Discover the Mauritius Tea Route: three historic estates, exceptional tea tastings, and breathtaking southern landscapes. Plan an unforgettable day exploring the island’s tea heritage.
The Tea Route in Mauritius connects three historic estates in the south of the island: Aubineaux, Bois Chéri and Saint Aubin. Along the way, you follow the story of Mauritian tea from leaf picking to tasting, set against the backdrop of elegant 19th-century colonial estates. This historic itinerary can easily be enjoyed in a single day, especially when departing from the west coast. This guide covers the history, each stop along the route and practical tips for planning your excursion from Legend Hill, a property worthy of a 5-star hotel in Mauritius. More than a sightseeing trip, it is a truly immersive sensory experience through southern Mauritius.
The Tea Route is a guided heritage circuit that tells the story of tea cultivation in Mauritius.
The journey begins in 1770 with Pierre Poivre, the island’s Intendant General, who introduced the first tea plants from China. Tea production expanded during the 19th century as prominent Franco-Mauritian families established plantations and factories across the south. Today, three estates connected by a shared history welcome visitors to discover this remarkable legacy. You explore the colonial mansion at Aubineaux before visiting the renowned Bois Chéri tea factory.
The route concludes at Saint Aubin Estate, a former sugar plantation. Travelling across the island’s cool central highlands, where the humid climate creates ideal growing conditions for tea, this immersive experience combines heritage, craftsmanship and guided tastings in beautifully preserved surroundings.
The official Tea Route consists of three complementary estates, each highlighting a different chapter of Mauritius’ tea and sugar heritage.
Here is what awaits at every stop:
The Domaine des Aubineaux marks the historic starting point of the Tea Route. Built in 1872 in Forest Side, the mansion once belonged to the Forget-Bois Chéri family. Visitors discover period furnishings, historical photographs and lush tropical gardens before concluding the guided tour with a tasting of aromatic Mauritian teas. Its refined, peaceful atmosphere perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the journey.
Bois Chéri is the true highlight of the route. Established in 1892, it is both the oldest and largest tea factory on the island. The tour begins inside the production facilities, where you follow every step of tea processing, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying. The visit continues at the Tea Museum, perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Bois Chéri. The panoramic views across the tea plantations are among the finest in southern Mauritius. Visitors can sample around a dozen black, green and flavoured teas before enjoying a traditional Creole lunch served at the panoramic restaurant.
The Saint Aubin Estate provides the perfect finale. Established in 1819, this former sugar plantation features a colonial house, a vanilla plantation, a rum distillery and Creole gardens. Lunch is served on the veranda as a traditional table d’hôte featuring authentic Creole flavours. The estate’s distillery also produces its signature Bourbon vanilla-infused rum, using vanilla grown on-site. Plan to enjoy lunch here to make the most of both the estate and its boutique.
From Rivière Noire or Tamarin, the Tea Route is easily reached via the coastal road before climbing through Plaine Champagne into the central highlands. Most visitors arrive at Aubineaux by mid-morning, continue to Bois Chéri and finish at Saint Aubin in time for lunch. A comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver is highly recommended, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery without worrying about navigation.
Visit Bois Chéri on a weekday, outside Mauritian school holidays. French-speaking guides are generally more available, and the panoramic restaurant offers a quieter, more relaxing experience.
Dreaming of a day combining Mauritian heritage, spectacular southern landscapes and authentic Creole dining? The Legend Hill concierge team can create a bespoke Tea Route experience as part of your luxury stay in Mauritius. Private transport, an expert guide and a carefully selected lunch tailored to your preferences: we take care of every detail. Contact our team to book your excursion and extend your Mauritian experience overlooking the lagoon.
Want to experience the Tea Route without organising a thing?
Method: information drawn from the official estate websites and the reference travel guides listed above, cross-checked and verified in July 2026. Opening hours and prices may change; please check before your visit or ask our concierge team.
Avi Rumjansing entered Mauritian hospitality in 2002 as a cashier at Indian Resort. Twenty years later, after Les Pavillons, the Mövenpick and fifteen years at Aanari Hotel & Spa as Front Office then Operations Manager, he runs the front desk at Legend Hill. He holds a BSc in Management from the Open University of Mauritius, and he is the one guests ask when to set off for the tea route.
La Plantation Marguery
Black River Mauritius
Tel : +230 5509 8168
reservations@legendhill-mauritius.com