Balaclava Ruins

Beautiful beaches, crystal blue oceans and lagoons, nature adventures, shopping havens, and lively nightlife may be all that Mauritius has to offer for some. True, all of this contributes to Mauritius's status as a fantastic tourist location. It would be a sin, however, if we ignored the historical treasures that the area has to offer, one of which being the magnificent Balaclava Ruins, which are engulfed by the traditional Maritim Resort and Spa on the Turtle Bay beach. Every place has its own history that influences a visitor's viewpoint and experience of that location, and Mauritius is no exception.

Mauritius was colonized by the French in the 18th century. The government was shifted from Mahebourg in the south to the north by the first governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais. In honor of King Louis XV, the new capital was named Port Louis. The new capital and its dock were constructed with iron from neighboring Balaclava. During Mahe de Labourdonnais' campaigns in India, it was also utilized to create firearms and gun powder. The 'fort' was finished with an iron foundry, a naval arsenal, and a gun powder plant.

Between all of this, in the mid-eighties, an English admiral named Boscawen sailed into Turtle Bay and attempted to take over Mauritius. Then, in 1774, the powder storage blew up! The flour mill sawmill and the building where the ironwork was housed were all spared, which was fortunate. The estate was sold to a Mr. Wiehe in 1864. He constructed a gorgeous residence named 'Mon Desir' as well as a school for his workers' children. For a time, the site was a favorite vacation retreat for rich Mauritanians. Mr. Wiehe also constructed a new rum distillery at the time.

Location: Turtle Bay, Balaclava, Mauritius