Two Mauritius Tourism Villages Recognized Among World’s Best

Posted by Kathy Foley

Category: Mauritius

3/2/2022

RELEASE NUMBER 13|22

Le Morne Brabant on the south coast of Mauritius. Below: Old Grand Port (Old Grand Port picture by Anatolie Sophie/‘Toligreeneyes’ on Instagram) [Download images HERE.]

BEL OMBRE, MAURITIUS — Two Mauritius villages have been included in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) list of “Best Tourism Villages of 2021.”

Looking back on the year, 44 villages from 32 countries were chosen by UNWTO judges. They said each settlement played a vital role in preserving local heritage while promoting traditional culture, local values, events, inclusivity and gastronomy.

As a result, each village played an indispensable role in upholding the wellbeing of local people.

Le Morne Brabant and Old Grand Port in Mauritius both scored over 80 out of 100 possible points in a judging process where a total of 174 villages around the world were submitted for consideration.

Le Morne Brabant village in the island’s south west is the gateway to a breathtaking coastal peninsula dominated by a dramatic 1824-foot mountain. The outcrop features many caves, overhangs and steep slopes. The location, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is named after a Dutch East India Company ship, The Brabant, which ran aground there in 1783. The mountain is famous locally for having been a sanctuary for people escaping slavery before the practice was abolished in Mauritius in 1835.

Old Grand Port near Mahebourg in the east of Mauritius was the location of the first Dutch settlement on the island. Later run by the French, the village is an evocative reminder of the colonial past of Mauritius.

The settlement dates from the 17^th-century Dutch period. The village includes the Frederik Hendrik Museum, which opened in 1999 to display colonial-era artifacts excavated since 1997. Visitors can inspect historical paintings and 17^th-century maps. There are Dutch and French ruins nearby, including what are believed to be the governor’s residence, a bakery, a forge, a prison and the old Hollanders’ Watch Tower.

To celebrate the inclusion of Le Morne Brabant and Old Grand Port in the UNWTO ‘Best Villages’ listing, Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort near Le Morne Brabant is offering guests special value-added day trips to both villages. The trips will feature tailor-made visits to Le Morne, Old Grand Port and many more attractions as per the guest’s interests. A guide with specialist knowledge in Mauritian culture and history will accompany guests on each trip.

Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort is ideally located on the south coast between the two villages. The Outrigger is an idyllic retreat overlooking the Indian Ocean. It features four swimming pools – including The Serenity adults-only — a kids’ club, spa and four dining outlets. Club guests can access the colonial-style Plantation Club retreat and pool within the resort. In the evenings, The Club is known for its innovative Mauritian-fusion dining.

Further details on the culture village trips from Outrigger Mauritius are available from the Outrigger Mauritius front desk. For hotel information and booking, visit outrigger.com.