Ever

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.

Where are you from?

I was born in Mauritius and live between London
and New York at the moment.

What languages do you speak?

I speak French, English, Mauritian Creole and I’m not bad at
Italian either!

Where do you feel most at home?

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.

What impact has growing up in Mauritius had on your
outlook?

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.

When you’re not modelling, you’re…?

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.

Your best travel tip

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!

Alicia’s Guide to Mauritius

Which is your favourite hotel?

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.

What’s the best breakfast spot?

Under a palm tree eating a coconut. Or, try The Plantation Club
in Bel Ombre, it has the loveliest colonial-style setting.

How would you recommend spending your day?

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.

Where would you stop for lunch and what would you have?

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!

What would you do in the afternoon?

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.

Where would you be at sunset?

Horse riding on at Riambelle. The equestrian centre there
organises some lovely beach rides.

Where would you go for dinner?

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.

What would you do after dinner?

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.

What’s something that people don’t know about Mauritius?

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.

What’s one dish you must try?

A local dish of rice, lentils and poisson salé [salt fish] and
watercress bouillon.

Tell us some useful phrases in Mauritian Creole.

Tou korek? – Is everything ok?

Ki manier? – How are you?

Ki so pri? – How much is it?