Mauritius holiday home
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Our holidays are about travelers enjoying eco holidays to Mauritius, which apart from it's fabulous beaches, has a great deal to offer the visitor.
Waiting to be discovered is a stunning green and lush interior, with fantastic volcanic Mountains and dense unspoilt forests, which can be explored on foot or mountain-bike.
A diverse and multi-cultural population proud of their Island, united by the creole language, and welcoming to visitors from overseas.
Eco. Policies
Sundance Promotions Ltd. the owner operators of Casa Tia Holiday Home, are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism and to making a positive contribution to conservation of wildlife habitat and to create benefits for local communities in the areas where we operate.
We believe that the ecotourism industry can play a key role in raising awareness among tourists of the environmental consequences of their actions, especially when it brings them in close contact with nature and the environment, and we strive to achieve this through our holiday villa letting and company philosophy.
We believe that this will lead to environmentally conscious behavior and activities to help preserve the environment. Our environmental policy addresses the impact and management of the land, water, energy, sewage and solid wastes.
Land
We are committed to protecting the natural flora and fauna found in the areas that we operate in. We are also very aware of the risks and damage of fires and ask our guests to help us avoid this. We advise our guests not to smoke on Forest Hikes, and ask our visitors not to smoke inside the villa. Smoking is limited to the garden, where ashtrays are provided and we request guests to discard cigarette ends into these ashtrays. The total number of guests at any one time is limited to a maximum of only eight, thereby preventing damage to the environment that may be caused by the large numbers found at many other Hotels, complexes and camps.
We believe in the protection of the wildlife and flora of Mauritius.
The local communities have co-existed with the plant and wildlife for centuries and have a vast and valuable knowledge of the land and all contained within it. We believe, in learning from them and providing our guests the opportunity to learn first hand from the local people. We also make an effort to actively help in educating the communities on the benefits to them and their lands from ecotourism projects.
The Fishing Boats we charter, will operate a tag and release scheme if requested by clients. However we acknowledge that responsible fishing provides a source of income and food to many poor families, and we insure that any fish caught and brought ashore, are sold to provide income to employ local people, and that we regularly distribute a proportion of the fish to local people in our village.
Water
We are committed to conserving and preventing contamination of water found in our areas and realize that it is a precious resource for us and the local community. We request that our guests conserve water as much as possible. We also ask guests in the Villa to only flush the toilet when necessary. All sewage and waste water is managed so as to prevent any contamination of the water table and water courses. All water used in our swimming pool is chemically treated and filtered, and when draining for annual maintenance, we refill the pool with water pumped from the river, and not with water supplied by the water board which is a precious drinking commodity
Energy
Solar Power. We where possible heat our water by solar power.
We have ensured that no charcoal made from indigenous trees is used in our villa BBQ. Instead we have opted for a safe responsible environmentally friendly \"green charcoal\" briquette, when it is available for us to purchase.
Solid Waste
We have implemented a recycling system for all waste - this is segregated into certain categories [Glass, plastics, metals and tins, used oil, mineral water bottles, used batteries, paper waste, and all bio-degradable waste] The segregated waste is then treated accordingly - the bio-degradable waste is composted in a closed and locked pit - and the remainder collected removed for proper disposal.
Sewage
All guest waste water and sewerage is presently directed into 2 separate septic tanks for proper and effective treatment and to ensure there is no pollution of the water table.
Community
We ask all our travelers to respect the rules and values of Mauritius. Please take a little time before your holiday to inform yourself and your fellow travelers about Mauritius - try to learn some of the local Creole language and read about our religions and culture. This will improve your traveling experience. With a little effort on your part you will find yourself coming away with a greater sense of understanding of our Island’s cultures and feeling pleased to have left a positive mark on the island of Mauritius.
The following general guidelines are standards of behaviour we encourage our guests to adopt during their stay with us, and whilst exploring the Island. By observing them you will gain the respect of the local people. We publish these guidelines to remind our clients that they are guests on our Island and that as guests they are privileged to be able to visit our communities, homes and places of worship. As responsible travellers, we want our type of tourism to be sustainable for the areas we visit, so future travelers can enjoy similar wonderful experiences. By following these guidelines you will make many special friends in Mauritius and on your return to your home country, you will treasure the ongoing relationships you have with them long after your holiday has finished.
Respecting cultural differences
Things are done differently in Mauritius, which is why we love the Island and have settled here. Please make sure in your dealings with local people you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. Remember that the Mauritian people may operate on different concepts of time than you are used to in your home country - things happen when they happen! The traveller who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as humanly possible. Demanding impatient tourists do not earn respect. Patience, courtesy and smiles are virtues that open many doors.
Friendships
Making new friends will be one of the greatest joys of your travels. Don't expect any special privileges though, as Tourism has become the cornerstone of the Mauritian economy and you will be only one of many visitors to the Island. However out side of the main Tourist resorts, the local villagers have less contact with visitors from overseas. When you explore these locations and come into contact with local people, please accept and enjoy offers of hospitality when you can. By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life, plus have a very enjoyable time and a few laughs. This is a chance for them to learn about your culture too. Consider ways to reciprocate hospitality - e.g. post back photos. Don't make promises that you can't keep. In less developed regions don't flaunt your wealth - use discretion with jewellery, cash and techno-gadgetry!
Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the road you may be asked: "What's your name? Where are you from?, Where are you going?" - Perhaps questions you may consider personal. Don't be affronted or consider it rude or an invasion of privacy. It's usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. Respond with patience and a cheery manner. Concepts of privacy in Mauritius can be very different to your home country.
Etiquette
There are a few general codes of behaviour that apply throughout Mauritius.
In Mauritius pointing your finger at somebody is considered impolite. People generally use a subtle waving motion to indicate someone.
Also in Mauritius which has a multi-cultural society, consideration must be given to those of our fellow country men who are Muslim; - showing affection in public is considered quite offensive - definitely no kissing! In Muslim districts it is extremely rare to see couples holding hands.
When entering mosques its essential that you take your shoes off and leave them at the entrance. Women are obliged to cover their heads with a headscarf and wear loose fitting, modest clothing. Men also must be sure to wear modest clothing. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are appropriate.
In Mauritius it is considered impolite to enter a shop or restaurant and NOT say hello. It is considered rude. The normal greeting between males is a handshake, and also between a man and woman who are meeting for the first time. The acceptable greeting between men and women and children of both sexes, who have previously met is slight kiss on both cheeks. Men never kiss each other in public, male family members may embrace on special family occasions. The exception to this rule is that Muslim women will never kiss a male non family member, and may be reluctant to even shake hands.
In most countries it is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing - they will not be embarrassed for themselves, but for you making a fool of yourself. 'Keeping face', that subtle but important quality of personal dignity, is important.
Dress
Dress standards in Mauritius are conservative. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. And is worn for business meetings and evening ware. Speedos and Beach ware are appropriate for the beach and swimming pool area. When visiting town longer length shorts and tee shirts are acceptable, women should at least cover with a wrap around sarong. Dress modestly at religious sites anywhere in Mauritius. There are certain places where shoes and/or hats need be removed. In any Muslim area, knees and shoulders should be covered. Nude bathing or sunbathing is not appropriate anywhere. Topless sunbathing is becoming more acceptable but do not be surprised if you draw an audience of admiring young males. When in doubt about dress, look to how the majority of locals are clothed.
Cameras and video cameras
Please ensure that you ask permission before videoing or taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. Minority groups in particular are often unhappy to have their photo taken. Travelers should avoid paying for the right to take a photo.
Instead if you do take photos, send back copies direct to the people themselves. The locals gain a great buzz from seeing themselves in photos and it encourages a 'sharing' rather than 'taking' attitude towards photography.
Environmental responsibility
Pollution and waste management is a huge problem throughout the world. In Mauritius, disposal systems are by land fill and recycling of plastics is limited. We suggest avoiding plastic packaging where possible and take along your own bag when shopping. Plastic bags are charged for. Collect and dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided, please do not litter the beach or the country side. Where no bins exist, take your rubbish away with you until you can dispose of it in a bin.
When trekking, many travelers take an extra plastic bag to pick up any rubbish that they see to improve the area and for their own rubbish. Rubbish may have to be carried until a suitable disposal opportunity is found. On boat trips do not throw ANY litter overboard into the lagoon or open sea.
Bottled water is for sale in most countries, but unfortunately there are few facilities for recycling of the bottles. Please try and minimise the waste of plastic water bottles.
The tap water in Mauritius is perfectly safe to drink, accept after cyclones, when it can be drunk after boiling.
There is limited education on environmental awareness in Mauritius; so many locals are unaware of the implications of littering. Our aim is to educate by example, rather than through lecturing. You will notice that our guides are generally very good on their environmental impact when in the forest and remote areas. Please join in if we have a beach, trail or reef clean-up.
Dining & shopping
Local culinary delights are part of the joy of traveling! Eat local food and drinks and your money supports the locals, rather than seeking out imported familiar snacks and drinks from home. Buy handicrafts and art directly from the makers in local villages when you can, rather than from fancy emporiums or department stores. This may help the maker to obtain a better price. We try to support community cooperatives and disabled handicraft centres.
We ask you not to purchase endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale. In many cases wildlife products that are offered for sale in popular tourist locations cannot be taken through customs on your return home. Avoid contributing to illegal or detrimental trade in wildlife by not purchasing:
Sea turtle products, Coral, Sea shells- which may have been taken from the sea while still inhabited by living animals, wild animal meats on restaurant menus.
The art of bargaining is something you can work on during your trip. Here are a few pointers to help you on your way: Start bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be. This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores;
The correct price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the seller happy. Therefore there's no 'right' price; Be polite, patient, but firm in your bargaining. No-one ever has received a cheaper price through being rude or insensitive;
Don't appear too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get the price to drop; Shop with a friend - buying in bulk will often reduce the price;
Learn the numbers in the local language. It will win respect from the seller, and will certainly make the process a lot more interesting;
Once a price you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal;
Only say you'll buy something later if you intend to buy later. The sellers usually have amazing memories, and will come hounding you on your promise!
Most importantly, enjoy the experience, and remember you're often only bargaining over only a few Rupees - keep it in perspective.
Drugs
The consumption of Illegal drugs will not be tolerated in the villa or gardens. Your Host has the right to expel any guest if drugs are found in their possession. It must be understood that possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of our guests at risk. Smoking marijuana is practiced in some parts of the world, but is not acceptable for guests or staff and is punishable by lengthy jail sentences in Mauritius and life sentences for importing and supplying.
Donations and gifts
Please do not give money, pens, or sweets to the local people in the communities you visit, as it can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourist and visitor, with tourists being seen as purely 'givers', and it can also strip self esteem away from people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action. With sweets - local people may not have access to dentists, nor be able to afford them.
If you wish to donate, your Host will be able to suggest local projects that they are involved with or you may wish to donate via an aid agency. Some local villages can be supported by buying their craft work etc. Pens, note books and other items for children are usually best distributed via a school teacher or their parents if you are returning an act of hospitality. You may also consider leaving your clean usable travel clothing at the end of a trip, for distribution to needy communities. These can be left with your Host for distribution.
It is considered proper to make a small donation at the end of a visit to a church, mosque or temple most have a contributions box for this purpose.
The right to develop.
We ask you to remain open minded about development and poverty in local areas, and respect that the local people may wish to develop economically and gain access to material possessions that we take for granted. While this undoubtedly changes villages and makes them less 'unspoilt' for travelers, it is something that we should respect. A role you can play is to share some of the realities of our western culture, which while may be materially rich is often lacking in spiritually and community awareness. You can help people understand the negative influences that come from increased material wealth on the family and the community. Assist people to achieve a balanced view of development.
Being a responsible traveller doesn't finish when your trip does...
Sundance Promotions (the owner operator’s Of Casa Tia Villa) as part of our company philosophy is to develop tourism as a two-way means of communication. When you return home we'd like you to think about how you can give something back to Mauritius. You've just spent quite a bit of money on giving yourself a great time by experiencing another culture and meeting the people. Your spending has certainly helped the local economy, and now there are other things that can be done to help some other countries on an ongoing basis. After your trip, you will probably be more aware of the environmental, social, political and cultural problems that some local communities face. There are various agencies and groups trying to address these issues, aiming to assist developing countries maintain their cultural identity, develop sustainable resources and improve social justice situations. All of them require resources.
Money is not the only way you can assist, as simply providing your time and/or skills might be as valuable and useful. Things you could do:
Join a development agency or other group devoted to concerns in developing countries.
Become a volunteer and donate time to aid groups.
Buy your birthday or Christmas presents at shops run by various third world charitable groups.
Write letters for Amnesty International to assist political prisoners or to put pressure on governments to change some intolerable situations.
Become more aware of your own government's policies and how they influence the 'two-thirds world'.
Or just be a more environmentally friendly household and help to use the world's resources more efficiently.
Project support
Over the years Sundance Promotion’s staff and travelers have supported many environmental, developmental and humanitarian projects operating Mauritius.
Our company’s philosophy remains unchanged and we continue to support local charities, personally take time out for voluntary work on social and environmental projects, introduce our guests who wish to work voluntarily, to organisers of these projects or alternatively gently encourage our guests to make charitable donations to the local causes and projects we support in Mauritius.
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