Immerse yourself in the authentic beginnings of the magnificent southern part of Mauritius and add a new dimension to your stay. Let yourself be amazed by the Domaine de Saint Aubin, a remarkable site combining architectural, historical and recreational aspects. Part of the prestigious Tea Route, it has made its way into the glowing pages of national tourism brochures.
The genesis of Domaine de Saint Aubin
Let’s take a nostalgic look back at the Domaine de Saint Aubin’s enchanted past. It began in 1778. It was then that the seeds of history were sown, when Pierre de Saint-Aubin, a farmer and merchant of the time, acquired what was to become a magnificent estate. Years later, in 1818, he ended his role as landowner and sold the land. The new owners then built a sugar mill on the land, and a colonial mansion a stone’s throw away. The latter stands out for its unconventional construction, essentially using wood salvaged from old dismantled ships. To this day, the evidence of this era is still proudly displayed through the maritime relics visible in the house; the attic scaffolding and the roof originally a ship’s hull, not forgetting the staircase designed from a mast.
With the passage of time, the factory flourished, expanding to such an extent that the noise ended up being a nuisance for residents. The decision-makers of the day decided to act. As a result, the colonial mansion was moved to its current location. The operation, carried out in the 1970s, involved dismantling and rebuilding the building identically. Over the years and through the estate’s administrators, this colonial building has seen a succession of owners. Its changing face ceased to evolve in the 90s, when it underwent a major renovation. This metamorphosis heralded its entry into the inner circle of Mauritius’s architectural heritage, and the respect due to it.
An exceptional environment enriched by a multitude of activities
The Saint-Aubin estate is the ideal place for a picturesque visit lasting around an hour. It’s home to an ancestral colonial-style manor house, a perfectly preserved 19th-century feature. It also offers a unique view of a vanilla plantation, where you can learn about the entire production process, with detailed explanations supported by a video. In addition, you’ll discover a greenhouse adorned with splendid tropical flowers, mainly Anthuriums, and a rum factory, where you can enjoy a complete experience from the cultivation of sugar cane to the production of rum, both agricultural and aged.
Much more than a remarkable colonial building, where you’ll have the opportunity to contemplate old pictures of the Saint Aubin estate and period furniture, a sublime restored fireplace is installed here, the true epicenter of the property. The estate is nestled in the heart of a vast, lush park, where a variety of plants and vegetation coexist, as evidenced by the vanilla plantations. Take a detour to the Maison de la Vanille, to explore the vanilla production process. Then enjoy a delightful stroll through the magnificent Anthurium greenhouses, or go on an adventure along the botanical trail.
In addition to these fascinating attractions, the Saint-Aubin estate has a house dedicated to rum. You’ll be taken on a sensory journey through the entire process of making our agricultural rum, “Saint Aubin 1819”, conceived in the purest Mauritian tradition. And to delight your taste buds, each visit ends with a tasting session that immerses you in the warmth of a typically Mauritian welcome.
For the little ones, the estate’s must-see farmhouse features a myriad of animals with which they can interact, have fun feeding, cuddling and observing. They’ll meet a variety of farmyard animals, including geese, rabbits, hens and pheasants, as well as goats and turtles. In addition, the Saint-Aubin estate offers a playground for children’s entertainment. As the icing on the cake, the old sugar factory has been transformed into a museum, where you can discover the steps involved in making sugar and processing sugar cane.
The elegance of the restaurant table
Imagine a splendid colonial residence that once ticked away the days in majestic indolence. Now an exquisite B&B, it houses an exceptional restaurant. There, you’ll be invited to feast your taste buds on tasty dishes that oscillate between tradition and originality, as evidenced by the chicken delicately flavored with vanilla or the braised chicken, generously drizzled with Saint Aubin spiced rum, if you please!
Treat yourself to a delicious moment of relaxation under the charming varangue for lunch during your visit. You can also choose to indulge in a cocktail in the shade, to refresh yourself during the afternoon gourmet break. Finally, the pleasure of the table finds here an expression rich in flavor and emotion.
A magnifying glass: Practical information
Domaine de Saint Aubin location – where exactly to find it?
nThe Domaine de Saint Aubin is nestled in the picturesque south of Mauritius, on the outskirts of Souillac, just half an hour’s drive from Mahébourg and a similar distance from Bel Ombre – ideally positioned.
Domaine de Saint Aubin, operating hours that are…?
The doors of the Domaine welcome you every day, without exception, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Come anytime during these hours for a magnificent experience.
The ideal accommodation options for your visit to Domaine de Saint Aubin?
Whether your bed is at the Preskil Island Resort 4*sup in the south-east, the elegant Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort 5* at the other end, or the luxurious JW Marriott Mauritius Resort 5*Luxe on the Morne peninsula, Domaine de Saint Aubin is easily accessible from anywhere.
Don’t forget to consider this: in transit at the airport with a few hours to spare before the flight to Rodrigues? Escape the crowds, hop in a cab and head for Domaine de Saint Aubin. A 25/30-minute drive and you’ll be there, immersed in a little-known part of Mauritius’s heritage while letting the time gently pass you by.
Let’s continue a little further…
Exploration tours
