Vera Miles Psycho

Vera Miles Psycho

Vera Miles Psycho

Mauritius is a delightfully exotic island oozing charm and culture. Only 30 miles in length and 25 miles wide it is encircled by vibrant beaches with resorts, tailored to suit all budgets, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Many of these are clustered on the coastline north of this island nation’s capital city of Port Louis, itself worth a visit for its character and vibrancy. But what else does Mauritius have to offer the intrepid traveller?

A Taste of Colonial Plantation Life

Situated a short drive south of Port Louis, Domaines le Pailles is a fascinating historic recreation of a grand sugar plantation from the old French colonial days of the 18th century. Visitors can see an ox-driven sugar mill in action, producing sugar in the traditional tropical style, as well as the Queen Rum distillery, founded in 1758 and still in operation today. Arriving visitors are charmingly transported by vintage horse carriage from the estate entrance to its grandiose centerpiece, an expansive single storied manor, passing fragrant spice gardens along the way.

The grounds also feature a number of what are called ‘artisanal huts’ – featuring other traditional Mauritian produce being put to use. Aloe vera fibre is woven into island handicrafts, coffee beans are grilled and granulated on an ancient stove and exotic spices from the estate’s garden are cooked up into delicious local snacks.