The history of Mauritius may be relatively young, yet it is both rich and fascinating. Going through the architectural remains of its past colonial period implies diving into an amazing blend of European influences and exotic settings. A fascinating journey through three historic buildings of French inspiration and jewels of Mauritian colonial heritage, with a strong emphasis on authenticity.   Labourdonnais Estate Labourdonnais Estate is located just north of the island, a fifteen-minute drive from Mythic Suites & Villas. Built in 1856, the “Château” was the residence of a Mauritian family for more than 150 years before being transformed into a visitor centre. This colonial building, with its historical character and appeal, was the source of a project to highlight the cultural and historical value of the estate and to promote its splendid history. In 2006, a renowned French museum specialist and designer ensured that the “Château” would become an essential cultural and heritage site in Mauritius. At the end of a stunning alley, the magnificent building where history, nature, gastronomy and Mauritian know-how meet is yours to discover. The house is a historical heritage and since its conversion into a museum, it has welcomed its visitors to explore the 19th century Mauritian lifestyle. The splendid wooden floor, the high quality of preservation, the beauty of the antique furniture, the paintings, the spaciousness, and the huge circular veranda, everything in this visit makes it possible to better understand the sweetness of Mauritian art and culture A colourful and savoury farming domain The domain has become more and more involved in the production of tropical fruits and vegetables. The orchards date back to 1975, and cover an area of 45 hectares producing passion fruit, guava, papaya, citrus and mango. These fruits are sold in their own grocery shop “La Corbeille”, to local customers, to supermarkets and to their own processing plant “Les Vergers de Labourdonnais”. This factory produces a variety of jams, juices, sweets and fruit pastes. In addition, a nursery with a wide variety of fruit trees and ornamental plants is available for sale. A train ride through the gardens and old orchards of the estate introduces you to native species, the many spice trees, exotic fruit trees and a wide variety of century-old mango trees. At the end of the park, placid giant turtles will delight your kids. Following the tour, enjoy a meal at La Table du Château, a contemporary and refined restaurant in the heart of the estate, which offers a gourmet and original menu highlighting the estate’s fruits and vegetables. On the splendid “La Terrasse” of the café, treat yourself to a snack or a fine selection of traditional Mauritian and international dishes (breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea). Last but not least, end your visit with a souvenir of local specialities from our gift shop.Eureka creole mansion  Located in the centre of Mauritius in Moka, this old house dating from 1830 is typical of the colonial period and a nostalgic insight into Mauritian lifestyle. Few colonial houses have survived the ravages of time and cyclones. Made of wood, their maintenance is particularly costly for their owners, who came up with the great initiative of transforming them into museums and providing a priceless chance to experience an authentic Mauritian culture and lifestyle.  Eureka House, nestled in the heart of a lush garden, has managed to preserve its past authenticity and character. Set against the backdrop of the Pouce mountain and a river, and benefiting from the extraordinary green climate of central Mauritius, the Creole House can be visited with a guide. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet its owner, Jacques de Maroussem, with his lively and friendly manner. Perfectly renovated, Eureka gives you the opportunity to discover the traditional habitat of the colonial era, with splendid solid wood furniture and precious collector’s items. On the menu: the music room, the Chinese corner, the large room dedicated to Paul and Virginie, the bedroom, the four-poster beds, the gramophone, the chandeliers, the Kashmir carpets, as well as numerous paintings, photographs, old manuscripts and Japanese porcelain. Gourmet pleasures after the visit Welcome to Euréka’s guest rooms. However, even if you are just visiting, don’t miss the restaurant, famous for its excellent Creole cuisine, cooked according to traditional recipes and prepared with the fruits and vegetables of its organic garden. The culinary surprises include smoked marlin as a starter, beef curry served with giraumon fricassee, pistachio rougaille and coconut chutney. Following the meal, take a stroll through the endemic plants along one of the many hiking trails and soak up the freshness of the various waterfalls. The souvenir shop sells scented candles, local tea, spices, exotic jewellery, jams, books and accessories.  The Villebague mansion  The oldest colonial house in Mauritius is much lesser-known and more discreet, but still holds the promise of an architectural and heritage discovery in Mauritius. Located in the tiny village of Grande-Rosalie in the north-east of Mauritius and thus within easy reach of Mythic Suites & Villas, the castle built in 1740 brings us back to the age of the sugar farmers. It was owned by Mahé de Labourdonnais, to whom we owe the early development of colonial Mauritius, and later by René Magon de La Villebague (1722-1778), former governor of the Isle of France and the Isle of Bourbon, who took possession of this impressive and magnificent property. An architectural heritage dating back many years ago A huge bronze deer welcomes visitors at the entrance of this more modestly sized residence. The Château de Villebague is based on the French colonial architectural style, with its white walls and grey shingled roof. The castle was built on the former site of Mauritius’ first sugar estate. Its gardens are home to a unique and rich fauna which attests to the Botanical diversity of Mauritius. The discovery and visit of the castle can only be made on request through the terra group, owner of the castle.     Majestic, exuberant, generously designed or exclusive: walk in the footsteps of three beautifully restored colonial mansions with their old-fashioned charm and timelessness to experience the historic world of Mauritius’ pride and glory.

After more than a year and a half with the borders closed to visitors, the 1st of October saw the country’s reopening to its travellers. MJ Development welcomed our travel partners to celebrate the event in a festive mood.   Welcome (back) to Mauritius! It was a long-awaited event and well worth a special evening to celebrate Mauritius! After long months during which our beautiful country hosted very few tourists under compulsory quarantine, the official reopening of the borders generated considerable excitement and hope. MJ Holidays, a subsidiary of the MJ Développement group, therefore invited travel professionals from the South-West for an enchanted interlude with exotic flavours in the prestigious setting of the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz on 30 September.A tropical escape into our residences Within a beautiful setting, decorated in the colours of Mauritius and in a typically exotic atmosphere, our forty or so guests had the opportunity to discover or rediscover the beauty of our resorts. Our residences are both exclusive and charming, designed to provide a different holiday experience for guests who wish to combine elegance and relaxation. Marguery Villas, located on the west coast of Mauritius, offer a unique holiday or a long stay in a private villa. These fully equipped and human-sized apartments, with private swimming pool and exotic garden, concierge service, very close to the beach and essential services, are the perfect way to spend a tailor-made holiday in the comfort and convenience of a fully serviced residence. On the north-east coast, Mythic Suites & Villas offer spacious prestige suites or individual villas with private swimming pools surrounded by a lush garden with the benefits of hotel services. With its club house, concierge service and tailor-made facilities, Mythic Suites & Villas is dedicated to making your holiday special and memorable.A great getaway with Mauritian flavours The event was devoted to the concept of authenticity, an emblematic Mauritian identity. Our intention was to inform our travel partners about local life in Mauritius to better promote the island to travellers. Our guests were then introduced to local specialities and to Mauritian music, together with sega, our local dance. Finally, a draw among our guests offered one of them a combined stay in our two resorts. The best thing is to have experienced it in order to better promote our hospitality.  MJ Holidays succeeded in sharing its passion and love for this mythical destination, Mauritius, and in introducing its promoters to a different and unique holiday concept through an evening full of emotion. 

To make a useful contribution to the preservation and sustainability of our planet’s natural resources, every action counts. Well aware of the ecological vulnerability of Mauritius, MJ Holidays is committed to the environment and has adhered to the SigneNatir environmental standards. We invite our residents and travellers to join us in being eco-friendly and sustainable actors for responsible and respectful tourism.Here are 6 important and easy tips to put into practice during your stay in one of our hotel resorts to minimize the impact on the environment:  Control your water and electricity consumptionRemember to turn off the lights and air conditioning when you leave your residence. Monitor the use of your electrical appliances. Mauritius suffers from drastic year-round water shortages and residents are subject to a tight supply situation: avoid taking a long shower. Change your linen at a reasonable frequency.  Committed to the environmentWe are proud to be a sustainable accommodation company that signed the Signatir environmental charter, and we encourage our guests to support us. We have set out our own eco-friendly commitments and we practice our environmental principles on a daily basis through thirteen actions to be found here  Opt for ” green ” means of transport: on foot or with a bikeUse the bicycles available at Mythic Suites & Villas and Marguery Villas to explore the back roads of Mauritius. Our resorts are located in the heart of coastal villages. The proximity of many shops, beaches and restaurants is the perfect opportunity to discover the area on foot and get a deeper insight into the country.  Promote local productsLike any other island, Mauritius relies heavily on air and sea freight for imported products, which are expensive and polluting. What if you contributed to preserving the local economy, employment and the environment by consuming our products locally? Many small businesses propose quality local products. And you may even buy both local and organic if you wish.   Visit local tourist sitesGo for a great cultural holiday! Mauritius’ heritage is both rich and varied. By visiting the sites, we regularly mention in our Travel Diaries, you will make a contribution to the local economy and to the preservation of our heritage. A few recommendations: the Martello Tower of La Preneuse and the Tamarin salt pans in the west, the Ebony Forest in the south, the profits from which go to funding the regrowth of ebony trees.    Do not leave any kind of footprintTo reduce the environmental impact of your visit, collect your litter and do not pollute, in order to ensure that your footprint is as small as possible. Do you enjoy Mauritian beaches? Help keep them beautiful. Our teams actively contribute once a month with the “Go Green” operation, which combines yoga, meditation and waste collection, as described here.   To ensure that Mauritius remains a unique holiday destination in an exceptional environment is the basis of a responsible and sustainable ecological commitment.

Your family holiday in Mauritius looks like it’s going to be a great one: beautiful weather, beaches and lagoons to explore, exciting multicultural encounters. However, your teenagers may request more specific activities to suit their tastes.  A holiday with teenagers Find here some of our suggestions to ensure their holiday is a memorable one! Mauritius from above: a paragliding experience Paragliding Mauritius offers a unique and spectacular adventure: a first flight in a paraglider. A rare opportunity to discover the beauty of the island’s landscapes. A first flight is carried out on a two-seater paraglider with an instructor. Seat belts, harnesses… everything is provided for optimal safety. Once the equipment has been correctly installed and the instructions given, the ultimate challenge is to find the courage to take off with the wind facing you, after a few steps on a slope that is neither too gentle nor too steep.  The tandem paragliding activity lasts 30 minutes and leaves from the island’s main spot on the north side at Montagne Longue (allow 15 minutes for climbing). The fun is total if your teenager is equipped with good walking shoes and a wind jacket as the wind is pretty cool up there. Paragliding Mauritius proposes this experience all year round, the only condition is to be in good physical condition, especially for the take-off (running) and landing.Escape games from Dodo Quest: you can’t escape! It’s been raining for two days and your teenagers keep hanging around? So why don’t you take the opportunity to try the fun world of escape games? Strong emotions, mysterious and intriguing worlds, enigmas to be solved in teams… Dodo Quest proposes exciting games for young and not so young, with guaranteed laughter and fun! Of the five Escapes Rooms, your teenager chooses his or her theme, gathers his or her team and locks them in the chosen room. They have 59 minutes to escape. And that’s where it gets tricky: you have to solve the enigmas, stimulate your imagination and progress towards the exit.  Action Games play with your fear in the dark. The mission: to find objects in total darkness or in labyrinths.  It’s fun, intelligent: a must try.   An Indiana Jones adventure in Casela We previously informed you about the many activities available for families in Casela (LINK). The animal and leisure park on the island proposes, among other attractions, sports activities with adventure trails. The programme for your teenagers includes the Nepalese bridge, zip lines through the forest, canyoning in the estate’s waterholes and swimming at the foot of natural waterfalls. A great way to remember your holiday! Other activities include segway and quad biking to explore the wildlife in the park by yourself. And since it’s the holidays, close your eyes on the mud buggy ride, winner of the laughter prize!100,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Blue Safari Submarine Don’t worry, your teenagers will not be doing the same thing, but they will certainly think they are Nemo during a fascinating dive in the fishy waters of the north, at Grand Bay. Aboard the BS1100 submarine for an extraordinary 45-minute dive to a depth of 35 metres, they will be fascinated by the exceptional richness of the marine life. The dive is introduced by a safety briefing, an understanding of the submarine’s functions and the fauna and flora you will discover. An unforgettable moment for your teenagers and incredible memories to share when they leave!   And what else? Check out our previous tips in our Travelogues to plan an exciting, fun and enjoyable holiday for your teenagers. Mauritius has a wide variety of activities to make your teenagers’ holidays a success. Our concierges are at your disposal to help you book your chosen outing. Do not hesitate to ask them for advice.  

What could be more romantic and special than spending a fabulous honeymoon at the far end of the earth, in the idyllic setting of Mauritius? For many couples who dream of sandy beaches and sunshine on their honeymoon, MJ Holidays combines the exoticism of the destination with special offers for newlyweds.  If you dream of an exotic ceremony, exclusive activities or magical moments of relaxation for two, Mauritius offers an intimate and unforgettable setting to celebrate your love. Let us explore some of the most original ways to transcend your honeymoon into one of discovery and love.Mauritius, the ultimate destination for successful honeymooners   With its relaxed atmosphere, tropical climate and beautiful beaches, the favourite destination for honeymooners has been a popular choice for many years. Spending your honeymoon there at any time of the year while enjoying the sunshine, discovering its miles of beaches and turquoise lagoons, appreciating the great kindness of the Mauritian people: all excellent reasons to prepare your honeymoon in complete confidence.Because we want to contribute to the success of your stay in one of our luxury hotels, we can help you live unforgettable experiences, with a timeless ceremony of beauty and symbolism, to sail on an intimate cruise or to enjoy a special experience of shared pleasure during a four-handed massage treatment.Plan a Hindu religious wedding in Mauritius A religious Hindu wedding ceremony, high in colour and  filled with symbolism. Does the concept seduces you? Walking around the fire seven times, attached to each other by a shawl, dressed in a sumptuous sari and barefoot for her and in a bright traditional outfit for him, renewing vows in front of a pandit (Hindu priest). It is actually possible to experience this absolutely unique and memorable moment of cultural immersion in a Hindu temple in Mauritius.In the colourful setting of a charming temple and under the benevolent eye of the Hindu pantheon, learn about the rituals and symbols of ancient India, guided by a pandit who will explain all the steps and their meaning. This intimate, incense-scented religious ceremony will be one of the most memorable moments of your honeymoon. The concierges at our two hotels, Marguery Villas and Mythic Suites & Villas, can help introduce you to local wedding planners. They will also be pleased to advise you on where to buy your sari, traditional wedding jewelry and groom’s suit, should you decide to play the exotic game to its fullest. We can also recommend a beautician for the traditional mehendi, the henna tattoo on the hands, and a photographer if you want professional shots. Undoubtedly the ultimate honeymoon experience in Mauritius!The cruise for lovers   How about spending the day together on a boat?  If you stay at Mythic Suites & Villas on the north-east coast, we suggest a private full-day cruise to the northern islands. Embark on a catamaran or – the ultimate private experience – a speedboat on your own, for a fabulous day out. On the programme and for one-to-one: Explore the crystal-clear lagoons, discover the underwater world, sunbathe on a deserted islet beach and enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled seafood for two.On the west coast, the boat trip includes a unique opportunity to see and swim with the dolphins at Tamarin. Then, you can enjoy some wonderful snorkeling to discover the incredible marine biodiversity of Mauritius. Head offshore served with kindness and discretion by the crew mindful of your privacy, before enjoying a tasty seafood lunch. You will end the day with a magnificent Mauritian sunset while sipping an old local rhum. Contact our concierges to organize your unforgettable tour!A couple’s spa or villa  experience A pure relaxing moment, pampered by expert and caring hands, in the luxurious and highly professional setting of the many spas in Mauritius or in the garden of your private villa at Marguery Villas. This is a wonderful way to start your honeymoon and will keep you in great health for the rest of your stay! The most famous spas are usually located in hotels on the island’s coasts and are open to visitors.The best of them offer harmonious holistic experiences based on relaxation, well-being, rejuvenation and energy balance for body and mind. Mauritian spas are often Balinese-inspired, highly aesthetic and peaceful havens of relaxation and serenity.. From ancient Ayurvedic treatments to more modern techniques, from four-handed massages to body and facial therapies, experience magical and unforgettable moments of communion and relaxation with your partner. Feel like staying in the cocoon of your villa or suite? Book a couple’s massage session with our therapists and enjoy this special time together.   Our special honeymoon offerTo make this romantic getaway in Mauritius a real moment of intimacy and love, we have a few surprises in store for you: the romantic interior decoration of your villa or suite, a Mauritian meal accompanied by a sparkling wine for 2 persons served in the villa. Let us know what you are looking for and we will help you bring magic to this moment of happiness. https://www.mjholidays.com/fr/personnalisation.htmlTurn your honeymoon in Mauritius into an exceptional moment of happiness, sharing and intimacy and celebrate love in the romantic and idyllic setting of our luxury hotel residences.

You have just landed in Mauritius and want to get to your holiday villa as soon as possible. To make things as convenient as possible we suggest two options: renting a private car or a shuttle transfer.Rent a car in Mauritius You wish to enjoy your stay in Mauritius and move around at your own pace? Renting a private vehicle is the best option. The major international car rental companies are represented in Mauritius and there are also a large number of local companies. The fleet is composed of very good condition, economical vehicles, both manual and automatic. The rate varies according to the type of vehicle, the duration of the rental period and the season. During peak periods (Christmas holidays or July-August), it is recommended to book your car in advance.   The major rental agencies have a counter at the airport, while the smaller agencies drop off the vehicle on arrival. You can therefore go directly to the counter without having made a reservation. Rental vehicles are disinfected in order to comply with health standards related to the pandemic. Our advice: Book your vehicle at the same time as your stay. Plan ahead by asking our concierges when you book online, and they will advise you on our usual car hire providers. You will thus get our recommendations to find the best car rental company or to compare prices.   Getting a transfer from the airport It’s your holiday in Mauritius and you want to immerse yourself in the country before renting a car? Private transfer is what you need. As soon as you leave the airport, you are greeted by a driver and taken directly to our resort. Comfortably seated, you can enjoy the landscape to the full.  Our advice: Book your transfer at the same time as your stay. This concierge service is included in our offer. We have been working with a trusted partner for several years.   7 important things to know about driving in Mauritius To drive in Mauritius, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence. The minimum age is 17 for moped drivers. Foreign travellers visiting Mauritius are subject to the same conditions. We drive on the left side of the road. Visitors who are not used to this type of driving should be very careful, especially on roundabouts where the first reflex is to look left. The priorities are therefore reversed. The speed limit is 60km/h in populated areas (towns and villages), 80km/h in rural areas and 110km/h on motorways. There are many speed cameras posted on our road network, as well as mobile patrols. The road network is generally good, with motorways and secondary roads. Some urban areas are very congested during rush hour (7-9am in the morning, 4:30-6:30pm in the afternoon). Plan your travel outside these times if possible. Mauritians are not very disciplined on the road: watch out for motorbikes that don’t turn on their blinkers, those that overtake on the left and don’t mark the stop sign, and pedestrians who don’t use zebra crossings. The roadside is sometimes the place where dogs gather (a “wedding” as the locals call it) and in some villages, chickens and roosters are blatantly ignoring the priority due to vehicles. Cigarettes are not allowed on board if the driver is accompanied by a passenger. The blood alcohol level is limited to 0.27g/l (the equivalent of a small glass) and a positive breathalyzer test can get you a night at the station: if you must go out and drink, take a taxi instead The distance from the airport to Marguery Villas is forty-five minutes, from the airport to Mythic Suites & Villas one hour and ten minutes.You have opted for a rental car during your stay? The rules for driving in Mauritius are: drive carefully, keep to the left and be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians. Discover our beautiful destination by yourself! Contact our concierges to check our car rental companies and organise your stay: Jonathan at Marguery Villas: concierge@marguery-villas.com Lencelay at Mythic Suites & Villas: concierge@mythic-resort.com Would you like to reach your hotel residence by taxi? Please see our recommended taxi companies in our travel guides soon.