La Vieille Cheminee

La Vielle Cheminée is a real gem. Unusual on an island known for its expansive beach resorts, this tranquil farm boasts six — soon to be eight — little lodges within verdant grounds. Turn off the main road and along a palm-fringed avenue, spotting the kitchen gardens to one side, and quacking ducks, geese and chickens on the other. In the distance, you'll see the old sugar factory chimney for which the farm is named: this was once Mauritius's main industry. Up at the main lodge, you'll be welcomed by a friendly team member, before being shown to your private cabin.

These rustic lodges, each individually decorated, are inspired by the island's traditional Creole architecture, with earthy tones, cane furniture and corrugated iron roofs paired with wooden shutters. Spaces flow into one another, with crackling fireplaces in inviting sitting rooms, big decks for soaking up magical mountain views, and bench tables for tucking in to flavoursome fare as a couple or with family and friends. The larger lodges — La Maison du Potager, L'Atelier and Le Campement — have multiple bedrooms, ideal for group trips.

There's no restaurant at La Vielle Cheminée, but you'll be greeted each morning by a member of the team with baskets filled with food: fresh eggs from the hens, fruit jams, warm bread and plates of fruit. Come evening, you can cook up a storm in your simple kitchen, gather around the barbecue in your garden, or request a delivery of the day's set menu -- a chance to try Creole or French dishes made from organic garden produce.

La Vieille Cheminée promises a wonderful retreat from the world beyond the mountains, with four marked walking trails, horse riding, and a hilltop plunge pool offering marvellous sunset views. Keen hikers and mountain bikers can discover the many wonders of the nearby national parks, kite surfers can zip 15 minutes to the coast for lessons in the shadow of Le Morne, and more laid-back holidaymakers can soak up the sunshine poolside, with only the chatter of birds in the background. A superb eco-lodge, brimming with charm and providing a rare insight into a very special side of Mauritius.

 

Written by Saskia Walker

• No restaurant
• Big farm-fresh breakfasts are brought to your lodge each morning, and three-course dinners can be ordered in advance
• Communal Dining
• Communal dinners can be arranged in the central café or at the kiosk, which is ideal for fun celebrations
• Self catering to rent
• Each lodge has its own simple kitchen for self-catering, with hobs, a toaster, kettle & fridge, plus a BBQ
• Swimming Pool
• The small plunge pool sits alongside the kiosk, atop the hill
• Bicycle hire
• Parking
• Family Suites
• Fireplace
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Airport transfer
• Outdoor dining
• Internet
• Cots available

• Private dining room
• Air conditioning
• Laundry
• Sit-out Terrace
• Private villas
• Garden
• Child friendly
• Sitting Room
• Wifi
• Views
• Games room
• Business Centre
• Safe

• Great walks
• Follow four marked hiking & running trails around the farm, or challenge yourself with a beautiful hike up Le Morne mountain
• Riding
• The lodge has friendly horses, with daily excursions perfect for both beginners and experienced riders
• Learning
• Nearby Ebony Forest Reserve has an excellent museum detailing the history of ebony and the connected ecosystem in Mauritius
• Other Activities
• Take guided farm visits with the friendly, knowledgeable team to understand more about their organic cultivation efforts
• Sights nearby
• Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark has some great signposted walking routes for travellers of all ages
• Watersports
• Just 20 minutes away, kite surfing and surfing opportunities abound at Le Morne

• Cycling
• Golf
• Surfing
• Wildlife Area
• Birdwatching
• Mountain biking