Mauritius is slowly winding down at the beginning of January, with businesses closed and Mauritians on holiday. After the traditional New Year’s greetings, our multicultural and diverse population honours a number of national holidays, which are worth discovering and sharing with the Mauritians.   Greetings, a tradition that is giving way to digital technology On January 1st, Mauritians used to visit their closest family and friends to exchange wishes of happiness and health. This tradition is still relevant today within close family but the pleasure of reuniting with family members is now increasingly replaced by digital messages. However, many people still honour the traditional lunch on 1 January, when several generations gather around a good meal.   Thaipoosam Cavadee: piety and devotion This festival of Tamil origin marks the end of ten days of fasting. On this occasion, the participants, whose bodies and tongues are pierced with needles, go on a pilgrimage to the temple for offerings and purification. Dedicated to Murugan, this celebration is quite impressive for children but exciting for all those who want to discover thousand-year-old traditions.   Chinese New Year Kung shee fat choy! Don’t be surprised if you are greeted like this on 1 February, Chinese New Year. In Mauritius, celebrations are national and exclusive cultural appropriation does not exist. At dawn, the spinners (huge strings of firecrackers) drag the late risers out of bed. The houses and businesses of our Sino Mauritian compatriots are strewn with bits of blood-red firecrackers. After prayers to the ancestors at the pagoda, families gather to offer fung pow to the younger ones, red envelopes containing money. This is followed by a huge lunch and vibrant games of mah jong. It is not uncommon to come across a celestial dragon and a belligerent lion in the shopping centres. A must-try is the “gato lasir”, a round cake made with honey.   Maha Shivratri The long night of Shiva is certainly one of the most beautiful pilgrimages to attend during your stay in Mauritius if you are there at the end of February. From all over the island, on the days preceding the festival (1st March), pilgrims converge on Ganga Talao, the sacred Mauritian lake located on the central plateau. Pulling splendid glittering chariots decorated with the face of Shiva or carrying more modest bows on their shoulders, tens of thousands of men, women and children dressed in white walk along the roads. They are going to do their offerings and prayers on the banks of this magnificent lake. A multitude of gods from the Hindu pantheon, an atmosphere smoked with incense, vibrating with prayers and bells, a crowd full of fervour and the unforgettable spectacle of hundreds of earthen lamps illuminating the sacred waters: Maha Shivratri is an exceptional immersion in the Mauritian culture.   Mauritians are always happy to welcome you on their national holidays. They will proudly explain the traditions inherent in the ceremonies and will let you taste the culinary specialities. Ask our concierges for information on the places and times of the festivities closest to your hotel residence so that you can fully experience each of these celebrations.  

We wish you a happy holiday season. http://wordpress.wihphotels.com/mjholidays/media/sites/33/2021/12/Email-En-Carte-de-voeux-Digitale-960-x-540-px.mp4   GROUP MJ HOLIDAYS 2021 has been a year of development for MJ Holidays. Discover the new website of our group MJ Holidays LTD. A privileged access has been designed for you! The history of the group MJ Holidays Collection Press room Sustainable commitment Pro access     WHAT’S NEW AT BLACK RIVER Marguery Villas In 2021, Marguery Villas shone under the digital banner: New website Implementation of a new CRM offering exceptional personalisation to travellers Influencer partnerships Daily commitment and implementation of new sustainable actions Eco-garden Interactive brochures   WHAT’S NEW AT GRAND GAUBE Mythic Suites & Villas Mythic Suites & Villas also shone under digital developments in 2021: New website Creation of 3D virtual tours for our suites & villas CRM implementation Daily social and environmental actions Influencers and press partnerships Eco-responsible garden Interactive brochures

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.

Real travel is demanding: you need to spend time on it… Time to slow down, to savour life, the present moment, emotions: it makes it easier to understand and soak up the surrounding environment. Being part of the social life of a place, focusing on the quality and authenticity of the experience: these are the aspirations of new teleworking or vacationing travellers or those who have retired.  Immersion in the simple and pleasant side of a long stay in Mauritius. Getting to know a place and a culture more intensively: ” travelling is the achievement of an often idealized dream. ” It is a dream to be explored, felt, touched and perhaps even sublimated. We wish you longer, slower, more contemplative and more meaningful journeys”. Isabelle Descroizilles, our Managing Director, couldn’t better describe the pleasure of a long stay, so appropriate to the exceptional multi-culturalism of Mauritius and its sublime landscapes. Taking the time to exchange, to listen, to share, to be more than just a passing visitor: discovering the other, the other way, rediscovering oneself, this is the promise of a long stay.                                                        Mauritius, island of unlimited opportunities. Sea, mountains, splendid beaches, museums, handicrafts, historical heritage, cultural life: the long stay gives you the opportunity not only to be initiated, but also to regularly practice water or land sports as well as leisure activities (LINK activities). Sign up for a yoga (LINK) or painting workshop, improve your kiteboarding skills, climb all the practicable mountains or learn about the local cuisine: the long stay makes everything possible.   A culinary journey through time Exotic food lovers? Welcome to the kingdom of countless flavours, influences and culinary traditions from different continents, reinvented to delight the senses. From the street food of Port-Louis to the most select gastronomic restaurants, take the time to taste, try and savour whatever you choose. Your long stay with awareness of the local economy When choosing activities or food, encouraging local trade and handicrafts in restaurants or for your purchases (LINK) contributes directly to the country’s economy. A long stay also reduces the carbon footprint due to distance. A good opportunity to remain true to sustainable and eco-responsible convictions.   Take advantage of our “Travel more… Pay less” offer Dreaming of moving overseas and settling down for a few months in one of our residences where you can enjoy all the hotel services in the privacy of a villa or a suite just like at home?  By choosing a long stay, you benefit from discounts depending on the length of your stay, from 15% to 55% if you stay more than 60 nights in one of our hotel residences. To make the most of your trip to Mauritius at a lower cost: discover the availabilities.     Our concierges will make your long stay an unforgettable experience. Benefit from their advice and knowledge of their island and discover an invaluable facet of Mauritius to savour the best we have to offer.                                                 

In Mauritius, the end of year celebrations are traditionally accompanied by firecrackers, fizett (rockets) and other fireworks. From 20 December to 10 January, the evenings echo with firecrackers everywhere. A light and sound show takes place every evening. The highlight of the festivities: the fireworks set off by the hotels at midnight on 31 December. These are the most beautiful, and are not to be missed. An overview of the best places to watch the show. A typical Mauritian tradition As early as late November, firecrackers and other fireworks invade the shelves of supermarkets. They can even be found on some stalls in towns and villages. Mauritians are fond of participating in this ritual where the older ones, with the excuse of supervising the children, take great pleasure in it. Although families spend money on this event every year, nothing compares to the splendid fireworks set off by the hotels along the coast at midnight. Enjoy a magical show with your family and children!   On the beaches Why settle for a single beautiful firework display when you can watch a simultaneous fireworks apotheosis?  Our recommendation: choose THE right beaches, which offer a panoramic view over several hotels and thus enjoy an incredible show. Indeed, more and more hotels choose to shoot their fireworks on a lagoon deck, which considerably reduces the risk of dangerous manoeuvres and above all reflects the lights on the water: a truly magical moment! The fireworks last between 10 and 20 minutes for the most spectacular ones, but they will be preceded throughout the evening by those of private individuals, which are more modest but give a first taste of the celebrations. Moreover, the atmosphere is very festive, family-oriented and friendly.   In the North East The public beaches of Grand-Baie, Pointe aux Canonniers, Grand-Gaube (all within 20 minutes of Mythic Suites & Villas) offer a beautiful view on the hotels fireworks.    In the west Definitely Tamarin Bay or La Preneuse beach, opposite Marguery Villas. The whole village and many families settle down in the afternoon under the filaos to enjoy the show. Many New Year’s Eve parties are held here in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. The view towards Flic-en-Flac and sometimes even further away is breathtaking.   By boat A unique experience in a magical setting: enjoy the fireworks from a boat with a glass of champagne, swayed by the lazy rhythm of the sea. Your concierge will inform you about our usual service providers.   Taking in the sights A five-minute walk from Marguery Villas in the estate will take you to the slopes of La Tourelle for a 180° view of Le Morne to Flic-en-Flac, where you can admire the fireworks display from west to east. Further away, and also more local, is the view of the central plateau over the large towns from the Trou aux Cerfs crater in Curepipe, which is less spectacular because it is limited to private fireworks.   To attend the spectacular fireworks show on 31 December in Mauritius is to share in the joy and wonder of the traditional passage to a new year with Mauritians. 

Mauritius is a very easy place to settle in: travellers are welcome and Mauritians know how to give a warm greeting to those who step on their shores. This small tropical island is exceptionally well suited for expatriation or a long stay. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Mauritius has an exceptional lifestyle for travellers. Experience this unique place to the fullest by taking advantage of all the benefits and assets this incredible destination has to offer. Let’s explore the best of Mauritius and discover the beauty of your new destination.   Accommodation during your long stay Your priority for a successful expatriation: good accommodation, in a pleasant, secure, spacious place, in the heart of a hotel residence while benefiting from the best hotel services. Get away for a few months with nothing but your suitcases while benefiting from special rates for a long stay in one of our private villas or flats near the beaches and shops. Feeling like you are at home? Discover all that Mauritius has to offer!   Education in Mauritius Are you coming with your family? There are excellent private French and international schools in Mauritius in addition to the government-run schools. Five French and six English or international schools (nursery, primary and secondary) provide quality education in small classes that have a graduation success rate of over 95%. A well-organised school bus system, located in the immediate vicinity of our resorts, operates between these schools. There are also public and private universities as well as professional schools (Vatel, Escoffier…)   A wide range of water and land-based activities all year round With its particularly mild tropical climate, Mauritius’ splendid beaches are ideal all year round for practising your favourite sports or learning new ones. The average annual temperature is 25°C and the southern winter lasts only a few months, between June and September. Mauritius, as a renowned tourist destination, has many service providers offering a wide range of water sports activities to enjoy in its beautiful lagoons: boat trips, diving, paddle, surfing, kite, kayaking, parasailing, dolphin watching and swimming, glass-bottom boats, deep-sea fishing, picnics on islands… You can also explore the marine fauna with nothing more than a snorkelling mask. As for land activities, you can enjoy canyoning, hiking, trekking, golf with magnificent competition courses, tennis, fitness, martial arts, bowling, squash, yoga, pilates, quad biking, horse riding, but also tai chi or oriental dance… Shopping in Mauritius Mauritius is well-known for its textiles, model ships and duty-free jewellery, to name a few. There are many shopping centres in the main towns and tourist villages. These include both brand shops and “local” textiles: T-shirts, polo shirts, shirts, street wear, beach wear, etc., as well as factory outlets selling international brands. The local handicrafts provide the opportunity to bring back handmade gifts or food products in your suitcases. Should you like to bargain, don’t hesitate to explore the fairs and bazaars (those of Quatre-Bornes and Port-Louis are worth the trip for their souk atmosphere) and to check out the shopping malls, with their varied and affordable products.   Immersion in the intense cultural and religious life A visit to Mauritius means following in the footsteps of the extraordinary melting pot of peoples from different backgrounds. Several museums propose an interesting insight into the history of the island. The chance to see one of the first stamps issued in the world, the bones of the mythical dodo, the history of the first immigrants or the sugar cane industry are all within easy reach. This multi-cultural harmony, the first of its kind in the world, is based on a tolerant and open-minded cohabitation of different religions. The island abounds in magnificent temples, churches, pagodas and mosques accessible everywhere on the island, as well as places of religious pilgrimages. Religious festivals are celebrated with great fervour and are often spectacular, such as the Maha Shivatri festival in Grand-Bassin or the dragon dance for the Chinese New Year. Travellers are welcome at these ceremonies and Mauritians are always happy to share and explain their traditions and celebrations. Live music with local and international artists is performed, including an annual jazz festival in Tamarin, five minutes from Marguery Villas. Theatre performances, cultural and wellness festivals are also organised. Cinema’s offer the latest blockbusters. A culinary adventure in Mauritius Welcome to the kingdom of gourmet delights. Are you fond of food and curious about new cuisines? Embark on an exotic journey full of flavours in Mauritius. Creole, Indian, Chinese, French, gastronomic or street food, good addresses abound. The local cuisine is generally spicy, medium spicy.  Find on our Travelogues our favourite restaurants and our recommendations if you stay at Mythic Suites&Villas or Marguery Villas and ask our concierge to make your reservation.   Nightlife in Mauritius  Nightlife in Mauritius is relatively quiet. However, there are a number of good places to be discovered in the vicinity of our resorts. Have a drink, go dancing, attend a concert, play at the casinos, find all our recommendations here.   Mauritius’ relaxed atmosphere and friendly population make it one of the best destinations for a successful expatriation or a long stay, in addition to its splendid landscapes.