For all-round wonder woman Alicia Rountree, defying expectations is the norm. Not only does the Victoria's Secret beauty and aspiring actress have her own ballet-inspired fitness app, in 2010 she launched NoLita's chic restaurant chain Tartinery with business partner Nicolas Dutko. She let SUITCASE in on the best of island life in her homeland, Mauritius.
12 October, 2016
Ever thought you'd hear 'model' and 'carbs' in the same sentence? For all-round wonder woman Alicia Rountree, defying expectations is the norm. Not only does the Victoria's Secret beauty and aspiring actress have her own ballet-inspired fitness app, in 2010 she launched NoLita's chic restaurant chain Tartinery with business partner Nicolas Dutko. With plans to write books on both wellness and Mauritius, she's living, catwalking proof that there really is such thing as beauty and brains. She let SUITCASE in on the best of island life in her homeland, Mauritius.
I was born in Mauritius and live between London and New York at the moment.
I speak French, English, Mauritian Creole and I'm not bad at Italian either!
Close to my family. I feel most at peace in Mauritius. But I enjoy discovering many countries and making myself at home wherever I am.
I grew up far from materialistic things. Play time was spent out in the sugarcane fields and climbing trees. It has made me appreciate life and all its beauty. I enjoy cities and technology, but I know I can be happy with nothing.
Outdoors, I love hiking. I like to visit museums, go to restaurants, read, see a play or musical - I enjoy keeping busy! I like working out everyday, whether it's yoga, pilates, boxing or taking a walk in the park.
Always bring healthy snacks! I am vegetarian so it's sometimes hard to find healthy options when I'm travelling. Airport restaurants and plane food aren't the most appealing!
LUX* Belle Mare on the East Coast. It combines a relaxed vibe with flour-like sands and calm, turquoise waters. I enjoy sipping a fresh juice cocktail at its bar, Mari Kontan (in Creole that means really happy) while watching the sunset with friends.
Under a palm tree eating a coconut. Or, try The Plantation Club in Bel Ombre, it has the loveliest colonial-style setting.
There is so much to do in Mauritius! It's definitely not a boring island. A visit to La Vanille Nature Park is a must: it has a lot of exhibits where you can interact with the animals. I love getting close to nature so an early morning hike on Le Pouce mountain is a great way to start the day. The views from the top always take my breath away; you can see the whole island. I love to grab street food for lunch, ride horses at sunset and go to bed early before starting all over again. Swimming with dolphins and whales is also great fun.
I love local street food in Mauritius! I dream about it. I adore dholl puri which is a kind of a chickpea base, like a savoury pancake. I'm drooling just thinking about it - it's so tasty!
Go swimming at Pointe d'Esny beach. It has one of the longest stretches of white sand on the island. Another great hike to do is to go to the 7 Cascade waterfalls.
Horse riding on at Riambelle. The equestrian centre there organises some lovely beach rides.
I usually have dinner at home because we grow most of the food we eat. All the veggies taste so fresh and it's a good time to connect with my family. There's also a great restaurant in Curepipe called Le Comptoir du Marché, the chef is excellent.
The Irish pub in the centre of the island is perfect for dessert and drinks. It has the most luscious chocolate lava cake and a great crowd to match.
It's a melting pot of culture and different religions. Mauritius has also become a big kitesurfing destination; professional kiteboarder Evgeny Novozheev runs Pryde Club, a watersports centre with an awesome team.
A local dish of rice, lentils and poisson salé [salt fish] and watercress bouillon.
Tou korek? - Is everything ok?
Ki manier? - How are you?
Ki so pri? - How much is it?
