Idyllic Mauritian Haven, Laferm Coco, Overturned to Farmland
Step foot into the enchanting Laferm Coco, a lavish 7.5-acre farm tucked away in the heart of Mauritius, a remote island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean. As you meander through its lush, tropical fields, bursting with the vibrant array of guava, papaya, bananas, coconuts, and turmeric, the breathtaking volcanic mountains stand as a striking backdrop, framing the riot of color beneath the clear, azure sky.
Scattered across the landscape, farmyard animals go about their day in an animated ballet, spotting a duck pond that seems to have been plucked from a storybook and a pair of content cows grazing on the lush pasture. A multitude of orange chickens follow eagerly in your footsteps, hoping for a morsel of grain.
Nestled in the hinterlands of this picturesque paradise, Laferm Coco stands out as the solitary, 100% organic operation to grace the shores of Mauritius. Though it may be best known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, this hidden gem offers a stunning alternative.
Should you find yourself embarking on a holiday to Mauritius, the unique experience of Laferm Coco is not to be missed. Pair your sun-soaked getaway with a taste of the rustic countryside, as the farm offers a refreshing break from the island's high-end hotel chains, such as the five-star Maradiva, which is the epitome of refined, seaside accommodation.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of spending my afternoon with Stefan and Christine Rouillard, a warm-hearted Mauritian couple who fostered their dream of living in harmony with nature into the flourishing farm that we see today. A decade ago, after years of running a construction business, they took ownership of a neglected plot of land and embarked on their organic farming journey. By the time I arrived, they had completed their daily tasks, waking up as early as 5:30 am to till the soil.
We sat down to a table adorned with fresh produce harvested right from the farm, as Stefan and Christine regaled tales of the endeavor it took to transform their aspirations into reality. "We wanted to escape the bustle of the city and live in a natural environment," explains Stefan with a thick French-Mauritian accent, "We learned about organic farming by reading books and experimenting with various techniques to adapt to the difficult Mauritian terrain."
The grounds of Laferm Coco are a testament to the couple's tireless dedication and perseverance, forging a thriving, self-sustaining oasis from barren soil. Despite having no prior experience in agriculture, they dedicated years to studying the craft, primarily relying on European books, which presented them with unique challenges: the climate and plant species were vastly different from Mauritius.
Upon setting roots and establishing their dream, they aimed to make their livelihood by selling their produce across the island. However, the competitive market proved difficult, ultimately leading them to explore agro-tourism, a burgeoning trend among eco-conscious travelers. They built two cozy lodges, providing guests with an intimate look into life on the farm.
"The financial sustenance of our efforts can now be secured through tourism," Stefan shared with a grin.
Today, there are two lodge options at Laferm Coco, ranging from a small bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, to a larger lodging boasting two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a veranda that overlooks the verdant expanse. These woodland cabins come equipped with modern conveniences, such as regular toilets and mains electricity.
Since the lodges were built in 2023, the Rouillards have welcomed guests to join them for dinner each evening, though they are now constructing kitchen facilities within one of the lodges. "It can get quite intimate dining with guests every night, for both us and our guests," exclaims Stefan, laughing heartily.
Visitors to Laferm Coco have the freedom to spend their days engaging in farm activities or to use the farm as a base to explore the charming island of Mauritius. For those who wish to carry a taste of the farm with them on their travels, Laferm Coco also offers organic picnic boxes.
"Laferm Coco is the only farm in Mauritius that offers an authentic, genuine farm stay experience," says Stefan, lingering on the words. "The experience of finding it is part of the allure, and though the roads have been improved, they should remain difficult to locate."
[1] Lawry, M. (2022, April 21). Laferm Coco: The only 100% Organic Farm in Mauritius. Freshly Plucked. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://freshlyplucked.co/laferm-coco-mauritius/[2] Chamarel Organic Farm. (n.d.). Chamarel Organic Farm. Discover Mauritius. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from http://discovermauritius.mu/discover-the-island/chamarel-organic-farm[3] Marissal, J. (2021, February 12). C-Mauritius Palmar: The eco-friendly resort in Mauritius. Mauritius News. Retrieved August 24, 2023, from https://www.mauritiusnews.mu/c-mauritius-palmar-the-eco-friendly-resort-in-mauritius/
- Laferm Coco, the solitary organic farm in Mauritius, offers a unique lifestyle experience, immersing visitors in the charm of Mauritian countryside.
- As markets evolve, agro-tourism is becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious travelers, with Laferm Coco at the forefront in Mauritius.
- With the financial success of agro-tourism, the charming Mauritian farm, Laferm Coco, possibly extends its offerings to include restaurants for guests, beyond the picnic boxes and dinner services.
- The fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden enthusiasts visiting Mauritius should consider adding Laferm Coco to their travel itinerary, as it presents an authentic glimpse into a different side of the island.
- For travelers seeking a taste of rustic Mauritius amidst the luxury resorts, Laferm Coco, much like the vibrant guava and papaya fields of the farm, stands resplendent as an oasis of natural essence.
- Embarking on a journey to Mauritius becomes a holistic lifestyle experience as visitors can connect with the local culture, indulge in the tropical cuisine, explore the picturesque landscapes, and retreat to the serene peace of Laferm Coco.
