Le Morne Brabant, a Mauritian spiritual sanctuary

LUX* Le Morne

Le Morne Brabant map   

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The peninsula of Le Morne Brabant, with its eponymous standing rock formation, is a true wonder of nature and a certified UNESCO World Heritage site. Located at the south west tip of the main island of Mauritius, the region's famous, forested, basaltic mountain is filled with mysterious caves. The formation towers 556 metres above sea level. While ascending it makes for a challenging hike, it offers what may be the best view in all of Mauritius. A photographer's dream, a naturalist's refuge, and a historian's fascination, Le Morne Brabant is the site of both rare plants and an intriguing past.

Surrounded by a stunning, emerald lagoon, wild Le Morne Brabant is one of the last three refuges in the world for rare plants such as the Mandrinette—whose colourful flower petals were immortalised by artist Andy Warhol in a series of 1964 prints—also, the trochetia boutoniana, which is depicted on the nation's postage stamps. A profusion of island birds decorate the mountain with dots of unexpected colour while dolphins play in the crystal clear lagoon of unsurpassable Le Morne Brabant.

In the 19th century, escaped slaves were known to take shelter in the caves on the mountain, which is known simply as Le Morne. It is said that these determined individuals rigged a rope-bridge across a deep crevasse that impedes access to the summit, then, once they were across to safety, burned it. In 1835, when slavery was abolished, a police expedition travelled to Le Morne Brabant to notify the people of their legal freedom. Legend has it that many of the residents misunderstood the peaceful mission and jumped to their deaths, but historians assert that this is actually untrue. Never the less, the region is considered a spiritual sanctuary for many Mauritians.

Le Morne Brabant Village is a sleepy town ideal for those who enjoy surfing and fishing, including big-game fishing, in the pure waters of the region. Populated primarily by Creoles, it has a more African and less Indian feel than most of Mauritius itself. Here, you can enjoy viewing rustic but colourful local homes and buying fresh fish and seafood to take back to your resort for dinner. On the mountain itself, intrepid hikers enjoy visually stunning adventure and a view of that famous crevasse that protected the mountain's long ago residents.

So, whether your plans include relaxing in the luxe spas and resorts that this gorgeous region as to offer, adventuring upon the steep slopes of Le Morne, or even joining the international Mauritius Marathon and running through Le Morne Brabant on the view-filled coastal road, you'll find yourself agreeing that there is no vacation quite so scenic as one in Le Morne Brabant.