It’s summer, its the end of the year and its time to reflect. If you’re lucky enough to be holidaying on an island like Mauritius you could probably do with a long day at a beautiful spa being pampered and spoilt. But if that’s not an option, seek out Isle des Deux Cocos and you will feel like you have had a full day of spa treatments.
While many coral reefs around Mauritius have suffered damage and overfishing, sea life is abundant around Ile des Deux Cocos in the Blue Bay Marine Reserve.
A piece of heaven
The island used to be the playground of a British Governor who used it as a weekend get away, throwing lavish parties all weekend long. This villa of British and Moorish design still stands today as the only example left on the island. It has been lovingly restored and is available to hire for a special weekend occasion.
For our excursion though, we opted for the day trip to this little gem. We were met a the LUX* Resorts jetty on the outskirts of the ever-popular Blue Bay Marine Park and were ferried across to the island. Our able, smiling skipper Basil, landed us safely on the jetty at the island where we were greeted by our personal server Ravi, with a wide smile and a “no problem” attitude. With a welcome drink on hand he explained what was on offer, where we could relax and he gave us a rough programme for the day – there is no programme – island style. Just the way it should be! Time stands still here, chez lounges are perched under huge pine trees all around the island in small groups so you can find a quiet corner away from the main areas. Ravi served us cool, tall drinks and after an hour of relaxing on said chez lounges we took up the offer to head out to Blue Bay for a snorkel. The island supplies brand new sets of goggles, snorkels and fins, which proved essential while swimming against the fairly strong current. Once tied up alongside another boat, we jumped into the cooler than normal water, but the underwater world of colorful fish, corals and overall silence made it all worth it. It’s truly mesmerizing. Blue Bay gets it’s name from the range of blues that come to life when the sun shines. I’ve never seen such colours before.
Take a boat to the best snorkelling spots in the zone opposite the Blue Bay public beach.
A bountiful buffet
On our return we had a cool shower in beach-shack-type shower stalls, and with another cocktail in hand we relaxed in the sun before lunch was served. Lunch was a delicious buffet, consisting of a large variety of salads, seafood, and curries. We ate way more than we should have, but that is what it’s all about – trying out different dishes, prepared in many different ways. The creole style of preparing seafood is simple, yet very tasty. Another fun idea is the “make your own Mojito” table.
Lunch is served buffet-style. Savour every mouthful while seated at wooden tables overlooking the ocean. Look out for the ‘make your own Mojito’ table.
This experience is open to all, luckily you don’t need to be a guest of a LUX* resort to enjoy this spoil. However, you can book directly through LUX* Resorts to reserve your place as they limit the number of guests on the island per day. The cost per person is Rs3550 and if you are a Mauritian resident you pay Rs2750. This includes the return trip on the ferry boat, a ride out to the snorkeling spot, and a full seafood buffet. You only need to pay for your drinks.
The restored villa on Ile des Deux Cocos is the only example of British and Moorish architecture on Mauritus.
A weekend in style
But take it one step further and spend a night or two on this island, which will take you back to another era. Rent the Villa for you and 5 of your favorite people for the weekend. The cost is Rs35000 for the villa with an option of a full time butler at a supplement cost per person of Rs2800. This supplement covers the butler, 3 cooks, a skipper and 3 different menus to choose from. As a resident you can rent the villa for Rs29000.
I know that we will be back for sure, I feel a weekend getaway coming soon!
To book contact the LUX* Grand Gaube
