A piece of 1872 right in the middle of 2005, but it fits in perfectly. The Domaine des Aubineaux is the starting point of the Tea Route. One of the few remaining colonial houses, it covers 746 m2 on15-acre grounds. Its last inhabitant - Myriam Guimbeau -died in 1999 at the age of 92 and, in 2000, her grandchildren decided to open the route.

The Domaine des Aubineaux has been wonderfully preserved. When you enter the grounds, you are overwhelmed by the grandeur and splendour of the garden and you have the impression that it?s never ending!

Walking down the first-ever colonial corridor takes you gradually to the twenty-seven well-kept rooms and takes you back in time as well. As you enter the large dining-room, you are greeted by the grand oak dining-table and the antique mahogany furniture transports you to one of the many great receptions that used to be held there, where friends and family must have gathered to dine on the splendid white porcelain.

The immense trees help you imagine how many quiet afternoons must have been spent in their shade chatting, iced tea in hand. The garden is blooming with life and colour and the air is cool and crisp. The visit is enchanting: the cosy reading room and the worn but comfortable- looking armchairs, the dominance of royal red and green blended with the strong influence of wood and the faint scent captivate you and carry you away to another world.

Two marble dogs guard the house, showing the family?s passion for hunting and this colonial house has certainly been well-guarded. Each and every aspect has been kept in top condition. The ancient ?games room? has become a relaxed corner where you can end your visit with a cup of Bois Cheri tea and a delicious pancake, served by an old style waitress. An impressive tour, there?s no other way to describe it!

What used to be the stables is now a little boutique. When you step in, you are welcomed by an agreeable smell of fragrances of citronella, eucalyptus and camphor, among others. You can purchase Bois-Cheri tea of course as well as home-made rum from St-Aubin, miniature models of the house and other equally delightful things?

<B>Teatime! </B>

The next stop is Bois-Cheri, the historical location of tea in Mauritius. Once there, you are taken on a guided tour of the museum and tea factory opened in 1892 by the ?Bour and le Breton? company. The museum allows you to discover tea processing, from picking to packaging. It is very informative, with the opportunity to learn about the history of tea and Bois-Cheri. The museum is dominated by an imposing boiler from the train that used to go round the island and was then used for drying the picked tea-leaves. Once you have finished touring the museum, you go through the factory. The noise of the grinding machines is impressive, and finding out how much work goes into what we sip each morning whilst reading the paper is extraordinary. Vanilla tea as well as other flavoured teas are available; they are obtained by blending the aroma into the tea. It certainly smells divine during the last stages of the tea-making method!

You could not be closer to the history of this world-appreciated beverage than at the moment when the scent of fresh tea enters your nose and tingles your taste buds. The moment couldn?t fall any better as the tour is followed by tea-tasting in an inviting and warm chalet with a breathtaking view!

To complete the charming experience, you just take a seat either by the traditional fireplace on the comfortable sofa or around a table, where you can make the most of the panoramic view. The choice is between six different teas from the traditional one to those flavoured with essences of coconut, exotic fruits, Earl Grey and vanilla. You are also treated to some scrumptious biscuits.

By the time this tea tour is over, tummies are rumbling and luckily, the next stop is at St Aubin ?table d?hôte?- an old colonial house transformed into a restaurant. The set menu consists of marlin steak with palm heart as starter, and the choice between a traditional chicken ?à la Creole? or ?à la vanille? with rice, and as dessert either fruit sorbet or a coconut mousse. Absolutely delicious!

In order to make your digestion easier and more pleasurable, you can visit the rum house and the vanilla house whilst making the most of a botanical walk. Once again, you are treated to enlightenment on the history and production of these two local products.

This is an enriching and pleasant excursion for all your senses as you discover the enriching world of tea! Special gift packs and a website will soon be available. The whole excursion, with tea-tasting and lunch included, costs Rs 1035, but each point on the route can be visited separately.