Takamaka Boutique Winery

Tucked away in the heart of Mauritius, Takamaka Boutique Winery offers a refreshingly different take on winemaking. Here, tradition gives way to innovation, as wines are crafted not from grapes, but from locally grown lychees harvested from pesticide-free orchards over 50 years old. This unique experience begins with a warm welcome, often led by the passionate team or oenologist Alexander Oxenham, who introduces visitors to the fascinating world of lychee wine. The journey continues with an inside look at the production process, where each lychee is carefully hand-peeled to preserve its delicate flavor before fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks. Specially selected yeast enhances the fruit’s natural aroma, resulting in distinctive and elegant wines. Guests also enjoy a short documentary and guided tour that deepen their understanding of this tropical craft.

Set in the cool central highlands of Mauritius, Mare aux Vacoas is a vast, peaceful reservoir surrounded by rolling green hills, pine trees, and soft mountain mist that gives the landscape a calm and refreshing atmosphere. As travelers arrive, they are greeted by wide-open views of still water stretching into the horizon, framed by untouched nature and gentle slopes that make the area feel quiet and almost untouched by time. Visitors can take in the scenery from several viewpoints, capture stunning photos of the reflections on the water, and enjoy the crisp mountain air that contrasts beautifully with the island’s coastal heat. It’s the kind of place where you slow down naturally—whether you’re stopping briefly on a road trip. Some may take a short walk around the edges or nearby viewpoints, while others simply pause to admire the vastness and silence of the surroundings. Mare aux Vacoas is not about activities—it is about atmosphere.