Ile Maurice, Mauritius Hotels and City Guide

Ile Maurice - Shopping

Mauritius' Shopping Areas

In Port Louis one needs to go no further than the Caudan Waterfront which has over 200 shops to choose from, including designer labels, well-known duty-free jewellery stores including Bijouterie Bienvenue, and Poncini for Rolex watches.

The atmospheric Central Market, at the opposite end of the shopping scale, offers food, clothing, embroidered tablecloths, baskets, souvenirs, spices and vanilla tea and rum. Recycled glass and cut gemstones are popular purchases. Visit Chinatown for bright silks. Bespoke clothing can be made within 24 hours.

In the north of the island, Grand Baie’s Sunset Boulevard has specialist shops, boutiques and souvenirs. Grand Baie Store Plaza is an attractive shopping centre offering international clothing brands, jewellery and accessories.

There are some delightful art galleries on the coastal road round Grand Baie displaying both permanent collections and the works of local artists. Two galleries, Seebaluck Art Gallery and Galerie Raphael, on Royal Road in Pointe aux Cannonniers are both owned by well-known Mauritian artist Chayetan Seebaluk. Intricately carved replicas of historical ships are unique works of art displayed in Galerie Raphael, open Mon-Sat 0930-1900, closed Sundays.

Visit the renowned shipmodel factory, Bobato Ltee, in Curepipe near the Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater where the craftsmen work from original plans. There is a showroom and they will pack and post. A shopper’s delight, Curepipe offers carpets, clothes, cashmere and jewellery.

Colourful Flacq Market in Flacq not far from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast is the largest open-air market. Coffret des Iles’ pre-packed duty-free gifts are found in many hotel boutiques. The shop will post to several countries in Europe within three days.

Mauritius' Shopping Hours

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1930; some shops are open until noon on Sundays and public holidays. You will be required to produce your passport and return air tickets when purchasing from tourist-only duty-free shops.

Mauritius' Tax Refunds

VAT of 15% is charged on goods. Foreign tourists are entitled to tax refunds on purchases from duty-free shops only on presentation of receipts at the VAT Refund office at the airport on departure. You can request refunds in Euros, US Dollars, South African Rand and British Pounds. Carry such purchases in your hand luggage for possible Customs inspection.

Hotels in Ile Maurice, Mauritius