Mauritius

In tribute to the island’s great marine charm, the French named it “Isle de France”. Although the country owes its present name to the Dutch, the inhabitants of this small island did not abandon Voltaire’s mother tongue. It was from 1598 until 1658 that the Dutch settled the island and baptized it Mauritius in the honor of Prince Mauritius of the House of Nassau. The Dutch left the island in 1658 after a series of violent cyclones. In 1715 began the French period of the island’s rich history. Dufresne d’Arsel renamed the island “Isle de France” but soon after, in 1735, the island witnessed its first “evolution” with the arrival of Mahé de la Bourdonnais. Having rapidly colonized the island, La Bourdonnais imposed slavery but also established the capital of Port Louis. In 1789 the English assured of respecting the law, costumes and religion in return for renunciation on the part of the French. A few years later in 1835 the abolition of slavery affected more than 10 000 slaves. The island gained in dependence in 1968 but continues to be member of the Commonwealth.

The commercial port owes its name to Louis XV. It was later Mahé de Bourdonnais who placed it on the map as an important stopover for vessels crossing the Mascarene Islands. The capital is nowadays a bustling colonial town protected from winds by surrounding mountain ranges. This chic city has it all- a modern port, scenic passages, modern architecture intertwined with old colonial buildings spared by tropical cyclones as well as a rich, inviting culture. Sail the turquoise waters of Mauritius aboard your luxury charter catamaran in the morning and discover the natural wonders, step off board in the afternoon and stroll lazily down the city streets to find a quiet restaurant or cafés specializing in local delicacies.

(More about Port-Louis)

Lazy, tranquil beaches and minuscule islands inhabited by birds is a perfect description of the island’s northern coast. Take full advantage of your luxury charter yacht by reaching sublime bays, gardens and beaches located in this part of the island. Baie du Tombeau is both dangerous and magnificent and will incontestably capsize your heart. Grand Baie will welcome you with its pristine beaches where the shade of coconut palm trees and the soft breeze of the ocean are characteristic to this true paradise. These and many more royal places will make you feel at the top of the world.

(More about the North Coast)

Lashed by trade winds, the island’s eastern coast was, in the past, the scene of naval battles costing the lives of many men. Mahébourg is an essential stop during your luxury charter cruise. This small colonial town nestled in the bay of Grand Port was named after Mahé de Bourdonnais. The history of the place is unbelievably rich with echoes of Napoleonic cannonades still heard today. The Battle of Grand Port was the only French victory against the British and is depicted on the pediment of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Your next visit should be Vieux Grand Port with the ancient Dutch lookout tower and a commemorating monument of the Dutch who reached the island for the first time in 1598 and settled 40 years later. It is also the place of the first French settlement.

(More about the East Coast)

Profound and perfectly blue lagoons open up before you in this part of the island. The central plateau is the most irrigated and populated region on the island. Many picturesque villages were founded on the royal route linking Port-Louis and Grand Port. Along with the expansion of sugarcane factories, the villages merged into a vast agglomeration of boasting premium shopping, including duty-free boutiques.

(More about the West Coast)

The soft clamor of waves battling against rocky bluffs create a palette of colors that will unveil to you as you unwind aboard your luxury charter yacht. After more than 9 years of reconstruction, the Martello Towers built by the British reopened to tourists. Dating back to 1840, the towers meant to protect this haven from potential enemies. There are so many other gems awaiting your discovery in this part of the island. What better way to relax than to sit back on one of the pristine sandy beaches or to cruise the clear azure waters aboard your luxury mega yacht chartered with Sunreef Yachts Charter…

(More about the South-West)

Cinderella among the Mascarene Islands, Rodrigues is the rustic sister. The island’s population still beats to African rhythm as it emerged from mainland three centuries ago. Situated 560 kilometers from Mauritius, the small island of only 110 km2 is a true Robinson’s island settled in the midst of an emerald green lagoon twice its size. The population of this rustic and mountainous island is mostly Creole and very religious with their main economic activities including fishing, agriculture as well as pork and goat farming. You will encounter locals travelling on foot, often carrying items in their heads. With poor soil and lack of water, life on the island is harsh. This is, however, hard to notice as locals sing their way through life. Most of the population are descendants of African and Malagasy slaves leading a simple life in the mountains. Descendants of first French settlers are mostly fishermen living on the coast.

(More about Rodrigues Island)