All-weather island allure

Mauritian leisure options are too numerous to list, but a handful of attractions for winter visitors to Île Maurice deserves a mention, with emphasis on the island’s markets, a nod to its museums, a pinch of exotic eats, and miles of scenic drives.

Priceless local knowledge

Capetonian Karolien Wesselink recently accompanied her beau – a Mauritian native who works in South Africa – to get acquainted with his family and the island. The visit was an excellent opportunity to explore this tourism/investment mecca with local knowledge on tap.

‘Located in Vacoas, the family home is just west of the country’s centre and an easy drive to its capital, Port Louis. This base made it practical to set out in different directions and discover special places around the island,’ says Wesselink.

A stay at the family’s beach house in Pointe d’Esny on the southeast coast added to her overall experience of discovering spots not highlighted on major marketing platforms.

To market we go …

Fresh produce and goods markets are dotted across the island, in many cases geared for residents to buy their daily bread and barter over every necessity under the sun.

Wesselink says: ‘The market scene can be quite intense, but the din of vendors and mix of fragrances and colours certainly provide a first-hand cultural experience! The beautiful fresh produce alone makes market visits a must.’

When buying food, it’s prudent to check that the stall is clean and the seller popular with locals – a good sign of quality and freshness. Negotiating is key, so sharpen your bartering skills or risk being caught in a tourist trap.

Best bazaars

Mauritiusattractions.com lists the island’s top markets with additional info on trading hours and specialities. It includes two venues in the capital, where veg, seafood and spice stalls are complemented by stalls selling mementos, art, textiles, jewellery, DVDs and more.

Also known as the Port Louis Bazaar, the Central Market is famous for its street food, and Indian delights such as roti, dholl puri and gateaux piment. Le Craft Market at the capital’s Caudan Waterfront may be pricier, but it’s less crowded, and renowned for its souvenirs and ship models.

Quatre Bornes Market is located in the town’s centre and specialises in textiles, clothing and traditional fabrics sold by the metre. Thursdays and Sundays, when Quatre Bornes morphs into a textile capital, are the best days for great deals on fabrics and prints.

Grand Baie Bazaar has become known for a festive cacophony of vendors using their vocal chords to lure potential buyers. Amid the typical set of souvenirs and fabrics, precious stones and jewellery are on display.

The list further includes Flacq Market, with its strong Indo-Mauritian heritage; Curepipe Market in the city, regarded as the second most significant after Port Louis; and Goodlands Market in the north.

Finally, the unique Mahébourg Market only trades on Mondays, when the adjacent waterfront turns into a sprawling open-air flea market. The area is known for well-preserved colonial buildings – perfect for shopping combined with a shot of culture.

History preserved

‘I was amazed by the many beautiful buildings – from Hindu temples and Catholic churches to colonial homes – we saw while walking around Mahébourg,’ says Wesselink. This makes for an excellent pedestrian destination, no matter what the weather.

Mahébourg is also home to the National Historical Naval Museum. Established in a French Colonial mansion, it displays artefacts and documents demonstrating the region’s colourful naval history.

Of similar cultural significance is the sugar-cane museum in Port Louis: L’Aventure du Sucre offers an interactive experience of the Mauritian history so closely linked to sugar cane. Guided tours include information on sugar processing and its famous by-products. Think rum …

Quaff with a view

The Rhumtail – a selection of rhum arrangé (home-made rum) infused with local fruits and spices – is a highlight at Le Chamarel Restaurant, where Creole culinary treats are enjoyed against a backdrop of mountain vistas.

‘After a beautiful drive to the village of Chamarel, it’s great to get to the top and sip cocktails while marvelling at the epic view of a distant Indian Ocean,’ says Wesselink. She adds that, no matter what time of year, Mauritian beaches are always a huge drawcard.

‘There are many clean public beaches such as Mont Choisy, which rivals those that form part of private resorts.