Location
Mauritius is an island state located in the waters of the Indian Ocean, approximately 900 km east of Madagascar. It is a tropical paradise, especially due to the sunny weather and local exotic Nature with varied flora and fauna which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Thanks to the coral reefs along almost the entire length of the coast, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are found here, with fine white and golden sand. Beaches gradually descend to the shallow waters of the turquoise ocean with its wealth of marine life. The island boasts many other attractions, such as several National Parks and other natural gems on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Thanks to its location, Mauritius has a year-round pleasant climate with not too significant temperature differences between summer and winter months. Warm and rather dry winter is experienced from May to November, while the coldest month is July with average temperatures around 25°C. On the contrary, the warmest period lasts from November to May, during the hot, humid summer when daytime highs do not drop below 30°C especially in January. It is generally valid that the weather is warmer and drier in the north and west of the island than in the other regions. Throughout the year, the sea temperature ranges from 23-27°C, increasing to 30°C in the summer months. The weather conditions are favourable for most of the year. The wind is usually stronger in the rainy season when it can reach cyclone force. The windward side of the island is its eastern coast, where swimming is more difficult in the big waves, attracting lovers of water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The south-western part of the island is the most beautiful. The region of Domaine de Bel Ombre, once famous for its sugar cane plantations, is situated in the very heart of virgin countryside. Bel Ombre sugar refinery cares for this remarkable corner of the island, attempting to develop the entire area sensitively, in compliance with its colonial history. At the same time, it participates in the renovation of local monuments, such as Château de Bel Ombre. This original Château residence of the owners dates back to the end of the 19th century and is situated amidst luxuriant gardens. Today it includes a Reception and upmarket restaurant, offering many culinary delights in the form of typical Mauritian specialities.
Château de Bel Ombre, surrounded by greenery and golf courses, is also the central meeting point of the exclusive Villas Valriche resort. Indeed, two excellent golf courses are situated within walking distance of all residences and, in some cases, virtually a few steps from their terraces. The 9-hole Golf du Château Academy and the championship 18-hole Heritage Golf Club course were designed by famous golf architect Peter Matkovich. This resort was awarded the title of the Leading Golf Resort on the Island for the second time and also proudly bears the title of the Best Golf Course in the Indian Ocean Region, as well as being placed in the TOP 10 Best Golf Courses in Africa according to a renowned CNN poll. After all, the prestigious AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open was held right here, together with three of the top professional golf competitions - the European Tour, Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour - with participation by international golfing elite. Moreover, other golf resorts, where both professional golfers and recreational/amateur players enjoy their game just as in Villas Valriche, are within driving distance.
Frédérica Nature Reserve is situated in close vicinity to Villas Valriche. The Reserve rises from the sandy beaches up to 400 metres above sea level, where the highest cascading waterfall on the island can be seen. The true uniqueness of the Park, however, is the lush indigenous vegetation with a variety of tropical herbs, wild fruit and ebony trees. There are also numerous diverse animal species, including wild boar and deer, monkeys and tropical birds, as well as colonies of fruit bats. All these beauties of the Nature Reserve are accessible to residents on foot, or they can take advantage of renting mountain bikes or four-wheelers.
The capital of Port Louis with its shops, markets and restaurants is located to the north and reached by an hour's drive. The island's only International Airport in Plaine Magnien is a mere 40 minutes away. Here, Emirates Airline flights arrive from Prague, with a change of planes in Dubai. Alternatively, there are direct flights, for example, with Air Mauritius from Paris, Frankfurt or Munich.
<< back to Introduction
