CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Real Estate

COVID-19: Heritage Villas Valriche homeowners join the Solidarity Drive

Being in confinement doesn’t mean that life must come to a standstill. The Heritage Villas Valriche homeowner community is demonstrating resourcefulness and solidarity towards each other as well as towards needy people in the region in the face of the current health crisis – in strict compliance with national health recommendations.

The people of the Heritage Villas Valriche estate in Bel Ombre have been showing their strong sense of community in recent weeks amid the national coronavirus lockdown in Mauritius.

The homeowners’ facilities management entity has been very active with a number of essential service personnel remaining on duty throughout the confinement period under the national work access permit conditions. Apart from the friendly security staff on duty 24/7, other emergency personnel have been active, ensuring 100% availability of essential services such as electricity, potable water, irrigation water and fibre-to-the-home internet. The landscaping provider, Agrïa has also managed to keep the vegetation under lockdown in this lush tropical environment.

The estate’s homeowners are contributing their share of the effort through mutual assistance and solidarity. Some of them have given neighbours the keys to their villas to keep an eye on their homes in order to ensure they are properly aired and cared for while they are away. At the same time, they have offered to help out with everyday products they have in stock, such as laundry and cleaning products as well as small appliances.

Shopping for groceries has become more of a challenge than normal in this lockdown period. Villa owners have therefore set up “grouped” deliveries to avoid service providers having to make multiple trips, making life easier for everyone. Donning masks and gloves, homeowners are only a short golf cart ride away from their order pick-up point, where they are kindly assisted by dedicated and friendly security staff.

In these times of crisis, everyone is helping out where they can. Some check with neighbours whether they need anything prior to a trip to the supermarket. The more active villa owners are volunteering assistance to the elderly or to those living on their own. They are also lending a hand with maintenance of the Heritage Golf Club course. The recently set up neighbourhood Facebook and WhatsApp groups are proving efficient tools to facilitate communication around the estate, whether to share good deals or to ask for help.

Although the sports centre has temporarily been closed to comply with lockdown and health measures, residents are able to breathe and enjoy nature since less than 15% of the estate area is and ever will be built-up – and with villas only – providing a wonderful sense of space. Adding the golf course area to the mix further enhances this sensation and makes social distancing an easy way of life.

The Heritage Villas Valriche community members are not only taking care of their immediate neighbours, but are also providing assistance to less fortunate people in nearby villages. In response to a call from the NGO, Caritas Ile Maurice and in coordination with the Rogers Vivacis initiatives, homeowners have contributed to and raised funds for the distribution of food supplies to 86 families at risk during this period of confinement.

In these tough times, it is vital for all of us to pull together to make a difference and these initiatives have reinforced the strong ambience of the “Heritage Villas Valriche Family”!

CategoriesEditor's Picks Local Touch Things to do

Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open: A Golf Tournament in Paradise

The fifth edition of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open will be held from 5th to 8th December 2019 at the stunning Heritage Golf Club. Some amazing feats coming up…

Remarkable Profusion

Described as “the most beautiful golf tournament” by the World Golf Awards, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has become a prominent fixture on the international golf calendar. It is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and is part of the official events on the Order of Merit of the Sunshine, European and Asian Tours. One hundred and fifty-six international professionals competing over 72 holes in a three-day tournament. A total prize money of €1,000,000 to be won! The American, Kurt Kitayama took home last year’s title with a total of 268 shots.

As usual, this year’s tournament will feature a host of international players, including Paul Lawrie from Scotland, winner of the Claret Jug, who scored 10 shots in the finals of the 1999’s Open at Carnoustie as well as Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts from Belgium, who have both marked the history of the Ryder Cup. Edoardo Molinari from Italy, the Indian star, Shubhankar Sharma and Benjamin Hebert will also play in the tournament.

The competition will additionally feature Matthias Schmid from Germany and Pierre Pellegrin from Mauritius. Schmid, 21, won the European Amateur Championship at the Diamond Country Club in Austria in June. Pellegrin scooped the Rogers Indian Ocean Amateur Golf Open held at Heritage Golf Club in October 2019.

Green-Tournament, Green-Eden

Many professionals now consider Mauritius as the ultimate destination for a mid-season break, with the opportunity to experience the thrill of playing at Heritage Golf Club. In September 2020, the estate will open a second championship course, designed jointly by Peter Matkovich and Louis Oosthuizen. This development will further enhance the island’s status as an essential destination for golf enthusiasts.

All players strongly believe this place is the epitome of golf in paradise. Heritage Golf Club was voted “Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course” for the sixth time at the 2019 World Golf Awards ceremony on 29th October in Abu Dhabi. With the breathtaking panoramic view of Bel Ombre, pristine forests in the heart of the mountains and a lush 2,500-hectare property overlooking the landscape, the prestigious Heritage Golf Club is undeniably an enchanting place.

Heritage Resorts will be fully eco-friendly this year as the whole organisation has been carefully designed to protect the planet. Various sustainable initiatives have been added to the site’s natural scenery. A list of the 10 best green practices for golfers is included in the tournament guide. To reduce plastic waste, a tent with a Live Cooking concept will be set up. Plastic bottles will be thrown in fish bins and emphasis will be placed on the use of bamboo cutlery. Players will be transported using electric Jaguars.

Living in Mauritius has become a real year-round opportunity for golf lovers… an opportunity to indulge in a heavenly and exquisite atmosphere in the middle of the mightiest golf courses in the Indian Ocean and experience an unparalleled lifestyle.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Real Estate

Property Management: ensuring a harmonious environment

From the administration, management and upgrading of the premises to choosing the right service providers, supervising construction and implementing decisions taken during the general meeting, the missions of professional property managers are extensive… Investing in real-estate developments proposing the services of these professionals – such as La Balise Marina, Heritage Villas Valriche or Les Promenades d’Helvétia – is highly recommended. Below are some major advantages.

1) Management of common areas

Guaranteeing proper maintenance of the area is one of the first missions of a property manager. But how? “By looking after the maintenance and administration of the common areas,” we are told by Denis Le Blanc, the property manager at Sygeco. He explains: “All the property’s common areas should be well maintained”. The range extends from maintenance of the garden to electric gates, elevators, pipelines, lights, potable water supplies, just to name a few… When a need arises, the property manager chooses the best service provider to solve issues rapidly and effectively. As a result, homeowners do not have to deal with any hassle and thus can save time.

2) A better living environment

Renovating buildings, repairing roofs, installing CCTV, energy conservation upgrades… These changes, whether in terms of comfort, security or aesthetic, improve the daily life of co-owners. The work that needs to be done is voted for at the general assembly and then implemented. The role of a property manager is to request quotations, control expenses, supervise operations and ensure good workmanship.

3) Preserve property value

With this proficient and rigorous management, you can be sure that your property’s value will be enhanced. “This is more than a mere service, the main goal of a property manager is to advocate on behalf of each co-owner and maintain the property’s worth daily,” underlines Denis Le Blanc.

4) Prevention is better than cure

The financial and accounting operations of the co-ownership syndicate are both managed by the property managers, who also call back unwilling debtors. As part of the process, they review a wide range of quotes, select the best service provider, manage the operation from both a technical and financial point of view. Last but not least, they ensure that the co-ownership regulations are respected.

5) Having a contact person

Being the homeowners’ official representative in legal proceedings, the property manager can intervene in case of conflict, by restating the co-ownership regulations. “We play an important role as mediators and conciliators. Whenever a dispute arises between homeowners themselves or between a homeowner and the property manager, a fair and respectful solution is sought, in compliance with the co-ownership regulations and the Civil Code rules“, says Denis Le Blanc.

Legal Framework: What’s New?

The co-ownership syndicates’ law was amended last year by the Mauritian ParliamentThese changes were anticipated and are heading in the right direction since the Civil Code provisions had become irrelevant in today’s world. As a result, the property manager’s roles are now more professional. Moreover, the decision-making and deliberation’s rules have become more flexible, allowing a more collaborative and smoother management of co-ownerships, which is a win-win situation,” says Denis Le Blanc.

CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

“Our partnership with La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche is self-evident” – Maxime Gonin, Director of Roche Bobois, Mauritius

Roche Bobois and luxury residential developments like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche are driven by the same quest for excellence in the quality of their product and service offerings, which are tailored to the lifestyle of their discerning clientele. The prestigious French luxury furniture brand offers personal service and exclusive rates to these customers. The Director of Roche Bobois for Mauritius, Maxime Gonin tells us about the brand implementation and partnerships in Mauritius.

Roche Bobois has a network of more than 250 stores providing premium products and services worldwide. What has led the brand to set up shop in a country like Mauritius?

Roche Bobois has a proud legacy of expertise and quality while embracing innovation and adapting to the demands and specificities of each market where we are present. We could not remain oblivious to the sizeable growth in the Mauritian luxury property market in recent years with the development of a significant number of high-end resorts. Several South-African and European buyers have settled on the island and are looking for products and services that match with those offered by Roche Bobois.

The Mauritian, Bernard Fanchette and his wife, Sandrine are the owners of our showroom in Mauritius. They combine their local knowledge with our expertise in catering to the lifestyle of countries where we operate through constantly offering a choice of furniture and services that reflect our brand’s international quality standards. Upon the advice of Bernard and Sandrine, we launched Roche Bobois to provide highly sought-after upmarket furniture and decoration that were lacking in Mauritius.

How do you explain the brand’s success in Mauritius?

This success has been achieved through in-depth work and the impeccable quality of our exclusive collections and designs, which meets the expectations of a diverse clientele.

Our rich selection of designer furniture and the know-how of our interior designers allow us to provide an array of products and services to suit the needs and preferences of our most discerning Mauritian and foreign clients.

Does this offer fit into the lifestyle in Mauritius?

Roche Bobois works with leading global designers and architects to develop, create and introduce new collections twice each year. We constantly reinvent ourselves, we create new designs and new levels of comfort; we use innovative materials of the highest quality, such a Corian and FENIX. In addition to choosing from our large range of exclusive collections, we offer our customers the opportunity to customise their furniture – sofas, dining tables or bedroom furniture – with their choice of finish and upholstering, and in their desired sizes. Our expertise includes the ability to equip the daily living, occasional leisure or work spaces of our clientele with furniture and accessories that echo the lush tropical setting of the island – whether on the waterfront or amidst golf course with mountain and sea views.

Who are your main clients?

Roche Bobois offer products and services that suit customers looking for finely-executed workmanship as well as appealing and exclusive design. Our brand has a unique design aesthetic. Iconic models such as the AVA bridge, the LEGEND bookcase and the modular MAH JONG sofa have become standards in the industry. Our collection also includes a broader range of outdoor furniture and a larger variety of exclusive finishes, colours and upholstery.

This offering meets the expectations of the greater luxury segment and defining a « main customer category » in Mauritius may therefore prove to be difficult at this stage. It is not surprising however that foreigners, and particularly Europeans, make up a significant proportion of the clientele that turn to Roche Bobois to fit out their villas, offices or apartments. Private investors also call on us to fully furnish and decorate luxury homes.

Additionally, we have a special partnership with upmarket projects like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche that equally benefit homeowners, property developers and our brand.

Can you tell us more about your partnerships with La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche?

Our partnership with property developments like La Balise Marina and Heritage Villas Valriche is self-evident as we have complementary offers. Roche Bobois offers a blend of inspiration and know-how that benefits our clients through integrating art into their daily lives. For example, it was interesting for us to team up with La Balise Marina, which has brilliantly crafted a unique art of living in Mauritius. Through this partnership, the development’s homeowners enjoy special rates and tailored service throughout the entire process, from in-house interior design to delivery and installation.

This shows the shared perspective and values that bind our respective entities together. This hinges on our product and service excellence and strong working relationship, which benefit all those who place their trust in us.

Dominic Dupont, ENL Property, investissement residentiel, residential property
CategoriesEditor's Picks Investment Real Estate

“We use our know-how to contribute to sustainable development in Mauritius”

Dominic Dupont explains how ENL Property, a leading property player in Mauritius, draws on the expertise and experience gained in the luxury residential property market to develop the Moka Smart City as an integrated, high-quality project that is consistent with sustainable development efforts.

Dominic Dupont, ENL Property, investissement residentiel, residential property

How is the luxury property market doing in Mauritius?

The residential property segment continues to expand with a significant increase of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Rs 8.895 billion in 2018. The sector continues to concentrate a large part of FDI inflows, thus contributing to boost the country’s economy. There is a growing demand, especially from Europe and South Africa, and the property market in Mauritius has considerably diversified over time.

What is your view on the development of the market since the opening up of property ownership to foreigners?

There has been a boost in foreign investment in the Mauritian market due to the combination of a broad offering, a very good quality of life and an attractive set of measures, such as access to the Mauritian residence permit and tax incentives. The residential property segment has evolved to address the rising expectations of clients, who are now more knowledgeable about the destination and the market. The latter, which initially consisted predominantly of seaside property developments, has expanded into more urban areas, including apartments, with the passing of the Non-Citizen (Property Restriction) Act and the launch of the Smart City Scheme in 2016.

The ENL Group has also broadened its offering, isn’t it?

Our foray into the luxury property segment through Heritage Villas Valriche and La Balise Marina has actually enabled us to enhance our service standards. These two IRS developments have reached a certain level of maturity – La Balise Marina is in its final phase. Over the years, we ourselves have gained a lot of maturity and honed our knowledge of the market and of specific client requirements. In addition, we have strengthened existing relationships with the relevant authorities, which are essential for the smooth running of such large-scale projects. We also remain attentive to the market and to our partners.

We have acquired extensive expertise and experience in retail, residential and office property, which allows us to keep pace with market developments. This is reflected in our significant involvement in projects such as Les Promenades d’Helvétia, the Moka Smart City’s first residential development, as well as office buildings like The Pod at Vivéa Business Park and The Dot, a brand new undertaking at Telfair.

Smart Cities require an integrated and balanced approach, don’t they?

The underlying Live-Work-Play-Care concept of the Moka Smart City involves a mixed-use development using the latest advances in urban planning and digital technologies. Such developments also require environmentally sound, responsible and integrated space planning and management. We leverage our ability to develop integrated, high-quality projects that are consistent with sustainable development efforts.
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Over the past decade, ecology and innovation have been our key priorities in the development of Moka. The region is transitioning into a more sustainable and liveable city through the progressive rolling out of a concept of ‘citysmarting’. This flexible improvement process stems from a well-thought-out Master Plan. The core elements of the plan are: making optimum use of resources; offering an improved quality of life; creating real economic opportunities; and fostering engagement with key stakeholders.

Visit ready to live in apartments in the West Coast! Accessible to foreign buyers

Involvement in community life therefore remains an important component…

We have a strong commitment that goes beyond the social contribution required from certain property developments. La Balise Marina is also positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the Black River region with a contribution of Rs 15 million to date to promoting the empowerment of a number of people through training, employability and NGO support. All these initiatives are structured around Friends of La Balise, a platform for dialogue with the region’s socio-economic stakeholders. In the same vein, we took an innovative approach to launch the citizen collective, Moka’mwad, with the aim to develop a people-centric city. This will allow the residents to play an active role in the development of the Moka Smart City.

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