In a Class of its Own If the local Mauritian belief that the Island nation inspired heaven is true, then Anahita
World Class Sanctuary will inspire the most heavenly dreams of luxury perfection.
The first thought that comes to mind after taking in the beauty of the island of Mauritius is: ‘does it get any better than this?’ This small patch of paradise lying 900km east of Madagascar is said to have inspired heaven itself. Part of a group of centuries-old islands, Mauritius is truly a divine work of art, surrounded by magnificent coral reefs and turquoise lagoons, brush-stroked with lush green mountains and mangroves and dotted with quaint villages where traditional Mauritian culture thrives as the locals go about their daily life. Into this scene stirs a warm year-round breeze that shimmers across your skin like silk. But if Mauritius inspired heaven, as the locals believe, then Anahita World Class Sanctuary – a 213-hectare residential and landscaped estate on the east coast of the island – will inspire your most heavenly dreams. And with a limited number of five-star freehold properties still for sale at Anahita, those dreams may still become reality.
Anahita is like the pearl within the oyster, the diamond in the ring. Made up of four premium communities and comprising a mix of private residencies, hotel suites and myriad leisure activities, Anahita is most certainly the envy of the heavens. The estate, which stretches along 6km of coastline, is home to the first ever Four Seasons Resort in the South African region, and a magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by champion South African golfer Ernie Els.
Recently opening its doors to foreign investors, Anahita’s exceptional
residencies are among the very few in Mauritius that are situated along the coast. The sheer number of interested buyers and proprietors from Europe, the Middle East and Africa that are gravitating to the sanctuary comes as no surprise, because Anahita offers an unparalleled lifestyle that sees the themes of luxury living, adventure, scenic beauty and family take centre stage.
Residents can explore the native forest and farmed fields of sugar cane on horse-back.
Life at Anahita
Time is ample in Anahita, and there are endless choices as to how you can spend it. At the heart of the estate is La Place Belgath, a bustling village centre where first-class restaurants and gourmet cafés meet with boutique shops, a daily fresh food market and the entrance to the golf course. After a morning coffee and stroll along the esplanade, you might like to take a leisurely swim in the double infinity swimming pool, play a game of tennis, or soak up the sunshine lounging on La Place Belgath’s private beach. Just nearby, open air massage kiosks await to relieve you of any worries as you
close your eyes to the sound of the breeze in the coconut trees and the soothing lagoon waters lapping on the shore.
For thrill-seekers, the boat house offers a range of water sports including sailing, waterskiing, kitesurfing, wake boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, a PADI-certified diving centre and more. Alternatively, why not catch a speed boat ride to neighbouring Ile aux Cerfs, five minutes from La Place Belgath’s jetty, to experience Mauritius’s most famous white sand beaches?
Children will never be short of things to do at Anahita. Catering for
children between the age of eight months to 13 years, the Kids’ and Teens’ Club ensures the young ones are entertained with sports, activities and indoor games consoles such as Nintendo Wii. For curious minds, fun and educational sessions are held where kids can learn about the nature and culture of Mauritius.
After a day of being out and about, homeowners have the option of
luxuriating in their own private sanctuary called home, relishing in the
comfort of solitude while napping in the warmth of the afternoon, or cooling by the veranda in their very own pool. Each home combines the finest of contemporary furnishings with traditional Mauritian design elements, which emphasise relaxed and spacious living. Open and airy architecture delineates the boundaries between outdoors and indoors, allowing for unobstructed views and inviting the calm, tropical atmosphere to infiltrate the home. An in-house dining service is also available to residents upon request, where a private chef will prepare an exquisite meal using premium local ingredients. At Anahita, all the little things are taken care of, so you can focus on what matters to you most: family, friends and living.
Luxury island resort
Located on its very own islet, Ile aux Chats, and linked to the Anahita mainland by boardwalks, Four Seasons Resort provides yet another limitless menu of possibilities for the Anahita resident. There are five exclusive dining options, with each restaurant or bar overlooking the lagoon. At night the water glows like precious stones under the light of the moon, while beautifully lit palm trees remind you that you truly are in a tropical paradise. The Four Seasons spa features a blissfully extensive range of regionally inspired treatments, which one can receive in one of the thatched-roof over-water treatment rooms.
Across the water on the mainland, weaving its way through the entire estate are the wide, emerald green fairways of Anahita’s world class golf course. Lined with exotic vegetation and bountiful wildlife, each hole on the undulating 72-par course is its own journey of beauty. On one side, striking mountain peaks form a dramatic skyscape, while on the other, crystalline lagoons glimmer into view. Such is the magnificence of the setting that almost every hole is designated for its view, and Ernie Els’s favourite – christened “Ocean Drive” – is considered to be among the most picturesque golfing fairways in the world. The scenery can also be taken in from the vantage of the footpath that winds through the golf course, ideal for jogging or leisurely walks to clear the mind. Just imagine: all this, just a short walk from your home.
Natural wonders, historic beauty
Toward the majestic Bambou mountain range of Grand River South West, which forms the backdrop to Anahita, Mauritius’s diverse and awe-inspiring natural wonders call. Just 15 minutes inland, a lush property called Domaine de l’Etoile, which translates to ‘domain of the star’, invites Anahita residents to explore the native forest and farmed fields of sugar cane on horse-back or quad bike. There is an archery range with still-life targets and even hunting at certain periods of the year. A restaurant on the premises offers traditional Mauritian cuisine – a blend of Indian, European and Chinese influences – and fine-dining to rejuvenate hungry adventurers.
On the other side of the mountain range is the Ferney Valley, an ecologically preserved forest where some of Mauritius’s rare and indigenous flora and fauna can be found. Nature hikes and tours are offered here, as well as a rustic restaurant with traditional Mauritian fare.
From the summit of the mountains, one can view the south-east coast of Mauritius all the way down to the towns of Mahebourg and Grand Port, which were the scenes of naval battles during the Napoleonic Wars and are now home to some of Mauritius’s most rich historical sites. For a closer glimpse into Mauritius’s colonial history, take a drive to Falaise Rouge located along the rugged shore of the south eastern coast. Delve into stories about this former French observation post, and sample traditional creole cuisine at the homestyle restaurant.
Other neighbouring villages such as Trou d’Eau Douce, Flacq or Bel Air, all a short drive from Anahita, retain the feeling of Old Mauritius, where colourful markets, food stalls, bartering and the chatter of the Creole language will intoxicate you with delight. It’s this blend of traditional life with all the comforts of contemporary living that make living at Anahita everything you’ve dreamed of.
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