DOMAINE DES AUBINEAUX

Located in Forest Side, near Curepipe, the Aubineaux mansion is typical of the old buildings of the central plateau in the second half of the ^19th century, when winter gardens were in vogue in Europe. Built in 1872, it has been very well preserved and restored, and features a glassed-in varangue that protected its inhabitants from the high humidity in this part of Mauritius. Constructed from teak and other local woods salvaged from wrecked ships, it is flanked by pretty French-style turrets and features a curious central corridor, unusual in tropical-influenced architecture where rooms were arranged in a row to promote air circulation. When the house was renovated, the Guimbeau family, who owned the property, didn't want to change a thing. The house therefore retained its period furniture and paintings. Only the terrace and glass roof have been transformed into a resto/tea room, and the stone stable into an artisanal distillery of essential oils - workshop and boutique on site. Don't miss a visit to the flower-filled gardens surrounding the mansion, where numerous rare trees such as camphor trees, Chalta and a majestic 500-year-old rosin tree, a remnant of the endemic primary forest, strut their stuff. To immerse yourself further, take part in Ki pou kwi, a culinary session in the company of Les Aubineaux's chef, where you can discover the little secrets of traditional Mauritian cuisine and taste your own dishes - visit and rum tasting also included.