I spent the week leading up to 11.11.11 in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius and Madagascar.
That was my second time in Mauritius, the more fun of the two actually. The first trip we stayed only a few days for a meeting downtown in Port Louis. It was the “wrong” season to go and the weather was grey and heavy with threats of torrential downpours.
This time we stayed extra days to catch the flight out to Madagascar. A few more days of relaxation. Far from Port Louis.
I first heard of Mauritius when I met a French-speaking Chinese girl while articling for my Chartered Accountant designation in my “previous” life. I was still a little unclear about what this little island was about. It was apparently rejected by a few peoples as an undesirable settlement, until the Dutch, then the French, then the British. Mauritius only became an independent commonwealth in the late 1960s. With English the official language, other languages include Mauritian Creole, French, Hini, Urdu, Hakka, and Bhojpuri. An island of settlers, fortune-seekers, and survivalists. It was a real hodgepodge. Very fascinating.
Our first trip was confined primarily to Port Louis, with a day sight-seeing trip with his colleagues to visit the volcano, the waterfalls, and the 7-colour earth of Chamarel. A cursory look around the more touristy areas of the island.
This time we stayed at Maritim Hotel, situated on a 25 hectacre private estate along Turtle Bay in what is known as the sunniest region of Mauritius. The Balaclava Estate dates back to the 18th century, with its own ruins.
Sometimes staying cocooned in a resort is just what you need. When we arrived at our spacious suite overlooking the water, the sun was starting to set and the air was filled with a breeze, carrying songbirds’ melodies. It felt like paradise.
We started the day with a generous and delicious buffet spread, overlooking the hotel pool. Lots of fruits and yes mimosas and on some days, straight champagne. The rest of the day was relaxing, relaxing, and more relaxing. Oh, and there was eating and drinking. Visiting the spa, hanging by the pool and on the beach, napping, snacking… We tried some of the free hotel activities that included mini golf, tennis, water sports, horseback riding, and archery.
The last time I picked up a bow and arrow was way back in high school. Feeling like Robin Hood, I was quite keen to give it a go. I have to say, the equipment was more high tech than I remember. The bow was much heavier. Hitting the board and near the bull’s eye seemed easier before. Ah, glorified memories. It was a lot of fun at any rate and definitely no competition here. No Hunger Games, that’s for sure. I’d have to rely on my husband for the hunting.
I also did some horseback riding, if you could call it that. I just sat on a horse and was led down the path from the stables, past the Balaclava ruins, through the trees, to the beach. Still, nothing to complain about! So blessed to spend some time with such a wonderful animal. Not so much for my husband who was now confirmed as being allergic to horses. He wasn’t even on one, just leading mine.
All in all, it was a good mix of relaxation and activity. And hanging out at the beach bar, trying some local liquors, was great fun. We had a lot of laughs. No sight-seeing this time and no photography, except those taken on my iPhone, whizzing from the resort to the airport.
