Arriving at Miafina, on the eastern shores of Mauritius, just outside the quaint fisherman’s village of Trou D’eau Douce, is rather like arriving at a dear friend’s home that’s not only been in their family for many generations, but in your’s too. Images of the kids sipping warm milo on the verandah in the early morning light flash through your mind as nostalgia cartwheels you across the lawn, beneath the trees, around the pool, into the blue and back up to the verandah, settling at your feet. As you bring yourself back to the moment, taking in the stillness of the surroundings, the slight breeze, the smell of the salt from the sea, the sun’s rays pierce through the dancing branches of the palms and land on your shoulders as if to gently embrace them with an earnest, hospitable touch. “Welcome back to paradise,” the sun says, “it’s wonderful to have you here.”
Perched on the edge of the impressive turquoise lagoon, settled upon two acres of rolling lawns and tropical gardens, hidden walkways and shady snoozing spots, a swimming pool with a pool house that overlooks the boundless ocean beyond, Miafina is a pacifying haven of tranquility. Where the essence of island life maps out a family’s life story, evolving over time. A story that’s etched into the stonework, layered into the thatch, woven into the whicker and evident in every design element of the home. Four glorious ensuite bedrooms – one of which is tucked away upstairs – open out onto the landscape; most with sea views, some with garden views. Two kitchens are set aside from the main living, dining and entertaining spaces, allowing the spicy creole curries to simmer away in the background. Doorways open out onto a wrap-around verandah where long tables, dreamy loungers and sofas occupy languid areas of blissful repose. Days will likely begin and end on the verandah, where tales are told of the day’s adventures.
The adventures start with the extraordinary sight of the sun or – at times – the moon, rising from the ocean. Pink hues set your stride as you amble around the estate, with a hot brew in hand and an eager anticipation for the day that’s gently unravelling. A pathway leads you down onto the beach where you’ll have your first swim of the day, followed by an outdoor shower to rinse off the salt. Some might be up for a round of golf whilst others might prefer to lounge beside the pool after that long brunch at the long table. There’ll be days when you’ll hire boats from the village, climb aboard from the jetty at the bottom of the property and allow the skipper to sail you over to Île aux Cerfs for the day. Snorkelling, swimming and snacking in the sun. Maybe a catamaran the next day. Maybe just a round of bridge, backgammon and book worming. Whatever tickles your fancy, the feeling of familiarity is ever palpable in every hour of the day. As if this is the life you’re intended to live, with your favourite people, forever more. Carved into your hearts to cradle for every generation to come.
What we love!
- Arriving into the courtyard that willingly invites you in, with a soothing ambience and an indication on the statements of style that ensue. The family’s collection of artwork, furnishings and souvenirs have been sourced over many years and curated with what they love to refer to as “a magical mismatch of curiosity”. Their stamp is visible in the inimitable layout of the design of Miafina.
- There are so many blissful pockets around the property to retire to at any point in the day. Whether it be one of the glorious bedrooms, the games tables, the little office area for some focusing, around the fire-pit beside the pool house, the pool house itself – especially in the evenings, barefoot dancing beneath the stars. The property is designed around great family gatherings at the core.
What you need to know…
- For day excursions of the area, you can hire a boat with a skipper or catamarans and other water sports from the village of Trou D’eau Douce. Basic supermarkets and supplies are available in the village but for more sophisticated shopping you should head to Flacq, which is a 20-minute drive away.
- The region is a haven for all golf enthusiasts, boasting a number of prestigious courses all within short driving distance from the property.
- There is daily housekeeping available and the lovely ladies who maintain the property are excellent cooks too, serving delicious local dishes.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away from the property.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie