Constance Prince Maurice.html

Belle Mare

In the southwest of the Indian Ocean, we find the string of islands known as the Mascareignes archipelago, about 900 kilometers from the coast of Madagascar. In this immensity of blue, where sea and sky seem to melt into one another, the island of Mauritius reveals its colorful and fertile landscapes. Formerly the Isle of France, Mauritius became a British colony in 1810. Vast stretches of fine sand beaches, turquoise waters, giant lily pads, poincianas and bougainvilleas combine to make the island a veritable paradise. Upscale quality tourism prevails on Mauritius with numerous hotel infrastructures offering a wide range of activities including deep sea fishing and diving, golf, cycling and of course, total relaxation.

Mauritius has conserved numerous vestiges of its colonial past. Architecturally, Christian churches stand side by side with Asian pagodas and Hindu temples. Culturally, the diverse ethnic influences have shaped the island’s history, with a remarkable number of languages, religious beliefs and traditions.

On the spice route

On the northeast coast of Mauritius, the Constance Hotel group decided to invest in a 60 hectare property along the sea, in order to create one of the leading hotels on the island, the Constance Le Prince Maurice.

Overlooking the calm and transparent waters of a lagoon, the12 villas are made of ebony and straw, recalling the former Dutch presence here. During that time, Europe’s colonies were totally involved in the spice trade, monopolized by Venice and Portugal until the 15^th century, and the hotel has conserved the peppered and nutmeg aromas of the past and which intensify the taste and aromas of its cuisine, offering guests a true exaltation of the senses. The highlight of the hotel is the Barachois restaurant, floating above the lake of the same name. Ideal for a romantic vacation, the hotel was awarded the title of “Best Beach Retreat” by the celebrated Condé Nast Traveler’s Guide, and is truly an idyllic Indian Ocean refuge.

Every year, the hotel organizes a literary award ceremony. 2012 was its tenth year. French literature is competition during odd numbered years and English in even numbered years. The Prince Maurice Prize rewards novels with the theme of love in all its forms. The goal of this ceremony is to perpetuate the cultural links between Mauritius and Europe.