The tea route strings together three estates between Curepipe and the south, best tasted in order: start with the Aubineaux estate, an 1872 colonial house with waxed parquet floors and a deliciously old-fashioned tea room, on the edge of Curepipe (visit about Rs 300, open Monday to Saturday 9 am – 5 pm). It's the cultural aperitif: period photographs, vetiver essences and a first vanilla tea served under the veranda.
The heart of the journey is Bois Chéri: 250 hectares of tea bushes rolling through the mist at 550 metres altitude, and the island's oldest tea factory (1892). Come on a weekday morning before 11 am to see the machines at work — withering, rolling, fermenting, drying; the smell is unforgettable. The factory + museum visit costs about Rs 400; the formula with tasting at the panoramic chalet, perched above a deer pond with views all the way to the sea, is worth its Rs 550. Eleven varieties to try, from green tea to coconut tea, with free refills.
Then drop down to the Saint-Aubin estate to close the loop: an 1819 master's house, spice garden, vanilla plantation and a renowned table d'hôte where the Creole lunch (about Rs 900, booking advised) comes with the estate's rum. The full trio fits in a half-day by car from any coast — or via the organised « Tea Route » excursions offered at around Rs 2,500 per person, lunch included.
To bring home: Bois Chéri vanilla tea, obviously — the national icon every Mauritian keeps in the cupboard. At the factory shop, the collector tin costs Rs 150 – 250 and loose sachets much less; the same are found in supermarkets, but without the view. Local tip: Mauritians drink their vanilla tea very sweet, with a cloud of milk, dunking a gato coco — recreate the ritual at 4 pm and you'll understand why the whole island stops for tea time.