The cultural scene in Mauritius constantly enchants visitors with its diversity. The country’s rich variety of cultures and audiences has made it an ideal melting pot of musical events. Let us suggest two memorable programmes. Whether you’re an avid aria-lover or a baroque fan, get dressed up for a great opera performance. Thirsty for a colourful, authentic and joyful immersion in Mauritian culture? The Kreol Festival offers a week of intense and vibrant emotions.   Cultural and artistic programming in Mauritius 28th september 2022 : A night at the opera with Lisa Engelbrecht and Makudu Senaoana Many years ago, the greatest French opera and operetta troupes used to come to Mauritius to practice their show. The audience in Mauritius was reputed to be demanding and experienced and the legendary Plaza and Port-Louis theatres welcomed these music lovers in style. Going to an opera night and enjoying it under Mauritian skies is something you won’t want to miss during your stay. On 28 September, the Caudan Arts Center in Port-Louis hosts two very talented artists for an evening of a wide variety of opera styles ranging from baroque to classical, Italian romantic arias by Puccini, French comic opera, Viennese operetta and musical theatre. Lisa Engelbrecht is an opera vocal coach and pianist at the University of Cape Town School of Opera and performs regularly in South Africa as part of the Cape Opera Ensemble and internationally in the UK and Mauritius (Music Society). South African tenor Makudu Senaoana, a talented and versatile performer, has done considerable stage work with Cape Town Opera, most recently in Monteverdi’s Vespers as well as a gala concert and has appeared alongside the one and only Bryn Terfel with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra for the South African Wagner Society.   Tickets can be booked here.   From 16 to 25 November : International Kreol Festival (IKF) The IKF is a festival that takes place from November 16 to 25. It includes traditional Sega, local theatre, a regatta and many events focusing on Mauritian and Creole identity and the celebration of the island’s culture.   What makes the festival, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and the Office for the Promotion of Tourism, so interesting is its rich range of events and venues, which offer real moments of conviviality in a good-natured and festive atmosphere. Many young or renowned talents, and the opportunity to get to know other aspects of the island: a week of full cultural immersion to suit children and adults alike. We recommend: the Poetry & Jazz fusion at the Château de La Bourdonnais, the splendid pirogue regatta with its shimmering colours at Mahébourg, the slam competition and the typical evening at the village of Le Morne. To make your choice and check out the full programme:  www.fik.mu     Feel the thrill, the excitement, the revelations, the good vibes… Get to know the quality but never elitist cultural programme in Mauritius at the end of the year and discover the great multicultural richness of your favourite holiday destination.

Feel like pretending to be a superhero on your Mythic Suites & Villas stay? Fancy some exciting and unforgettable adventures? Go for three 100% adrenaline-fueled activities to push you over the edge and share some great family fun.   – Fly as an Iron Man thanks to Flyboarding This amazing discipline was brought to the world by Franky Zapata from France. Fly over the water like Iron Man with hydro-propelled lifter ( HPL ), open to all from 5 years old and with no particular physical condition. Meet the certified technical team and instructors, put on your superhero costume, and fly over the crystal-clear waters of Grand-Baie on a tandem flight with one of the instructors. Hover between 1m and 3m and dive like dolphins for a 10-minute adventure guaranteed to provide thrills and memories of a lifetime.   – Feel like Tarzan as you walk the lions at Casela Home to many lions, cheetahs and caracals, Casela Park provides this very unique opportunity for those with a strong heart. Take a walk alongside these powerful felines together with a trained animal handler and experience the thrill of a lifetime. The lions have become familiar with sharing their time with you but it is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those lucky enough to take the plunge. Visitors can enjoy watching the lions while they play, pet them and ask for a souvenir shot. No nearby lianas to swing from, nor wild screams to utter: the king of the bush is the lion, but for a short moment you may feel like a superhero. The only restriction is to be of a minimum height to participate in the experience.   – Play as James Bond 007 on a submarine scooter ride Dive underwater and explore the lagoons of Mauritius in a tropical and peaceful version of a 2-seater submersible scooter. From the safety of a bubble of fresh air, discover the many treasures of the sea bed from a 360° view. Your safety is ensured by an experienced team during the trip, thus allowing you to make the most of the moment with complete peace of mind. Fish, coral, shells, discover the lagoon in full comfort and capture those unique instants. It is possible to participate in this adventure from the age of 8 and over. The minimum age to drive the scooter is 16.   All three activities can be arranged through our concierge service. Please advise us in advance so our staff can make the necessary reservations and above all, make the most of the experience!

A magnificent religious festival is not to be missed during your holiday or long stay in Mauritius at the end of October. Attending the festivities of Divali, the celebration of light, is not only an opportunity to enjoy the entire island’s enlightenment but also a moment of shared communion between all the communities and visitors.   A thousand-year-old tradition celebrated with joy Divali symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is one of the most important celebrations in Mauritius which reaches across communities and religions. Divali is celebrated by the Hindu community as a way of embracing the spirit of a fresh start and clearing away negative influences. In Hindu mythology, Divali embodies the annihilation of Narakasura by Rama, who is the incarnation of good and evil. This nationally celebrated festival is also known as the ‘festival of lights’. After the traditional puja (prayers), the Hindu community cleans and tidies up the house, while a thousand sweets have been prepared in the kitchen the day before, to be offered to family, friends and passers-by. Outdoors, preparations are underway for the illumination of the house and garden, which is the highlight of the celebration that we are sure you will enjoy.   Let there be light! If you want to explore a magical Mauritius, leave the hotel and hit the road. You have two choices: find a taxi to take you around or take your own car with some traffic jams in the big cities. No matter this slight annoyance! The Divali show will delight children and adults alike. Dress up in your best clothes to honour your guests: it is the perfect opportunity to wear that sari or that superb Indian outfit that has won your favour. Wherever you go, in cities, villages or hamlets, Divali is celebrated, with pomp and circumstance or more modestly. The traditional flickering clay oil lamps have been replaced by more modern illuminations, but the magic and spirit of Divali remains intact.   A tradition of generosity and sharing Park and walk through the streets. All around you, families, passers-by, friends embrace and share wishes for prosperity. Children bang firecrackers, incense and oil from lamps fill the air. A magnificent cultural mix unfolds in front of you: the whole of Mauritius is in the street, participating in the collective fervour in a magnificent spirit of unity and peace. Don’t be surprised if you are invited to enter a courtyard and taste some exquisite cakes. Divali is first and foremost a joyful and friendly sharing celebration. Wish your beautifully dressed hosts and the many Mauritians you will meet “Happy Divali” and they will be happy to tell you more about the rites.   Our recommendation: if Divali is celebrated everywhere, some towns or villages such as Vacoas, Curepipe or Triolet are traditionally the most sparkling ones to celebrate in full light. Make the most of this superb festival, guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.  

Do you feel green? Take your family on four ecotourism tours that are truly off the beaten track and involve both fascinating excursions and action to protect Mauritius’ unique flora and fauna!   – Egret Island Since 1984, the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) has been involved in the preservation of endangered species, weeding out plants and controlling invasive animals on this island in the south-east of Mauritius by reintroducing native varieties. The island is a short pirogue ride away and the diversity found there today is similar to that found 400 years ago. This protected sanctuary is home to 60 native plant species and endemic animals, including the pink pigeon, the Mauritius fody, the kestrel, the Aldabra giant tortoise, various lizards and an array of indigenous flora.   – The Ferney Valley One of the few nature reserves in Mauritius lies within the south-east of the island, not far from the airport. An ideal site for an instructive hike with the whole family, where nature thrives among tropical forests and picturesque valleys.  Your guide will help you get to know the different species of native and local plants and trees. The reforestation and repopulation work has been going on for several years. Ferney Valley is also home to local fauna: deer, wild boars, monkeys, birds, etc. Finally, feel free to head to La Falaise Rouge, opposite Mahebourg lagoon, for a delicious local meal.   – The Frederica Reserve On its 3500 hectares, the Frederica Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bel-Ombre just south of Mauritius, is home to one of the last remaining endemic flora and fauna sanctuaries in Mauritius. Guided by a park ranger, take a walk through the trails and valleys of this unspoilt haven home to a number of native species such as the pink turtle-dove, the Mauritian foudi and the bat, not to mention a large variety of plants. Various ways to enjoy this tour: hiking, a 2WD tour or a picnic, the reserve features breathtaking panoramic views between mountain and sea.   – Ebony Forest The Ebony Forest is another of the island’s rich and rare sanctuaries close to Chamarel. A visit to one of the last remaining indigenous forests, an ecotourism project that generates funds for conservation and education projects, gives you the unique opportunity to learn about the island’s flora and fauna in their natural environment. The project aims to reintroduce locally endangered species, provide nesting boxes for species such as the Mauritius Kestrel and the Echo Parakeet, and helps to rehabilitate the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, to name but a few. A fascinating biodiversity to be found: Paradise flycatcher, pink pigeon, echo parakeet, black bulbul, kestrel, fruit bat, deer, long-tailed macaque… When visiting these wildlife conservation sites, you contribute to the financing of preservation and sustainable development actions. A great way to take part in environmental awareness activities!

Winter is over in Mauritius and offers many opportunities: there are less tourists, the heat is still far away and many service providers are adjusting their activities’ rates accordingly. Whether you are contemplative or hyperactive, you can make the most of your stay in Mauritius with our special low season offer.   Take to the skies in a seaplane   Absolutely stunning! Discover the spectacular scenery of the southwest coast with Lagoon Flight. Departing from Le Morne or La Prairie, board a TL 3000 SIRIUS, in optimum condition, with a licensed ultralight pilot at the controls. The duration of the flights varies from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen itinerary. On the menu: explore the splendid Morne lagoon, its breathtaking underwater waterfall, the famous Le Morne mountain, the dense forests of the Black River Gorges National Park and the sandy beaches of the west coast.  https://www.manawa.com/fr-FR/activite/ile-maurice/   Hiking to the 7 waterfalls of Tamarin, Mauritius   Looking for fresh air? Go for a short and easy hike to discover the natural site of the 7 waterfalls of Tamarin with a passionate guide. On the menu: the discovery of the gorges, the exploration of the waterfalls and pools and a bath if you fancy it. https://www.manawa.com/fr-FR/activite/ile-maurice/   A quad or buggy ride at La Vallée des Couleurs   Spread over 450 hectares of land, La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park has been welcoming thrill-seeking visitors with 100% adrenaline activities since 1998. Close to the famous Chamarel’s 7 colours earth (LINK), explore beautiful natural and green landscapes with rich native flora and fauna. The Domaine is actively engaged in ecotourism. Quad biking or buggy riding is perfect for a family activity, combining safety and comfort. Over 20 quads and buggies are available for an adventurous 1- or 2-hour ride through forested trails surrounded by native vegetation and wildlife. https://lvdc.mu/activities/?lang=fr   Enjoying Mauritian literature and cuisine at the Literary Workshop   A unique place in Port-Louis, which combines gastronomic pleasures and spiritual fulfillment. Designed by a painter and poet, in a century-old warehouse in old Port-Louis, the Literary Workshop is a bookshop specializing in Mauritian books and French literature, which also houses a café. The building made of black stone, wood and frosted metal in the “old factory” style is magnificent. On the mezzanine floor, there is a bookshop dedicated to local authors, worth discovering and bringing back in your luggage. On the ground floor, snacks and delicious dishes are served in a local bistro atmosphere. The Literary Workshop also serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions of paintings and photographs, thus transforming itself into a cultural space open to all.   https://www.facebook.com/cafelatelier/about/?ref=page_internal   MJ Holidays is looking forward to welcoming you to Mauritius in September or October with a special low season offer for an intense and memorable stay. To take advantage of this offer:

Concerts and shows are back in Mauritius after a two-year interruption. Our local artists are excited and eager to get back to their fans. Let’s have a look at some of the cultural events we have in store for you throughout September and October. Theatre lovers or music lovers, get a taste of Mauritian talent.   Theatre with “Tigann” at the Caudan Arts Center, Mauritius   A musical that deals with a sensitive theme is being performed at the vibrant cultural centre in Port-Louis. “Tigann” is based on the novel “Tigann, traverse enn fam dan divan kontrer”, an award-winning literary work that won a prize in 2015 at the 1st Konkour Literer (Literary Competition) organized by the Creole Speaking Union. The issue of women’s condition is brought to light in a musical featuring actors, musicians, singers and dancers. Besides focusing on the issue, the project also aims at promoting young Mauritian talents by offering them the opportunity to perform in a 100% Mauritian, original and contemporary show. Dates: 9 and 10 September 2022   Vibrate on all night with La Isla 2068, a festival dedicated to new musical influences In the magnificent setting of the Domaine de Labourdonnais, a twenty-minute drive from Mythic Suites & Villas, the 2022 edition of this local music festival welcomes enthusiastic audiences ready to party the night away and discover new talent. The 4th edition, entitled La Isla 2068, is a tribute to pop culture and fantasy movies. To celebrate the centenary of Mauritius’ independence (in 2068) well ahead of schedule, the event will focus on the future. Imagined by the cultural media La Isla Social Club, La Isla 2068 is inspired by one dream: to bring together a multicultural audience, both Mauritian and foreign, around new local and foreign talent as well as educational institutions. This borderless, family-friendly, modern and state-of-the-art event was conceived by La Isla Social Club (founded in 2017) to bring together an audience of enthusiasts around artists at the core of the musical scene. Date: Saturday 22 October 2022, from noon to midnight. 2 stages, 7 spaces, 12 hours, 14 bars&food Don’t hesitate to ask our concierges for the latest cultural programs near your hotel resort and to make your reservations.