The legends of Mauritius are ancient and mostly of oral tradition. They are often derived and told from history. They can become masterpieces of literature or a precious reflection of past traditions and beliefs, which are gradually disappearing. An exciting reason to discover an imaginary and fascinating world with two legends from Mauritius!   The shipwreck of the Saint-Géran as a source of inspiration. The most famous shipwreck of Mautitius took place in 1744 near the island of Amber on the north-eastern coast. The French East India Company ship, launched in July 1736, was on its fourth voyage under the command of Captain Richard de Lamarre. The crew consisted of 149 men, 13 passengers and 30 blacks embarked in Gorée. Due to dangerous manoeuvres in very bad weather, the main and mizzen masts of the Saint-Géran were cut off abruptly and in the ensuing panic, the lifeboats and boats were broken by their crashes. The ship began to sink and the passengers and sailors jumped into the water. Unfortunately, all of them drowned and 183 people died in this tragedy.  When legend meets history The shipwreck of the Saint-Géran gained international fame thanks to Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s masterpiece “Paul and Virginie”, which inspired him to write the story of an impossible love between the sweet Virginie and Paul, two teenagers born to single mothers in the former colonial and very puritanical Isle of France. Their newly-formed love goes against the moral standards of the society of the time. Virginie was sent to France against her will to receive a conventional education and the inheritance of an aunt. On her way back to Mauritius, the Saint-Géran on which she was travelling was caught in a storm and washed up on the reefs. Virginie, a prude and chaste maiden, refuses to take off her clothes in front of a sailor who urges her to do so in order to throw herself into the water.  Hindered and embarrassed by the long, waterlogged sides of her dress, sacrificing her virtue at the risk of her life, Virginie drowns, much to the despair of Paul, who dies of grief.   The legend of Paul and Virginie is so enduring that a grave is dedicated to them near Pamplemousses botanical garden and a monument was erected in their memory in Poudre d’Or.  With the legend of Paul and Virginie, Mauritius joins in the tradition of the great stories of impossible love, like Romeo and Juliet or Tristan and Isolde.   ANSE LA RAIE, THE ANCIENT CURSED VILLAGE  The small coastal village of Anse la Raie, on the north-east coast of Mauritius and very close to Mythic Villas & Suites in Grand-Gaube, is said to have been the scene of a tragedy that brought out the courage of a particularly brave young man.A paradise-looking cove…  The magnificent turquoise bay along the coastal road in the north-east of Mauritius is an invitation to relax and swim in its crystal clear waters. However, according to legend, the small fishing village that stood there a long time ago, was the prey of many torments. The only way out into the open sea was through a narrow pass that the fishermen used every day to bring in the fish that would feed their families. One day, when nothing predicted the danger, a boat was preparing to cross the channel when suddenly the water began to bubble around it and a huge dark figure, much larger than the boat, slid under it. Frightened, the fishermen leaned over the side to try to find out what it was. Then, like a ghost, a large black wing appeared from the water and struck the boat furiously, breaking the fragile skiff. Taken by surprise, the fishermen drowned under the helpless eyes of the villagers. Then, rising from the sea like an immense kite, a huge manta ray, with a wingspan of more than six metres, jumped out before diving back onto the broken timbers of the boat, its short tail whipping the waves. From its side emerged the broken stem of a harpoon. Everyone immediately recognised the beast they had chased last year and tried in vain to capture…Golo facing the sea monster  The village was appalled… The manta ray, called “the devil of the seas” because of its two horns and its frightening appearance, eager for revenge, did not leave the pass, preventing the fishermen from going in search of food. The fishing boats lay useless on the beach and the men wept at their helplessness. Starvation threatened, as fishing was the only source of food. Any fools who dared to face the sea monster drowned… Then Golo, a young man full of courage and audacity, had a great idea, so he didn’t tell anyone. In secret, for days on end, he went deep into the forest to work out his desperate plan. Then, one morning, well before dawn, Golo stood on the beach with a huge wooden stake over his shoulder. He had carved it out of the hardest tree he could find. He had also made a raft from bamboo. He had to be quick and not be surprised by someone in the village who would have warned him off doing something so foolish. He fixed the stake firmly in the centre of the raft and pushed the raft into the cool water. He shivered as much from cold as from fear, but he could not let the villagers starve. He moved closer to the reef, making as little movement as possible so as not to alert the ever-watchful stingray. He steered the raft towards the entrance of the pass and let it drift with the current. He had only one chance and he knew it… The raft swayed gently on the waves when suddenly the sea shivered and a grey foam covered the waters. The manta ray sprang up like an evil genie and leapt out of the water, only to fall back hard on the little raft. It impaled itself on the pole and its wings furiously beat the water for hours. The noise had woken up the villagers who came out on the beach where Golo, exhausted, had just arrived. They all watched the long agony of the sea monster, and then his body was towed to the shore. Golo was celebrated as a hero  and the village was able to stock up on food for months.   Legends are meant to feed our oldest fears and do not always contribute to the promotion and protection of the fauna and flora. The stingrays that you will come across while snorkelling in the clear waters of Mauritius are quite peaceful and beautiful to observe.

March 12 commemorates the independence of Mauritius and also its accession to the status of Republic. A festive as well as solemn commemoration, it gives rise to the flag-raising ceremony, military parades and numerous cultural events throughout the country. The movement for the sovereignty of the island (Mauritius was then under British rule) began in the middle of the 20th century, a new constitution was adopted in 1947 and a new legislature the following year. In 1959, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan delivered his famous “Winds of Change” speech to the South African Parliament, making clear the British government’s intention to grant independence to many of its African colonies. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, a well-respected Mauritian politician (who later became Chief Minister and the first Prime Minister of Mauritius and later Governor General), led the negotiations for full political independence from the British Crown in the 1960s. In the 1967 elections, his efforts were rewarded by the pro-independence alliance (of which his Labour Party was a member) which won the election. This led to the introduction of a new constitution which allowed internal autonomy. Mauritius became an independent state and joined the Commonwealth on 12 March 1968.Mauritius went through many political upheavals between 1968 and the 1990s, but the fact remains that it gained independence. On 12 March 1992, following an amendment to the Constitution, Mauritius became a Republic, while remaining within the Commonwealth. March 12 has therefore been declared a public holiday, and every year Mauritians celebrate their independence in style – an extraordinary occasion that is well worth living. For any activity booking during your stay in our luxury resort, do not hesitate to contact the concierge service.

Coin de Mire, or Gunner’s Quoin, is one of the 6 islets north of the tip of Mauritius, including Gabriel and Flat Islands. The closest to the coast, it is also the most recognizable thanks to its high cliffs. Transformed into a nature reserve, Coin de Mire is not open to visitors, but its superb seabed is prized by diving clubs. With its cliff of 162 meters high, Coin de Mire has a very dominant view compared to Gabriel and Flat Islands.Classified as a nature reserve, it extends over 65 hectares and serves as a habitat for several endemic species. These are divided between plants, such as the blue latanier and Lomatophyllum tormentorii (aloe growing only on the northern islets) and animals, such as the Nactus coindemirensis, a small nocturnal gecko. Notably, the remains of a sugar plantation dating back to the 16th century can still be seen on the island. They bear witness to the attempt by the Dutch, the first settlers of Mauritius, to develop this crop in Coin de Mire. It is home to 24 endemic species. Some of the invasive species such as Fallow Deer, Black Rats and Wild Rabbits have been eradicated, which has enabled a project to introduce endemic reptiles from the round island further offshore, such as the Telfair Scintilla, to be carried out. The first were released in December 2006. Coin de Mire is home to the nesting grounds of several seabird species, including Pacific Shearwaters, Red-billed Shearwaters (Phaethon rubricauda) and Yellow-billed Shearwaters.Although you are not allowed to set foot on Coin de Mire, given its status as a nature reserve, it is a striking sight when viewed from the sea. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you, it will give you some beautiful shots with the island as a backdrop. To get there, there is nothing better than one of the catamarans that offer cruises to the Mauritian islets. These boats often drop anchor near the Coin de Mire to allow their passengers to explore the seabed with mask and snorkel. It is, indeed, a fantastic diving spot. You will surely see the famous Paille-en-Queue, the emblematic bird of Mauritius, flying fish jumping over the water and maybe even dolphins if you are lucky. For any activity booking during your stay in our luxury resort, do not hesitate to contact the concierge service.

Mauritius can quickly become a real playground for those who like to exercise, on land, water or in the air. There is no shortage of choices. Discover Mauritius in a different way, so many who visit the island just to sunbathe and relax. But others want more of this unique adventure, for sports and nature lovers, we have chosen sports events that will make your holiday an unforgettable and fun adventure! Nando’s Open Water SwimThe 45th edition of Nando’s Royal Life Saving Society Open Water Swim will be held on Sunday April 19th. The event, which will start on the idyllic beach of Pereybère, will include three races. The main event, the 3.8 km long freestyle race, will welcome renowned local and international swimmers. Mauritius’ climate lends itself perfectly to aquatic activities. Islanders can enjoy swimming in the pool, rivers, lagoons, lakes, streams and, why not, the ocean. Swimming allows us to refresh ourselves while enjoying the picturesque exteriors and tropical sunshine. Mauritius Tour Beachcomber (MTB) The fifth edition of the Mauritius Tour Beachcomber (MTB) will be held from April 30 to May 2, 2020 and is a must for mountain bike enthusiasts. It will once again take mountain bikers inland in the heart of a vast playground combining challenges, discovery and breathtaking scenery. This fifth edition will be just as spectacular as the previous ones. Just as rich in challenge and adventure. It will be eminently southern and will take place between the south-west and the south-east in the heart of the tropical forest. Ze Dodo TrailA trail of reference in Mauritius, crossing crests and private areas of the west coast, steep climbs and descents, technical and really extreme – to do! One of the most interesting aspects of the Dodo Trail is that the event gives participants the opportunity to discover magnificent private estates, fabulous landscapes of the west coast and the many trails of the Black River Gorges National Park, whose peaks offer a breathtaking view of the Mauritian lagoon. Mauritius Marathon Over the years, the Mauritius Marathon has become one of the most popular marathons in the region and several international runners (41 nations) are expected to come to Mauritius for this occasion. Three events are on the programme for this day: the 42.195 km marathon, the 21.7 km half-marathon and the 10 km. Participants in the 42.195 km marathon will start from the public beach of St Félix at 6.30 a.m. to reach Le Morne, via Bel Ombre, before turning back to St Félix along the magnificent coastal road. The start of the half marathon will be given at 7 am on the beach of La Prairie in Baie du Cap. For any activity booking during your stay in our luxury resort, do not hesitate to contact the concierge service.

Located on the north coast of Mauritius, in the Rivière du Rempart district, about 30 minutes’ drive from Port-Louis (the capital of the island), the very dynamic village of Grand Baie is ideal for tourists who love animation, day and night. With its natural beauty, wide range of activities and a considerable choice of hotels, this village is a real gem for travellers from all over the world. Grand Bay has no remarkable monuments or museums. Nevertheless, the large villas and colonial houses, located in privileged places on the coast, are a real eye-catcher. The bay is of course unmissable, take time to relax on its white sandy beaches and swim in its warm and crystalline waters.One cannot evoke Grand Bay without mentioning the many sporting activities. Grand Bay is surely a paradise for sports-people. There is something for everyone: from adventurers to the laziest! The nautical activities are perhaps the most beautiful and varied on the island. The Paddle is very fashionable. This long surfboard that is practiced standing up with a paddle is a very complete sport that appeals to all generations. It’s ideal for walking from beach to beach. Kite Surfing is also very fashionable. Anse la raie, a village 10 minutes from Grand Bay, is the most famous kite spot on the island, with the one in Le Morne to the south. Surfing is also practiced, with a few spots rather discreet but appreciated by the regulars.Shopping addicts will enjoy the luxury and duty-free shops proudly lining the pavements or in shopping malls such as “Sunset Boulevard” and “Grand-Baie La Croisette”, without forgetting the authentic “Bazar de Grand-Baie”. Grand Bay would not be what it is without its festive nights. Holidaymakers will have a wide range of night activities to choose from. The trendy bars follow one another in the small streets, the restaurants are full of delicious dishes to be enjoyed as a couple or with friends. To enjoy the nights until dawn, many discos welcome tourists, try the Banana Café the largest on the island. For any activity booking during your stay in our luxury resort, do not hesitate to contact the concierge service.

Do you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Mauritian life? Hurry, go to Goodlands on market days, it’s even better. If you are in the north, and you want to discover Mauritius, it’s impossible not to go there! On Tuesdays and Fridays, it’s the cloth market, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the vegetable market: go there in the morning, around 2pm they start packing up. It’s a rather unique moment, to penetrate under the metal sheets, feet in the clay and discover this world of a thousand colours.100% local and 100% authentic, the Goodlands market, a few kilometres south of Grand Gaube, is a must to blend in with the Mauritian population. In this market, there are very few tourists, if any at all! It is here that the islanders come to do their shopping, selecting their products from the carefully arranged fruit and vegetable stalls. Wander through the alleys and discover the curiosities of the market: tiny pineapples, huge fresh pistachios, pastries and coconut buns, faratas cooked in front of you… So many typical Mauritian products and dishes that will probably make your mouth water. We advise you to stay in the Goodlands market until lunch to taste the salads, doughnuts, sandwiches or achards sold on the stalls. Real Mauritian cuisine the way we like it!For lovers of nature and organic products, the small shopping centre of Goodlands regularly hosts an Earth Market with vegetables and other healthy and pesticide-free products on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. A pleasant moment of sharing in a good mood with enthusiasts. Visiting the markets of Mauritius is for us one of the essential activities to discover the authentic face of the island. So, let yourself be inspired by our experiences and live a 100% immersive stay! For any activity booking during your stay in our luxury resort, do not hesitate to contact the concierge service.