New luxury destination on the coast of Mauritius

xDomaine de Bel Ombre on the southwest coast of Mauritius launches as a major new tourist destination, offering a diverse range of activities, facilities and accommodation options for visitors who want to experience the authentic and natural beauty of Mauritius. Starting at the foothills of the rugged mountains characteristic of the south coast and tapering off into a clear turquoise lagoon, Domaine de Bel Ombre covers over 2,500 hectares of wild landscape dispersed with fishing villages, waterfalls and coastal rainforest making it the ideal choice for active holidays, wellbeing and nature pursuits. Formerly a plantation estate dating back to 1765, Domaine de Bel Ombre’s history is visible in the small sugar plantations that still operate and in preserved structures such as the 19th century sugar mill or the former grand plantation house turned fine dining restaurant Chateau de Bel Ombre. Noted 19th Century natural historian Charles Telfair chose to settle in Domaine de Bel Ombre before founding the Mauritian Natural History Museum. Here he made several botanical discoveries and introduced many new flora, fauna and fruit to the island.Today the natural beauty of the area remains in tact and offers tourists an alternative to the classic beach holiday that Mauritius is best known for. Domaine de Bel Ombre boasts two five star hotels, Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort and Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort as well as a new luxury villa resort Villas Valriche. Guests can use facilities at all three resorts and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities as well as relax on over 3km of pristine white sand beaches. For nature and wildlife discovery there is Frederica Nature Reserve. With 1,300 hectares of lush terrain protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation it is home to the island’s tallest waterfall, many indigenous flora and fauna and rare wildlife species. Here visitors can participate in hikes, 4×4 night excursions, discovery tours for adults and children, quad biking or mountain biking. For those seeking a quieter set of activities, nature trails with a tour guide, yoga classes, outdoor spa treatments and even organised picnics are on offer to fully appreciate the tranquillity and scenery of the Reserve. Adjacent to Frederica Nature Reserve is the multi-award winning 18-hole championship golf course Golf du Chateau. Situated on a rolling hillside it stretches out over 100 hectares taking in lakes, streams and tropical trees. The course is both challenging and varied, providing golfers of all abilities with an opportunity to improve their technique and know-how on a course that has a breathtaking panoramic view of the Domaine de Bel Ombre.