An unforgettable Christmas in Mauritius

Christmas is an amazing experience in the tropics, filled with delicious pineapple flavours… Leave your jackets and raincoats behind and join us for a memorable family celebration in Mauritius this summer.

Summer in Mauritius comes with vibrant colours, delicious mango fragrances, and flamboyant petals on the roads. Christmas, as elsewhere in the world, is no longer a matter of religion, but a holiday celebrated by all.

On a vacation or on a long stay in one of the hotels? Enjoy the festive season and the unique end of the year atmosphere.

How to choose your Christmas tree

In tropical regions, the casuarina or filao has replaced the traditional pine tree. Less bushy, they are present in many households. They can be found for sale near supermarkets or petrol stations, and along the roads in all villages and towns. Although planted for this purpose by the Forestry Commission, they unfortunately end up in the rubbish bin. Are you environmentally friendly? Choose a potted tree from a nursery or decorate one of the trees in your private garden.

Finding your gifts

You have decided to do your Christmas shopping in Mauritius? Great idea! Avoid the large, busy shopping centres at the end of the year, but take to the road and immerse yourself in the incredible atmosphere that reigns in the big cities: the street vendors’ stalls in Port-Louis, the shopping malls of Curepipe, Rose-Hill or Quatre-Bornes attract a multicultural clientele. There are many items from China, but also locally made textiles and Christmas decorations.

As far as gifts are concerned, we encourage local products: see our article on gifts to bring back. Looking for handmade goods? Many craft markets are located near our resorts (for example, at Ecole du Nord if you are at Mythic Suites & Villas, Vanilla Village and Paul and Virginie School if you are at Marguery Villas), ask our concierges for addresses and dates. You’ll find lovely items, jewellery, decorations, sweets, enough to fill your shoes under the tree.

A festive meal

In Mauritius, Christmas is a traditional family celebration and an opportunity for outdoor festivities. Many families prefer camping around this period and celebrate Christmas on the beach. The tables are decorated with colourful bougainvillea and bright red hibiscus adding a touch of freshness to the display. The summer heat is such that the meal is often a relatively light one. Many people prefer grilled food: fish, good meat, lobsters, shrimps, sausages or chicken. Imported products can of course be found in supermarkets or delicatessens.

Many craftsmen offer delicious cakes. Our suggestion: l’Epicerie Gourmande in Tamarin and Grand-Baie for its sumptuous desserts with seasonal fruits.

Unavoidable guests on every Mauritian table: bunches of litchis, mangoes, succulent and sun-drenched longans add the final fruity touch.

Welcome to the midnight mass on Christmas Eve

The midnight mass on Christmas Eve is the traditional Catholic pre-Christmas service. On 24 December, devotees gather in churches. You may choose to do so in one of the beautiful stone churches near our resorts (La Salette for Mythic Suites & Villas, Saint Augustin or Saint Benoit for the Tamarin area). Our concierges can inform you of the time of these masses.

Christmas in Mauritius means experiencing the magic of a vibrant, friendly and warm atmosphere. A time for joy and sharing in summer with great memories to share.