If it is true that in heaven, God will reveal what on earth He chose to conceal, we need not wait to get to heaven. After all, the explorer Mark Twain said that Mauritius was made first and then heaven copied after.
I have a penchant for exploring different cultures — to be in a new place, find a new self and be connected with the unfamiliar. In Mauritius, seen as a living museum without walls, beautiful traditions of culture and values create an unrivalled sense of community that teaches us to live simply, deliberately, unencumbered by unnecessary things. We learn from the inner soul of the islands, the legacy of their honorable attributes, to appreciate what truly matters.
My discovery of Mauritius goes beyond another encounter with a luxuriant white-sand beach in a five-star resort experience, enviable duty-free shopping of the world’s best clothing brands at factory prices, tours of its dreamy landscape. Rather, it is a connection with the inner soul of a people and culture who, despite the many challenges in life, have emerged with a resilient kind of hope, courage and promise that the way we live today will surely determine the optimism of tomorrow. In this magical island paradise, you will learn that the best way to get to heaven is to take it with you.
Resembling a rich, green emerald swathed in the translucent turquoise silk of the southwest Indian Ocean, the allure of Mauritius captivates with its natural exotic beauty. Towering dramatic volcanic peaks, gently guarded by endless sugarcane plantations, swaying palms and shimmering beaches comprise its glorious landscapes. Abundant sunshine and short yet sharp rain showers amid the obsessive beat of the African-inspired sega music beguiles like the fragrance of an everlasting summer. The island spent many millennia out of sight of man and evolved a unique and successful ecosystem incorporating some unusual creatures seen nowhere else on the planet. The extinction of many, including the legendary dodo bird, shames human history but today Mauritius is home to some of the earth’s most rare plant and animal life, and the marina waters offshore offer yet another realm for exploration.
The story of Mauritius reminds me of the long and arduous process of how rough carbon ore is exposed to extreme fire to produce the most scintillating diamond. Like many things in life, a thing of beauty and value doesn’t occur overnight. Patience, perseverance, hope and courage have translated to triumph. Today, we appreciate the splendor that Mauritius offers but this former slave-stricken colony has endured tests and trials that have contributed to its colorful character.
Our gracious tour guide Sam from White Sand Tours led our rambunctious group as we checked in at the posh Tamassa Hotel, Naiade Resort’s latest creation situated at Bel Ombre, southwest of Mauritius.
A fusion of contemporary and traditional design, Tamassa has a fabulous shoreline, lush greenery, rare tree species, exotic flora and fauna and 214 lovely sea-view rooms. We drove around the idyllic sanctuary to the most popular Ile Aux Cerfs Island, a beautiful and naturally resplendent 100-hectare island located on the east coast, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, the colored earth of Chamarel, one of the most visited attractions, where seven hues of earth meld and swirl in a kind of neutral-toned kaleidoscope. We explored the Ile Aux Aigrettes, a 26-hectare reserve where over 40,000 varieties of flora and fauna are transplanted to enhance vegetation. Here, rare animals like geckos, pink pigeons, monitor lizards, tortoise, Telfair skinks are cared for and bred. We savored a hearty lunch at the Domaine Saint Denis, a hunting lodge above Black River Gorges set amid lush vegetation with panoramic views and an enticing table d’hôte menu — an exclusive venue for White Sand Tours guests.
A visit to the bustling capital Port Louis will satisfy the intrepid shopper. There are pockets of color and charm: in the outdoor market where a fine dust of powdered spices fills the air; along the refurbished waterfront, where western-style shopping malls have sprung up; and, best of all, the locally produced, imported brands like Chanel, Armani, Dolce Gabanna, DKNY and more at unbelievably low duty-free prices.
One is spoiled for choice as an amazing array of resorts from the most exclusive, most luxurious to the most affordable and spartan abound. At first, we queried why it took quite some time to hop from one destination to another. Then we learned that in Mauritius, roads are built to circumnavigate the island, without ever cutting through it. This is a fascinating way to keep the environment as pristine as possible. The traveling distance from one point to another may be longer but it is definitely more scenic and rewarding.
Only 67 kilometers in length and 46 kilometers at its widest point, and with an area of 1,865 kilometers, Mauritius is about the size of the English country of Surrey, or South Africa’s Cape Peninsula and False Bay. As a political entity, the Republic of Mauritius includes not only the island of Mauritius itself, set just north of the Tropic of Capricosrn, but also the tiny island of Rodrigues located some 563 kms to the east, as well as the Cargados Carajos Archipelago (St. Brandon) and the two virtually uninhabited Agalega islands.
The ancestors of today’s Mauritians sailed for many days to reach these shores, some under physical duress, others through economic necessity. Life was hard for most and still is for many, but the joie de vivre that exudes from young and old here is genuine and heartfelt. Four centuries of colonial experiment have contributed to the population — an incredible mélange of Africans and Madagascans, Indians, Chinese and Europeans. The racial and religious influence is a fascinating element of the Mauritius story, one that’s worth exploring.
Those geometric rows of sugarcane were a reminder that Mauritius is essentially a man-made paradise. After all, no one lived here 400 years ago. Besides the occasional Portuguese explorer or waylaid pirate crew, the island was uninhabited until the Dutch settlers arrived in 1638. They introduced deer, wild boar, bananas, tobacco and, in 1639, sugarcane from Indonesia. In short order they also managed to kill off the dodo bird and a few dozen other native species as they brought in dogs, cats, rats and other pests. (Settlers enjoyed hunting the flightless dodo with clubs.) Slaves were brought in from East Africa and Madagascar to work the cane fields.
During the last few years, Mauritius has undergone a complete change to enter a new era. Tall buildings, shopping centers, supermarkets and luxury hotels stand out as landmarks of the island. The economic success of this tiny country surprises foreign businessmen. A free zone, an offshore center, a free port, textile, tourism, sugar cane growing and lately, technology, are the pillars of the economy. The inhabitants are open to any partnership with other countries and political stability attracts international investors. A multi-ethnic population has turned Mauritius into a melting pot of civilizations, cultures and religions.
All these developments do not mean that the relaxed and easy way of life has disappeared. Clear horizons still reveal enchanting scenery. The lagoons have retained their turquoise hues and golden, sandy beaches stretch out like a velvet carpet leading us to the open sea. Like in olden days, the fragrance of spices lingers onshore while the omnipresent smiles reflect the welcome of a nation that has kept to a way of life very much in accordance with Mother Nature. This atmosphere of serenity is a reality that ensures an unforgettable stay in Mauritius.
Aboard our comfortable Air Mauritius flight, I glanced at the picturesque landscape of Mauritius and felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to assimilate such amazing diversity. I can never forget the powerful images of eclectic grass skirts and nouvelle saris swaying to the sega and soulful jazz music played by bands along Port Louis; boulangeries hawking baguettes and chapatis; cafés serving home-cooked cari poisson (fish curry), bouillabaisse and Creole stew.
Here, it seems, is a bona fide cultural hothouse, a tropical isle with soul. Mark Twain would certainly agree, for all that it is worth, heaven is still a place on earth.
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For more information on Mauritius, call Glenn Pineda of Air Mauritius at 818-4870, 0917-8059509 or e-mail gapineda@supersonicservices.com.ph. Air Mauritius flies to Mauritius via Singapore every Wednesday and Saturday and also via Hong Kong every Tuesday and Friday.) Visit their website at www.airmauritius.com.
Cebu Pacific flies to both Singapore and Hong Kong daily. For reservation, call 702-0888.)
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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.