WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: IMAGES: SUPPLIED
Anahita Beau Champ caters to luxury property investors intent on spending their time and money on environments that offer healthy living and sustainable development.
Since the pandemic, high-net-worth investors in luxury property have been more interested in the lifestyle, environment and eco-friendly principles that come with it. Mauritius has always been streaks ahead in the first two spheres, but the recent launch of Anahita Beau Champ in the East has given eco-sensitive living new meaning.
The new residential development is part of a smart city set to elevate the renowned Anahita Mauritius destination, firmly established as a prestigious beach and golf community over the past 15 years, and the eastern region of the island. While it is designed as a smart city in that facilities and amenities enable people to live, work and play here, don’t let the term put you off.
The unique environment sets it apart. Developed by Alteo, a listed company on the official market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) that works to make the East ‘an everlasting place to grow’, the infrastructure is designed around the former Deep River Beau Champ sugar factory, where the commercial spaces will be, and a small village of the same name.
Gathering spot
Convenient services, shops and leisure activities will be nearby. Zeste is envisioned as the social gathering spot for those who want to cool off in a swimming pool, savour a coffee or healthy snack at the café, and stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables harvested from the estate’s orchards at the deli, which are all housed in renovated molasses tanks.
The 118ha estate is not gated; these facilities are open to the public. These include the Amarela Boat House from which shuttle boats will leave for Ile aux Cerfs, taking residents to this nearby island famous for its beautiful lagoon, white sandy beaches, and water sports. Inclusivity contributes to that sense of authenticity at Anahita Beau Champ.
Less is more
Intent on maintaining the property’s own identity, Alteo is following a less is more approach, avoiding the small, dense development style of several projects in the North and West in favour of green, sustainable buildings close to nature that align with the site’s existing environment and spirit. Construction happens only where it makes sense within the existing infrastructure.
The rural atmosphere is maintained with traffic calming measures and plenty of plants, trees and flowers already established. Productive landscaping with tropical fruit trees takes preference over high-maintenance lawns. There is also a working farm, occupying 5ha along a creek, producing an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, aromatic plants, and flowers all year round through smart agriculture.
Village life
“It’s all about quality of life, space, access to nature, quietness and security, where everything is around you and within five or 10-minute walk,” says David Martial, CEO of Alteo Property / Anahita Estates Ltd. “There is a restaurant, gym, and school. It’s like a village.”
The initial residential phase, L’Echo des Champs, encompasses 31 serviced plots available exclusively to Mauritian citizens where owners can build their dream home according to architectural and landscaping guidelines. Only four plots are still for sale. There are 12 apartments, three penthouses, and seven villas, now selling off plan and available to Mauritian citizens and foreign investors. Almost 50% have been reserved to date.
Villa designs
Architecture follows the principles of the traditional Mauritian house: passive architecture, cross-ventilation, high ceilings, locally sourced materials like shingle and thatch for roofs and volcanic stones. There are two villa designs, which match the site’s orientation and topography, situated along Palm Alley. One enjoys optimal natural light all day long, with living spaces facing north and south and views of the small woodland and Palm Alley. The other has both sides of the living space opening onto the garden, integrating into nature and enhancing the sense of freedom. The villas have three bedrooms and three bathrooms, sized at 296m2 and 329m2, and priced from R20,2m.
Apartments
Meanwhile, the apartments are found throughout the estate, built where the existing infrastructure allows them to blend in. Terraces, railings, and metal staircases reference the industrial feel of the old factory. The apartments don’t touch each other at ground level, positioned slightly apart for greater privacy. Only the penthouse connects adjacent blocks via a corridor joining the living area on one side to the bedroom on the other. Apartments with two or three bedrooms are 174m2 and 191m2, respectively, and the penthouses are 299m2, priced from R8,4m.
Health and comfort
Anahita Beau Champ is in the process of obtaining a WELL Community certification, which focuses on the health and comfort of residents, considering air quality, nutrition, physical activity, sleep cycle, wellness, and productivity. “We want the WELL community certification for the whole development, guiding our decisions to ensure it is sustainable and not just a marketing pitch,” says Martial. “In fact, it’s not just for Anahita Beau Champ; it’s our strategic master plan. Looking at the panorama of real estate development in Mauritius, the North, West and Central parts attract 80-85% of transactions.”
“But this has a consequence. It is denser; there are more units and all sorts of developments of different levels. It’s also more active, more vibrant, with more activities. The South and the East are more natural, with a more prestigious feel, so we knew we had to develop something that would attract residents and businesses who want to be in the East.”
Peace and tranquility
John Loock is one of those people. Set on realising the dream of moving to Mauritius with his family next year, he says the ‘unspoiled wild beauty of the East is something everyone should experience. The mountains, farmlands and smaller villages remind you of the true beauty of the island and what it has to offer.”
“We prefer living as close to nature as possible, reducing our carbon footprint whilst protecting our surroundings. Why would I invest in the East? It offers affordability, peace, tranquillity, eco developments, somewhere to work and relax without the noise of the daily hustle and bustle.”
There are many other reasons for choosing the East – unspoiled beaches, marine life, water sports like snorkelling, scuba, and kite surfing, and the fun of exploring tiny islands at low tide. Loock says, “It’s the place to be if you want to enjoy a truly exceptional destination, people, food, cultures, and a well-balanced quality of life outdoors. That’s the island style.”
Visit property.anahitamauritius.com
call +230 402 2246.
