Destination introduction
An idyll of white sand beaches, shallow lagoons, coral reefs, cane fields and forested mountains - Mauritius is paradise. Spend time on board a Magic Sails Catamaran Cruise, pamper yourself in a spa resort and play a round of golf on a championship course.
Shopping
Curepipe is the most reputed spot for tourist shopping but Port Louis is quite good as well.
Chinese and Indian merchants will dazzle you with sari lengths in shimmering silk or cotton. Hand-woven saris and blouses are the most attractive. Shirts, dresses and even knitwear are likely to be better bargains than back home.
Baskets, hats, fans, table napkins and tablemats provide inexpensive souvenirs of island handicrafts. Along with a whole range of shell jewellery and ornaments, there are objects in wood and jade. Straw figurines, dolls and macrame complete a particularly varied range of local handicrafts. Models of boats and old sailing ships are often beautifully made. Numerous excellent craftsmen in Curepipe compete for attention. Duty-free goods include
cameras, watches-and diamonds.
Bargaining is not going to get you very far, except possibly in markets and with beach hawkers. Each town will have its boutik, a little local shop stocking everything, but there are plenty of supermarkets, too.
Rum and rum-mixes will recall sunny memories of your Mauritian visit, or you can toast your return with locally grown tea.