Prior to the 18th century, Turtle Bay was a popular stop for ships on their voyage from Europe to the riches of the East. It was then called ‘Ebony Bay’ by the Dutch because ebony forests were plentiful in the area and ebony wood is ideal for ship repairs. By the 17th century the ebony forest was mostly depleted but there were many turtles frolicking in the bay. So the Dutch changed the bay’s name to ‘Turtle Bay’.
The English also anchored their ships at Balaclava to stock up with food and other necessities for their long sea voyage.
By the 18th century, the French had settled in Mauritius. The first governor by the name of Mahe de Labourdonnais moved the administration from Mahebourg in the South to the North. The new capital was named Port Louis in honour of King Louis XV. A new capital and a harbour were built by the French. Balaclava was used to make weapons and gunpowder during Mahe de Labourdonnais’ campaigns in India. Some 400 slaves worked gunpowder factory during this period. The bay was thereafter nicknamed ‘La Baie de l’Arsenal’ and the small village that lies on the road from Port Louis to Grand Bay was called ‘Arsenal’. An iron foundry, a naval arsenal and a gunpowder factory completed the ‘fort’.
‘Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius
The 5-star Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius is located within Ruins of Balaclava estate along with the Citron river and its waterfalls and estuary. A wide array of activities such as fishing in the river, outdoor games and playground, animal farm, giant tortoises park, archery sessions and more are available.
The ‘open-air museum’ is located on the grounds of the Maritim Hotel in a 35 hectare estate on the South west coast. It’s only a 10 minute drive from popular Grand Bay. The entrance to this historical site is free for visitors. You must phone the Maritim Resort for permission to visit the ruins. Tell them you are a tourist. That’s because the site is sometimes used for fashion and film shoots when the producers pay a fee.
Balaclava Ruins
In the museum there is an old flour mill which was used to produce flour to make many food products. The wheat was imported from Australia. The original sea walls built around the fortress are still visible and the ruins are conveniently located in the vicinity of the Maritim Hotel. Chateau Mon Desir is a restaurant built on the spot of the original Mon Desir home from where the Turtle Bay and the ruins are visible. Chateau Mon Desir is now gastronomic ‘à la carte’ restaurant in a colonial-style mansion house overlooking the 18th century Ruins of Balaclava and the Citron river.
