Your shopping in Mauritius

Even if we like and we came to Mauritius for a « farniente » under the sun, we also want to do some shopping for us, but also to bring some souvenirs to family and friends. Native of Mauritius and living in the island since then, we reveal our best addresses, those that only Mauritians know.
First there is the conventional, supermarkets with their made-in-China cheap souvenirs and especially of average quality, not to say mediocre. Then, shopping centers, where we find typical European brands, but surprisingly, not necessarily the same collections than in Europe. If you are a fan of Morgan, Undiz, Mango or Serge Blanco, Lacoste, Boss or Aldo, you will find them in the Mall of La Croisette in Grand Bay or the Mall of Mauritius in Bagatelle in the center. But it is also an opportunity to discover Mauritian brands where you will find plenty of memories of our island. « Le Rendez-vous » (www.lerendezvous.mu) is the flagship store of Grand Bay La Croisette. Concept-store, you will discover original creations of local artisans, 100% Made in Mauritius. You can not go wrong, everything is beautiful! And most importantly, you encourage local crafts.

Then, more typical, local markets. The Goodlands market, Quatre Bornes, the Port Louis market or bazaar, the Grand Baie bazaar are the main ones. A display of branded clothing, only counterfeits! T-Shirts, caps, towels, sarong with the effigy of Mauritius, ideal for small gifts. Finally, local addresses, those we only know when we live in Mauritius for years. Come on, we give you our favorite addresses.

– Art / Painting / Sculpture / Photography / glass art

It’s impossible to name them all, but some have an international reputation, while others who are not well known also have their talent. Vaco Baissac (www.vacoartiste.com), Yeshen Gunnoo, Patrick Ova, Serge Constantin, Nancy Alliotte are some of the painters of Mauritius.
A key figure in the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, Philip Edwin Marie alias PEM, carves his decorative objects in wood roots that he finds here and there in the local nature. Just go to the Caudan to meet him, he is a figure of Mauritius !

Recycled glass, decorations and tableware at Mauritius Glass Gallery in Phoenix. A nice visit where we discover the work of glass and the shop at the end. (www.phoenixbev.mu)
Exhibiting Photographers, Catherine Li, Gaelle Gonzalez (www.storiesinthewind.com) Much cheaper than in Europe, and why not a private photo shoot? Your complexion tanned ready, it’s the perfect time to offer family, couple or solo, beautiful pictures on the beach! The perfect way to make your friends and family dream and leave with wonderful pictures!
Beata Albert (Beata Albert Photography on Facebook, Tel: 52.54.83.53) or Fabien Dubessay (www.facebook.com/fabien.dubessay Tel: 57.67.18.68).

– Ready-to-wear / Prêt-à-porter

Apart from the classic shopping malls, some shops are worth visiting: In the North, Brigitte Charoy (blouses, tunics, dresses, kaftans, silk) Mademoiselle, Designer Avenue (clothing and accessories for women, created by Mauritian designers), Michel Abad (linen, pajamas, nightgowns, personalized embroidery, cashmere www.michelabad.com) Tafta Too (www.taftatoo.com), Kuky for tunics, Exception L (customized and specialized large sizes). Combine ride and shopping in the center of Grand Baie by visiting the Sunset.

More basic, the city of Goodlands with its small shops along the road where we sometimes find treasures for modest sums.

Port Louis side, Nancy Krafts for Indian cotton clothes and saris. Star Collection for GAP clothing at low prices.

If you are closer to the center of the island, go to Curepipe at « La Bonne Fouille » for the brands Gap, Spring, Abercrombie, Zara, according to arrival. Ti Lokal in the center of Curepipe will offer a range of ready-to-wear and accessories. But if you are looking for more typical Mauritian, the Currimjee Arcades in Curepipe are worth visiting.
In Curepipe, S’mall & Chic is also worth visiting: Interior decorations, antiques, fashion, jewelery, etc.

– Genuine cashmere
In the North of the island, next to Goodlands, Cashmere factory shop Inam. Excellent quality of cashmere and wool, much cheaper than in Europe. Custom made possible. www.atelier-inam.com

– Custom clothing

And why not copy your most beautiful 3-pieces costume, or Madam’s evening dress ? Some tailors are excellent. Fitwell, an outstanding personality of high repute. Ideal for copying your most beautiful dress or gentleman’s costume, Fitwell really cares about details. One tip, go on your arrival because it is overbooked and the delays are quite long. Mossae is a great alternative, it also works very well, but it is also better to go there early in your stay.
For the very particular work of lycra, for swimsuits but also leotards for dance and gymnastics, go to see Beatrice. (Tel: +230 57.84.36.45)
Curepipe side, in a very small street, you will find Sylvie. Curtains, clothes and even wedding dress! (Tel: +230 57.51.37.78)

– Jewelry stores
Some jewellers represent the very famous Swiss brands of watches (Poncini) or propose you the same collections as in France (Agatha or Pandora) but it is probably not what you are looking for while being in Mauritius. Original, atypical jewellery, which will remind you the island, it is at Patrick Mavros’ shop. Very nice collection of jewels of the Indian Ocean (www.patrickmavros.com), or Bella Bijoux (Tel: 269.14.14) which creates or reproduces according to your desires, even the famous brands.

– Other gift ideas:
On the whole island: It is allowed to bring back fruits in Europe. And why not a basket of fresh fruits ? Your friends and family will fill their tank with vitamins while enjoying tropical fruits ! In all markets across the island.

North Coast :
A basket in rafia, it will be at Lili T! The Lili T collection, (www.lili-t.net). Her baskets and bags are made with woven or crocheted raffia fibers, entirely handmade, with ancestral know-how, and a perfect finish. Over the last ten years, she has developped a unique range of quality and design, to accompany you to the beach, for your shopping, to use it everyday or ultra chic for your special evening. You will also find some in local markets, but the quality will be much lower.

Natural cosmetics made locally at kokodezil. Soaps, shampoo, sun protection, dish soap, mosquito repellent, 100% natural and ecological, with the tropical touch that will make a perfect gift for those around you. (www.kokodezil.com)

The Goodlands Market, Tuesdays and Fridays (Wednesdays and Saturdays for vegetables) where you will find “pashminas” that are put on the shoulders or around the neck. In cotton, for about Rs 200-250. Some sellers will tell you they are in real cashmere, I will not confirm …

Comics from Mauritius: Tikoulou! Suitable for both children and adults, it is translated into French, English, Creole, German. Several albums are already available, about a fortnight. An ideal and original gift for collectors! (www.tikoulou.com)

The Domaine de Labourdonnais shop next to La Table du Château is beautiful! Clothing, accessories, embroidery, a real luxury Ali Baba cave!
Real model ships: Historic Marine at Goodlands. An article in the blog is devoted to it.

Port Louis:
A visit to Port Louis is essential if you want to do good business. You will find everything everywhere, especially in Chinatown.

South side :
In Mahébourg, next to the airport. Manioc flour biscuits, unique in the world! Combine the factory tour and your shopping. A small tasting is included in the visit and allows you to choose the ones you want to buy. Personally, I prefer some perfumes to others, but they all have their peculiarities. (www.biscuitmanioc.com)
The Mahébourg market invades the entire city on Mondays from 9am. Fruits, vegetables, fabrics, baskets, there is something for every taste and every need. You’ll find plenty of items to offer!

Do not hesitate to haggle in the markets, it’s part of the folklore!