Mauritius: The Tea, Rum and Vanilla Route – Visit 3 Domains

The Tea, Rum and Vanilla Route is a unique and authentic experience!

The Tea, Rum and Vanilla Route is a gastronomic and cultural journey offered by Saint Aubin Loisirs. This eco-tourist friendly excursion is carried out in three stages and immerses visitors in a journey that captures the imagination of the explorer in a traditional and authentic atmosphere. The Itinerary offers access to three domaines, their magnificent gardens, and direct access to knowledge and skills acquired over a 200 year period . You will uncover the distillation process of the Rum de Saint Aubin 1819, its essential oils as well as the processes involved in the production of Bois de Chéri Tea and Saint Aubin Vanilla.

The Domaine des Aubineaux, a typical colonial mansion dating back to the late 19th century is the 1st stage of the Tea Route. Here the guides will take you on a guided tour of the property which was built in 1872, explaining its history and its furnishings which date back to the East India Company.There is also a fascinating collection of vintage photos illustrating the life of the owners.

The Domaine de Bois Chéri is the 2nd Stage of the Tea Route and takes you to the Bois Chéri tea factory where the guides explain the different stages of tea processing from the picking right through to the bagging and it also includes a visit to the tea museum. To complete this experience a tea tasting session is offered in a chalet highlighting the panoramic views of the estate and the entire south of the island. You can even taste tea-based delights at Restaurant Le Bois Chéri!

The Domaine de Saint Aubin is the 3rd and last stage of the Tea Route. Situated a few kilometres from Souillac, it offers many interesting places to visit in one area, a sugar refinery, now transformed into a museum, an anthurium, a vanilla greenhouse, a craft distillery, a mini farm and a beautiful colonial house dating back to 1819. The house has been converted into a restaurant, while the upper floor has been transformed into a naval museum where historical models are on display. The Tea Route is a fascinating journey to the heart of traditional Mauritius.

What’s Included:

A full day excursion
Lunch at any one of these sites is included.

The Domaine des Aubineaux:
Includes access to the colonial house, the 19th and 20th century photo exhibition, lunch at La Terrasse restaurant if you so choose and a stop at the distillery of oils and shop.

The Domaine de Bois Chéri:
Includes a guided tour of the factory and the museum. Tea tasting at the chalet. Lunch at the Le Bois Chéri restaurant with an exceptional panoramic view if you so choose.

The Domaine de Saint Aubin:
Includes a guided tour of the artisanale Rumerie and Sugar factory including rum and sugar cane juice tasting ,access to the greenhouse of anthuriums and vanilla, vanilla house and explanatory film, the botanical trail and spice garden, the Naval museum exhibition, kindergarten and mini farm and finally the Restaurant and pizzeria within the Colonial house if you so choose.

What’s Not Included:

Gratuities
Transportation to and from the meeting point but it can be arranged as a supplement.

What to Bring:

Camera
Sun Glasses
Sun cream
Insect repellent

Additional Information:

The Tea Route is a fully immersive excursion taking travelers on a journey of discovery to three domains combining the history of tea, rum, sugar, vanilla, rum and its colonial houses. This excursion is more about discovery and does not involve partaking in very specific activities. The discoverer will get the opportunity to taste the bois chéri teas, the saint aubin rums, the sugar cane syrup and juice and of course complete the excursion with our signature traditional lunch,  chicken in vanilla sauce. The price is inclusive of everything including lunch.

This discovery can be made from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Duration of activity: 6 – 8 hours

The Domaine de Bois Chéri

Between April-October The Bois Chéri tea factory is not operational every day

Between  November-March The Bois Chéri tea factory is operational 4 to 6 days a week except Sundays.

Starting Address:

Le Domaine des Aubineaux, Royal Road, Forest-Side, 74427