The paradise Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is renowned across the globe for its pristine white-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and crystalline waters, and is a picture postcard sunshine destination that caters effortlessly to the luxury traveller. With its plethora of high-end, five star hotels attracting affluent tourists from around the world each year, it has quickly become one of the most highly sought-after destinations for those in search of rest, relaxation and all-out bliss – but for many visitors, staying for just a week or two to enjoy all it has to offer simply isn’t enough.
It stands to reason, then, that real estate programmes on the island are flourishing, and with a number of celebrities leading the way when it comes to investing in second homes on Mauritius, a growing number of affluent individuals and investors are following suit. Beyond its spectacular beaches, the island offers breath-taking natural beauty, a rich and vibrant culture, and an excellent food scene – not to mention top level personal and economic safety – so it’s perhaps little wonder that demand for luxury properties on Mauritius are at an all-time high with those either looking to relocate, or make a savvy investment for the future.
Over the years, the nation has built a strong reputation for itself as an International Financial Centre, consistently ranking amongst the highest-rated African countries annually. Recognised for its political stability, economic freedom and efficient governance, as well as the overall ease of doing business on the island, it also now offers many incentives for investors considering purchasing real estate on the island, which have gone a long way towards encouraging foreign investment.
Since 2002, foreign buyers have been permitted to buy holiday homes and villas set within selected luxury resorts on the island, with the only requirements being a minimum £395,000 investment in Mauritian real estate. In return, they receive Mauritian residency and can benefit from a low tax regime with zero capital gains and inheritance taxes, making it an even more attractive prospect for anyone looking to splurge on a lavish hideaway in the sun and enjoy a slice of the good life.
The villas-only residential estate of Heritage Villas Valriche, on Mauritius’ picturesque southwestern coast, is a prime example of the type of luxury real estate that is available to affluent investors, and has fast become one of the most coveted developments on the island.
Nestled in a privileged location between the majestic mountains and the sea in the sprawling 2,500 hectare Belle Ombre Estate, Le Morne, it’s just steps from one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in all of Mauritius, and offers the utmost in exclusivity and privacy, yet with a community feel. A place where those in search of the finer things in life come together, it offers a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity in which you can enjoy the island’s breath-taking natural beauty to the full and mix as much, or as little, as you like.
A collection of spacious homes surrounding the resort’s championship golf course, Heritage Villas Valriche, designed by Greg Scott, is the very epitome of the luxury lifestyle many come here in search of, and with 170 of the 288 planned homes now already complete, it’s the perfect time to swoop in and claim your slice of paradise. Featuring generous terraces and private, rim-flow swimming pools, villas are priced from 995,000 USD, and can currently be purchased off plan, with guarantees of completion provided.
But if you’re looking to create your own dream property from the ground up, then you can also treat yourself to a serviced plot thanks to the resort’s IRS status, or register for a bespoke villa, built according to your specific brief, for anywhere up to $6 million depending on your specifications.
Owners of properties within the estate, which is also home to two lavish hotels – the Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Wellness Resort and the Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort – can enjoy privileged access to a range of high-end facilities and amenities, including the Heritage Golf Club. Due to the immense popularity of the resort’s original championship golf course, a second one, designed by Peter Matkovich and Louis Oosthuizen, is currently under construction, and is expected to be completed later this year.
Then, there is the fully equipped Heritage Villas Valriche Sports Centre, as well as the beautiful Heritage Nature Reserve – a place to immerse yourself in the island’s breath-taking natural beauty and enjoy a moment of calm.
Outside of the resort, there are plenty of idyllic ways to spend your days, and when you’re not snorkelling, scuba diving or enjoying one of the many water sports the island has to offer, you can head to the iconic Le Morne Brabant Mountain – a dramatic basaltic rock peak that was once home to runaway slaves – to take photos, or venture a little further afield to see the Black River Gorge national park and the impressive Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel.
If there’s one thing Mauritius isn’t short of, it’s natural wonders and awe-inspiring sights, and it’s easy to see why a growing number of foreign investors are choosing the island as their home away from home. If you’re looking to live the good life, then look no further, because this spectacular island nation has it all.
For further information, email mauritius@pamgolding.co.za or contact Richard Haller of Pam Golding Properties Mauritius on +27 83 776 0802 or +230 5422 38 42.