy this enthralling experience.

Throughout the galleries, from the Barkly Wharf and the Pavillon to the most recent Dias Pier, the shopper discovers international brands as well as local designers’ collections in fashion and textile, jewellery, leather products, luxury fabrics while others shops offer sports equipment, cosmetics, books as part of the innumerable goods available at Le Caudan Waterfront.

Hunger and thirst will be quenched at the Food Court, with its breathtaking view of the harbours under the sun; rom full Chinese cuisine, Indian delicacies or Italian specialities to pastries and coffee for a snack, the restaurants and food stands of Le Caudan Waterfront will satisfy anyone’s taste.

Children are not forgotten at Le Caudan Waterfront! The Magic Entertainment arcade is open everyday, offering games suitable for children and teenagers. These include video games, simulation games, snooker and other fun activities. For a family experience, the Movie Theatre’s three rooms have a varied program changed every week
on average. The casino will welcome adults for their entertainment, with its peculiar design. Indeed, the casino’s doors open in a ship’s hull, guarded by a fearsome golden carved lion. The casino is a fantastic spot for late entertainment, with its two bars and its dress code for eveningwear.

All this busy activity is often highlighted by exhibitions, live concerts, art displays and other cultural entertainment, for the delight of all visitors. You have heard of it, now go ahead and experience it! Le Caudan Waterfront will provide you with a full day’s enjoyment with guaranteed fun!

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK

One of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring natural spots in Mauritius is the Black River Gorges National Park. This World Heritage-designated site is home to the rarest flora and fauna found only on this island, making it a must-see destination for tourists and residents alike. Nature buff or not, the wondrous vistas afforded by a hike through the park are well worth the exercise.

About the Park

Black River Gorges is the only national park of Mauritius, located on the southwest portion of the island in a district of the same name. Surprisingly enough, this district receives the least amount of precipitation throughout the year, hence the name of “Black River”.

The park comprises over 6,500 hectares, a total of 3.5% of the island’s surface land. There’s enough to see here to make a whole day out of the trip, so plan accordingly. More than 300 species of plants and nine birds endemic in Mauritius can be spotted within the confines of the park. It is the only place where you will find a pink pigeon – a bird that was once facing extinction but is now strengthening in numbers due to its protected status. Birders will be ecstatic about all the unique species available for viewing.

The rare pink pigeon is joined by the island’s native kestrel, parakeet, bulbul, grey white-eye, fody, and olive white-eye. There are more than just avian species calling the park home. It is also the preferred habitat of Mauritius’s unique flying fox – actually a fruit bat – and macaque monkeys, wild pigs, and rusa deer. Aspiring botanists will surely be excited to identify Bois de Natte trees draped in orchids and fern fronds, Colophane Ebony, Tambalacoque, and Mauritius’s national flower, Trochetia, amongst the dense foliage of the Macchabee and Bel Ombre Forests. Wild sugarcane grows throughout, along with Chinese guava trees and numerous other plant species.

There are three ways you can view what the Black River Gorges Park has to offer: on foot, driving through, or via bus tour. The best way to experience this nature preserve is by hiking one or more of the trails that crisscross the park’s expanse. Le Pétrin Information Center provides maps for hiking or driving, and you can also hire a personal guide through the facility if you desire.

The most popular attraction in the park is the gorges. Created millions of years ago by volcano eruptions followed by rivers of water cutting through the landscape, rich red, brown, purple, violet, green, blue, and yellow hue colours the visible layers of earth. Plaine Champagne is one of the higher points on the island and a viewpoint near Chamarel provides a spectacular view of the gorges, the sea beyond, and Alexandra Falls. Throughout the park majestic waterfalls and deep, clear pools abound.

Getting There You can drive to the Black River Gorges National Park via La Marie from the town of Curepipe and Mare aux Vacoas from Vacoas. At the visitor’s center, a boardwalk leading to the dwarf rain forest and a conservation area fenced off from visitors are viewable. The hiking trails, ranging from 7 km to 828 meters long, can also be accessed from the boardwalk. Camping areas are provided within the park with drive-in access from the coast road. Be aware that due to the slightly higher elevation of the Black River Gorge plateau, the temperatures will be lower than that of the surrounding plains which make up the majority of the island’s topography.

There are no food or drink facilities available within the park itself, although there is a small café located along its edge featuring spectacular views of the surrounding green valley. Remember to take plenty of water and a few snacks along on a hike. Binoculars, insect repellant, sturdy shoes, and wet weather gear are also recommended. There are picnic areas within the park’s confines if you want to bring along your own food and enjoy a repast amongst the natural beauty.

The Pétrin Information Center is open Monday through Saturday while the visitor’s center operates daily from 9 am to 3 pm during the week and from 9 am to 4 pm over the weekend. September through January are recommended as the best months to visit as that is when the numerous flowering foliage show off their magnificent colors.

If you have not visited the Black River Gorges National Park, then you have not truly experienced the unique plant and animal life and awe-inspiring geographical features of the island. No matter if you prefer riding in the comfort of your own vehicle or taking an up close look at nature on foot, the spectacular scenery is not to be missed.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

DOMAINE DES 7 VALLÉES

The Domain of Seven Valleys, to give it its English name, is a project that was started in 2008 by Alain O'Reilly.

Alain has over twenty years experience running domains and his interest in wildlife and conservation goes back even further. In 1974 he played a large part in saving the kestrel population of the island. There were only three males and one female left but, twelve years later, following a successful breeding programme, there were one hundred and fifty two birds and the kestrel was saved from extinction.

In 1988, Alain opened the Domaine des Anse Jonchée, at a time when Mauritius was stereotyped as a destinatino for beaches and hotels. The sceptics thought he was crazy, but he proved them wrong and is now known throughout the country as the “father” of eco-tourism.

Located in Nouveau France, Domaine des Sept Vallées is Alain's latest project and encompasses approximately four thousand hectares of land while accounting for fifty percent of the forest cover in Mauritius.

It is also the largest hunting territory on the island and is home to two thousand five hundred Java deer and one thousand wild boar, twenty five to thirty percent of which must be culled annually to maintain the health and vitality of the others. Five professional hunters with over twenty five years experience each, ensure that the hunts go smoothly and the lack of beaters and dogs means that hunters must use their own skill in stalking, to catch their quarry.

Only the best equipment is provided, with rifles manufactured by Tikka, Mannlicher, Sako, Sauer or Savage and all equipped with Schmidt and Bender scopes. Target practise is available to allow hunters to adapt to the equipment, and a guide, tracker, 4x4 vehicle and radio are, of course, also supplied. Any paper work that is required is prepared for you with the minimum of fuss, but if you wish to use your own rifle, you must supply the details, such as its serial number, prior to the event.
After the thrill of the chase, you can look forward to a relaxing party in the evening, in the same style as took place over two hundred years ago – a large camp fire, deer roasting on a spit, fine wine and beer!

Hunting is available all year around, yet as an activity it accounts for less than one percent of the annual visitor number to the territory. Indeed, there is plenty to do besides hunting. Choose from amongst quad or mountain biking, hiking, camping, photo safaris, team building, bird watching, tai chi, archery, horse-riding and nature trails. There are conference facilities for up to thirty people and an organic farm aimed at educating both children and adults. There are plenty of other things to do too and a full day in the bush will make you feel like you are in a different country.

An activity aimed specifically at children, aged six to fourteen, is the Holiday Camp, which is run in association with C.V.L. (Centre de Vacances & de Loisirs). Children spend four days in the bush with experienced teachers, and are taught things such as orientation, traditional fishing, raft building and archery. They also learn more basic skills such as plucking a chicken and roasting it over an open fire and there are plenty of other events such as treasure hunts. It is a great way for children to experience nature and learn things that children of earlier generations would have taken for granted.

The Domaine des Sept Vallées is home to a fantastic restaurant called “La Vieille Cabane” and all the ingredients used are grown or raised on the estate and are one hundred percent organic. The menu includes, venison, boar, palm heart, chicken, guinea fowl, duck, various fruits and vegetables and fish. As well as indoor seating, six “kiosks” will be operational by early December where guests can dine surrounded by the natural beauty of the estate. La Vieille Cabane is also a guest house with a dormitory for twenty, making it the perfect HQ for outings and activities. There are also four caravans at a “secret basin” for those who want to live in the midst of nature, but with some basic modern comforts.

Phase Two of the development of the site includes the opening of two new restaurants, one of which will be situated next to a spectacular waterfall and the other which will be specialised in freshwater food like black bass, smoked eel and freshwater lobster. A spa is also planned for those who wish to merely relax and take in the ambience of the place and tree houses are to be built to give people a taste of a really different way of living, think along the lines of Tarzan!

Whether you live in Mauritius or are just visiting, if you want to try something a little bit different, something that you will surely remember for years to come, Domaine des Sept Vallée is definitely the place for you.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

TRÉSOR DIAMONDS

There exist a variety of wonders that unfailingly evoke a sense of awe in Man, but there is one particular object that holds the limelight, an item so exquisitely beautiful and precious that it is associated with virtue, purity, wealth and power – worldwide.

Overlooking the capital, Port Louis, sits Fort Adelaide. Named in honour of the wife of William IV of England, it was built between 1834 and 1840 on the large hill known as “Petite Montagne” and was designed to fulfil the tactical purpose of guarding the harbour against enemy attacks. Today, the fort is a treasured historical landmark and the perfect location for Trésor Diamonds, as its imposing, irregular structure and ancient black stone walls, now guard some of the finest gems in the world.

The three rooms that house Trésor Diamonds blend history and beauty and one cannot help but be impressed by the sight of the glittering variety of rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings on display. The wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, help to ensure that everyone can find exactly what they are looking for and Trésor welcomes those who are in search of exclusive items and superior quality.

The diamonds (the word derives from the ancient Greek “adámas”, meaning "unconquerable") at Trésor are from South Africa, a country which has produced some of the largest, best quality and most famous diamonds in the world. Highly trained craftsmen produce a special range of diamonds, precision-cut with utmost care to maximize their brilliance and sparkle, these are known as the “South African Ideal Cut”. In fact, when choosing a diamond the four “Cs” have to be considered; carat, cut, colour and clarity.

The cut is considered to be the most important characteristic of a diamond, because a well proportioned stone, regardless of its shape, offers the greatest brilliance. However, not all diamonds are cut to maximize their brilliance for, in trying to cut as large a diamond as possible, polishers often compromise its potential brilliance.

In contrast, every one of the fifty eight facets of a “South African Ideal Cut” diamond, is masterfully angled to precise specifications, ensuring that light entering from any direction is reflected through the top of the stone, producing the maximum brilliance.

Amongst the diverse collection of jewels is the world’s most brilliant diamond, the Ten-Ten. Each one of its seventy one facets is crafted and aligned, with such mastery, so that the diamond displays a ten “arrow” design when viewed from above and ten “hearts” when viewed from below, making this “super ideal cut” one of the world’s most magnificent.

Another gemstone that will amaze and entice visitors to Trésor Diamonds is the tanzanite. Tanzanite is the blue/purple variety of the mineral zoisite which was discovered in 1967 at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This extremely rare stone is noted for its remarkably strong trichroism, that is, a gems ability to appear in three different colours depending on its orientation. In this case, sapphire blue, violet, or burgundy,

Besides classical jewellery, one may also choose from an assortment of fashionable pieces as Trésor merges age old antiquity with modern art. Black, white and yellow diamonds are blended with pink or white pearls and yellow gold to create truly unique ornaments. An exotic touch may also be derived through the use of jewellery made from materials such as sea shells and coconut.
Trésor Diamonds is a scintillating world of beauty where the stones seem to be speaking in silent whispers, making the ride uphill to the fort, well worth the trip. Indeed, away from the noise and hubbub of the city, Trésor Diamonds presents you with jewellery that is beyond comparison and allows you to create your very own historical moment; as you step inside you will be immersed in a dazzling world where each moment will be one to treasure.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

SKY DIVE AUSTRAL

Mauritius is famous for many things; dodos (or rather the lack thereof), beautiful beaches, warm blue seas and sunny skies. One thing it is not famous for is sky-diving, not surprising really, as up until now there has been nowhere in the country where it is available.

The Partnership

Skydiving in Mauritius is very new indeed. It all began back around Easter of 2006 when Christopher Wilkinson-Pearce met Gaetan Paquay at a party. Chris had been skydiving in Zimbabwe since 1988 and had been considering starting skydiving in Mauritius for some time. Gaetan had skydived in Burundi in 1993 and was also an aviation fanatic, his wife Alexandrine also just happened to be Mauritian – and so all the pieces fell into place. They agreed to take up the challenge and try a skydiving business together.

From 2008 to 2009 preparations for the commencement of business took place at Mon Loisir. The old dairy farm which had previously been there had to be demolished and scrub and bush removed. The site also contained a forty year old disused runway, which was restored and a new hangar was built. The plane which is used for skydiving is a Cessna 182. It was bought in the USA, shipped to South Africa and assembled and flown in stages to Mauritius where it finally touched down in April.

Tandem Skydiving

Tandem skydiving refers to a type of skydiving where a student skydiver is connected via a harness to an instructor. The instructor guides the student through the whole jump, from exit, through free-fall, piloting the canopy and landing. The student needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.

Tandem instructors are required to pass an instructor certification course for the system they jump, before skydiving with students. Most countries have varying laws or regulations as to who may sky-dive with a passenger or student. In the United States, the FAA requires every potential instructor to have over five hundred individual sky-dives and three years of skydiving experience. At Sky Dive Austral they have instructors trained to American standards.

Tandem skydiving is a very popular training method for first time skydivers as it exposes them to the activity with the comfort and safety of having a professional in close proximity at all times. The training consists of many of the activities performed by any skydiving student, for example how to exit the aircraft, how to do manoeuvres in free-fall, and how to deploy the main canopy. However, the instructor remains primarily responsible for safe and timely parachute deployment.


The Jump

The Instructors carry two parachutes with them, the main parachute and a reserve for back up. An added safety feature is the Automatic Activation Device (AAD) which monitors the the fall to the ground and automatically deploys the second parachute at a height of two thousand feet if the main parachute has not yet been activated. Free fall usually lasts for a maximum of sixty seconds before the main parachute is released.

Tandem skydiving requires equipment with several differences from normal sport skydiving. All modern tandem skydiving systems use a drogue parachute, which is deployed shortly after leaving the plane in order to decrease the skydivers' terminal velocity. This is necessary for proper parachute deployment, lengthening the duration of the skydive, and allowing the skydivers to fall at the same speed as videographers.

Tandem skydiving system also uses larger main parachutes, of at least three hundred and sixty square feet, to support the additional weight of two passengers. At Skydive Austral they use the SIGMA system which is manufactured by United Parachute Technologies and was invented by Bill Booth, the inventor of tandem jumping and who has been the single biggest contributor to the inventions and development of Skydiving equipment.

At twelve thousand feet the Sesna will slow down and you will jump from the plane. Free fall lasts no longer than sixty seconds and approximately four minutes later you will be safely down on terra firma and will have completed your first skydive!

And that is all there is to it. In the future, Skydive Austral will be opening a skydiving school. It only takes four hours of ground work and seven to ten tandem jumps with an instructor before you can solo jump. So, if you are looking for a unique holiday experience with high speed and adrenaline why not come back to Mauritius and learn skydiving? One thing I can say for sure, you could not pick a better location or more fun people in the entire world to do it with.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

RAVIOR

Do you wish to make your loved one's heart skip a beat? Or do you simply want to spoil yourself? Perhaps you are looking for a stunning piece of jewellery to commemorate a special occasion, or maybe you just want to invest in fine gold ornamentation to ride out uncertain economic times.

Founded in Mauritius in 1982, Ravior is one of the most trusted names for gold jewellery in Mauritius.They have a wide range of unique collections of necklaces, pendants, bangles, earrings, rings, bracelets and chains - all with a distinct attractive
style. These creations change with the times, remaining trendy and fashionable from season to season and customers can even
have jewellery tailor made to their own specifications, wedding bands are a speciality. Of course, other materials besides
gold - such as titanium, ebony and even sea urchins - are used by Ravior and each piece is carefully designed to accentuate and embody the spirit of the wearer. A one gram, twenty four carat gold token with a dodo design, is currently being launched.

As testimony to the company's innovation they have won many awards over the years such as Barclay's "Business Of The Year, 2004" and Salon de la Mode's "Best Mauritian Designer, 2007".They have recently exhibited in the Second Pan African Cultural Festival which was held in Algeria in July and will be taking part in an event at Founded in Mauritius in 1982, Ravior is one of the most trusted names for gold jewellery in Mauritius.They have a wide range of unique collections of necklaces, pendants, bangles, earrings, rings, bracelets and chains - all with a distinct attractive style.

These creations change with the times, remaining trendy and fashionable from season to season and customers can even
have jewellery tailor made to their own specifications, wedding bands are a speciality. Of course, other materials besides
gold - such as titanium, ebony and even sea urchins - are used by Ravior and each piece is carefully designed to accentuate and embody the spirit of the wearer.

A one gram, twenty four carat gold token with a dodo design, is currently being launched. As testimony to the company's
innovation they have won many awards over the years such as Barclay's "Business Of The Year, 2004" and Salon de la
Mode's "Best Mauritian Designer, 2007".They have recently exhibited in the Second Pan African Cultural Festival which
was held in Algeria in July and will be taking part in an event at the Place Vendome in Paris in November.

As a Mauritian company, Ravior believes in the importance of international relationships and keeps track of progress
made in the international jewellery industry through investing in training programs and workshops and offering opportunities to students. But it is not just about good business. Ravior symbolises a legacy of expertise passed on from generation to generation and once there, you will experience customer service second to none and one of the main reasons why Ravior
has become the premier jewellery designer and outlet in Mauritius.

For those of you with internet access, visit ravior.com and subscribe for free on their website. From time to time special promotions are offered - such as discount coupons - so be sure to visit it regularly. You will also be able to view their latest collections and catch up on events within the company. Ravior shops are located in Black River, Quatre Bornes and
in the duty free section of the airport, so be sure to give them a visit too!

read online free Islandinfo magazine

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

THE MAURITIUS HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

The International Running Club which is called the Hash House Harriers, which also known as the Hash, started in Mauritius in 1986. The Hashers, as the members are called, meet at a pre-arranged starting point where they run or walk on a trail previously marked out by two or three ‘Hares’. After the trail has been completed, the Hashers enjoy a beer or soft drink and a light snack.

The original Hash House Harriers started from a Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya in 1938. The runners started from the Clubhouse and afterwards they had lunch at the Club restaurant, which they named Hash House because its food was not very good. The runners were called Harriers as they likened themselves to the dogs that picked up the scraps from the back of the Club kitchen!

When the 2nd World War started many Hashers were posted elsewhere, either with the army or with other kinds of war work. The Japanese invaded Malaya in December 1941, and the last Hash Run, was held a week later. The Japanese crossed into Singapore soon afterwards, and the founder of the Hash House Harriers, Albert Stephen Gispert, was killed in action on February 11th 1942.

After the war the Hashers in Malaya started running again. The Hash slowly spread to many other countries, as Hashers from Malaya started up their own clubs when they were posted to other countries. Nowadays there are at least 1,700 Hash Chapters around the world, on every continent, even including Antarctica.

At that time all Clubs and Societies in Malaya had to be registered with the government and the original aims for the Hash were registered as:

• To promote physical fitness among members.
• To get rid of weekend hangovers.
• To acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer.
• To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel.

At the 50th Anniversary of the Mother Hash in Kuala Lumpur in 1988, the souvenir programme stated that Hashing was:

…a blend of race and culture, of colour and creed, where mechanics mingle freely with managing directors, all together in a common endeavour - the Hash.

One of the most endearing things about Hashing is that it is a great leveller. As the statement above points out, it doesn’t matter whether you have a humble job or you have a job with many responsibilities – everyone is treated the same on the Hash. The Mauritian Hash has a solid core of Mauritians and Hashers from all parts of the world including those from Britain, Germany, Australia, Korea, Poland, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, South Africa, Israel, Denmark and the USA.

So it was the British expats in Malaya who can be blamed for inflicting this strange activity upon the rest of the world. Despite its origins, Hashing did not reach England until 1968, when a Scotsman called Richard McAllister returned to England with his Army Unit from Malaysia.

It has been suggested that the Hash has no rules. This is reflected in the fact that each Hash is ‘governed’ by what is usually called the Mismanagement Committee or Hash Hierarchy. This apparent lack of organisation is not really true.

The Mauritius Hash House Harriers, for instance, is a well organised club which is led by a Grand Master, ably assisted by a number of Joint Masters. The general ‘discipline’ of the club is administered by the Religious and Sex Adviser, who ‘punishes’ offenders by awarding them a ‘Down-Down’ which is the act of drinking a beer to the count of ten! A Trail Master organises the ‘Hares’ who, in turn, volunteer to set a trail on a particular Sunday, and this involves paying a number of visits to the trail area to make sure they know the surrounding countryside in order to set an interesting trail. Other people who form a valuable part of the Mismanagement Committee are the Cellar Master, Hash Softy, Hash Nosh and the Iceman who all make sure that the refreshments are in place after the Hash Trail has been completed.

Like all successful clubs and societies, the Hash has a Treasurer, who is referred to as Hash Cash, and a Secretary, who is known as Hash Trash. The Hash Market, which is usually administered by a lady Hasher, is a popular ‘stall’ where items of Hash clothing can be bought. The Hash Flash takes photographs of our activities, whilst the Hash Horn helps Hashers find their way if they get lost on the trail!!

During the Christmas period of each year, the Hash holds a special run called the Red Dress Run. In December 2008 this run was held in Mahébourg when 112 runners and walkers passed through the streets giving out sweets, chocolates, biscuits and cakes. Some runners ran through the General Hospital giving out presents to the patients. The run was followed by dinner and dancing at the Jardin Des Beau Vallon restaurant.

The Mauritius Hash has a prize-winning Website on www.mhash.com where further details of the MHHH can be found.

Visitors from overseas Hashes are welcome.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

read Islandinfo online magazine

DOMAINE DE L’ETOILE

It stretches over 1200 hectares of indigenous woods, including hills, mountains, valleys, ponds and rivers. The visit aptly starts with awelcoming cocktail that visitors may enjoy whilst admiring the longest river in Mauritius, namely the Grand River South East, which runs across the Domaine. The gentle sound of rushing water complements the sweet songs of birds, enticing visitors to discover this pristine world.


A range of activities and guided tours are proposed to guests so that they may fully explore the sprawling landscape.To begin with, the magnificent slopes offer several trekking possibilities of varying levels of difficulty.

Hikers will not only fulfill their desire to be away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but will also have the exceptional chance to admire Mauritian flora and fauna. Indeed, the Domaine presents hundreds of different varieties of plants and trees, including the most ancient ebony trees of Mauritius. Wild animals may also be observed amidst the lush vegetation; deer, boars, monkeys and bats as well as rare species of birds such as the "Cateau Vert" and the Mauritius Kestrel.

Other popular activities at L'Etoile are mountain biking, horse back excursions, four-wheel drives, archery and quad nature trails.These activities are not only for experienced visitors; the quad leisure vehicles, for example, are most comfortable, user-friendly and secure. A thrilling quad trail experience in the reserve may thus be enjoyed by young and old alike. The trails lead to several viewpoints from which visitors may behold panoramic views of Mauritius. One may behold the magnificent "Vieux Grand Port" bay which received the first Dutch explorers in 1638; also the historic bungalow of "Falaise Rouge" where Captain Decaen of the French navy conceived his strategy against the British for the naval battle of 1810.

After the invigorating activities, guests are warmly received at the restaurant for mouth-watering lunches which comprise both traditional Mauritian cuisine and international menus. The use of products from the domain (including the delicious palm-heart and various spices) adds freshness and authenticity to the dishes. Dinners and theme evenings are organised as well for those who wish to enjoy sunset at Domaine de L'Etoile.

A day spent at Domaine de L'Etoile leaves one truly enchanted. A nature lover's paradise, it offers a wide range of choices so that every visitor will leave well satisfied.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

read the free online magazine