Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

Mauritius

In 1896, when Mark Twain, author of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, visited Mauritius, he wrote, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was created first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” This veritable Garden of Eden with its fine sand beaches bordered by filao and tamarind trees, the crystalline waters of its lagoon and the intense green color of its mountains in the background, have earned Mauritius the nickname given to it by 18^th century navigators: “the star of the Indian Ocean”. Located east of the African coast and Madagascar, the island is surrounded in part by a coral reef. Discovered by the Arabs, then colonized by the Dutch, it was finally named “Maurice” - Mauritius - in honor of Prince Maurice of Nassau. Originally uninhabited, it became populated with Europeans, Indians and an increasing number of slaves from Africa and Madagascar. The French took possession afterwards, followed by the English. In 1968, Mauritius became an independent country at last. The present day inhabitants are a mixture of races from three continents, a throwback to the island’s colonial past. This ethnic mixture is further heightened by the existence of temples, minarets and church steeples.

Although renowned for its long stretches of white sandy beaches, Mauritius also has a wide variety of landscapes including huge sugar cane fields in the vast plains, tea plantations on the hillsides and in the mountains, and immense waterfalls flowing in the middle of the tropical forest. The gentle climate, the turquoise water of the lagoon and the magnificent nature make this island paradise a dream destination for deep sea divers and nature enthusiasts as well as those seeking a restful, relaxing and carefree vacation.

Luxury, calm and serenity

The 65 villas of Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, situated in an immense, richly colored tropical garden, overlook the crystalline water of Tamarin Bay at Flic-en-Flac, on the west coast of the island. Inspired by India and Bali, influenced by the colonial style and heightened by touches of Islamic art, the architecture of these luxury villas are in fact typically Mauritian, bearing witness to the wealth and diversity of its culture, thus creating a blend of all these external influences with deep red colored roofs, like those of the first constructions in the 18^th century, visible beams, window doors to let the sunshine in and facilitate ventilation, moucharabiehs, etc.

The villas, all single level, even for the presidential suites, possess the same indefinable charm, luxury and refinement without ostentation, giving one the feeling of serenity. The interiors use noble materials such as teak for the floors, rosewood for the doors, sandalwood furniture and sober tones of cream, beige and chocolate. The extended terraces contain a private outdoor shower and a swimming pool varying in size with the largest measuring 56 square meters.

While comfortably ensconced in a soft cushioned couch, guests can spend the day relaxing and be served dinner under the stars. A spa, inspired by Indian philosophy and a stunning black slate swimming pool facing the turquoise water of the lagoon, reinforce the peaceful atmosphere that prevails throughout the hotel. There is also a huge beach, facing the lagoon where guests can dive in the midst of the coral or have a drink as they watch the sunset.

The Coast to Coast restaurant facing the sea specializes in fish dishes and a bit further on, the Cilantro is a veritable shrine to new Asian cuisine, enabling guests to discover the most refined aromas and flavors of Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and India; a veritable gastronomic journey through Asia!

The emblem of Mauritius is a one-meter tall bird of the pigeon family which unfortunately disappeared from the island with the arrival of the Europeans.