DOMAINE DES AUBINEAUX

Located in Forest Side, next to Curepipe, the Aubineaux House is typical of the old buildings of the central plateau of the second half of the 19th century, when winter gardens were in vogue in Europe. Built in 1872, very well preserved and restored, it has a glassed-in varangue which protected its inhabitants from the high humidity of this part of Mauritius. Built in teak wood and other local woods from broken ships, it is flanked by pretty French-style turrets and crossed by a curious central corridor, unusual in a tropical-influenced architecture where the rooms were held in a row to promote air circulation. During the renovation, the Guimbeau family, owners of the house, did not want to change anything. The house therefore kept its period furniture and paintings. Only the terrace and the glass roof have been transformed into a restaurant-tea room, and the stone stable into an artisanal distillery of essential oils - workshop and shop on site. Don't miss the flower gardens surrounding the house where many rare trees such as camphor trees, Chalta and a masterful 500 year old rosin tree, a remnant of the endemic primary forest, strut around.

To further immerse yourself, participate in Ki pou kwi, a culinary session allowing you to discover the secrets of traditional Mauritian cuisine in the company of the Aubineaux's chef and to taste your own dishes - visit and rum tasting included.