Hidden away in Poste La Fayette, on the East coast, the tourist residence La Colombière is a breath of fresh air and peacefulness. The walk to the reception desk along the sandy path overhung with coconut trees is only a foretaste of things to come for anyone wanting to spend a peaceful interlude in this ?dovecot?. ?The main attraction of this place is its convivial atmosphere perfect for couples or families who want privacy and fun without imposed restrictions,? says Stéfan Hart de Keating, the recently appointed managing agent of La Colombière.

The residence consists of eight flats, six studios and two bungalows named Guest Cottage and Sea Cottage. All are self-catering units, with all facilities - fully equipped kitchen, electric water heater, air conditioning and television. The minimum stay is of two days and one night.

The lush entrance is echoed in the front garden, which is a wide lawn strewn with trees. If you pause just for a moment on on of the many benches of the garden, you will certainly enjoy the view on the sea and the north-east coast of the island. The Sea Cottage is found at the end of the garden. With nothing around it except the beach and the sea, it is really cut off from everything except the noise of the wind rustling in the leaves and the sea birds.

A variety of outdoor activities is also available. For the sporting type, there is tennis, volleyball, and badminton. The less energetic can relax beside one of the two swimming pools and enjoy a good book under the parasols. Built-in barbecues are next to the swimming pools for those who want a grilled meal.

For the more adventurous, Stéfan guides and helps organise outings in the sea or exploring nearby sites. ?Many low-budget backpack tourists come here and use the residence as a starting point to explore the east coast. But Mauritians too enjoy the garden very much and the kids are kept busy with all the activities.?

Apart from the beauty of the flora, the place is alive with fauna ranging from lizards among the trees to birds that congregate every afternoon in the garden. The sight is quite amazing. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bright yellow weaverbirds, canaries, finches and doves, just to name a few, come to be fed every day at dusk. Quite appropriate considering the name of the residence means dovecot !