Mauritius, Photo Credit: Bamba Sourang
Mauritius has several local souvenirs to help you bring a little bit of the Indian Ocean back home.
As one of the largest sugar exporters in the world, Mauritius makes rum that’s quite a treat. La Rhumerie de Chamarel, a working rum distillery and museum, has its own brand of premium rum, but save your rupees for a bottle or two of rhum arrangé, a unique blend of rum and spices. Popular flavors include coffee and vanilla beans, orange peel, cloves and other spicy add-ins.
For those who prefer tea to tipple, exotic sugars are the way to go. L’Aventure du Sucre has 15 different types of sugar to be sampled in its gift shop. The darker varieties are particularly intriguing, and will bring striking depth to your morning coffee.
The souvenir de mode, however, is anything emblazoned with a dodo. The now extinct bird once native to Mauritius graces everything from T-shirts and toys to housewares and jewelry.
Try the craft market at Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis for a particularly large selection. While you’re there, pick up another one of Mauritius’ iconic, quirky exports, stunningly detailed ships in a bottle.
