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• Event & news • Theatre & Entertainment

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Guvon Hotels & Spas is a leading hospitality

group offering a collection of hotels in Gauteng,

Northwest and Mpumalanga. All properties offer

excellent accommodation, conference, team

building and wedding facilities. Kloofzicht Lodge &

Spa, Glenburn Lodge, Bush Willow Tented Camp

and Chicama Spa are in Muldersdrift, in the

Cradle of Humankind. Askari Game Lodge & Spa,

a Big 5 game reserve, is in Magaliesberg, while

Umbhaba Lodge is situated in Hazyview. The

Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort (Randpark Golf

Club), and All Suite On 14th (Fairlands) add city

retreats to our country collection of properties.

Mission & vision: We believe in creating niche

products in prime locations and places of

outstanding beauty. We strive to become known

for our innovation, constant improvement and

sustained passion for the hospitality industry

through the dedicated effort of our dynamic team.

Lords of the Manor Natal Midlands Built at the turn of the last century and known as the 'Jewel of the Midlands', Lords of the Manor Country Estate has been restored to its original splendour and is conveniently situated just off the N3 and at the start of the popular Midlands Meander. It is a welcoming sanctuary where guests can experience the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era, along with contemporary comforts. The sprawling lawns lined with 150 year old giant oak and fir trees, lovingly manicured gardens and olde world charm of the manor house itself invite all those who visit to relax, unwind and forget the everyday stresses of modern life. Luxurious accommodation,à la carte restaurant renowned for fine dining and crackling log fires, cosy bar and warm hospitality are just a few of this boutique hotel’s memorable features. Accommodation Lords of the Manor is the perfect country retreat with 17 tastefully decorated en-suite rooms. Eleven of these suites are situated within the old manor house, comprising of a Honeymoon Suite, three Executive Suites, six Classic Suites and a Family Suite. Suites vary in size, offering you plenty space to relax and unwind in the comfort of your room and some having the added luxury of a gas fireplace.They boast massive double-glazed Swiss bay windows to keep out the winter chill, or open right out to let in the fresh country air and provide pristine views of the rolling lawns and gardens below. These rooms are equipped with all the modern facilities needed for a five star experience, including LCD TV, selected DStv channels, bar fridges, safes, tea and coffee making facilities and elegant en-suite bathrooms. The remaining six rooms make up the Garden Suites. Located apart from the main manor house, each Garden Suite has been beautifully decorated. Furnished with TV, en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and sliding glass doors offering magnificent views and daily photo opportunities of the sun rising over a misty Hidcote Valley.

http://lordsofthemanor.co.za/

http://www.kaggakamma.co.za/

Kagga Kamma, a luxury retreat nestled in the scenic Cederberg Mountains

Far away from the city lights, in a vast open space where rock formations frame the horizon, there is a place where lovers of nature can experience the environment in the lap of luxury. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Lodge. The signature accommodation options offer unique ‘cave’ suites, beautifully integrated with the sandstone rock formations, or spacious thatched ‘hut’ suites, resembling the traditional dwellings inhabited by the clans of the area many years ago. For a truly remarkable experience, the beautiful Outcrop Open-Air Room allows for an entire night under the stars, without compromise on comfort, as you drift off with just the covers between you and the heavens above. The Cederberg area is unique in that it comprises an untouched Karoo-like wilderness where guests will find beautiful wild flowers and small critters that are scarcely seen in other parts of the country. Kagga Kamma is equally unique in that it offers guests experiences and facilities they will not find anywhere else. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve offers guided 4x4 and quad bike safaris, hiking trails, mountain biking trails and star gazing at the mini Observatory. Guests can relax at the resort’s swimming pool while marvelling at the rock formations it’s built around. The Spa offers exclusive wellness treatments to relax and rejuvenate. The Lodge’s restaurant serves sumptuous South African cuisine and an excellent selection of wines from the nearby Cape Winelands.

Castelo do Mar is situated on the water's edge at

Linga-Linga, the tiny peninsula that juts into the

Inhambane Bay, Mozambique. Our warm

Mozambiquen hospitality ensures that guests enjoy

relaxing Mozambique Accommodation with 18

elegant rooms, luxuriously decorated and air-

conditioned with en-suite bathrooms. Activities like

Fishing, deep sea Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling,

Canoeing, Relaxing in our stocked library, or having

fun in our games room. Our rates are inclusive of 3

meals per day and our guests are treated to

exquisite meals in our Portugese restaurant. Indulge

in our pristine accommodation with en-suite

bedrooms, lazily choose between our activities on

offer. Our beachfront lodge in Mozambique is the

perfect spot for carefree Family Holidays, Corporate events, Fishing, Honeymoons and Getaways

Fishing off the coast of Inhamabane provides

some of the best fishing in Mozambique. We

offer tailor made packages to fish with Springbok

fisherman Neil Gouws who heads up our fishing

division. Neil is recognised as one of the top

angles in the whole of South Africa. Castelo do

Mar is fully equipped for even the most

experienced fisherman and gear includes 2 x 28ft

Nova Cats powered by 2 x 150 hp Suzuki 4

Stroke outboards and fully rigged to suit the most

serious angler including well maintained

communication systems, fish finders, GPS and

radar, Penn International Marlin reels, out

riggers, down riggers, fighting chair, rods, lures

and live bait.

Diving in Mozambique can be an extraordinary

experience! It's well known that some of the best

dive sports in the world are in Mozambique. Whilst

Humpback Whale sightings are seasonal, Whale

Sharks, Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins can be

seen all year around. One can see Dolphins

breaking the surface alongside boats, passing the

front of the lodge in the Bay, or coming up

playfully when diving or snorkelling.

Humpback Whales - migrate annually from

Antarctica to the warm waters close to the equator

where they give birth and breed and are normally

seen from June to October (most likely in August).

Accommodation at Castelo do Mar consists of 3 different

styles of rooms, each to suit individual taste and budget.

• 8 x Beach front Deluxe Rooms including a family room and

honeymoon suite

• 6 x Castle Rooms, these are in the main building with

shower /WC .popular with fishing groups.

• 4 x Manor House

Rooms with dining

area, lounge and

veranda leading onto

lawn and beach

Tau is a South African luxury safari

lodge situated on the far northern border of

South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game

Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the

country.

27 major species of game roam this South

African nature reserve, making Tau Game

Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday,

offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching

safaris.

Privately owned Tau Game Lodge, situated in

the North West Province, can accommodate up

to 60 people and offers an ideal South

African conference venue as well as an idyllic

wedding venue overlooking a natural waterhole.

Enjoy an authentic South African safari

vacation in the midst of natural wildlife,

complete with great game viewing and luxury

private facilities, at our South Africa luxury

safari lodge

Our luxury South African safari lodge was

designed to reflect the natural surroundings and

makes use of the natural resources wherever

possible.

Privately-owned Tau Game Lodge was built in

1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole,

which attracts a variety of game, as does the

diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile

topsoil.

The main body of the Lodge is two-leveled and

has a comfortable lounge, a conference room,

bar and dining room which are semi open-air

and overlook the waterhole. Delicious buffet

breakfasts and lunches are generally served in

the main building or on the verandah next to the

plunge pool and dinner is served in one of the

cosy boma's under the stars, or in the lapa next

to the main lodge.

www.visitmaldives.com/en

Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It

is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days

languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a

beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a

geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the

vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit

Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where

fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a

dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms.

In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travellers. Still welcoming,

these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors.

In horizon of the vast Indian Ocean grow green palms

This is my homeland, this is the Maldives

From the clear blue seas, we grow like pearls, This is my homeland, this is the Maldives

Pure, hassle-free luxury in lush, natural surroundings, that’s the essence of Baros Maldives. It’s a small tropical island ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life and encircled by a golden beach, with 45 thatched villas nestled among swaying palms and 30 water villas poised over a translucent lagoon. Created from timber and sandstone, each villa has a king size bed and décor of elegance, with en-suite bathroom in a garden courtyard or with a panoramic lagoon view. Eleven have their own beachside plunge pool, all have enviable seclusion enabling guests to indulge in sheer relaxation. Perfectly private, the villas at Baros Maldives are natural for the romantic couple, the incognito celebrity, the harassed executive and guests yearning to break free from stress. Guests feel free at Baros Maldives, indulging in relaxed chic, intimate moments, and enjoying the lush unspoiled environment. With three gourmet restaurants, a palm grove bar and an intimate cocktail lounge, Baros Maldives also has discreet, knowledgeable staff who respect guests as individuals and are always on hand. They can arrange excursions, organise a romantic sandbank dinner, a lagoon cruise by local dhoni, an eco-friendly diving or snorkelling safari. The Spa features the finest botanical therapies as well as yoga to rejuvenate the spirit as well as the body. Baros Maldives is an award-winning resort exclusive to resident guests, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport. No small children, no motorised vehicles, no annoying noises disrupt the serene tranquillity of this lavish tropical paradise.

Baros Maldives: Tel. +960 664 26 72, info@baros.com;

www.baros.com

The islands of Maldives appear in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors

from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history

has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been

left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one atoll to the other, attributing to the genes passed on by

South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language, Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some

regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life.

Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in

matters of significance but given separate positions in society. In matters of faith, Islam dominates, but

influence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving

credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islands’ first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153

AD.

The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (big-

drum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni (a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built

with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians,

seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from

Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats

woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline of women’s traditional dresses and their ornaments

too, expose another story brought in from an unknown culture that has seeped in to Maldivian society.

Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has

always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but

tourism now takes a standing prominence. Most Maldivians still want to believe in upholding unity and

oneness in faith, but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of new ideas

and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the people’s

identity, traditions and beliefs.

Diving Maldives

The warm seas of Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see the

passing fish as far as fifty meters away at times. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater

creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters.

Water sports

In a place that is more sea than land, there is no end to the fun things you do in the water. Maldivians swim for

recreation, they play water polo with their friends at weekend picnics, they surf addictively.

Excursions

The best way to experience the life of an ordinary Maldivian is to travel to an inhabited island. Some of these

islands are slightly more modern: with brightly painted house walls and harbour areas.

The Maldives Honeymoon

If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded, and most importantly, beautiful

setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best backdrop for all these things.

Spa and wellness

Just lying on a deserted beach of a Maldivian island, taking in nothing but the continuous rhythm of the waves,

the sea salt in the air and feeling the soft white sand on your bare feet is enough to sooth your senses.

Relax and unwind

The Maldives is considered by many to be the premier tropical beach destination in the world and the best

place to relax and unwind from the hectic and chaotic lifestyle of the modern world.

Seaplane Photo Flights

Seaplane photo flight offers you the sightseeing sensation that gives you the opportunity of a life time. Enjoy

your unparalleled Maldives holiday experience from the sky

The term "Mirihi" refers to the small exquisite yellow flowers found

around this beautiful island. According to local folklore, the flowers can

be used to "take away the poison". With only 36 villas, Mirihi is

meanwhile one of the smallest islands available in the Maldives.

Mirihi Island Resort is located on a secluded tropical island in the South

Ari Atoll, approximately 85 kilometres south of the capital Male'. A

picturesque and breath-taking 30 minute seaplane ride from Male will

bring the guests here. This emerald gem is just 350 meters long and 50

meters wide with a sparkling palm-fringed beach of fine white sand.

The guests can walk barefoot if they choose, this is as close to nature

as they can get.

Blessed with white talc beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the

most amazing house-reefs, it is truly a vision of paradise on earth.

6 tastefully appointed Beach Villas (53sqm) are spread over the island

and offer an oversized open-air bathroom with a luxurious fresh water

shower as well as direct access to the beach.

The 30 tastefully appointed Water Villas (53sqm) are built on stilts over

the blue lagoon offering steps from the balcony for direct access to the

Ocean, as well as a fresh water shower at the staircase.

All Villas are equally designed, featuring designer furnishing, polished

wooden floors, king size or twin beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan,

sitting area with CD stereo system, iPod connector and fully stocked

minibar, Nespresso machine, IDD telephone, personal safe and free

WiFi.

From sumptuous buffets in ‘Dhonveli’ Restaurant and fine dining in the

overwater restaurant ‘Muraka’ with an award-winning wine list; to

intimate private dining on the beach or on our very own private yacht

‘Thari’ – Mirihi offers a wide variety of superb cuisine to satisfy every

appetite and occasion.

Although the main reason for coming to Mirihi is undoubtedly to kick off

the shoes and do absolutely nothing but relax and revel in natures

delights, there are a host of other activities on offer for you to try,

should the need arise to lift your head from the peaceful slumber of our

many hammocks ...

Diving is a priority for many guests and Mirihi can cater to all levels of

divers, from first timers wishing to learn the basics to the experienced

diver wanting to fine-tune their techniques. With over 40 dive sites and

a multilingual team, every guest is assured a most personal service.

If the guests feel like being more active, they may take one of the

ocean kayaks and paddle around the island. On windy days, Mirihi

offers a complete range of windsurf gear available, suiting everyone

from beginner to expert. The use of the water sports equipment is

available complimentary to all guests.

If the guests look for relaxation and pampering, Duniye Spa is the

place to go. Trained therapists know how to relieve the stress from the

body and relax the muscles.

www.mirihi.com info@mirihi.com

Mirihi Island Resort South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives

Tel: +960 668 0500 Fax: +960 668 0501

KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most of the year.

However, summers are very hot and humid. Winters in inland areas are

clear and cool, and cold in areas of high altitude such as the

Drakensberg. These mountains frequently have snowfalls during the

winter months also.

Natal Sharks board

This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in

relation to their danger to humans. There are audiovisual presentations

and shark dissections at 9am and 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday. The public can accompany Sharks Board personnel on their

boat trips from Durban.

Hluhluwe Horse Safaris

Horse riding is a wonderful way to see wildlife; these rides are in the

False Bay region. You may spot antelope species, as well as other

animals. A second option heads to Falaza Game reserve where you can

see rhino, buffalo and giraffe (a two-hour ride per person is R450) It

operates out of Hluhluwe River Lodge.

Durban City Sightseeing Tour

Experience Durban, a city of contrasts on the Durban City Sightseeing

Tour. Shaped by the early Colonial settlers, see the city has developed

from the indigenous Zulu population and the Indians who arrived as

indentured laborers in the 19th Century.

Travel along the 'Golden Mile' beachfront towards the harbor entrance

where you can see anything from sari clad Indian ladies walking on the

sand to traditional healers collecting bottles of seawater to use as muti

(medicine).

Continue past Durban City Hall and learn about its humorous history,

before visiting the Phansi Museum, home to a collection of South African

artifacts and traditions. See beadworks, headrests, Zulu Clay Pots and

various other treasures as you browse the museum with your expert

guide.

See Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849, where you'll find a mix

of African, Asian and American trees. Throughout the tour your expert

guide will introduce you to the rich Indian history of Durban, and you'll

have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the unique 'Bunny Chow' cuisine

before your tour concludes.

Umgeni Steam Railway

The Umgeni Steam Railway operates out of the old Kloof station (now

home of the Stoker’s Arms Tavern). The 1000 Hills choo-choo service

departs on the first and last Sunday of every month at 8.45am and

12.30pm, and huffs and puffs its way through the area for about an hour.

http://www.mmstadium.com/

http://www.bigrush.co.za/

Since 1989 Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in

Ballito, North Coast, have enjoyed the pleasant seafood-

ballito-staff-alpescatoreexperience of our patrons and wish to

do so for many years to come. Al Pescatore, Italian and

Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, offer a unique

culinary experience with the owner designing original specials

each and every day. What more can one ask for than a

breathtaking view of the ever-changing Indian ocean, the

finest food and a delightful team that is at your service. Al

Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North

Coast, boasts many awards for these reasons.

Oldest Italian and Seafood Restaurant

Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, is one

of the oldest and still one of the most popular restaurants on

the North Coast. The secret to their success, Al Pescatore

owner Trevor Wolf believes, is the fact that they have been

willing to change with the times. Having been in the area for

23 years, Trevor and his wife Jenny have delighted the taste-

buds of roughly three generations of locals and

holidaymakers. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant

in Ballito, North Coast, started out in the Boulevard Centre in

1989 as an Italian Trattoria. But because of the change in the

market, the restaurant has evolved into more of a

Mediterranean / seafood restaurant.

And, as the market has demanded it, Al Pescatore has kept

on changing.

About 11 years ago Trevor moved the restaurant to the beach

– overlooking Clark Bay. Then he erected a wooden deck

outside the restaurant where patrons may enjoy a relaxed

meal while watching the surfers and dolphins play in the

beautiful Indian Ocean. “We have still retained the romantic,

stylish feel inside the restaurant, but now we can also cater

for a more casual crowd who want to come in for a light

afternoon lunch in their shorts and slops", says Trevor. Visit

Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North

Coast, for an unforgettable experience!

Al Pescatore Italian Seafood Restaurant

14 Edward Place On the beach

South Africa Ballito, KZN

Tel: (032) 946-3574

Situated in Durban’s leafy Morningside suburb, The Saint

James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel offers guests the

perfect getaway while visiting the city. This child

friendly hotel, originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert

Stormwho built it in 1892, is steeped in Durban history and

retains much of its old world charm.

The 15 bedrooms are individually decorated in a classically

elegant style, with some having a view over the century-old

St James church while others look over the hotel’s peaceful

garden terrace.

Originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert Storm who

built it in 1892, the hotel is steeped in Durban history and

retains much of its old world charm.

Our gourmet restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every

day until 15h00. We regret no dinner is served but our

friendly reception staff will be happy to assist you with

recommending and booking dinner at any one of the many

excellent restaurants in the area. We are available for

private dinner group functions, so should you wish to book

for a larger group please inquire with our reservations team.

.

Our extensive wine list won’t disappoint and we offer the

very best in South African vintages.

Dining at The Saint James on Venice is made more

memorable with the option of dining indoors or outside (al

fresco) on the beautiful garden terrace.

The St James’ sumptuous high tea is becoming very well-

known to locals and guests will be delighted by the wide

range of confectionary treats on offer.

As always, staff at The St James place emphasis on that

personal touch and guests celebrating birthdays,

anniversaries or any other occasion will be given that extra

special treatment.

Please Note:

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 06h00 – 22h00 Should late check-in or early departures be required please notify reception prior. The hotel offers 24-hour security 7 days a week

General Manager: (Sunet Pringle)

gm@stjamesonvenice.co.za Front Office / Bookings:

fo@stjamesonvenice.co.za

TEL: +27 31 312 9488 Fax: 086 605 2974 100 Venice Road

Morningside Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

4001

Canelands Beach Club Salt Rock

Thank you for taking interest in Canelands Beach Club,

ideally situated a ‘step away’ from the sea waters’ edge.

Please take your time and read below on what Canelands

has to offer.

Canelands is a luxurious and elegant 10 bedroom (all en-

suite) beach club situated in the popular upmarket region of

Salt Rock on KwaZulu Natal‘s North (Dolphin) Coast, South

Africa. Set literally a step away from the beach with safe

bathing offered by the many rock pools and coves that Salt

Rock is renowned for, Canelands Beach Club is the ideal

holiday and weekend getaway beach hotel.

Just minutes from the major shopping centres of Ballito, less

than 15 minutes for Durban’s new King Shaka International

Airport and less than an hours drive from Durban City, there

is little wonder why Canelands Beach Club has already

become an icon of quality beach accommodation to those

who have discovered this gem on the beach.

Canelands caters for both leisure and business orientated

guests.

Onsite conferencing facilities allows for up to 40 delegates

discussing that ever important new business venture.

The Canelands Beach Club is a one-of-a-kind experience

whether it is being served by beach butlers on the beach or

having menus prepared daily by the chefs or be it enjoying a

micro light flight or a horse ride along the coast, Canelands

and it's surrounds has so much to offer.

www.canelandssaltrock.co.za

www.thecanelands.co.za info@thecanelands.co.za

Reception: +27 32 525 2300 SPA : +27 32 525 4835 Facsimile: +27 32 525 2301

Reservation Office Tel: +230-266-9777 Fax: +230-266-9798

Email: resa@heritageresorts.mu

Other queries : Email: helpdesk@vlh.mu

1. Long live to independence: Villas Mauritius If you choose to reside in one of Heritage Resorts’ villas, it means that you need some independence during your holidays. You will not have much to pack before your departure since your new ‘home away from home' will be waiting for you fully equipped, from the very teaspoon, to your swimming pool towel. You will also have a golf cart attached to your villa for your whereabouts on the site and you will be able to go for shopping in the small shops of La Place du Moulin so as to make your own recipes back ‘home’. 2. The service of a 5-star hotel: 5-star hotel service in villa Even if you are hiding from the rest of the world, comfortably resting in a luxury cocoon, you still get a 5 star service: a Chef in villa who will prepare its own creations or adapt his recipes to your culinary preferences, daily cleaning of your villa, a babysitting service if you plan to go for an adults-only outing, laundry and dry cleaning services as well as gourmet baskets on arrival or while in residence. 3. Protecting your privacy: Private luxury pool villa in mauritius Staying in a villa is also a good way to spend quality time with your family and friends while keeping private the moments you will be sharing. If a hotel provides common areas for dining and relaxing, Heritage The Villas have their own swimming pool, a large veranda ideal for relaxing, a barbecue casual lunches and dinners, a garden area and outdoor showers (the icing on the cake)... absolutely everything you need to experience La Dolce Vita away from prying eyes. 4. An access to a lot of activities: Activities during your holidays in mauritius Yes it’s a villa but like no others! A villa in the unspoiled south of Mauritius, on the Domaine de Bel Ombre, which is a haven of greenery and beauty and gives access to lots of activities and leisure for ultra-active holidays: free green fees on the 18-hole golf course, two sports centres with trainers, a beach club and a water sports centre, a kite surf school and spot, a nature reserve with the possibility of trekking and quad rides, two spa villages but also children, teens and babies clubs... 5. A gourmet culinary journey: Gourmet culinary journey You can say goodbye to monotony with Heritage Resorts’ 12 restaurants… and try the refined Mauritian cuisine of the Château de Bel Ombre, the delights of Northern India at Zafarani (Heritage Awali), pan-Asian flavours at Gin'ja (Heritage Le Telfair) or Mediterranean specialties at the C Beach Club. Plus, you will get a 20% discount in restaurants and bars of the Domaine de Bel Ombre and be expected at Annabella's restaurant (Heritage Le Telfair) for a copious breakfast so as to start the day with the smile on your face.

The local cuisine in Mauritius originates from three

continents – in line with the birthplaces of its

inhabitants. By visiting the island, guests have the

opportunity to sample a variety of foods, including

Indian, Chinese, Creole and European.

Mauritian cooking is in a class of its own: a

combination of flavours that have evolved through its

different cultural heritages and cooking traditions.

Mauritians are creative with food, mixing various

styles in a single menu. They are just as happy to

experiment with recipes from Chinese, Indian or

Muslim cuisines as they are to create tempting

Creole or European dishes.

Mauritian cuisine is proud of its heritage, but has also

gained a fine reputation in the contemporary culinary

world. Leading chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Alain

Ducasse and the Troisgros brothers have visited the

island and introduced menus to boost the top-quality

cuisine already available. Local chefs meanwhile are

known for their creativity and ‘savoir-faire’, using

traditional and local ingredients to create modern

fare for some of the island’s most famous hotels.

‘Table D’Hôte’

One of the best ways to experience the pleasure and

flavours of truly local fare is to visit a typical ‘table

d’hôte’ or a local, specialised restaurants.

Do not hesitate to try the local favourite snacks,

including ‘dholl purri’ wheat pancakes stuffed with

dholl and served with curry and tomato sauce,

faratas, gateaux piments (chilli bites) and samosas.

Located a comfortable fifteen kilometers from the capital, Port Louis, The Oberoi, Mauritius sits amidst twenty acres of lush, sub-tropical garden, and enjoys an unrivalled position on the shores of Turtle Bay – a natural marine park with a vibrant coral reef. The hotel has access to six hundred metres of combed, white sand beaches, which are blessed with views of magnificent sunsets, every day. The hotel also houses four national monuments that date back to the French Colonial period and together make up a battery that was an integral part of the defense system of Mauritius. The main gunpowder store now serves as an exclusive dining space.

http://www.oberoihotels.com/

reservations@oberoigroup.com

SUGAR

Sweet crystals

Golden, brown, red or white

Crunchy

Once a rare, precious, expensive and even

reportedly magical substance, associated with

pleasure and luxury…

Mauritius offers you sugary treasures and pleasures.

TEA

Sensuous aromas unveil the flavours of Mauritius in

a single cup of tea…

As night gives way to the first rays of dawn

Tea leaves light up, still peppered with droplets of

dew

Rustling of leaves breaks the silence

Hundreds of women with huge wicker baskets on

their backs gently pick handfuls of buds

From the tea plantation and the tea factory to tea

tasting, the island offers an open invitation for people

to discover the secrets and the history of its famous

Mauritian tea.

RUM

“Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum”: pirates, conquerors

and explorers all loved to quaff rum

Rum production: a tradition as old as the history of

Mauritius

An exhilarating spirit with heady aromas

An invitation to enjoy lazy days beneath the tropical

sun

A liquor to taste and experience.

Local company Tourist Villages Co. Ltd recently

launched its first tourist village in the town of

Mahébourg. Situated in the gardens of the town’s

naval museum, the retail space accommodates

about 20 permanent exhibitors, all from Mahébourg

region. All the items offered for sale are local

handicraft creations.

In view of offering stand space to the maximum of

operators, 11 individual craftsmen and two

associations were selected. Preference was given to

craftsmen from the south of the island who showed

interest and responded to the invitation of Tourist

Villages Co. Ltd.

This was a great opportunity for the 60 artisans

represented by the Arts and Crafts Manufacturers

Association of Mauritius (ACMAM) to promote their

handicraft.

A second stand was also provided to Le movement

Pour l’Autosuffisance Alimentaire – an association

consisting of 12 member craftsmen from Vieux

Grand Port who make handicraft from the pandanus

(Vacoas) region.

Investment and future plans

The Mahébourg tourist village required an

investment of 6 million MRU prior to launch. It will be

the first in a series. Tourist Villages Co Ltd is now

planning to launch a much more ambitious second

village in Belle Mare – something that will require an

overall investment of around 200 million MRU.

The new tourist village of Belle Mare will

accommodate 35 shops, a food court, a recreation

centre and, of course, exhibition space for artists.

Subsequently, another tourist village is expected to

be launched in Flic en Flac.