SHOPPING, DINING & NIGHTLIFE


DUSK TILL DAWN


The big shopping news saw Mauritius become a duty-free destination in 2010, which made lots of products a whole lot cheaper than they had been before


Shopping Shopping in Mauritius just got better. The island became a duty-free haven in 2010, offering up to 80% off over 2,000 items. Many are found in duty-free shops in the elegant Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, the island’s main shopping centre, with cashmere and jewellery top buys. Bargain Mauritian-style in the lively Central Market over colourful baskets, Indian textiles and leatherwork. Combine


“Mauritius is a wonderful destination for those looking for a luxury hotel and pristine beaches combined with activities. The best-known area for lovely restaurants, bars and shopping is


Grand Baie, on the north coast. We recommend dinner under the stars on Lady Lisbeth, Mauritius’ oldest motor boat, which sails every evening.” JOHANNA BROMILEY, PRODUCT MANAGER, TURQUOISE


a visit to Mahebourg’s less-visited Monday market with a stroll along the town’s waterfront.


Grand Baie’s Sunset Boulevard


offers the trendiest après-beach shopping, with funky surf brands and plenty of pareos (sarongs). Other shopping arcades are conveniently located near tourist centres, such as


Peruse the markets to see what’s for dinner and then it’s time to dance


Ruisseau Creole at Tamarin. Hotel excursions stop by factory


clothing outlets at Curepipe, Floreal and Quatre Bornes and visit craftspeople making unique model ships, and glassware.


Dining Eating in Mauritius refl ects the island’s potpourri of cultures – think croissants for breakfast, Creole rougailles for lunch and perhaps octopus vindaloo for dinner. Dining options at resorts usually


include International cuisine to fi ne dining with a local twist, some created by celebrity chefs, such as the new table d’hôte menu introduced at the Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa. Ibiza-style dining can now be found in the C-Club at Bel Ombre, and sophisticated Mauritian cuisine at the newly renovated colonial-style Chateau de Bel Ombre. For typical Mauritian fare, follow the


locals at lunchtime to Chez Tante Athalie next to Pamplemousses Gardens, for a daily prix fi xe creole lunch on the terrace. Try multiethnic traditional specialties at Domaine L’Etoile or seek


www.mauritiustourism.co.uk 25


out fabulous seafood for a steal at Le Barachois in the southeast. For stunning views, try the adventurous fresh game menu at Kestrel Valley or pick a corner table at Le Varangue sur Morne. Go native, with a ‘local encounters’ excursion, with cookery demonstrations in Mauritian homes and a traditional seven curry lunch.


Nightlife Entertainment in Mauritius tends to be mainly hotel and resort based, and includes jazz bands, pianists, DJs and sega shows.


Grand Baie has the island’s main


nightlife with stylish bars like Alchemy, and B52 for al fresco cocktails. Clubs in the area include the Budda Bar and Enfants Terrible.


MARADIVA


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