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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.
Eco break
Great walks
Active Holiday
Riding
Families
Learning
Other Activities
No restaurant
Self catering to rent
Sights nearby
Watersports
Hills & mountains
In/by a Nature Reserve
Outstanding location
On an island
Eco
Quiet
Family Suites
Less £
Rooms with balcony/terrace
Organic food
House party feel
Full of character
Sit-out Terrace
Boutique
Cycling
Golf
Groups
Surfing
Quirky
Child friendly
Wildlife Area
Owner managed
Traditional
Charming
Intimate
Birdwatching
Romantic
Mountain biking
Views
Secluded setting
Rooms
6 rooms in this hotelNo restaurant
Big farm-fresh breakfasts are brought to your lodge each morning, and three-course dinners can be ordered in advanceCommunal Dining
Communal dinners can be arranged in the central café or at the kiosk, which is ideal for fun celebrationsSelf catering to rent
Each lodge has its own simple kitchen for self-catering, with hobs, a toaster, kettle & fridge, plus a BBQSwimming Pool
The small plunge pool sits alongside the kiosk, atop the hillBicycle 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
Riding
Learning
Other Activities
Sights nearby
Watersports
Cycling
Golf
Surfing
Wildlife Area
Birdwatching
Mountain biking
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