Imagine living in tune with the tides, the sunset and the lunar calendar. Imagine lush green spaces along a river estuary and opening onto the sea. Imagine a seaside village atmosphere blending with a modern lifestyle. Situated in Black River, La Balise Marina, the only residential marina in Mauritius, is where my family and I have chosen to create our fondest memories.
The call of the sea
As the sky begins to move through a whole series of colours, the terrace of the villa offers a fabulous view over the mouth of Grande Rivière Noire. Our boat is waiting for us at our private mooring spot on the quay of the marina. We use it to glide on the waters flowing around the western coastline and enjoy the sight of the first dolphins of the day. Looking into the horizon, the poetic silence is as beautiful as the melodious sound of lapping water. Let’s take time to soak up the pleasure before sailing to Le Morne for an early morning picnic in the lagoon. Later, when the first rays of the sun light up the sky, we decide to go for a swim. The sea then transforms into a playground for all our favourite water sports: water skiing for my wife, big-game fishing for myself, and stand up paddle boarding for the kids.
We smoothly make our way back on land. In this Garden of Eden, everything has been carefully thought out to support the logistics needs of this dream lifestyle. A boat garage, a fuel station, a freshwater supply point and other maintenance facilities are available. All we need to do is treat ourselves to another pampering session at the spa before heading off to the Seeloy Island Club to enjoy one of those sunsets that we never tire of.
Seeloy...
Everything is for the best in the best of worlds
The restaurant and sports centre at the Seeloy Island Club have officially opened on the 1st of August 2018.
Surrounded by a beach chic atmosphere that suits everyone’s preference and dressed in casual beach attire or in our best clothes, we gather around a seafood feast prepared on Ofyr grills by the chef, Jerry Bastiaan.
Born in the Caribbean and raised in the Netherlands, Jerry Bastiaan has showcased his talent in some of the world’s leading Michelin-starred restaurants in places like San Francisco, Paris, Dubai and Azerbaijan – where he was employed by the presidential couple. He then led the kitchens of Outrigger and La Balise Marina. He waters our taste buds with an eclectic mix
of cuisines.
In the comfort of a thatched hut or in a lounge chair under a parasol, we all gaze at the mouth of Grande Rivière Noire. Tomorrow morning, we will show our gratefulness to the universe during our yoga session at the club’s fitness centre.
Open every day until 10 pm.
La Balise Marina finds its strength in the surrounding landscapes in which we thrive.
The spirit of the sea
With the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean on one side and the quiet of Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire on the other, La Balise Marina finds its strength in the surrounding landscapes in which we thrive. And we don’t have to choose between the authenticity of a village and urban conveniences. Nestled in a growing coastal region, it is much sought after by families from around the world for its climate and lifestyle.
Restaurants, bars, supermarkets, designer shops and craft markets keep us entertained over the weekend. And for a wonderful afternoon in the heart of nature, the Black River Gorges National Park, Tamarind Falls or the Chamarel Geopark await us. It is up to us to add a hint of adventure, gentleness or culture to the different chapters of our history with the backdrop of Le Morne Brabant Mountain.
