With the weather starting to take a downward turn, autumn is a time to dream of tropical holidays… But stop dreaming! Say goodbye to grey and drizzly days, book yourself a flight to tropical Mauritius, and indulge yourself in a stay at the charming Mon Choix – Mauritius’ first certified eco lodge and true pioneer in the island’s ecotourism industry.
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Nestled in the mountains in Vallés des Prêtrés, just 10 minutes from the city of Port Louis, Mon Choix ‘Les Maison de Vallé des Prêtrés’ offers beautiful panoramic views across the valley towards the sea. It sits within a 7-acre private park offering ample opportunity to explore its rivers and walkways. Rather sweetly, the website describes the location as perfect for spotting fruit bats and for stargazing!
The hosts Joan and Jean-Michel de Senneville have designed the lodge using a mix of traditional English and modern African decor creating a tranquil and peaceful bolthole. It’s the perfect retreat for rest and relaxation, or a comfortable base from which to explore Mauritius’ natural environment.
Accommodation – choose your pirate!
Mon Choix consists of four suites – brilliantly, they’re named after famous pirates of yesteryear! The ‘Henry Morgan Suite’ is one of the largest with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room, plus two large private terraces – one overlooking the valley to the sea, and one facing the mountain range. Similar in size is the ‘Calico Jack Suite’ with en-suite facilities and one private terrace facing the sea. The ‘Blackbeard Suite’ has a larger terrace overlooking the valley to the sea; and the ‘Mary Read Suite’ offers views of the sea from your room.
Facilities and food
The shared spaces make full use of the beautiful surroundings. Seating and dining areas are available inside, but why wouldn’t you lounge on the many terraces and the large outdoor veranda? And outside dining areas mean breakfast can be served in the sun or you can enjoy dinner under the stars. Breakfast is included in your booking as well as dinner on the first evening of your stay – taste a varied menu of Créole specialities plus European and Indian dishes. Other restaurants and takeaways are nearby when you fancy a change.
The enormous garden includes a BBQ, and the swimming pool offers a fantastic mountain view. If you must keep in touch online there is free wifi throughout the lodge.
The hosts are happy to provide maps of nature trails and walks in the surrounding area – you can also book your own personal hiking guide if needed. There is a massage service, gym and health spa, offering a range of treatments, 30 minutes away.
Alongside horse-riding, hiking, golf and cultural excursions to discover more about this island’s multilayered history (perhaps most famous for the plight of the poor Dodo!), a holiday on Mauritius has to spent on the water. The island offers fantastic scuba diving opportunities as well as surfing, boating, water sports and even submarine tours to get a closer glimpse of the local marine life.
Recommended for… Sea-lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat
Be aware that… The lodge only has four suites so make sure you book ahead for the dates you want
For more information, including booking and prices, visit Mon Choix online at www.ecomauritius.com.
‘Good’ credentials:
- As the island’s first certified eco lodge, Mon Choix is soon launching a Mauritius-wide green initiative ‘Green Mauritius’ promoting and sharing best eco practice.
- Solar panels and low-energy lightbulbs are used throughout. Candles are also encouraged as an alternative to electric lighting.
- Rainwater is collected for reuse around Mon Choix and guests are encouraged to reduce water consumption.
- The saltwater swimming pool necessitates the need for chemicals
- Recycling is in operation; plastic bags are banned; organic waste is used for compost; and containers are re-used for shopping
- The garden is home to many indigenous flora and fauna including giant fruit bats, rare birds, river shrimps and insects. Mangoes, papaws, tomatoes, herbs and bananas are grown for guests to eat.
- All staff are educated in Mon Choix environmental efforts, and the wider ecology of Mauritius so they can share their knowledge with guests.
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