What to bring back from Mauritius: rum, spices, tea and other souvenirs

Mauritius is an island of exotic flavours and artisans whose craftsmanship is passed down from generation to generation. The variety of goods and exotic products is impressive. It is worth making a list of your preferences.

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Ship models

This is probably the most famous, exotic and impressive souvenir the island is known for. Mauritian models of old sailing ships and modern vessels are famous all over the world. They are true works of art that require hundreds of hours of careful labour.

Each model is handmade by artisan craftsmen, often in small family workshops, from valuable types of wood such as teak, mahogany or camphor. The attention to detail is striking: tiny cannons, finely woven rigging and hand sewn sails, everything is recreated with precision. These miniature museum pieces preserve the memory of the past, when Mauritius was an important point on the routes of great navigators.

Where to look: the best workshops, where you can not only buy but also see the process of creating these masterpieces, are located in the towns of Curepipe and Goodlands. Be sure to visit the famous Historic Marine workshop, where more than 120 different models are displayed, from simple fishing boats to majestic three masted frigates.

Prices: small but high quality models start from 50-100 euros, and the price of larger, more complex and detailed replicas can reach several thousand. Check customs duties, because when bringing an item into your country, goods above a certain limit may be taxed.

Historic Marine

Woven vacoas products

Weaving is one of the oldest and most authentic crafts in Mauritius. It is made from dried vacoas leaves, a local type of pandanus. The long leaves are collected, dried, then split by hand into thin strips, from which beautiful and durable items are created.

What to buy: the choice is huge. These are not only classic baskets in many shapes and bright colours, but also stylish beach hats, boho chic bags, durable mats, elegant placemats and decorative containers for the home.

Where to look: the biggest and most authentic selection is at traditional markets. The market in Quatre Bornes is especially well known and works on Thursdays and Sundays.

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Hand carved wooden items

The skill of Mauritian artisans is impressive, especially in woodworking. Here you can find everything from finely carved masks to decorative items made from local wood.

Mauritian textiles

Mauritius can be proud of its developed textile industry, known for its colourful fabrics. Pay attention to sarongs, pareos and clothing. These textile items with original patterns will remind you of your trip and are perfect for summer walks or as home decoration.

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Paintings by local artists

An original painting created by a talented Mauritian artist is a chance to take home not just a souvenir, but a piece of the soul and atmosphere of the island.

Most often they depict landscapes with azure lagoons and a view of Le Morne mountain, or colourful scenes from the central market in the lively capital of Port Louis.

To find interesting works, it is worth visiting specialised art galleries such as Galerie Didus Art in Port Louis or Vaco Art Gallery in Grand Baie. For a deeper experience, you can also visit the artists' own studios, for example Hélène de Senneville in Pointe aux Canonniers.

Mauritian rum

It is impossible to leave Mauritius without buying a bottle of the local historic drink. The production of rum from sugar cane is not just an industry, but a very important part of the island's history and culture. Mauritian rum is highly valued by connoisseurs all over the world. Pay attention to the products of the famous distilleries Chamarel, New Grove and Labourdonnais. They offer everything from light white rum for cocktails to complex aged varieties matured in oak barrels with woody and vanilla notes.

Flavoured rum, Rhum Arrangé: a very popular local product that Mauritians make at home, but it is also produced at distilleries. This is rum infused with local fruits and spices: vanilla, cinnamon, coffee beans, pineapple, lychee and passion fruit. It is sold in beautiful handmade bottles at markets and souvenir shops.

Visit one of the rum distilleries, for example Rhumerie de Chamarel. There you can see the whole production process, from harvesting the cane to bottling, and of course taste the products before buying.

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Spices: the aromas of the island in your kitchen

The central market in Port Louis is a real celebration of aromas. It is the best place to buy fresh loose spices. Be sure to take:

• Masala mix or "Cari Poule" for cooking authentic Mauritian curry.
• Local turmeric, safran péi, which gives dishes a bright colour and a distinctive aroma.
• Achards: spicy pickled vegetables and fruits, mango, lemon and bilimbi, in oil with spices.

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Mauritian tea

Do not miss the chance to bring back Mauritian tea. Popular varieties include aromatic green tea and herbal blends made from local ingredients such as lemongrass and ginger. Tea in Mauritius is grown on the cool central plateau. The best known and oldest brand is Bois Chéri. Be sure to visit their plantations and panoramic restaurant overlooking the lake. The most popular is black tea with natural vanilla. The local vanilla is known for its oily and incredibly fragrant pods.

Sugar cane

Do not forget, you are on the island of sugar cane. Buy a pack of unrefined muscovado sugar with its dark colour and deep caramel and liquorice flavour. It cannot be compared with ordinary brown sugar. The best place to buy it and learn about the history of sugar is the L'Aventure du Sucre museum.

Dodo bird

Although this flightless bird became extinct back in the 17th century, the dodo remains the main symbol of Mauritius. Souvenirs with this bird are real local classics. You will see the dodo everywhere, from magnets and soft toys to elegant wooden and bronze sculptures.

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Jewellery

There are many talented designers on the island who use local materials to create unique pieces. Jewellery made from coral can be bought in shopping centre boutiques, at the airport or from craftsmen in market stalls.

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Coloured sands

One of the most unusual souvenirs is a glass jar with multicoloured sand. Often in many different shades, and each colour symbolises the island's stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The sand is usually collected from various beaches and scenic places in Mauritius, capturing the essence of the island's breathtaking scenery in a small portable souvenir. The sand can be arranged in layers into unique patterns or creatively mixed.

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Shopping in Mauritius

Where to go for souvenirs on the island.

Le Rendez-Vous

Since 2015, this famous boutique has offered products that are 100% made in Mauritius. You can find it in the La Croisette shopping centre in Grand Baie in the north. There is a wide range of goods and accessories: clothing, jewellery, decorative items, locally made cosmetics, clothes and toys for children, and much more. If you are in the western part of the island, Le Rendez-Vous has also opened a shop in Rivière Noire.

Souvenir market in Canonnier

A real attraction on the northern coast of Mauritius. This is a small local market of handmade products. At the entrance you will see the section with local fruits and vegetables, and on the left the fresh produce section. Walk deeper inside to find a small room dedicated to souvenirs, sculptures, posters, postcards, books and jewellery.

Caudan in Port Louis

A must visit place in Mauritius, where among other things you will find a large market of local handicrafts. It is located inside a building that stretches along Umbrella Alley. There you will find everything from delicacies, rum, sugar, vanilla and spices, to handmade products, sculptures, paintings and musical instruments, as well as clothing, accessories and jewellery.

Labourdonnais estate

If you visit the Labourdonnais estate and rum distillery, be sure to stop by its shop. You will find many local treasures that you can bring back from Mauritius, as well as some that cannot be found anywhere else. There is a rum production site on the estate. Labourdonnais also produces local jams and fruit pastes.

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