Le Touessrok designated ‘Best Hotel in Mauritius’ at the CNBC European and African Property Awards

Le Touessrok just won an award in the category of: ‘Best Hotel, Mauritius’ at the CNBC Arabia European and African Property Awards 2009. Le Touessrok will be presented with this major property award at the renowned Marriott Hotel in London’s Grosvenor Square in October 2009.

Pascal Brun, General Manager of Le Touessrok, said of winning the award, “I cannot but take note of the recognition professionals from the property industry have given to Le Touessrok. This hotel is set on a unique site with the mainland hotel, its two private islands and a championship golf set on an island and is serviced by a generous team of dedicated professionals. We see in this award a chance of showing to the world how our hotel and the Mauritian destination is a winner.”

The International Property Awards is in fact the world’s most prestigious competition dedicated to finding the best real estate professionals and sites across the globe. “The fact that Le Touessrok has won one of these coveted awards is proof that Mauritius is not only able to compete at this level but also triumph within the highly competitive Europe and Africa property arenas,” states International Property Awards organisers.

Later this year, top scoring winners from the Europe & Africa Property Awards will compete against other winning companies from Asia Pacific, the UK, Americas and Arabia to find the ultimate ‘World’s Best’ in each category. It will be yet another chance for Le Touessrok to confirm its value.

Le Touessrok offers Mauritian taste at Sansibar

Toto Lebrasse and his team

Sansibar, located at Sylt Island, off the coast of Germany, welcomes Le Touessrok Chef, Dewanand Boodhun and his team from 3 to 10 August for a food and promotion week. Mauritian specialities such as chicken and prawn curry, fish salad and beef rougaille will be served to the high profile guests present during the event.

Sansibar is one of German’s most popular beach restaurants. A highly-estimate opportunity for Le Touessrok Chef, Dewanand and his valued team to put forward their culinary experience. Throughout this promotional week, dedicated to food and gastronomy, all rich and famous Germans will be present on the Island of Sylt. An occasion to make them discover the exotic and tropical paradise island cuisine and culture. All this, reinforced with a Mauritian vibe, which will be catered by Toto Lebrasse, Mauritian singer, together with his team. A real tropical atmosphere with the songs, sega dance, the beach, which should more that ever imbued the guests into the Mauritian culture.

This promotional event was organized, for the first time, three years ago with the participation of Le Touessrok and has proven to be a significant success. A nice way to get to learn about Mauritius not only in its culinary but also in its cultural aspects. Besides, Sansibar Restaurant, clearly visible with its floating pirate black flag emblem, is also very famous for its wine cellar, and high-quality wine it offers.

Coin de Mire Hotel - Last Minute Offer

Stay in a double room at Le Coin de Mire Hotel at a promotional rate

- Only 48 Euros per person per night in a double Superior room on half board basis
- First child (3-12 years old) sharing parents room, free of charge.
- Second Child (3-12 years old) sharing parents room, only 24 Euros.

Validity :
- Bookings must be confirmed before the 31st of July 2009
- For stays between the 15th of July to the 30th of Septmber 2009

Book Now >>

Paradise Cove Hotel & Spa - Last Minute Offer

Stay in a double room at the Paradise Cove Hotel & Spa at discounted rates.

- Only 114 Euros instead of 175 Euros (save 35 %) per adult per night in a double Pondichery room on half board basis
- Only 174 Euros instead of 252 Euros (save 30 %) per night in a single Pondichery room on half board basis

Special standard all inclusive supplement @ Euros 24 per pax per night

Validity :
For stay between the 15th August 2009 to the 31st August 2009

Book Now >>

Kamal Taposeea elected Chairman of the Board of Air Mauritius

Kamal Taposeea.

Following the election of Directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on the 22nd of July 2009, the newly constituted Board met to elect its Chairman. Air Mauritius is please to announce the election of Mr Rajkamal (Kamal) Taposeea to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the airline

M r Taposeea, after thanking the shareholders for electing him as a Director and the Board for electing him as Chairman, stated “The honour and challenge of bringing forward the destiny of our National Airline is a task that
I have accepted with enthusiasm, and I would like to thank the Prime Minister, Dr The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, G.C.S.K and the Vice Prime Minister, Honourable Xavier Luc Duval, G.C.S.K for their trust.”

He further added “Today, the aviation industry is confronted worldwide with extremely difficult and unpredictable changes in its environment and thus deserving fresh and sometime innovative strategies. As one team, Board
members, management and staff, will have to ensure that we focus constructively towards the enhancement of shareholders and stakeholders confidence.

Adherence to Corporate Governance will at all times have to be fully respected. Being a service-oriented company, Air Mauritius will only achieve its objectives if it remains competitive on all fronts and at all times. I will also see to it that we continue to maintain on top of our agenda the highest level of safety in our operations. I am looking forward to serving this national strategic institution.”

Mr Taposeea, who is presently overseas attending his son’s graduation, will be back to Mauritius on the 6th of August 2009

Air Mauritius: “Ensuring long term sustainability”

Air Mauritius held this yesterday its Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre, in Pailles near Port-Louis, under the chairmanship of Mr. Raj Ringadoo, the airline’s acting chairman. In his opening address Mr. Raj Ringadoo thanked his fellow Board members for their commitment and support during the last year and commended the management and staff, including the unions, for their dedication and solidarity in such a difficult environment.

T he airline’s CEO Manoj R. K. Ujoodha, G.O.S.K., made a comprehensive presentation on the global economic environment and its impact on the affairs of the company The CEO stressed that the combined effects of the fuel crisis and the financial meltdown on the airline industry were unprecedented.

In this context said Manoj Ujoodha “the national airline has not waited for the crisis to start taking actions and introducing initiatives within the Transformation Programme, complemented by a number of timely measures to improve the cash flow position. Had we not been proactive the situation would have been even more difficult. Air Mauritius has set clear objectives in order to ensure its long term sustainability. These objectives are to
consolidate its Balance Sheet, reintroduce competitiveness, stimulate growth and increase revenue.”

Presenting the financial performance of the company, the CEO insisted on the fact that the national airline posted positive operating results hence demonstrating that the fundamentals of the business are sound. Ending his presentation Mr Ujoodha gave details regarding the operational outlook till March 2010 where consistency in schedules would be the priority, including supplementary flights and capacity on Paris CDG and Milan, a seasonal operation to Munich. The airline will also take delivery of a brand new A330- 200 in October next.

The outlook also includes reinstating the fourth frequency to London Heathrow with a fifth additional frequency during peak period, 6 weekly frequencies to India, 11 weekly frequencies to South Africa and twice weekly operations to Nairobi. The objective being to increase capacity back to the FY 0809 levels.

The shareholders re-elected the following persons as Board Directors of Air Mauritius: Mr. Manoj R. K. Ujoodha, G.O.S.K, Mr. Kremchand Beegoo, Mr. Dheerendra K. Dabee, S.C, Mr. Philippe Espitalier-Noël, Mr. Ali Mansoor, Mr. Ramapatee Gujadhur, C.S.K, Mr. Antoine Pussiau, Mr. Raj Ringadoo, Mrs Premila Roy, Mr. Suresh Seeballuck and Mr. Timothy Taylor.

The shareholders also elected Mrs. Aisha Timol, G.O.S.K., and Mr. Arvind Jadhav as well as Mr. Raj Kamal Taposeea as board directors.

Discovery of lower body of Dodo, complete skeleton within reach

Julian Humme with a Dodo bone

An international research team discovered on Mauritius an intact part of the lower body of the Dodo (Raphus Cucullatus). The finding concerns a complete hip and four leg bones (femur, fibula, tibiotarsus and hypotarsus). This finding suggests complete dodo skeletons must be present at the excavation location. Besides bones of the lower body numerous other Dodo bones are found including parts of skull, beak bones, vertebrae, wing bones, toe bones and sternum

Besides Dodo bones the research team recovered bones of the extinct giant tortoise (Cylindraspis) and bones of jet unidentified reptile and bird species. Also they encountered abundant seed material of endemic trees including those of the Tambalacoque (Dodo tree). A few specimens of this nearly extinct tree currently occur in the central part of Mauritius. It is therefore a great surprise that these seeds occur nearby the sea at Mare aux Songes. Mauritian and European scientists investigate how it is possible that so many bones and seeds have been so well conserved in the soil after several thousands of years and why the locality is so extremely rich in bone material.The purpose of the current expedition is to reconstruct the world of the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) before Western man set foot on the island of Mauritius and wiped out the species. The expedition will seek to clarify the Dodos ecotope and explain why it became extinct. The excavation in Mare aux Songes, in the south eastern tip of Mauritius will continue to the 3rd of July 2006.The immediate reason for this expedition was the rare find on 28 October 2005 of a completely undisturbed layer of botanic remains and bones, including Dodo fossils, on the island of Mauritius. This material is up to 3000 years old. There have been previous 20th-century finds of Dodo bones on Mauritius, but no-one previously sought to study the geology or ecology of these sites. This type of research is needed to reconstruct the landscape, fauna and flora and establish whether these animals were wiped out all at once by a natural disaster. The Mascarene Islands, of which Mauritius is one, are unique in that they probably have the only Dodo-fossil sites in the world.Research team The international multidisciplinary team assembled specially for this expedition includes archaeologists, palaeontologists, sedimentologists and palynologists from fifteen different institutes in various countries. The Naturalis palaeontologist Dr Lars van den Hoek Ostende is one of the driving forces of the team, which also includes Dr Beth Shapiro, an expert on ancient DNA, and Dr Julian Hume, a palaeontologist and Dodo specialist. The project is being led by Dr Kenneth Rijsdijk (TNO B&O - Geological Survey of the Netherlands). Drs Pieter Floore, archaeologist, is currently leading the excavation.

Crazy Plage with Le Touessrok and Air Mauritius at the Crazy Horse Paris

From 1st July to 15th September 2009, Le Touessrok*****L and Air Mauritius will be partnering with Crazy Horse for the Crazy Plage show

Crazy Horse will be going full swing under the Mauritian ambiance and sun for the notorious Crazy Plage show. Beach, sun, sand and lights will reveal all the tropical warmth of Mauritius and will enable Crazy Horse guests to dream of coconut trees and turquoise lagoons.

Through this partnership, Le Touessrok*****L and Air Mauritius are planning to tune to the magic of this mythical spot in Paris. Since 1951, the Crazy Horse carries a glamorous image that is also shared by chic contemporary Le Touessrok. This event is also an invitation to come and visit Mauritius.

Mauritius Hotels: Ocean Villas Launches New Contemporary Beach Wing

Ocean Villas known for its self catering villas on the beach has recently undergone renovations and built a new beach wing with 2 infinity pools and 14 new contemporary rooms.

Located in an upmarket secluded area and yet close enough to lively Grand Baie, Ocean Villas, owned and managed by a local group of two Mauritius hotels, has been recently renovated and has added a new contemporary wing on the beach comprising of 2slate pools and 14 new contemporary rooms, some with outdoor baths.

Each has a king size bed, LCD tv with satellite channels, electronic safe, wi-fi connectivity, Ipod connector, modern vanity, toiletries, separate bath and large shower head. The rooms open on a furnished terrace either on the beach or on the quiet pools. For the launching, special offers Mauritius are offered during this year.

The hotel, classified as a 3-star beach resort has a private sandy beach in Grand Baie, with beach umbrellas and timber lounge chairs. Snorkelling and select watersports are provided.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinners, a show kitchen, a lounge bar (30 covers), massage facilities, watersports, airport transfers, hotel picnics and catamaran excursions to nearby islets, grocery shop.

International food is available à la carte for all guests at the main restaurant. The lounge bar next to the main pool serves lunch and light meals. Tropical cocktails like Pina Colada, Mojito or Margarita are proposed till late.

"Flexibility has been key at Ocean Villas. Apart from our wide range of accommodation, guests are free to book a bed & breakfast holiday, breakfast and dinner or all inclusive packages. People on holidays want freedom, that is why we are so flexible in our easy going atmosphere." highlighted Clifford Ng, the sales & marketing director of two Mauritius hotels and villas.

Ocean Villas has a large variety of accommodations : 14 duplex & triplex self catering villas, 18 contemporary rooms, 4 family suites, 1 beach villa Le Nid d'Amour, and above the reception, 8 no-frills basic rooms.

The resort caters for honeymooners, young couples and families alike. The hotel enjoys celebrating bespoke weddings for small parties.

Last Minute Offer @ Veranda Resorts

** 50% DISCOUNT Last Minute Offer (From 01 July 2009 - 31 August 2009)

Book Now :

http://www.veranda-resorts.com/hotel-mauritius/veranda-resorts/tailor-made-quotes.asp

Surf Ski World Tour - A successful challenge for Naïade Events

A world premier for Naïade Events : organize in Mauritius two stages of the Surf Ski World Tour with the reigning champions of the sport. This was held from 2nd to 4th July in the south of the island with Tamassa and Les Pavillons as partner hotels. A successful challenge which now places Mauritius and Naïade as privileged partners of this sport. "We will definitely recommend Mauritius and Naïade Events to those who practice surf ski," say Hank McGregor and Michelle Eray, after their race on Saturday 4th of July. The two world champions have lived up to their reputation by winning, on Saturday, the Mauritius Ocean Classic between Souillac and Le Morne. This is a stage of Surf Ski World Series. The two champions are full of praise for this first stop in the Indian Ocean. "The race was just fantastic," exclaimed Hank McGregor, the winner. He talks about the competition. "This stage is worth many points in the championship. It is classified 3 stars, making it a crucial stage for me." The champion acknowledged that the race was difficult: "It was harder than I thought. I had to paddle with the wind and waves. It was impressive." Hank McGregor adds: "I am sure that next year there will be 200 to 300 people who come to this competition." An opinion which is worth gold. Hank McGregor is the paddler of all time in canoeing, surfing and flat water. The champion believes that surf ski will gain even more popularity in Mauritius. "This is a family sport. Children are on the beach. We are in a beautiful region of the island. It is a paradise for paddlers." Petie Michelle Eray is still a force of nature. She won the race on Saturday. "It was very hard," she confesses at the outset. "I had to be very careful during the race, avoiding the reefs, manage the waves." But the satisfaction can be read on her face: "It was a very good race. I even saw a group of dolphins! As Hank McGregor, the young woman feels that the surf ski will generate even more excitement. "This is a lifestyle sport. It is a sport that allows us to discover beautiful places like Mauritius. This is a competition that offers many advantages. " Mauritius, Michelle Eray thinks, holds many assets : the island has a pleasant climate - even in winter - the sea is safe and the destination is only four hours flight from South Africa. Satisfaction is also on Naïade Events' side. Two stages of the Surf Ski World Tour took place in Mauritius. Participants paddled from Tamassa to Les Pavillons on Thursday 3rd July, while the second stage, from Souillac to Les Pavillons took place on Saturday 4 July. "It was a premiere for the region too," says Albert d'Unienville, manager of Naiade Events. "This is an exceptional event. A world tour that will now include Mauritius through Naïade Events, "he says. The operation was organized with the support of JPH Boathouse, the MTPA and Air Mauritius. Naïade Events also had the support of big champions of the sport. Greg Barton, four times Olympic gold medalist in kayaking, Oscar Chalupsky, 13 times world champion surf ski, Michelle Eray and Hank McGregor, Numbers 1 world have tested and approved the two stages. The results Female 1. Michele Eray RSA epic 2h05:53 2. Michelle Eder RSA fenn 2h05:54 3. Danica Vorster RSA fenn 2h14:35 4. Donna Winter RSA fenn 2h15:41 5. Carol Joyce RSA KC 2h18:33 Male 1. Hank McGregor RSA epic 1h41:49 2. Clint Pretorious RSA fenn 1h42:02 3. Dawid Mocke RSA fenn 1h43:26 4. Barry Lewin RSA Custom K 1h45:57 5. Johnathan Crowe UAE epic 1h47:07

Dinarobin heralds new brand of luxury

While Dinarobin already enjoys a reputation as the icon of well-being and harmony in Mauritius, the current renovation works further consolidate its image by transforming the resort into a modern masterpiece of architecture and landscaping. When it reopens in September 2009, the revamped Dinarobin will herald a new brand of luxury, combining intimacy, tradition and tropical elegance.

http://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/downloads/new-projects/en/DinarobinRenovations2009.pdf

Pascal Brun nominated to the rank of Chevalier de La Légion d’Honneur

Pascal Brun, General Manager of Le Touessrok and Vice President Operations, East Coast, for Sun Resorts in Mauritius, has been nominated to the rank of ‘Chevalier à l`Ordre National de La Légion d`Honneur` following a presidential decree dated this 13th July 2009. Le Touessrok was placed under the management of one of the most famous General Managers of the luxury hotel industry, French born Pascal Brun. Pascal Brun joined Le Touessrok as General Manager in February 2009. He is also the Vice President Operations, East Coast, for Sun Resorts. In France, Pascal Brun was better known to have been involved with Group Lucien Barrière for the past 25 years. Before joining Sun Resorts, he was Managing Director of Barrière Hotels and Casinos in Cannes. Once voted ‘Best General Manager` in the world, the former General Manager of the mythical Majestic Barrière in Cannes was also at the head of Hotel Gray d`Albion and Casinos Cannes Croisette, Les Princes and Menton. Before the French Riviera, Pascal Brun was General Manager of Royal Hotel in Deauville. The Légion d`Honneur or Ordre national de la Légion d`Honneur is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802. The Order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five various degrees, Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). Pascal Brun has been nominated to this order for his career within the tourism industry.

http://www.sunresortshotels.com/sun-resorts-en/news-events/news-sun-resorts.php#33

Mauritius Trailer

Exploring Mauritius is just like embarking on the path of pleasant surprises. From all directions, the island offers contrasting reliefs, beautiful natural scenery, and picturesque popular sites, highlighting the various facets of a unique and heart-catching Mauritian lifestyle.

Stay 7 or 9 nights at Beau Rivage

Stay 7 or 9 nights at Beau Rivage in a Junior Suite on Half Board basis.Valid for all stays from 20 Jul to 15 Sep 2009. Exclusion dates apply. Price is per person based on 2 adults travelling on Air Mauritius Economy Class and British Airways World Traveller Class , with all airport taxes and return airport car transfers in Mauritius and services of our local representative on the island. Offer subject to availability at time of booking! Terms and conditions apply. Price includes discount & free nights.

As from 11 Apr - 30 Apr 2009
7 nights - price from £1,395 per person
9 nights - price from £1,705 per person

As from 20 Jul - 15 Sep 2009
7 nights - price from £1,100 per person
9 nights price - from £1,220 per person

http://www.naiade.com/en/hotels/mauritius/beau_rivage/default.aspx

The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort

REFRESHING STYLE ON THE BAY OF BALACLAVA The InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort is located on one of the most pristine stretches of beach overlooking the Bay of Balaclava. Offering 210 well-appointed rooms, the resort is just a few metres from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th-century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area. A trip to the Central Market of Port Louis reveals handmade crafts and cuisine representing the different cultures and ethnicities of Mauritius, including Creole, Indian, Chinese and Muslim. The hotel is located just north of the capital, a 15-minute drive from the clubs and sights of Grand Baie and 50 minutes from Plaisance International Airport

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/mauritius

Le Touessrok Resort and Golf in Mauritius

Le Touessrok is one of the world's great romantic resorts. Sensuous and chic, it is the essence of cool, modern elegance basking in the cultural warmth of tropical Mauritius.

The resort is set on a beautiful stretch of white-sand coastline overlooking the tranquil Trou d'Eau Douce bay. On the mainland are the suites and rooms, pools, restaurants and bars, Givenchy Spa, tennis and the kids club.

Across the water are the resort's two islands - Ile aux Cerfs, with its spectacular championship golf course designed by Bernard Langer, and Ilot Mangénie, an island retreat exclusive to guests, both a short ride by private boat.

http://www.letouessrokresort.com/