CULTURE

cultureVIVID

The Made in Moris label highlights island products, often made by local artisans, from coconut oil from Kokodezil to upcycled clothing from The Kreol Republic

Mahebourg's traditional market Mauritius is a pot pourri of cultures with peoples of Indian, African, French and Chinese heritage - and Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists - living peacefully side by side, united by their Creole language.

© Jacques Rocca-Serra Mahébourg regatta Salt Pans

Mauritians believe that ‘taking time is not wasting time and they always take time for visitors to the island. In fact their genuine friendliness is part of this small tropical island's charm. The island was ruled by the Dutch, French and British - and visited by legendary corsairs and pirates – who all left their legacy. Shimmering fi elds of sugar cane surround plantation houses and domaines (estates), offering Mauritian gastronomy and award-winning artisanal rums, fl avoured with island spices. Learn how sugar shaped the islands history, at interactive museum L’Aventure du Sucre and wander through UNESCO World- Heritage listed atmospheric Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis Harbour where indentured labourers arrived from India. Stroll palm-lined avenues in the planet’s third oldest botanical gardens at Pamplemousses then explore the historic southeast, where the fi rst Europeans landed: it has a ruined fort and famous naval battle, a story told in the National History Museum in Mahébourg. Traditional Mauritian life today is evident in brightly-painted temples (red and white are Hindu, multicoloured are Tamil), mosques and churches, colourful markets piled high with produce and the UNESCO-listed traditional séga music and sashaying dance performances, seen at island hotels. Awanam at Veranda Tamarin Hotel brings local musicians and DJs to the Crazy Fish bar’s live stage from Thursday to Sunday, while boho chic beach club NJOY at La Cuvette beach, which opened in December 2021, has open mic sessions and plans for a music label to showcase local musical talent. An art gallery opened at Sands Suites Resort & Spa in November 2021 while the new LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences has a Patrick Mavros gallery, offering one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the islands’ nature and wildlife. During the island's closure, Attitude invited talented Mauritian artists to create individual identities for their hotels. Gaël Froget repainted the Taba-J street food truck at Zilwa Attitude, in his brightly-coloured graphic style, while fashion designer Gabrielle Dalais used terracotta and mustard gold, leaf green and marine blue inspired by the natural surrounds at the new Sunrise Attitude. Mauritius even has street art, seen in the capital, Port Louis.

FESTIVALS

Mauritians like to celebrate, with festivals or events held throughout the year. Pirogues with colourful sails fi ll the bay at the Mahébourg regatta in November, while lion and dragon dancers parade through Port Louis Chinatown during the Chinese Spring Festival. Villagers throw lurid coloured powder over each other at Holi, the Hindu festival of joy. For Maha Shivaratree, pilgrims walk in white to Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) crater lake to honour the god Shiva, and fairy lights twinkle islandwide at Diwali, to mark the triumph of good over evil. Tamil islanders parade through the streets with pierced bodies for Thaipoosam Cavadee, and climb hundreds of steps to picturesque Kovil Montagne, on Corps de Garde mountain. Food stalls and séga concerts feature at the International Kreol Festival, celebrating the island's African roots.

An adults-only eco-committed hotel

0 single-use plastic in the guest experience Natural cosmetics in the rooms and spa

Holidays with a positive impact

Savour minutes of relaxation and reconnect with nature by the rhythm of sunrises and full moons that make the lagoon look magical. Take a break at POZ Spa. Eat healthily, explore new flavours or have dinner at a local’s house for a total immersion in the Mauritian way of life. Discover the island and meet its people with the Otentik Discovery app. And your stay at Sunrise Attitude will leave a positive impact!