Mauritius Tea, Rhum & Crocs: A Candid Review

Alright, so you’re thinking of checking out the Deep South of Mauritius, huh? It’s almost like everyone tells you that you just have to do it. It’s definitely got a bit of buzz surrounding it, with promises of flavorful tea, smooth rhum, and, oddly enough, a bunch of crocodiles all in one trip. Is that, like, even a combo you ever imagined? But hold on a sec, is it, like, actually worth your time and cash? I had to check this one out myself to give you the lowdown on what to really expect. So, grab a seat, maybe fix yourself a cuppa, and let’s get into the, shall we say, interesting experience that the Deep South has to offer.

Bois Chéri Tea Plantation: Sipping Serenity or Tourist Trap?

First stop, the Bois Chéri Tea Plantation! You see pictures, you hear the hype. And you get these visions of rolling hills covered in bright tea bushes and this real peaceful vibe. Well, alright, the view *is* pretty spectacular, no argument there. Yet, that, too, is quite busy, depending on what time you roll through. Arguably, the tea factory tour is just a tad too sped up. They, very briefly, take you through the process. You’ll see leaves being, um, transformed into tea, yet it’s all pretty fast. This portion lacks much engagement. In a way, it feels you get processed through there as quickly as possible.

Then there’s the tea tasting. Alright, it’s cute! They’ve got this veranda overlooking the tea fields. It really is pretty. Yet, this part feels ever so slightly manufactured. All those different flavors laid out? Fun, but you may be hard pressed to really distinguish any flavor difference beyond, well, one’s vanilla and the others’ coconut. As a matter of fact, I bought some vanilla tea anyway (the vanilla is genuinely outstanding). That could be down to them or to me; I can’t quite place the truth of the experience. Very, very briefly, there’s also a museum, too, but to be brutally honest, I think that section could be updated with more engaging exhibits.

La Vanille Nature Park: Crocs and More Crocs

Alright, now, this one is really the star of the Deep South — La Vanille Nature Park. I went for the crocodiles, to be honest, and oh boy, they’ve got crocodiles alright. It’s just that there’s them everywhere! Just picture basking in the sun. It’s genuinely quite a sight.

Anyway, that being the honest truth, it is not *just* crocs. You know, they’ve got other animals roaming freely, too. Keep an eye out, alright? You, like your, legs are being followed. Yet, there are tons of them, and they’re super chill! In some respects, that is, it’s really nice being able to walk amongst them. You may find yourself able to get closer than you expect to giant tortoises. There’s also this pretty cool insectarium and, arguably, you learn stuff! For real, it’s one of the stand out attractions of the South, so don’t skip this part of the journey.

Saint Aubin Rhum Distillery: From Sugarcane to Sipping

Then we have got the Saint Aubin Rhum Distillery. If tea’s not your bag, perhaps Rhum *is*? To be fair, this part’s interesting because it’s about learning a thing or two! If, like your experience, you’ve never seen a distillery up close and in person, that is. It’s actually pretty cool to walk through and see that sugar cane turns into something other than sugar (though, to be fair, you do see that, too!).

There is that potential it gets somewhat dull since it’s also yet another guided tour. The thing is, alright, you do get some yummy rhum tasting out of the end, there. Still, the Rhum has quite a bite, to be completely truthful. If that, like, isn’t your type of taste, it might just not hit right for you. The grounds around the distillery is pretty, to be sure. Yet, maybe don’t spend a large amount of your precious time. I suppose you can stroll through the gardens and then move right along?

Lunch: What’s Cooking in the Deep South?

Right, so let’s address the big question that, to be honest, can make or break any trip: grub! When visiting the Deep South, there are definitely some spots where you might stop in at. In some respects, most of them cater directly to the tourists, anyway, yet that might not be necessarily a terrible thing.

The restaurant at Bois Chéri, for instance, offers some amazing views. The honest truth? Their food isn’t as amazing. It tends to be on the pricey side, and just a little “blah.” If you, like your average joe, are searching for more true food and local experiences, perhaps look to drive through a nearby town and grab a Roti off the street instead! Saint Aubin has got its own dining area. That place is pretty charming. Yet, just like Bois Chéri, expect prices targeted at tourists rather than genuine local diners. Look to bring a packed lunch, arguably?

Heritage and Culture: Peeling Back the Layers of History

Right then, beyond the tea, animals, and rhum, the Deep South has bits and pieces of Mauritian heritage on display. Basically, you’ll spot remnants of its colonial history here and there! For instance, there’s the Saint Aubin house itself, right? It has got a classic colonial design, that does. Anyway, you are free to stroll around! It really does, arguably, make you think about the past!

Still, to be sure, the focus, usually, tends to lie far more on the attractions rather than seriously diving deep into the area’s real past. With that in mind, should your intent lie in understanding more, look for more curated museum visits. Do read, perhaps, too. The displays might fall a little short to satisfy those urges!

The Verdict: Deep South Mauritius, Worth the Hype?

Okay, so here is where the honest truth arrives, and that, of course, gets pretty tricky because value can become ever so subjective to a tourist. In the case of the tea plantations, I suggest lowering your expectations! La Vanille Nature Park arguably steals the show as the place provides genuine value with what feels like great animal interaction! The Rhum Distillery will tick your boxes, if Rhum is truly what you thirst for.

Arguably, do not expect to unearth an undiscovered gem while journeying down to the Deep South as you are unlikely to. Expect crowds and prices directed to Tourists, to that degree. Be that as it may, I do think one trip will serve its worth — once.