La Vieille Cheminée (3 Star)

La Vieille Cheminée is located in Chamarel, a small village hidden in the mountains overlooking the west coast of Mauritius. While offering the luxurious vegetation and the calm of the tropical forest, the domain is close to the various leisure’s and facilities of the west coast.

The property is situated in a magnificent area of the island, close to the natural reserve and to several mountain peaks of easy access. The neighbouring Chamarel Waterfall, Coloured Earth and “Parc Aventure” offer additional activities during your stay. In the village, several tasty « table d’hôtes » are open at lunch time.

La Vieille Cheminée is to be found on a small agricultural farm surrounded by 2 rivers that stem 150 hectares of ‘ravenalas’ forests, indigenous trees and 100 hectares of diverse plantations: sugar cane, palm heart, pineapples and bananas. The entrance to the estate is overshadowed by an ancient stone chimney – the last remnants of the village’s former sugar mill.

La Vieille Cheminée is a place unique unto its own.  Exuding authenticity, it allows one to discover a way of typical Mauritian living, where one stumbles upon local colours and a gentleness of living inspired by its fauna and flora.  During your stay in our rustic but stylish and comfortable lodges you may discover Mauritius’ natural splendour on horseback, mountain bike or by foot.

The domain proposes:
(1) Over night stays. (Without any booking for a specific activity) and offers to its residents:
(2) The free access to the domain and its plantations, the mini farm and wild boar enclosure. (Plans of different trails freely provided)
(3) Paying guided excursions: Horse-back riding/hiking by the hour or full day.
(4) Bicycle rental for the day (no guide provided)
STAYING OPTIONS
1. Overnight stays
(i) on a self catering basis (Houses are fully equipped with kitchen and crockery)and/or
(ii) with meals provided Upon order on the previous day - Meals are dropped in the chalets and service is at client’s discretion)and/or
(iii) with the guided excursions on option
Depending on availability and upon reservation only.
2. Packages for lodging, Half or Full Board with various activities included
(I) Package ‘Escapade’
(II) Package ‘Evasion’
(III) Le Cocktail Découvertes’
(IV) Explorations Découvertes’
(v) Endurance Découvertes’

Accommodation Details
Overnight stays are offered in typical ‘creole’ style homes – meticulously decorated with rural charm. All homes possess their own unique personality and characteristics – whether it be by their manner of décor or by their level of comfort. But no matter what choice one makes, the charm and magic are there and one is transported to a Mauritius of long ago – where life under the shadow of the old stone chimney was gentle, cradled by the sounds of the old tractor, the song of the singing roosters, by the cutting of the sugar cane, and by the reaping of fruits.

Practical Information
Are provided in each house
Daily cleaning service in the morning. Watchman on duty 24hrs a day.
Equipped kitchens: oven, kettle, refrigerator, microwave, toaster as well as crockery and cutlery.
An ironing board and an iron.  Electrical adaptors and fans in each bedroom.
Air Conditioner in Le Perchoir and La Remise.
A fireplace in Le Campement and La Remise.

Free of Charge
Free access to hiking trails on the domain
Use of safety deposit box, drinkable water refills, matches, toiletry products, cleaning products, anti-mosquito capsules
Linen and towels
Wood for the fireplace.  A BBQ.  A bag of charcoal in each house on arrival
Cool bag available upon request.
Chargeable Additional Options:
Extra Beds.
Meals - continental breakfasts, picnic lunches and 3 course dinners available.
Daily laundry service.
Refrigerated mini-bar stocked with soft drinks, white wine and red wine.
Additional charcoal

THE LODGES
LA CABANE
Sleeps 6 persons (2 double beds and 2 single beds) – 1 open plan living room with kitchen corner – 1 bathroom & 1 W.C separate from the house – 1 elevated spacious wooden sundeck.

Because of its immediate proximity to the stables and the hub of activity the stables ultimately bring, the Cabane is at the heart of the domain - built entirely from wood with an iron corrugated roof and large shuttered windows that open out on to the stable’s gravelled courtyard. Being furnished with a much sought after mix of both antique and aged solid wooden furniture, the Cabane promises a real getaway. The open living area looks out on to the garden and a corner kitchen bar extends on to a wooden sundeck that offers stunning views of the banana plantations below.
The large bedroom with wooden flooring is separated into two curtained alcoves. Each alcove accommodates a large double bed together with a single bunk bed.
The bathroom is comfortable, with a shower.The W.C – separated from the main structure of the house by a few metres – only seems to add to the charm of this delightful ‘log cabin’.
This chalet is the most rustic of all our houses.  We aim as far as possible, to reserve the Cabane for short stays before or after the excursions.  It is ideal for a family or group of close friends.

LE CAMPEMENT
Sleeps 6 Persons (3 double bedrooms – 2 with double beds and one housing 2 single beds) – 1 living room – 1 bathroom – 1 W.C – 1 kitchen – 1 large furnished veranda with fireplace – 1 private garden.

Located on a small grassy knoll directly behind the stables, the Campement is surrounded by a small lush garden
encompassing an attractive lawn and parking space.
The large veranda, protected by hanging cane blinds, is furnished by a solid wooden table and benches (for 10 persons) as well as with comfortable armchairs. A fireplace adds to the charm and atmosphere and, during the cooler moments of the year, allows one to comfortably appreciate the magnificent views of the neighbouring countryside.
The bedrooms, furnished with charming simplicity (one of which comprises an antique cast-iron four poster bed) are bright and altogether relaxing. Two of the three bathrooms are ‘en-suite’ and are equipped with showers.
The charming kitchen with its chicken-wire cupboards has wooden shutters opening on to the veranda and the view beyond. The location of this chalet insures privacy and peace whilst still remaining within close proximity and easy access to the horses and stables close by. The décor is simple, impeccably maintained and welcoming, and the veranda’s large dining table makes for endless enjoyable get-togethers. The Campement is ideal for either a group of friends or a family.

LE PERCHOIR ET LA REMISEThese two cosy units are located a little further up behind the Campement. They offer outstanding comfort albeit from their simplistic yet elegant décor. Although private from one another, the Perchoir and Remise are coupled together by means of a small pathway leading to a communal garden wall and doorway.

LE PERCHOIR
Sleeps 2 persons – 1 bathroom & W.C – 1 Kitchen – 1 Furnished Kiosk – 1 Sundeck – 1 Private Garden

The Perchoir owes its name to the dominant perched position it occupies on the valley. It has its own private parking area from which one accesses a wooden stairway leading directly to the garden and attractive wooden sundeck. From its corner on the sundeck, the shaded and private kiosk offers stunning and unsurpassed views of the valley below.
The master bedroom, decorated with rural charm is particularly welcoming: the wooden floorboards and aged wooden furniture adding a quiet gentleness to the elegant décor. The small en-suite kitchen tailored completely from wooden beams has a little breakfast bar for two, overlooking the valley.
The bathroom accommodates a shower.
Turning its back on the other houses and looking out towards the valley, this small unit is a haven of peace, serenity and gentleness. Destined for a couple, the Perchoir is the ideal place to relax and appreciate the slow passing of time before perhaps getting prepared for a good stroll or horse-ride.

LA REMISESleeps 3 Persons (1 double bed and 1 single bed) – 1 Bathroom – 1 W.C – 1 Kitchen with small dining area – 1 furnished veranda with fireplace – 1 private garden 

La Remise owes its name to an ancient farm-shed that was originally to be found on the site. Coupled with the Perchoir and surrounded by a pretty garden, the Remise stands facing Mount Canot and the west coast sunsets. Consisting of a spacious double bedroom this suite also lodges a comfortable single bed for sleeping a third person. Picturesque and welcoming, the Remise has light wooden floorboards that contrast, yet complement the deep solid wooden furniture made from ancient railway tracks and brought in from Zimbabwe.
The adjoining kitchen has a dining table for seating 4 persons and opens up onto the spacious veranda, which houses a fireplace with comfortable lounge and dining area.
The spacious bathroom accommodates a shower.
Ideal for a couple or couple with child, the Remise has an undeniable charm owing to its beautiful furniture and original, rural décor. This suite offers a true sense of comfort accentuated by its spaciousness and cosy corner fireplace. Its location on the hillside allows for magnificent views of the west coast mountain ranges and makes for long relaxing afternoons where one can unwind with a cup of tea or perhaps a good cup of Chamarel coffee.
Due to their close proximity and easy accessibility of each other (small pathway leading to a communicating garden doorway), the Perchoir and the Remise are also ideal for a family or group of friends wanting a little more comfort and intimacy than the Cabane or Campement.

The Activities
GENERAL
Our overnight guests have free access to the domain, and its numerous paths.  Our mini farm with ducks, geese, wild baby boars and a nice variety of bantam chicken, offers a pleasant place of visit.  In the late afternoons, one walking along the wild boar reserve can have a glimpse of them, coming out of their hide to feed on fruits and roots.

A swimming pool on top of a hill in the middle of the domain, offer a superb view on the countryside as well as an ideal spot for spending a relaxing day. We can organize some sandwiches and a cool bag on the spot for you, or the meat and salad for the bbq if you enjoy cooking your own food

BIKES
We have bikes for rental for the day

GUIDED EXCURSIONS BY THE HOUR OR FULL DAY
On foot or horseback! Zigzagging through sugar-cane, banana and pineapple fields, trailing the banks of the river, entering the cool shelter of the ravenalas and indigenous forests, over the river fords where the horses can momentarily unwind and our guests relax … so many places to discover – each one as wonderful as the next!

The Chamarel Falls and the Seven Coloured Earths are to be found within the region of Chamarel and are an absolute must when visiting Mauritius. And what better way to discover them than by horseback, mountain bike or by foot?

These guided excursions comprise several circuits of one, two or three hours and are available uniquely upon reservation.

Horse riding: We regret not to conduct guided horseback excursions on Sundays and would appreciate a minimum reservation delay of at least 24hrs.
Our horses are robust double ponies – originally from South Africa. They are extremely calm and gentle and are ideal for this type of outdoor riding.  Due to the rather small size of our horses, we apologize not to be able to accommodate rides for clients of more than 90kgs.
The guided ride or walk with lunch: Our charming guide will gladly introduce you to the fauna and flora of the island whilst acquainting you with the history of our domain as well as the region as a whole.
A typical Mauritian curry or rougaille, served with rice and lentils can be served up the hill in the thatched roof kiosk nest to the pool after the ride or walk.

HIKING – CLIMBING – MOUNTAIN BIKING – CANOEING
Superb guided excursions can be organized, allowing you to discover the region, which is truly magnificent. The departure and arrival point for these excursions are from Les Ecuries and transport is organized.
We can organize with a private guide, wonderful hikes as well as mountain walks up to several summits within the area, such as that of Black River – the highest on the island.
In addition, we organize fantastic biking packages in the mountains or along the southern and western coastlines – stopping a while for a swim in the sea or just to relax on one of the countless beautiful beaches.
These excursions include food and refreshments.
Canoeing within the ‘Morne’ lagoon is also available – with a stop at the island of ‘Ile aux Benitiers’ where freshly caught and grilled fish is served to our guests for lunch.