Celebrating over 30 years of Elegant Destinations from the start of the internet when Netscape launched its ground-breaking browser in 1993 to today’s quickening pulse of social media. For over three decades we have hunted for and deliberated over the best villas and hotels across the Indian Ocean region. The seeds of the villa rental idea grew after the development of a family plot among the swaying palms in Trou Aux Biches, Mauritius. The business ideas were there and the internet was the new route to market. Some of our clients have been with us along the whole stretch of the journey and we thank them for their loyalty and for their spontaneous recommendations to their friends to assist our niche business to grow the way it has.
Our Timeline
1992
The Trou Aux Biches property was completed and the family enjoyed holidays and at the same time furnished it.
1993
The name Elegant Destinations was decided and Hans started to rent Casanou and the neighbouring properties in Trou Aux Biches.
1995
Casanou became the 699th property on Holiday Rental.
1998
The first ED website was built on Frontpage and launched with a few self catering properties. Internet was dial up and printed photos were scanned in. In 1999, Elegant Destinations added Mauritius hotels to its portfolio.
2001
After a site inspection to Seychelles, Hans added a variety of guest houses and self catering bungalows to the portfolio along with hotels. In 2002 ED opened a small office in Trou aux Biches.
2003
ED launches sister brand Villas de Maitre to market high end villas to travel agents and the company participated in ILTM International Travel Market in Cannes.
2004
The company accompanied the Conde Nast Traveller associate editor Peter Brown as he compiled content & images for the Nov 2005 issue covering Villas de Maitre and stays at Chamarel Estate and La Casbah.
2005
A new property law entitling non-Mauritian individuals or companies to buy land on this idyllic island introduced the development of Integrated Resource Scheme properties. Tamarina being the first was quickly added to the portfolio.
2005
17 page article on Elegant Destinations villas in Corriere della Sera’s DOVE magazine. An office in Quatre Bornes was opened to house the new dedicated operations and reservations team.
2007
Weddings in Mauritius were introduced along with our signature Concierge service offering chefs, nannies and excursion bookings.
2008
Launch of the stylish Oasis developments in Grand Bay the first 1-4 bedroom luxury pool villas. An immediate success especially for independent honeymooners and featured in Conde Nast Traveller
2009
Launch of Cape Point in Cap Malheureux, the first privately owned beachfront exclusive luxury apartment development with fabulous penthouse.
2010
The beginning of home-working for the reservations team. Launch of Paradise Beach in Pointe d’Esny, to be another popular beachfront apartment and penthouse development. ED joins social media.
2011
Villa Athénée voted one of the five best beach villas in the world by Conde Nast Traveller. Published blog Message in a Bottle covering all aspects of luxury travel in the Indian Ocean.
2012
Opening of the first 7 bedroom pool villas, Villa Thalie in Belle Rivière. Popular with families and for special occasions.
2013
Celebrating 20 years in villa rentals in the Indian Ocean with the addition of Zanzibar and Mozambique hotels and villas and the launching of a new website.
2014
Opening of Villa Praslin, a new one of a kind private designer Seychelles property with its own private beach and boat.
2020
2020 Launching our new website. As rental properties are becoming a preferred choice we are delighted to be offering our loyal clients a choice of beach bungalows, luxury villas and beachfront luxury apartments in Mauritius and Seychelles. Come, relax and enjoy!
Company Information
Villas De Maitre Ltd
Company Registration Number: GB 4688799
VAT Registration Number: 974996635
Company Address:
Villas De Maitre Limited
Robin Barn, Grove Farm
Ivinghoe Aston, Buckinghamshire
LU7 9DF, United Kingdom
Registered in England
International Telephone/WhatsApp: +44 (0)7521748806
Legal Information
Registered address:
C/O Azets 2 Minton Place, Victoria Road, Bicester, OX26 6QB