Christmas is almost here in Mauritius and your holidays are coming up. How about bringing back original and exotic gifts to put under the Christmas tree? Textiles, handicrafts, food, culture. A lot of great suggestions are available with 100% local, handmade and Mauritian know-how.   A local T-shirt  Our choice: young, ethical, local and offbeat brands, for original and fun T-shirts to wear without moderation. Mauricette : a young and eco-responsible brand, which privileges local products and offers funny, beautiful and original tee-shirts, with expressions in Kreol. On sale at l’Aventure du Sucre (LINK) The Kreol Republic : this ethical local brand supports sustainable production with environmentally friendly items. Nice range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, crop tops and hats with the names of local towns and villages, kreol language and fun.   Ravi’s iconic HOPE de Ravior   Ravi, the leading designer of this local brand took inspiration from the power of hope, love and unity to support Tipa, a local NGO, in its fight for social integration and the promotion of art. To encourage educational communication through art forms, 10% of the sales of HOPE jewellery are donated to this association which fights daily for a worthy cause and a more peaceful world. The bracelet is available in several colours and carries a universal message engraved in Kreol and English: Lamour, Lespwar, Linité (love, hope, unity). On sale at Ruisseau-Créole (opposite Marguery Villas), at the airport duty-free shop and at the Bagatelle shopping centre.    Fruit paste from Domaine de Labourdonnais These Christmas treats are sure to delight grandparents and other sweet tooths. Select them from the Domaine de Labourdonnais (LINK with article MJ historic places to visit), a historic site in the north of the island, about twenty minutes from Mythic Suites&Villas. The Domaine produces fruit jellies out of its many acres of farmland and orchards using authentic family recipes. Papaya, mango, guava… enjoy a little Mauritian sweetness! (Also available in all supermarkets in Mauritius).   Chamarel Rhum Factory (Rhumerie de Chamarel) A must visit before tasting and choosing between the different local rhums produced there.  Twenty minutes’ drive from Marguery Villas, the Domaine de Chamarel covers 300 hectares of sugar cane plantations as well as fruit and vegetables. The Rhumerie was created to produce a high quality agricultural rhum. Copper stills, cellars, oak barrels to age the rhum, all has been made to produce fine amber and tasty spirits: White, aged, Old, Premium, mixed rhums and rhum-based liquors.   A model ship from Historic Marine Mauritius and sailing share a deep bond. Since the 1970s, teak or camphor model boats have become the pride of Mauritian craftsmanship, making the island a world leader in the manufacture and export of model vessels. Located at Goodlands in the north, about fifteen minutes from Mythic Villas&Suites, Historic Marine offers a catalogue of more than 120 different types of model boats, ranging from the most ancient to the most modern: historical ships, contemporary and classic sailing ships, liners, local pirogues, motor boats, and other types of model boats.    Bluesman  Eric Triton’s CD This Mauritian artist with an international career has already been mentioned (LINK Tamarin artists). His warm and captivating voice with a Louis Armstrong-like touch celebrates unity and love. A vibrant, feel-good CD to add to your favourite playlist for those fond memories of holidays in Tamarin, from where he draws his inspiration. On sale in bookshops and shopping centres on the island.    A comics of the adventures of Tikoulou Our favourite local comics hero! Tikoulou is a young boy of about ten years old who goes on adventures with his friends and solves many mysteries. Beautiful graphics, beautiful colours, great character and the discovery of Mauritius through the eyes of a child: an endearing comics to bring home to your nephews and grand-cousins. On sale in bookshops.    Fun, artistic, ethical or tasty: with our selection of 100% original Mauritian Christmas gifts, add a little sunshine and sweetness and please the ones you love.

You’ re on holiday or on a long stay in our hotel resort Mythic Suites&Villas? What are the best places nearby to find souvenirs to bring back from Mauritius? Clothing, handicrafts, jewellery, food and cultural products are some of the most popular products among travellers. Take advantage of the tax-free and refundable shopping at the airport when you leave. Let’s take a look at some interesting addresses in the north for your shopping sprees. Grand Bay’s shopping malls. About fifteen minutes by car from your residence, Grand-Baie is home to several major shopping facilities, all within easy reach.   – Grand-Baie La Croisette : The most beautiful shopping centre in the north with the widest range of products is Located at the entrance of Grand-Baie with 80 boutiques well stocked with international brands (Mango, Adidas, Orchestra, Pimkie, Sinéquanone, Lacoste…) as well as the best local textile brands (Floréal, Out of Africa, Citadel, Body&Soul…). Shoes, sports equipment, local and international jewellery, health and beauty products, watches are also available. As for cultural products, the BookCourt bookshop puts the spotlight on Mauritian authors. Special mention for jewellery and beautiful gems: Mauritius is renowned for its diamond cutting and jewellery craftsmanship. Low labour costs make jewellery affordable and cheaper than in Europe. Check for Duty Free signs in shop windows and follow our guide at the end of this article to get your money back. – Sunset Boulevard : This shopping street, which is the heart of the village, is home to some fifty shops selling ready-to-wear clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, decoration and souvenirs. The textile sector in Mauritius is famous and many international brands have their collections made here: Harris Wilson, Diesel, Café Coton, Agatha, Karl Kaiser-Cerruti, 69 Slam. Local beach wear, street wear and designer brands such as La Mode Kuky, Cocoon AT Home are also present. The centre offers designer clothes at factory prices, but also luxury items such as watches, jewellery, leather clothing, clocks, paintings, antiques, glasses, audio visual equipment and accessories at tax-free prices. – Super U Grand Bay : This shopping complex, which includes a large supermarket, is located at the back of Sunset Boulevard. It includes a selection of shops selling jewellery, clothing, shoes and souvenirs. Also, to be discovered in the shelves of the supermarket or in the stalls of craftsmen of the gallery, the local food products which make excellent small gifts: jams, tea, coffee, spices, crystalised fruit. – The Grand Bay Plaza : Located at the main crossroads of Grand Bay, this small shopping centre with modern architecture offers clothing, shoes, a painting gallery, handicrafts, perfumery and jewellery.  – Grand Bay Grand Bazaar : This seaside – and therefore more expensive – version of the Port-Louis bazaar has many stalls selling local and imported goods. More traditional than the shopping centres, there is a wide range of Mauritian handicrafts to suit all tastes. These include pareos, T-shirts, bags, beach dresses, jewellery, basketry, woodcarving Don’t hesitate to bargain for the best offer. The small shopping malls of the coastal road From Grand-Baie to Trou aux Biches along the lovely road that runs along the turquoise lagoon, feel free to stop at the many small shops scattered along the way. Less frequented by tourists, they have more affordable prices than the shopping centres and offer local products, souvenirs, clothes. There are also some nice local artists’ galleries in Pointe aux Canonniers should you be interested in art. Factory shops You can often come across them in the villages on the way to Port-Louis: Arsenal, Triolet. These very well signposted (and therefore unmissable) shops sell locally manufactured products for major brands, unsold items, former collections or items that have not been collected. Duty-free shops: how do they operate? Only available to tourists with their passport and plane ticket, these shops sell a multitude of items at attractive prices: photo equipment, watches, jewellery, leather, mobile phones, paintings, sunglasses, etc. These duty-free shops are located at almost all of the above addresses. To benefit from tax-free shopping, make your purchases. These are delivered in the departure hall of the airport, after the check-in of the luggage and the control of Police to the Duty-Free counter which refunds you the VAT.   It is very easy to shop while staying in the north of Mauritius where the supply is wide and varied. If you wish to get away from the busy tourist areas, do not hesitate to discover the folkloric shopping malls of the main towns: Port-Louis, Quatre-Bornes, Rose-Hill as well as the Port-Louis Bazaar and the Quatre-Bornes Fair on Thursdays and Sundays.

Mauritius is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs with an incredible marine biodiversity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, be prepared for a thrilling experience! The north of the island is full of exceptional sites, from wrecks to colourful coral gardens and underwater caves. Let’s dive together in this splendid natural aquarium to explore the best dive sites in the north of Mauritius.   Diving conditions in Mauritius If you have never dived other than with a mask and snorkel, Mauritius is the perfect opportunity to discover the deep blue sea and experience new emotions in a very safe environment supervised by specialists.  Initiation to diving is done in the swimming pool and children benefit from a training adapted to their age. It is also possible to opt for a first dive to a depth of 4m while discovering the wonders of the sea bed in the peaceful and warm Mauritian waters.   There is no need to carry your diving equipment: most hotels in the north have their own diving center affiliated to CMAS (World Underwater Federation), PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and supervised by the Mauritian Scuba Diving Association (MSDA). These centers are staffed by experienced divers and offer courses in several languages with the necessary equipment, while strictly observing safety rules.  Dives are usually done in the early morning to get the best light (except of course for night dives) and last half a day.    Choose the dive center that suits your needs: https://sunset-diving.mu/ http://prodivemauritius.com/plongee.html https://www.facebook.com/abysscentredeplongeemaurice/     What to discover during your dive in the north of the island? The water temperature is pleasant and allows dives all year round. Visibility is generally more than 20 meters and close to 50 meters on some sites. The majority of the sites in the north are accessible in a few minutes by boat and are located close to the open water. Fed with nutrients from the ocean currents coming from the depths, the sites attract and host an amazing and diverse underwater life. A multitude of fishes, corals hosting an exceptional fauna and flora, cliffs, faults, canyons, caves, reefs, as well as shipwrecks dating back to several centuries, shark pits, diving in the north of Mauritius is bound to be memorable! The most beautiful dive spots in the north Beautiful, colorful coral can be seen and explored at depths of up to 13 meters. Here are a few easily accessible diving destinations:   – The Aquarium (9 to 20 meters deep) : Renowned for its wide variety of tropical fish: angelfish, surgeonfish, mullet, barbel, moray eels, stonefish and some rare species such as the small scorpionfish and grouper, this well-named Grand Bay dive site is ideal with its weak current and good visibility.  – Peter Holt’s Rock (15 to 21 meters deep). This site, made up of cracked basalt blocks and caves, is home to an abundant and varied fauna including titan triggerfish, wrasse, parrotfish, yellowtail grouper, clownfish, schools of lutjans, scorpionfish, spiny lobsters, beaded moray eels, cleaner shrimp, Javanese moray eels, etc. It is an ideal dive for underwater photography. – Stenopus Reef (9 to 38 meters deep): Just south of Pointe aux Canonniers, this reef abounds in fascinating marine creatures: giant gorgonians, alcyonarias and tubastrea corals, including the green coral tree over 2 meters high. The corals are surrounded by a rich fauna: emperor angels, groupers, diodons, butterfly fish, stingrays and eagles, sometimes barracudas and large banana tunas. – Whale Rock This popular dive site is located in the north of Mauritius. It takes its name from its shape which reminds one of a humpback whale. Divers can explore the waters surrounding the rock to discover a variety of fish, including parrot fish, surgeon fish and butterfly fish. Whale Rock is also known for its coral formations, including brain corals and star corals. Night dives at this site feature rare species such as scorpion fish, coral crabs and squid. Wreck diving, an extraordinary experience Wreck diving in Mauritius offers a unique experience for scuba diving enthusiasts in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Wreck diving is a must for any keen diver visiting Mauritius.Wreck diving, an extraordinary experience Wreck diving in Mauritius is a unique experience for scuba diving enthusiasts in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Wreck diving is a must for any keen diver visiting Mauritius.   – The wreck of the Stella Maru (20 to 26 meters deep), a Japanese trawler that was deliberately sunk in December 1987 to create an artificial reef. It was a success: the site is home to many species of reef fish: butterflies, damselflies, jacks, surgeonfish, but also schools of blue triggerfish, jacks and Javanese moray eels. There is also plenty of wildlife around the wreck as well as in the easily accessible area inside. – The wreck of the Silver Star (22 to 39 meters deep), a magnificent wreck, sunk in 1992, opposite the Royal Palm, which still has its propeller and is home to many species.  Intense diving in North Mauritius: 100% adrenaline Feel like Looking for thrills and spills spotting shark species in their natural environment? The Northern Islands (Coin de Mire, Île Ronde, Île Plate, Gabriel Islet and Île aux Serpents) are relatively protected from the heavy swell. For great diving, we recommend: – the shark pit (depth of 15 to 21 meters) : After Ile Plate, head for the Pigeon Rock, a 60-meter-high promontory, where the Shark Pit is situated. This is the place to see black-tailed sharks, which are attracted to the oxygen-saturated water as a result of the currents caused by the tides. More than 57 species of fish have been recorded in this pit. The observation is done in groups and with strict safety instructions. Strong emotions and unforgettable memories guaranteed!   – Belle Mare Pass    (20 to 33 meters deep) : Located on the north-east coast, Belle Mare Pass is one of the most beautiful sites on the island with several famous spots where the current is sometimes strong, which results in a rather sporty dive. At Shark Point (25m) you can meet large shark and barracuda species, and at Sea Fan Valley (30m), Gorgonian Forest (23m) and Japanese Garden (19-24m) a variety of corals and beautiful tropical fish abound.   Plate Island Marine Park   Plate Island Marine Park, off the northeast coast, is considered one of the island’s most pristine dive sites. Divers will find abundant and diverse marine life, including eagle rays, reef sharks, sea turtles and schools of fish. It is famous for its colourful coral gardens, underwater caves and impressive rock formations. Divers can explore the caves to discover rare species such as trumpet fish and lionfish. Diving in the north of Mauritius will be one of the most intense experiences of your stay at Mythic Suites&Villas. Do not hesitate to experience this extraordinary activity, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver. Choose your site according to your wishes and let our concierge take care of your booking with one of the diving centers in the north of the island and recommended by us.

Discover Mauritius from a different angle, deeper and at your own pace, get to know the island more authentically, get off the beaten track, guided by an enthusiastic professional. Join us for a tour of exclusive excursions and discover our favourites for unique activities during your holiday at Mythic Suites&Villas.   Guided tours: an immersion in the heart of Mauritius There is so much more to discover in Mauritius during your stay than just its beautiful beaches! So why not spend your holiday discovering other faces of your favourite destination? Culture lover, sportsman or food lover? Check out our suggestions to make your stay at Mythic Suites&Villas a memorable one.   Our favourite Cultural Circuit: My Moris  What is the philosophy of this enthusiastic and passionate trio? “To contribute to an innovative tourism, conscious and respectful of the local culture and the environment. The promotion and preservation of traditional skills and crafts are of particular concern to us”. Shakti, Maya and Adrienne propose interesting and educational activities that combine culture, heritage and immersion in the local environment with the locals. Tour recommendations? – Explore Port-Louis, its history, its multicultural past through a treasure hunt full of challenges and mysteries, – Learn how to weave vacoas at Fabiola’s, – Learn Mauritian cooking at Rosemonde’s for an inspiring experience. – Take a guided tour of the Saint-Félix sugar factory… Discover their tours and choose the one that suits you best: mymoris.mu   Our favourite sports tour: Lokal Adventure For you, holidays are synonymous with sport and energy? Lokal Adventure offers sports tours of different levels and adapted to discover Mauritius without the tourist attractions and the clichés. A true dive, off the beaten track, and the possibility to discover unknown and hidden places in an eco-friendly way. Elodie and Anne, two friends with a passion for sports, propose supervised activities for one day or over a period of ten days, the dream for those who like long stays, alone or in groups. Some of their proposals include: – Hiking trail, running, rando course: put on your best pair of running shoes and head off to explore the mountains and paths of Mauritius inland. – Explore, discover, learn or improve your skills in the world of the marine environment: kitesurfing, diving, paddling with dolphins, fishing, snorkelling or kayaking…, Zen with a yoga tendency or hyperactive? Explore the 100% well-being or adrenaline universe of Lokal Adventure: https://lokaladventure.com/Our favourite Mountain Tour: Yan Nature  View Mauritius from its mountain tops thanks to green and eco-responsible tourism. Yann, an active and passionate islander, together with his team, will guide you on unique hiking trails through private properties for a memorable trekking experience. Professional guides and experienced sportsmen, they use their 15 years’ experience to take you to the highest peaks of Mauritius for a vibrant and unforgettable adventure. The must-do? The iconic Morne mountain. This symbol of resistance to slavery, a World Heritage Site, is home to a wide variety of endemic and near-endemic species, such as the rare Trochettia Boutoniana, the national flora symbol. There are some steeper parts on the ascent that require the use of hands to progress safely to the top but the breathtaking views are well worth the effort. Marvel at a panoramic view of turquoise lagoons melting into the deep blue of the southern seas, feel the touch of the trade winds and watch the flight of the straw-tailed phaeton, a long-tailed white bird that is the symbol of our national airline.   To choose your favourite trek: https://www.trekkingmauritius.com/Our favourite Family Tour Evaneos is one of our Marguery Villas partners who make sure that families are delighted with their child-friendly tours. Supervised by Sabine, the local experienced guide, Evaneos offers a personalised programme suited to your preferences and your pace, starting from your arrival to your departure. The concept is to explore Mauritius differently, in excellent conditions, under the attentive and informative care of an excellent guide, by meeting the locals. Our feel-good activities in the program? The fat bike outing, mountain bikes, through the lush nature of the Wolmar reserve on the west coast, in Flic en Flac. Adapted to your children’s pace, this ride gives you the opportunity to discover the local fauna and flora – brown pigs, deer, geese – in their natural environment, while cycling.   Our favourite Gourmet Tour You cannot miss out on Mauritius’ delicious culinary mix! The amazing variety of savoury flavours, influences, spices and preparations makes it a real taste experience. The concept of Taste Buddies? To offer guided culinary tours of Mauritius, where travellers can discover the history of the island, its culture and its particularities – all through its culinary specialities. The island is rich in local culinary wonders from each community. Hindu curries, Creole rougailles, Muslim biryanis, Chinese dim sum and French baguettes are just a few examples of the rich diversity of Mauritian cuisine. Mixing history and culture with the inhabitants’ insight, head off on a gourmet tour with those who love good cooking. The must-see: – Street fooding in Port-Louis, recognised by CNN and The Telegraph as one of the best street food spots in the world. It gives you the choice to taste a variety of delicious Mauritian culinary specialities while exploring the best places in Port Louis. To enjoy Mauritius through your taste buds: https://www.tastebuddies.mu/   A holiday designed and organised around your tastes, your passions, in a private tour, at your own pace: our concierges will be happy to book your favourite activities to ensure that you enjoy your holiday in Mauritius in the most memorable and authentic way.

According to Mark Twain, the beauty of Mauritius is of divine origin. However, the preservation of its beautiful beaches is everyone’s responsibility. Conscious of our duties towards our communities – travellers, residents, neighbours – we have subscribed to the Signatir agreement engaging us to carry out eco-responsible and sustainable actions. That’s why Mythic Suites & Villas employees put on their gloves and clean up the beaches around our resort monthly.   Preserving life Mauritius is fortunately spared from the pollution of plastic objects of all kinds that can be found in other islands. The marine flora and fauna are of great diversity but remain vulnerable to all forms of pollution. Unfortunately, the decomposition of plastic is extremely long: a plastic bag will take 450 years to decompose. If left on a beach or carried by the wind into the sea, it will be swallowed in micro-particles by fish and seabirds or could kill a sea turtle. A soft drink can will rust and a glass bottle could injure a summer visitor. A cigarette butt carelessly dropped into the sand takes between 1 and 2 years to disappear. Aware of the expectations of our customers, our teams at Mythic Suites & Villas clean the beaches around our resort monthly.   Sustainability as a goal Sustainability is a socio-ecological process characterised by a behaviour in the pursuit of a collective vision. To engage in a sustainable project is to choose to preserve and to keep the environment healthy. As the beaches are the image of Mauritius but also the vulnerable habitat of its fauna and flora, their monthly cleaning ensures that the travellers keep on enjoying them.  July’s Green Day campaign On 9 July, our volunteers, with great dedication and a strong awareness of the issue, collected and tidied up the beautiful Melville beach in Grand-Gaube. This secluded beach on weekdays is visited by more people at weekends. In total, more than 200 kg of waste of all kinds were collected and sorted out by two teams: Go Green and Phoenix. To motivate the volunteers, a challenge for the best collection team has been organized until December.  Involving the relevant partners Thanks to this successful initiative, the clean-up operation will be repeated every month. However, we would like to involve more people in the collection process, particularly by taking action at source. The idea is to raise awareness among the villagers, and especially among young people who pay more attention to ecology and are aware of our shared responsibility, to preserve the environment through education.   The island character of Mauritius makes it particularly vulnerable to all forms of pollution. It is always possible to do something about it. By adopting the proper habits, by limiting our footprint, by cleaning up the places we have visited and enjoyed, we actively participate in improving the natural beauty of our beloved country.

Dreaming of crystal-clear lagoons with warm, fishy waters and deserted beaches? Are you more interested in water sports or are you a contemplative person? Explore the windward coast with some of the most spectacular views in Mauritius, right up to the small village of Grand Gaube where our Mythic Villas & Suites resort is located. Far away from mass tourism in our suites or in a private villa, experience the stay that best suits you.   Grand Bay the vibrant place to be The seaside resort in the north of Mauritius beats to the rhythm of the many activities offered to its residents and visitors. All the tourist operators operate here and offer a wide range of water and land-based activities to suit all tastes. Catamarans for mini-cruises in the islets, glass-bottom boats, diving trips, scuba diving or the mini submarine depart from its superb crystal-clear bay. A popular shopping destination in the north, Grand Bay is also renowned for its many restaurants: Mauritian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese or international cuisine, classy or beachfront restaurants, it is a real treat for the taste buds. Many bars and nightclubs attract partygoers till the crack of dawn.     From Cap Malheureux to Grand-Gaube, the emerald coast The coastal road that winds between pristine beaches and rugged coastline is both beautiful and surprising. Discover it on a scooter or find the perfect place for a delicious picnic prepared by our restaurant L’Atelier. It’s wide lagoons scattered with islets and rocks are slightly darker due to their depth, turning the green waters into a luminous colour. A gentle breeze helps to reduce the summer heat and its clear waters are home to extraordinary flora and fauna, ideal for snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours.   Grand-Gaube is a quiet little fishing village where traditional pirogue making practices are still alive, an interesting activity to discover during a walk through its streets lined with coconut trees and multipliants. The view of the northern islands, Coin de Mire, Ile Plate, Ile Ronde and Ile Serpent, as well as the ocean surrounding them, is breathtaking. Closer by and easily reached by boat, Bernache and Gabriel islands offer an enchanting interlude with wild coves and sandy beaches for a Robinson experience.   Take one of the paths that leave the village to face the lagoon on the beautiful Esplanade beach. Although the village has developed in recent years, it has lost none of its original beauty or authenticity. There are few shops or restaurants and bars, but Grand Bay is only a fifteen-minute drive away. Follow our travel diaries to discover our top activities to do on the east coast of Mauritius. The village’s peaceful atmosphere, the sumptuous views and the uncrowded beaches make Grand-Gaube an ideal place to relax and unwind. For those who are looking for an active holiday, the splendid beaches of the east offer a variety of water and land-based activities for unforgettable memories. The east coast of Mauritius is the wildest and offers beautiful emotions in an extraordinary holiday setting. Its uncrowded and somewhat secluded beaches, swept by the year-round trade winds, are ideal for relaxing moments as well as for sporting and adventure activities. By staying at Mythic Villas & Suites, discover a totally different face of Mauritius in the private surroundings of our resort hotel.