I imagine that very few people in the world had the chance to listen
to Opera on a wonderful beach. At least
I like to think that I have been one of these lucky persons.
Here I was, three weeks later, enjoying my rest but getting slightly bored, with that strong feeling that Mauritius must have much more to offer. So I decided to go for a walk along the beach.
The beach in Poste Lafayette was, by the way, not exactly like on
the posters; it was more natural, it was interrupted in some places by black
stones but the sand was always fine and white. I remember having felt very well
at that moment, probably the smell of sea, the call of wild, pure nature. What
surprised me too, was the fact that around the hotel, there were only
cottage-type houses and mauritius villas. Some very simple, others apparently new, modern and grandiose. Very
few were open, adding to that great feeling of being alone on the planet; for
sure, the whole beach was all mine on that day, that afternoon.
I like to think that I have been one of these lucky persons.
It was my first time in Mauritius, an overdue winter break for my
wife and myself. We had seen an advert for Mauritius, boasting a heavenly white
beach and happy people relaxing on the beach; exactly what I was longing. We
stepped inside the travel agency and 40 minutes later had our flights and hotel
booked for a 7 night all-inclusive package. The kids would stay at their grand
parents, no matter how much they will hate us for leaving them behind...
Here I was, three weeks later, enjoying my rest but getting slightly bored, with that strong feeling that Mauritius must have much more to offer. So I decided to go for a walk along the beach.
The beach in Poste Lafayette was, by the way, not exactly like on
the posters; it was more natural, it was interrupted in some places by black
stones but the sand was always fine and white. I remember having felt very well
at that moment, probably the smell of sea, the call of wild, pure nature. What
surprised me too, was the fact that around the hotel, there were only
cottage-type houses and mauritius villas. Some very simple, others apparently new, modern and grandiose. Very
few were open, adding to that great feeling of being alone on the planet; for
sure, the whole beach was all mine on that day, that afternoon.
Surprises come in pairs I was told! And this was a great one. Fading
in and out of the ocean murmur, I could hear my favorite pieces of Opera: Mozart's “The marriage of
Figaro.” I just could not believe it but kept walking, happy to note that it
was getting louder and clearer, to the point that it was filling the whole
beach space.
Peeking towards the source of music I could see from the beach, a
couple on deck chairs, glass in hand, relaxing in what I imagined was a
poolside deck. The house looked new, was nothing fussy but just very nicely designed.
It had wide openings making it inviting and attractive. I thought I'd waive at
the couple, just in case they were looking in my direction. Bingo! They waived
back. So, I dared a few steps towards
them; the overall atmosphere was so relaxed, friendly and easy that every good
thing could happen.
We met, we talked, we shared we drank, ate and laughed and my wife
and I were invited to visit the villa. Made mostly of noble / natural material
such as wood, cement, a thatched roof, it offered the perfect blend of
modernism and traditional “at home” feeling. The American-type kitchen opening
on the dining room, itself opening wide on the pool-deck and kiosk, all
overlooking the beach and sea... No fairy tale offered such great setting. The
master-bedroom upstairs was in the roof, yet fully air-conditioned, with its
modern, tastefully-designed bathroom. A wide opening allowed an ocean-view from
the bed. The other bedrooms were air-conditioned too and all very comfortable.
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