What's happening on the weekend september 2015

www.theweekend.co.za

Looking for something to do this weekend? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a weekend warrior with a lust for adventure or a stressed exec looking for a relaxing lunch in the sun, you’ll find inspiration on our pages.

What’s Happening on the Weekend® features venues and activities in Gauteng, as well as further afield, providing you with everything you need to plan your next outing. Take a look at our special offers for a spur of the moment indulgence, or browse through our regular categories and add a few new favourites to your list of frequent haunts.

While every care & effort has been taken in compiling accurate information the publishers , its assigns , employees & heirs can not be held responsible for any omissions or errors .

Any reproduction or illustrations compiled in this issue for further use must receive permission in writing from the publisher’s

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• Theatre & Entertainment Leisure , wellness & Dinning out • Front Cover Article’s • A History lesson • Bush holiday Specials • Recipes • Kzn & surrounding • Hospitality news • Special promotions • Extended News • Island Destinations • Travel Tips Abroad

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Guvon Hotels & Spas is a leading hospitality group offering a collection of hotels in Gauteng, Northwest and Mpumalanga. All properties offer excellent accommodation, conference, team building and wedding facilities. Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa, Glenburn Lodge, Bush Willow Tented Camp and Chicama Spa are in Muldersdrift, in the Cradle of Humankind. Askari Game Lodge & Spa, a Big 5 game reserve, is in Magaliesberg, while Umbhaba Lodge is situated in Hazyview. The Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort (Randpark Golf Club), and All Suite On 14th (Fairlands) add city retreats to our country collection of properties.

Mission & vision: We believe in creating niche products in prime locations and places of outstanding beauty. We strive to become known for our innovation, constant improvement and sustained passion for the hospitality industry through the dedicated effort of our dynamic team.

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

Maia Luxury Resort & Spa provides a unique tropical island experience for visitors to the Seychelles, making this one of the most singular properties within the Tsogo Sunportfolio. The resort lies on a private peninsula within the island of Mahé, surrounded by the idyllic Anse Louis on one side and the warm Indian Ocean on the other side. Gentle breezes, blue skies and a blissful surrounds are just the beginning of your experience, as you will soon discover.

Maia takes its name from Greco-Roman mythology, honouring the most beautiful of Atlas' seven daughters. It was this daughter who was also the goddess of spring – symbolising rejuvenation at its most spectacular. And as visitors quickly realise, this name could not be more perfect for a resort designed solely on rejuvenation of the senses.

Seychelles Luxury Accommodation Features With two villa options to suit the personal needs and requirements of each guest, this Seychelles luxury accommodation comprises of Maia Ocean Panoramic and Maia Signature Villa.

The resort is set on a magnificent 30 acre award-winning tropical garden, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable island escape.

Here you can indulge your senses with spa treatments, yoga and many other revitalising activities, enjoy the finest cuisine inspired by Creole, French, Asian and Mediterranean influences at the outstanding Tec-Tec Restaurant, relax at the Sunset Pool Bar as you sample fine vintages from a large wine cellar and even take advantage of personalised additional services such as private chef, personal butler services, beach picnics and many other tailored treats.

Younger guests are equally pampered, with a special VIK (Very Important Kids) programme that provides child-friendly activities, menus and facilities.

At Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, paradise is not just found – it is infused into your very being.

http://www.kaggakamma.co.za/

Kagga Kamma, a luxury retreat nestled in the scenic Cederberg Mountains Far away from the city lights, in a vast open space where rock formations frame the horizon, there is a place where lovers of nature can experience the environment in the lap of luxury.

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Lodge. The signature accommodation options offer unique ‘cave’ suites, beautifully integrated with the sandstone rock formations, or spacious thatched ‘hut’ suites, resembling the traditional dwellings inhabited by the clans of the area many years ago. For a truly remarkable experience, the beautiful Outcrop Open-Air Room allows for an entire night under the stars, without compromise on comfort, as you drift off with just the covers between you and the heavens above.

The Cederberg area is unique in that it comprises an untouched Karoo-like wilderness where guests will find beautiful wild flowers and small critters that are scarcely seen in other parts of the country. Kagga Kamma is equally unique in that it offers guests experiences and facilities they will not find anywhere else.

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve offers guided 4x4 and quad bike safaris, hiking trails, mountain biking trails and star gazing at the mini Observatory. Guests can relax at the resort’s swimming pool while marvelling at the rock formations it’s built around. The Spa offers exclusive wellness treatments to relax and rejuvenate. The Lodge’s restaurant serves sumptuous South African cuisine and an excellent selection of wines from the nearby Cape Winelands.

Castelo do Mar is situated on the water's edge at Linga-Linga, the tiny peninsula that juts into the Inhambane Bay, Mozambique. Our warm Mozambiquen hospitality ensures that guests enjoy relaxing Mozambique Accommodation with 18 elegant rooms, luxuriously decorated and airconditioned with en-suite bathrooms. Activities like Fishing, deep sea Fishing, Diving, Snorkeling, Canoeing, Relaxing in our stocked library, or having fun in our games room. Our rates are inclusive of 3 meals per day and our guests are treated to exquisite meals in our Portugese restaurant. Indulge in our pristine accommodation with en-suite bedrooms, lazily choose between our activities on offer. Our beachfront lodge in Mozambique is the perfect spot for carefree Family Holidays, Corporate events, Fishing, Honeymoons and Getaways

Fishing off the coast of Inhamabane provides some of the best fishing in Mozambique. We offer tailor made packages to fish with Springbok fisherman Neil Gouws who heads up our fishing division. Neil is recognised as one of the top angles in the whole of South Africa. Castelo do Mar is fully equipped for even the most experienced fisherman and gear includes 2 x 28ft Nova Cats powered by 2 x 150 hp Suzuki 4 Stroke outboards and fully rigged to suit the most serious angler including well maintained communication systems, fish finders, GPS and radar, Penn International Marlin reels, out riggers, down riggers, fighting chair, rods, lures and live bait.

Diving in Mozambique can be an extraordinary experience! It's well known that some of the best dive sports in the world are in Mozambique. Whilst Humpback Whale sightings are seasonal, Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins can be seen all year around. One can see Dolphins breaking the surface alongside boats, passing the front of the lodge in the Bay, or coming up playfully when diving or snorkelling.

Humpback Whales - migrate annually from Antarctica to the warm waters close to the equator where they give birth and breed and are normally seen from June to October (most likely in August).

Accommodation at Castelo do Mar consists of 3 different styles of rooms, each to suit individual taste and budget.

• 8 x Beach front Deluxe Rooms including a family room and honeymoon suite • 6 x Castle Rooms, these are in the main building with shower /WC .popular with fishing groups.

• 4 x Manor House Rooms with dining area, lounge and veranda leading onto lawn and beach

Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country.

27 major species of game roam this South African nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching safaris.

Privately owned Tau Game Lodge, situated in the North West Province, can accommodate up to 60 people and offers an ideal South African conference venue as well as an idyllic wedding venue overlooking a natural waterhole.

Enjoy an authentic South African safari vacation in the midst of natural wildlife, complete with great game viewing and luxury private facilities, at our South Africa luxury safari lodge

Our luxury South African safari lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible.

Privately-owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile topsoil.

The main body of the Lodge is two-leveled and has a comfortable lounge, a conference room, bar and dining room which are semi open-air and overlook the waterhole. Delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches are generally served in the main building or on the verandah next to the plunge pool and dinner is served in one of the cosy boma's under the stars, or in the lapa next to the main lodge.

http://www.suninternational.com/carnival-city/

www.visitmaldives.com/en

Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms.

In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travellers. Still welcoming, these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors.

In horizon of the vast Indian Ocean grow green palms This is my homeland, this is the Maldives From the clear blue seas, we grow like pearls, This is my homeland, this is the Maldives

Pure, hassle-free luxury in lush, natural surroundings, that’s the essence of Baros Maldives. It’s a small tropical island ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life and encircled by a golden beach, with 45 thatched villas nestled among swaying palms and 30 water villas poised over a translucent lagoon.

Created from timber and sandstone, each villa has a king size bed and décor of elegance, with en-suite bathroom in a garden courtyard or with a panoramic lagoon view. Eleven have their own beachside plunge pool, all have enviable seclusion enabling guests to indulge in sheer relaxation. Perfectly private, the villas at Baros Maldives are natural for the romantic couple, the incognito celebrity, the harassed executive and guests yearning to break free from stress.

Guests feel free at Baros Maldives, indulging in relaxed chic, intimate moments, and enjoying the lush unspoiled environment.

With three gourmet restaurants, a palm grove bar and an intimate cocktail lounge, Baros Maldives also has discreet, knowledgeable staff who respect guests as individuals and are always on hand. They can arrange excursions, organise a romantic sandbank dinner, a lagoon cruise by local dhoni, an ecofriendly diving or snorkelling safari. The Spa features the finest botanical therapies as well as yoga to rejuvenate the spirit as well as the body.

Baros Maldives is an award-winning resort exclusive to resident guests, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport. No small children, no motorised vehicles, no annoying noises disrupt the serene tranquillity of this lavish tropical paradise.

Baros Maldives: Tel. +960 664 26 72, info@baros.com; www.baros.com

The islands of Maldives appear in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one atoll to the other, attributing to the genes passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language, Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life.

Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in matters of significance but given separate positions in society. In matters of faith, Islam dominates, but influence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islands’ first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD. The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (bigdrum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni (a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians, seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline of women’s traditional dresses and their ornaments too, expose another story brought in from an unknown culture that has seeped in to Maldivian society.

Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but tourism now takes a standing prominence. Most Maldivians still want to believe in upholding unity and oneness in faith, but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of new ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the people’s identity, traditions and beliefs.

Diving Maldives The warm seas of Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as fifty meters away at times. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters.

Water sports In a place that is more sea than land, there is no end to the fun things you do in the water. Maldivians swim for recreation, they play water polo with their friends at weekend picnics, they surf addictively.

Excursions The best way to experience the life of an ordinary Maldivian is to travel to an inhabited island. Some of these islands are slightly more modern: with brightly painted house walls and harbour areas.

The Maldives Honeymoon If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded, and most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best backdrop for all these things.

Spa and wellness Just lying on a deserted beach of a Maldivian island, taking in nothing but the continuous rhythm of the waves, the sea salt in the air and feeling the soft white sand on your bare feet is enough to sooth your senses.

Relax and unwind The Maldives is considered by many to be the premier tropical beach destination in the world and the best place to relax and unwind from the hectic and chaotic lifestyle of the modern world.

Seaplane Photo Flights Seaplane photo flight offers you the sightseeing sensation that gives you the opportunity of a life time. Enjoy your unparalleled Maldives holiday experience from the sky

The term "Mirihi" refers to the small exquisite yellow flowers found around this beautiful island. According to local folklore, the flowers can be used to "take away the poison". With only 36 villas, Mirihi is meanwhile one of the smallest islands available in the Maldives.

Mirihi Island Resort is located on a secluded tropical island in the South Ari Atoll, approximately 85 kilometres south of the capital Male'. A picturesque and breath-taking 30 minute seaplane ride from Male will bring the guests here. This emerald gem is just 350 meters long and 50 meters wide with a sparkling palm-fringed beach of fine white sand.

The guests can walk barefoot if they choose, this is as close to nature as they can get.

Blessed with white talc beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the most amazing house-reefs, it is truly a vision of paradise on earth.

6 tastefully appointed Beach Villas (53sqm) are spread over the island and offer an oversized open-air bathroom with a luxurious fresh water shower as well as direct access to the beach.

The 30 tastefully appointed Water Villas (53sqm) are built on stilts over the blue lagoon offering steps from the balcony for direct access to the Ocean, as well as a fresh water shower at the staircase.

All Villas are equally designed, featuring designer furnishing, polished wooden floors, king size or twin beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, sitting area with CD stereo system, iPod connector and fully stocked minibar, Nespresso machine, IDD telephone, personal safe and free WiFi. From sumptuous buffets in ‘Dhonveli’ Restaurant and fine dining in the overwater restaurant ‘Muraka’ with an award-winning wine list; to intimate private dining on the beach or on our very own private yacht ‘Thari’ – Mirihi offers a wide variety of superb cuisine to satisfy every appetite and occasion.

Although the main reason for coming to Mirihi is undoubtedly to kick off the shoes and do absolutely nothing but relax and revel in natures delights, there are a host of other activities on offer for you to try, should the need arise to lift your head from the peaceful slumber of our many hammocks ...

Diving is a priority for many guests and Mirihi can cater to all levels of divers, from first timers wishing to learn the basics to the experienced diver wanting to fine-tune their techniques. With over 40 dive sites and a multilingual team, every guest is assured a most personal service.

If the guests feel like being more active, they may take one of the ocean kayaks and paddle around the island. On windy days, Mirihi offers a complete range of windsurf gear available, suiting everyone from beginner to expert. The use of the water sports equipment is available complimentary to all guests.

If the guests look for relaxation and pampering, Duniye Spa is the place to go. Trained therapists know how to relieve the stress from the body and relax the muscles.

www.mirihi.com info@mirihi.com Mirihi Island Resort South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 668 0500 Fax: +960 668 0501

KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most of the year.

However, summers are very hot and humid. Winters in inland areas are clear and cool, and cold in areas of high altitude such as the Drakensberg. These mountains frequently have snowfalls during the winter months also.

Natal Sharks board This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in relation to their danger to humans. There are audiovisual presentations and shark dissections at 9am and 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The public can accompany Sharks Board personnel on their boat trips from Durban.

Hluhluwe Horse Safaris Horse riding is a wonderful way to see wildlife; these rides are in the False Bay region. You may spot antelope species, as well as other animals. A second option heads to Falaza Game reserve where you can see rhino, buffalo and giraffe (a two-hour ride per person is R450) It operates out of Hluhluwe River Lodge.

Durban City Sightseeing Tour Experience Durban, a city of contrasts on the Durban City Sightseeing Tour. Shaped by the early Colonial settlers, see the city has developed from the indigenous Zulu population and the Indians who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th Century.

Travel along the 'Golden Mile' beachfront towards the harbor entrance where you can see anything from sari clad Indian ladies walking on the sand to traditional healers collecting bottles of seawater to use as muti (medicine).

Continue past Durban City Hall and learn about its humorous history, before visiting the Phansi Museum, home to a collection of South African artifacts and traditions. See beadworks, headrests, Zulu Clay Pots and various other treasures as you browse the museum with your expert guide.

See Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849, where you'll find a mix of African, Asian and American trees. Throughout the tour your expert guide will introduce you to the rich Indian history of Durban, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the unique 'Bunny Chow' cuisine before your tour concludes.

Umgeni Steam Railway The Umgeni Steam Railway operates out of the old Kloof station (now home of the Stoker’s Arms Tavern). The 1000 Hills choo-choo service departs on the first and last Sunday of every month at 8.45am and 12.30pm, and huffs and puffs its way through the area for about an hour.

http://www.mmstadium.com/

http://www.bigrush.co.za/

Since 1989 Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, have enjoyed the pleasant seafoodballito-staff-alpescatoreexperience of our patrons and wish to do so for many years to come. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, offer a unique culinary experience with the owner designing original specials each and every day. What more can one ask for than a breathtaking view of the ever-changing Indian ocean, the finest food and a delightful team that is at your service. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, boasts many awards for these reasons.

Oldest Italian and Seafood Restaurant Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, is one of the oldest and still one of the most popular restaurants on the North Coast. The secret to their success, Al Pescatore owner Trevor Wolf believes, is the fact that they have been willing to change with the times. Having been in the area for 23 years, Trevor and his wife Jenny have delighted the tastebuds of roughly three generations of locals and holidaymakers. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, started out in the Boulevard Centre in 1989 as an Italian Trattoria. But because of the change in the market, the restaurant has evolved into more of a Mediterranean / seafood restaurant.

And, as the market has demanded it, Al Pescatore has kept on changing.

About 11 years ago Trevor moved the restaurant to the beach – overlooking Clark Bay. Then he erected a wooden deck outside the restaurant where patrons may enjoy a relaxed meal while watching the surfers and dolphins play in the beautiful Indian Ocean. “We have still retained the romantic, stylish feel inside the restaurant, but now we can also cater for a more casual crowd who want to come in for a light afternoon lunch in their shorts and slops", says Trevor. Visit Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, for an unforgettable experience!

Al Pescatore Italian Seafood Restaurant 14 Edward Place On the beach South Africa Ballito, KZN Tel: (032) 946-3574

Situated in Durban’s leafy Morningside suburb, The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel offers guests the perfect getaway while visiting the city. This child friendly hotel, originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert Stormwho built it in 1892, is steeped in Durban history and retains much of its old world charm.

The 15 bedrooms are individually decorated in a classically elegant style, with some having a view over the century-old St James church while others look over the hotel’s peaceful garden terrace.

Originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert Storm who built it in 1892, the hotel is steeped in Durban history and retains much of its old world charm.

Our gourmet restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every day until 15h00. We regret no dinner is served but our friendly reception staff will be happy to assist you with recommending and booking dinner at any one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. We are available for private dinner group functions, so should you wish to book for a larger group please inquire with our reservations team. .

Our extensive wine list won’t disappoint and we offer the very best in South African vintages.

Dining at The Saint James on Venice is made more memorable with the option of dining indoors or outside (al fresco) on the beautiful garden terrace.

The St James’ sumptuous high tea is becoming very wellknown to locals and guests will be delighted by the wide range of confectionary treats on offer.

As always, staff at The St James place emphasis on that personal touch and guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or any other occasion will be given that extra special treatment.

Please Note: Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 06h00 – 22h00 Should late check-in or early departures be required please notify reception prior. The hotel offers 24-hour security 7 days a week General Manager: (Sunet Pringle) gm@stjamesonvenice.co.za Front Office / Bookings: fo@stjamesonvenice.co.za TEL: +27 31 312 9488 Fax: 086 605 2974 100 Venice Road Morningside Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa 4001

Canelands Beach Club Salt Rock Thank you for taking interest in Canelands Beach Club, ideally situated a ‘step away’ from the sea waters’ edge.

Please take your time and read below on what Canelands has to offer.

Canelands is a luxurious and elegant 10 bedroom (all ensuite) beach club situated in the popular upmarket region of Salt Rock on KwaZulu Natal‘s North (Dolphin) Coast, South Africa. Set literally a step away from the beach with safe bathing offered by the many rock pools and coves that Salt Rock is renowned for, Canelands Beach Club is the ideal holiday and weekend getaway beach hotel.

Just minutes from the major shopping centres of Ballito, less than 15 minutes for Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport and less than an hours drive from Durban City, there is little wonder why Canelands Beach Club has already become an icon of quality beach accommodation to those who have discovered this gem on the beach.

Canelands caters for both leisure and business orientated guests.

Onsite conferencing facilities allows for up to 40 delegates discussing that ever important new business venture.

The Canelands Beach Club is a one-of-a-kind experience whether it is being served by beach butlers on the beach or having menus prepared daily by the chefs or be it enjoying a micro light flight or a horse ride along the coast, Canelands and it's surrounds has so much to offer. www.canelandssaltrock.co.za www.thecanelands.co.za info@thecanelands.co.za Reception: SPA : Facsimile:

+27 32 525 2300 +27 32 525 4835 +27 32 525 2301

Reservation Office Tel: +230-266-9777 Fax: +230-266-9798 Email: resa@heritageresorts.mu Other queries : Email: helpdesk@vlh.mu

1. Long live to independence: Villas Mauritius If you choose to reside in one of Heritage Resorts’ villas, it means that you need some independence during your holidays. You will not have much to pack before your departure since your new ‘home away from home' will be waiting for you fully equipped, from the very teaspoon, to your swimming pool towel. You will also have a golf cart attached to your villa for your whereabouts on the site and you will be able to go for shopping in the small shops of La Place du Moulin so as to make your own recipes back ‘home’.

2. The service of a 5-star hotel: 5-star hotel service in villa Even if you are hiding from the rest of the world, comfortably resting in a luxury cocoon, you still get a 5 star service: a Chef in villa who will prepare its own creations or adapt his recipes to your culinary preferences, daily cleaning of your villa, a babysitting service if you plan to go for an adults-only outing, laundry and dry cleaning services as well as gourmet baskets on arrival or while in residence.

3. Protecting your privacy: Private luxury pool villa in mauritius Staying in a villa is also a good way to spend quality time with your family and friends while keeping private the moments you will be sharing. If a hotel provides common areas for dining and relaxing, Heritage The Villas have their own swimming pool, a large veranda ideal for relaxing, a barbecue casual lunches and dinners, a garden area and outdoor showers (the icing on the cake)... absolutely everything you need to experience La Dolce Vita away from prying eyes.

4. An access to a lot of activities: Activities during your holidays in mauritius Yes it’s a villa but like no others! A villa in the unspoiled south of Mauritius, on the Domaine de Bel Ombre, which is a haven of greenery and beauty and gives access to lots of activities and leisure for ultra-active holidays: free green fees on the 18-hole golf course, two sports centres with trainers, a beach club and a water sports centre, a kite surf school and spot, a nature reserve with the possibility of trekking and quad rides, two spa villages but also children, teens and babies clubs...

5. A gourmet culinary journey: Gourmet culinary journey You can say goodbye to monotony with Heritage Resorts’ 12 restaurants… and try the refined Mauritian cuisine of the Château de Bel Ombre, the delights of Northern India at Zafarani (Heritage Awali), pan-Asian flavours at Gin'ja (Heritage Le Telfair) or Mediterranean specialties at the C Beach Club. Plus, you will get a 20% discount in restaurants and bars of the Domaine de Bel Ombre and be expected at Annabella's restaurant (Heritage Le Telfair) for a copious breakfast so as to start the day with the smile on your face.

The local cuisine in Mauritius originates from three continents – in line with the birthplaces of its inhabitants. By visiting the island, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods, including Indian, Chinese, Creole and European.

Mauritian cooking is in a class of its own: a combination of flavours that have evolved through its different cultural heritages and cooking traditions.

Mauritians are creative with food, mixing various styles in a single menu. They are just as happy to experiment with recipes from Chinese, Indian or Muslim cuisines as they are to create tempting Creole or European dishes.

Mauritian cuisine is proud of its heritage, but has also gained a fine reputation in the contemporary culinary world. Leading chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse and the Troisgros brothers have visited the island and introduced menus to boost the top-quality cuisine already available. Local chefs meanwhile are known for their creativity and ‘savoir-faire’, using traditional and local ingredients to create modern fare for some of the island’s most famous hotels.

‘Table D’Hôte’ One of the best ways to experience the pleasure and flavours of truly local fare is to visit a typical ‘table d’hôte’ or a local, specialised restaurants.

Do not hesitate to try the local favourite snacks, including ‘dholl purri’ wheat pancakes stuffed with dholl and served with curry and tomato sauce, faratas, gateaux piments (chilli bites) and samosas.

Located a comfortable fifteen kilometers from the capital, Port Louis, The Oberoi, Mauritius sits amidst twenty acres of lush, subtropical garden, and enjoys an unrivalled position on the shores of Turtle Bay – a natural marine park with a vibrant coral reef. The hotel has access to six hundred metres of combed, white sand beaches, which are blessed with views of magnificent sunsets, every day.

The hotel also houses four national monuments that date back to the French Colonial period and together make up a battery that was an integral part of the defense system of Mauritius. The main gunpowder store now serves as an exclusive dining space.

http://www.oberoihotels.com/ reservations@oberoigroup.com

LUX* Resorts & Hotels is a member of Lux Island Resorts Co Ltd, which is listed on the Stock Exchange Market of Mauritius and is an affiliate member of GML (Groupe Mon Loisir), a major economic player in the Indian Ocean, leader of the "Top 100" Mauritian companies. GML is active in key sectors of the Mauritian economy, representing a portfolio of approximately 300 subsidiaries and associated companies.

LUX* Resorts & Hotels helps people to celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of Luxury; hospitality that is Lighter.Brighter. LUX* stages exceptional experiences in different locales – on the Beach, in the City or in Nature – by banishing thoughtless patterns and being more simple, fresh and sensory than our competitors.

The resorts and hotels in the LUX* portfolio are LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius; LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius; LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius; LUX* Maldives , LUX* Ile de La Réunion and LUX* Lijiang, Yunnan, China. Opening soon is LUX* Al Zorah, United Arab Emirates.

Other properties managed by LUX* Resorts & Hotels are Tamassa, Bel Ombre, Mauritius; Merville Beach, Grand Baie, Mauritius and Hôtel Le Récif, Ile de la Réunion, as well Ile des Deux Cocos, Mauritius, a private paradise island.

SUGAR Sweet crystals Golden, brown, red or white Crunchy Once a rare, precious, expensive and even reportedly magical substance, associated with pleasure and luxury…

Mauritius offers you sugary treasures and pleasures.

TEA Sensuous aromas unveil the flavours of Mauritius in a single cup of tea…

As night gives way to the first rays of dawn Tea leaves light up, still peppered with droplets of dew Rustling of leaves breaks the silence Hundreds of women with huge wicker baskets on their backs gently pick handfuls of buds From the tea plantation and the tea factory to tea tasting, the island offers an open invitation for people to discover the secrets and the history of its famous Mauritian tea.

RUM “Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum”: pirates, conquerors and explorers all loved to quaff rum Rum production: a tradition as old as the history of Mauritius An exhilarating spirit with heady aromas An invitation to enjoy lazy days beneath the tropical sun A liquor to taste and experience.

Local company Tourist Villages Co. Ltd recently launched its first tourist village in the town of Mahébourg. Situated in the gardens of the town’s naval museum, the retail space accommodates about 20 permanent exhibitors, all from Mahébourg region. All the items offered for sale are local handicraft creations.

In view of offering stand space to the maximum of operators, 11 individual craftsmen and two associations were selected. Preference was given to craftsmen from the south of the island who showed interest and responded to the invitation of Tourist Villages Co. Ltd. This was a great opportunity for the 60 artisans represented by the Arts and Crafts Manufacturers Association of Mauritius (ACMAM) to promote their handicraft.

A second stand was also provided to Le movement Pour l’Autosuffisance Alimentaire – an association consisting of 12 member craftsmen from Vieux Grand Port who make handicraft from the pandanus (Vacoas) region.

Investment and future plans The Mahébourg tourist village required an investment of 6 million MRU prior to launch. It will be the first in a series. Tourist Villages Co Ltd is now planning to launch a much more ambitious second village in Belle Mare – something that will require an overall investment of around 200 million MRU. The new tourist village of Belle Mare will accommodate 35 shops, a food court, a recreation centre and, of course, exhibition space for artists.

Subsequently, another tourist village is expected to be launched in Flic en Flac.