50 Shades of Blue – in Mauritius
With intergenerational travel becoming more popular, the option of choosing adjoining hotel suites – or better yet, a villa – is the smart one. For luxury travellers, there are only a few destinations that offer good value for the South African Rand and of those, Thailand remains among the most affordable. But with the long flight time and the punishing jet-lag, a destination closer to home and in a similar time zone is a preferred option for many South Africans.
Mauritius has always been a go-to destination for South Africans seeking the island-holiday getaway, as English is an official language and folks drive on the same side of the road as we do. But now, with the opportunity for South Africans to purchase property under the Mauritian Government’s Promotion Development Scheme (PDS) – which confers automatic residency for the purchaser and their dependents, full benefits of a fixed 15% tax rate across the board, and tax exemption on the secured value of the property – holiday-makers visiting Mauritius are increasingly considering relocation.
As it’s less than five hours’ flight from South Africa and just two hours ahead of local time, there are compelling reasons to visit. You will see more shades of blue in Mauritius than you imagined possible. Feeling blue never felt so good.
Azuri Beach and Golf Village is a mixeduse property development along the northeastern shore of the island, near Roches Noire and about 23 km from the capital, Port Louis. There is a four-star Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa with 100 rooms and various high-quality dining options. As the hotel and the food-and-beverage offering are all owned by Azuri – and used by the residents – prices are much more competitive than you’d expect. You’ll pay R40 for coffee, which is just a smidge more than at home. And, if you are in one of the luxuriously outfitted self-catering units – from two-bed apartments to five-bedroom, five-bathroom villas – stock up at the Azuri village O Marché
Gourmet or local supermarkets. The cafe is the epicentre of the village and there’s always a stream of people getting their pain au chocolat or baguette from the bakery. Azuri dining includes the most sensational Kobe beef steaks and giant lobster beach cookouts at Black Rock steakhouse or Ocean One restaurants.
Azuri is currently building a nine-hole, parthree golf course which was designed by Bernhardt Langer. If golf is your passion and you want to play on one of the island’s best courses, Azuri will arrange for you to visit the acclaimed Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club and its private beach. Like at Azuri, this beach with its palm-fringed umbrellas and loungers is for exclusive use of members and residents.
While the ocean is all-important in Mauritius, the Rampart river snakes its way through Azuri until it lagoons at the beach. Mangroves, those miracle trees that thrive in saltwater and sand, are a haven for birds. Grab a kayak and explore the river, or relax in one of the giant swing chairs and hammocks hanging from the riverside trees. In an Azuri
villa, guests have their own pool, plus the hotel pools are also available to guests.
Whether you’re a holidaymaker, longterm resident or owner at Azuri, the lifestyle offered in this secure luxury development is what sets Azuri apart. Isabelle de Coriolis is Azuri’s Village Manager. Think of her as an über-concierge who can answer any question, supply any need and, if you’re a long-termer, help you assimilate into the community. Azuri is different from other Mauritian property developments that target South African investors. There will always be local Mauritians and foreigners together at Azuri. And, with a Montessori School in the village and quality schools offering both South African and UK curricula 15 minutes away, it is increasingly a viable long-term option for young families.
As a SMART city, high-speed internet, environmentally sensitive and energyefficient technologies are standard. On 2.5 hectares of land, there will be 16 Ocean View Golf Villas of 317m2 each. From the ground up, Azuri is designed and built with ease of use, comfort and a sense of community in mind. Not in the mood to cook in your state-of-the-art kitchen? A team of
Radisson Blu chefs will prepare and serve feasts in your villa for you and your guests. Cuisine might feature local upgraded streeteats such as crispy samosa, gato piment (chilli bites) or bread-fruit croquettes. While you will find these dishes at the many vendors along Mauritius’ beaches with freshly cracked and thirst-quenching coconuts, here they are prepared with elegance and modern flair.
Seafood is a highlight on the island and be sure not to miss the opportunity to enjoy the white-fleshed parrot fish, blue prawns, sea urchin, crab and giant local lobster. Palm-hearts provide fresh bite in a salad or, smothered in cheese and cream, are baked to perfection. Meat is imported from Europe, Australia and South Africa.
When Azuri was a sugarcane plantation, the beach was used by locals to fish. Although private now, local fishermen are still welcome and appreciative of the restaurant’s interest in their fresh catch. The Azuri Nautical Club provides lodging, provisioning and launching of your vessel, and you can get from your front door onto your boat in the space of a few minutes using your battery-powered buggy.
Local Mauritians consider the winter sea temperatures too chilly to swim. But for
South Africans, even those from Durban, the 23ºc winter temperature feels like a bath, while summer sea temperatures of nearing 29ºc are positively balmy.
Arrange your airport meet-and-greet plus a transfer with Vivid Privé and watch the envy of those whom you pass in the queue. It’s bound to be much like the looks you’ll receive when you send your fabulous Azuri photos back to family and friends.
For more information, visit www.azuri.mu.