What's Happening on the weekend August 2014

www.theweekend.co.za

http://www.luxresorts.com/

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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www.theweekend.co.za Contact information : Tell : 011 954 0791 info@theweekend.co.za

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Event & news

This month’s Recipe • Theatre & Entertainment Leisure , wellness & Dinning out • Front Cover Article’s • A History lesson • Bush holiday Specials • Hospitality news • Special promotions • Extended News • Travel Tips Abroad •

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CELLAR RATS SPRING WINE FESTIVAL benefiting Woodland School

Brought to you by

Sunday 7 September - 11.00am to 3.00pm at the “Old Mill”, Magaliesberg Price Information Adult Taster : R105.00 (includes complimentary tasting glass) / R120 at the entrance Children’s Admission: R10.00 (Children from 3 years) Picnic Basket 2 Adults: R210 (does NOT include tasting ticket) Vegetarian Picnic Basket 2 Adults: R210 (does NOT include tasting ticket) Picnic Basket 1 Child: R37 ALL tickets available through COMPUTICKET – book online at www.computicket.com

A family holiday to Mauritius?

Yes, at 5* Heritage Villas!

LOTS OF FUN FOR YOUR KIDS Children are privileged guests at Heritage Resorts and as such, they receive special attention. The “Timomo & Friends” children's clubs have been designed to provide an unforgettable holiday experience for your kids.

Welcome to the lively, unique and colourful world of Heritage kids clubs on the Domaine de Bel Ombre, which were created around the Timomo character. This endemic bird lives in the nearby Black River Gorges National Park and conveys the identity of a rainbow nation renowned for its legendary sense of hospitality.

For kids as from 2 years old

HERITAGE THE VILLAS ENJOY YOUR NEXT FAMILY HOLIDAY IN A 5* VILLA ON THE TROPICAL ISLAND OF MAURITIUS

Are you dreaming of an unforgettable family holiday?

You need to try Heritage The Villas in the exclusive setting of the Domaine de Bel Ombre on the South Coast of Mauritius: 25° degrees minimum, spectacular views, fantastic children’s facilities, two 5* luxury hotels with a 1 km white sandy beach, four refreshing swimming pools, two kid’s clubs for children (for ages 2 to 11), exciting activities for teenagers, a huge choice of outdoor and water sports and 11 excellent restaurants and bars, unlimited green fees on an award-winning 18-hole golf course and a Nikki Beach-style C Beach Club.

The ‘sea, sand & sun experience’ par excellence of the island and so much more…

Free: access to both hotels, C Beach Club, kids' clubs, teens' club, golf…

book now and benefit from our Grand promotion below !

www.heritageresorts.mu resa@heritagethevillas.mu

HERITAGE THE VILLAS You want the privacy of your own villa, the service of a five star hotel, a beautiful view over 2500 hectares of unspoilt nature…

Look no more; discover Heritage the Villas on the unique Domaine de Bel Ombre.

Enjoy the view ... and experience the essence of legendary Mauritian hospitality!

Your villa for an intimate holiday Immerse yourself in this intimate world of luxury in the refined setting of your villa coupled with 5 * service: daily cleaning, golf cart to move around, concierge, private chef, babysitting, butler service, airport transfers by helicopter and many more services. Here the words simplicity, courtesy and discretion are synonymous with hospitality. You want to travel as a group of friends, family or as a couple, then the choice is yours with 2, 3 or 4 air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite Bath or shower rooms. The infinity pool, large veranda, state of the art communications, barbecue area, gazebo and landscaped tropical gardens are all there to give you the comfort of a luxurious home away from home. The villas are fully furnished and equipped and offer free internet access and satellite TV channels.

Tailor-make your ideal holiday at the Domaine de Bel Ombre The Domaine de Bel Ombre is a destination within a destination, a unique concept in Mauritius. All your holiday wishes will be granted in just one place, so just tailor make your ideal holiday. As residents of Heritage The Villas you have unlimited access to two luxury hotels and all its services: Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort and Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort. Relax at the two luxurious Seven Colours spas, dine in our 12 restaurants, have a cocktail in one of our bars, exercise at the fitness centers, send your kids at the kids and teens clubs for some peace. The offer does not stop there; great nautical activities are available at the C Beach Club and for the adventurous type numerous nature activities at the Frédérica Nature Reserve, home to endemic flora and fauna. Kite surf enthusiasts can enjoy one of the best kite surf spot of the island and if wanting to perfect your skills then a kite surfing school is also available.

If a Golf fanatic or even a beginner then you will be in heaven with privileged access to the Heritage Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course stretching over 100 hectares with unlimited free green fees. The Château de Bel Ombre, a colonial style mansion house built in the late 19th century is the heart of the Domaine; the idyllic setting for breakfast and also the villas’ reception center where you will be greeted upon arrival . . .

Who would think paradise would be within such easy reach!

www.heritageresorts.mu resa@heritagethevillas.mu

If you’ve been there and done that and are looking for a thrill to top all the rest, then the sky’s the limit.

Sky Adventures offers a variety of aviation experiences to both the corporate and private sectors. We have a proud reputation of not only meeting but also exceeding all expectations of aviation adventures because flying is in our veins and we delight in sharing the same exhilaration with all our clients-be they corporates looking for a unique team building experience or couples looking for the perfect place to get engaged.

Based in Durban, In Kwa-Zulu Natal, but operating throughout South Africa, Sky Adventures has many breath-taking aviation rides that are guaranteed to leave you with awe-inspiring memories long after you’ve landed back on terrafirma. These include; hot air balloon rides, microlight flights, helicopter flights, aerobatic flights, canopy rides, tandem skydiving and the stadium swing. In addition we offer both private and executive air charters and specialised packages for proposals and weddings.

All our sky adventures can be tailored to suit your requirements and we welcome your ideas and input to assist us in delivering a package that is not only awesome but also appropriate and, most of all, fun!

We make all our aviation adventures available as tangible gifts in the form of personalised gift vouchers.

You can contact us on 0733347911 or email at rhod@skyadventures.co.za

Food & Recipe’s

All Recipes are Courtesy of additional web pages and are solely provided to tantalize your taste buds and reinvent your cooking skills

Good Food begins at Home !!!!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion 2 cloves garlic 1/2 lb. Italian Sausage 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste 1 (28 oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes 1/2 tsp salt 1 Tbsp sugar 12 oz. spaghetti 2 oz. feta cheese 1/4 cup grated parmesan 1 cup shredded mozzarella Directions

Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Cook both in a large pot with one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat until soft and transparent (about 5 minutes).

Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook through (breaking it up into pieces as you cook).

Add the tomato paste, stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes more or until the tomato paste takes on a slightly darker color.

Add the diced or crushed tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Stir and heat through.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil (this can be done while you’re preparing the sauce).

Cook the pasta according to the package directions (boil for 7-10 minutes). Drain the cooked past and then stir into the meat sauce.

Prepare an 8Ă—8 inch casserole dish by coating with non-stick spray.

Add half of the spaghetti mixture to the dish. Sprinkle withe feta cheese.

Add the rest of the spaghetti, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, and then top with mozzarella.

Bake the spaghetti for 30 minutes in the 350 degree oven.

Let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into eight pieces and serving.

Coconut Lemon Pie

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting Pinch salt 2 sticks butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing

Filling: 4 eggs 2 cups granulated sugar 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 cup of coconut for topping

Directions

Make the crust by combining the flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter to make a crumbly mixture. Press the mixture into the prepared pan. You can use more confectionery sugar to press down in pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Make filling next.

In another bowl, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, and lemon juice sprinkle grated coconut on top.

Pour this over the baked crust and bake for 25 minutes longer. Remove from oven cool completely. Top with coconut and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Risotto Gamberetti E Zucchine Ingredients olive oil 500 gr/ 1 pound large cooked and peeled shrimp 2.5 dl/ 1 cup dry white wine 3-5 cloves of garlic, minced 1 onion, minced 2.5 dl/ 1 cup risotto rice (Carnaroli) 5 dl/ 2 cups vegetable stock 1 zucchini, sliced 1 tsp dry chili flakes fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Heat olive oil in a pan and saute the large shrimp lightly together with minced garlic and white wine. Set aside but keep the juices the shrimp have released.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Saute the minced onion and garlic for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes golden.

Add the risotto rice and continue frying until the grains become glassy.

Little by little, pour some vegetable stock and liquid from the pan you used to fry the shrimp. Keep stirring. Add the zucchini slices when the risotto is nearly ready. For Carnaroli rice it takes about 15 minutes to be al dente.

At this point, add the already sauteed shrimp and mix without cooking any further.

Season with chili flakes and sprinkle flat leaf parsley on each plate.

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

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park.

These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets.

www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/default.php/

Take a Walk on the Wild Side...

• The Kruger National Park offers its visitors up close and personal nature experiences with a variety of activities. Whether it is driving, biking, hiking or walking that you want to do, Kruger has something for you.

• Experienced, professional and armed guides act as trail leaders and interpret the natural surroundings at regular intervals, to make the most of your guided activity. So, if you want more than self drive game viewing, Go Activities! Go Wild!

• Lonely Bull Back Packing Trail • The Lonely Bull Trail is a primitive Back Packing Trail which starts from Shimuwini Camp and is conducted in the large wilderness area between the Letaba low water bridge and the Mingerhout dam along the Letaba River. The trail stretches over 4 days and three nights, with departures every Wednesday and Sunday between 1 February and 31 October.

• Wilderness Trails • Overnight Wilderness Trails allow adventurous visitors a close, personal encounter with nature by traversing large areas of unspoiled wilderness on foot. Guests spend three nights in one of the 7 Wilderness Camps in the Park, under the guidance of armed and experienced trail rangers.

• Park & Ride • Hop in and ride - it's as simple as that! Guests at Kruger now have the opportunity to make use of the "Park and Ride Scheme" where you can get to see the Big 5 - currently only available in the Marula Region - Numbi, Phabeni and Kruger gates.

• Mopani Sunset Drive • Why not enjoy a sunset drive along the banks of the Pioneer Dam in Mopani...

• Adventure Trails (4X4 Trails)

• Olifants River Back Packing Trail • Malopeni Eco-Trail •

Malopeni Overnight Eco Trail

• Lebombo Overland Eco Trail •

Lebombo Eco Trail

• Great Limpopo Park Transfrontier Trails • Guided Walks • Game Drives • Bush Braais • Mountain Bike Trails • Golf • Weddings • Mphongolo Back Packing Trail

www.cafecaprice.co.za Café Caprice has firmly established itself as one of Cape Town’s most in-demand destination venues.

Positioned on the apex of picture-perfect Camps Bay beach, with the magnificent Twelve Apostles to the side and Table Mountain behind, this setting has kept locals and foreigners spellbound by its beauty, and continues to do so. From comfortable lounge areas perfect for chilling straight from the beach or winding the day up with delicious cocktails and snacks, to buzzing sidewalk tables serviced by vibrant waitresses, and backed by an operations team dedicated to creating a unique experience for our clientele, we will see to it that you have an unforgettable experience, whatever the occasion.

Originally a hairdressing salon before Café Caprice expanded its size back in 2002, this area has become the epicentre from which the magic emanates, as the Café Caprice resident DJ’s spin tunes from their elevated perch. The mirror-backed bar, framed by sandwave walls and with its Kiaat wood base, houses an extensive selection of beverages and spirits. On the sea side of the bar the three colorful leather-backed lounges allow for the ultimate in beach bar entertainment. These sought-after lounges are available upon request. The entire Groove bar can host up to 80 people and is available to hire for private events. Please contact us for availability, especially over the summer months from November through until March.

FALL IN LOVE WITH MSC OPERA THE PERFECT SETTING FOR WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS With the open ocean being the perfect place to celebrate a wedding, romance and love, there is no wonder that this choice has been made by so many South Africans across the various ships that have cruised the local seasons in previous years.

The MSC Opera will again this 2014/15 season provide the ideal dreamy setting for Weddings, Honeymoons and the renewal of vows.

An onboard ceremony offers not only an idyllic setting, but also ease and convenience. Guests are all hosted on board, with cruise accommodation inclusive of meals and entertainment throughout the voyage. Brides to be are easily put at ease by the planning assistance given from an efficient team before embarkation as well as a competent events crew on-board, catering for every whim. From small intimate ceremonies to big and festive celebrations MSC Cruises offers the perfect setting.

MSC Cruises SA offers loving couples 3 packages to choose from, Silver, Gold and Platinum and include priority embarkation, wedding planning, venue selection, wedding cakes, photographs and more. Packages cater for any bride’s needs and budget, and can be tailored to suit.

Couples wishing to hold a wedding ceremony aboard ship should, however, remember though that they need to first legalise their marriage on South African soil in terms of local law.

A cruise honeymoon remains popular option for newlyweds around the world, and is no different for South Africans. A Honeymoon on board is a time that will be cherished into the future, and provides a blissful setting for rest, relaxation and adventure. Honeymoon couples are given a free upgrade on all MSC Ships.

For more www.msccruises.co.za

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.

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.

www.letouessrokresort.com The pinnacle of tropical elegance World-renowned luxury five star resort in Mauritius, Le Touessrok is one of the world’s great romantic resorts. It is the essence of cool, modern elegance basking in the cultural warmth of tropical Mauritius.

Le Touessrok resort Mauritius is one of the “Leading hotels of the World”.

This majestic resort lies on a beautiful stretch of sandy coast, with magnificent views of the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. Out in the lagoon are two beautiful islands; Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs , home to the resort’s Le Touessrok 18-hole championship golf course, one of the best in Mauritius.

Le Touessrok hotel: luxury and elegance for your holiday Le Touessrok hotel Mauritius is five star luxury at its best, the perfect holiday setting for couples and families, with a fabulous range of facilities, including an extensive choice of water sports and land-based activities, 5 restaurants, a renowned Givenchy Spa and personal butler service.

This five star resort also features three luxury waterfront villas, which have redefined the benchmark for luxury villas in Mauritius.

Open since May 2005, Le Touessrok Villas offer ultra-exclusive and spacious accommodation, using the latest technology to meet the high expectations of the most discerning guests to Mauritius.

Contact : Mr Nihad Kader Tel : +230 402 7700 - Fax : +230 402 7500 Email : reservation@letouessrok.mu

On the southwestern side of the island, the soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon create a magical setting where lavishly appointed accommodations and pampering converge amid the many charms of Mauritius.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is a five star luxury resort with 172 guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean waters.

Bask in the sun by a luxurious pool or on the beach; go wind and kite surfing; or escape to a sanctuary of rejuvenation at the signature Iridium Spa featuring 12 private treatment rooms. indulge in the sublime pleasures of the spa.

The Resort introduces a collection of carefully selected restaurants and bars including Simply India, the signature restaurant by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar, where accomplished master chefs present exciting new fine dining experiences to the guests.

Le Morne Peninsula 路 Mauritius 路 Phone: (230) 403 9000 Central Reservations: +800 325 78734 stregismauritius@stregis.com

www.stregismauritius.com