WE SPEAK YOUR COLOUR / MAURITIUS
The volcanic landscapes and primary forest of Réunion are enough to inspire any travellers lucky enough to visit its lava-festooned shores. Mauritius, Réunion's neighbour, has its fair share of both natural and man–made beauty. We say 'man–made' because one aspect of Mauritian life that caught our eye during a recent visit was the vibrant, joyous manner in which the locals decorate their shopfronts. And as you know, we love a bit of colour in the streets...
Shopfront geometry in Plaine Magnien, Mauritius
If you ever visit Mauritius, take a break from all that beach and buffet action, hire a car (or a bike if you don't fancy travelling too far), and explore the villages dotted along the coastal roads. We stayed at LUX* Le Morne for a few days at the end of our holiday, and the villages along the southern coast – between Le Morne and Mahebourg, not far from the airport – were awash with colour, in more ways than one. The Hindu festival of Thaipoosam Cavadee was in full swing, and what a spectacle. The temples bristled with a confectionary of multicoloured statues, and the surrounding streets were alive with revellers in vibrant robes and sarees, carrying small ceremonial floats...
Hindu festival float parade, L'Escalier, Mauritius
As we travelled along the coastal road we stopped now and again, soaking up the laid-back coastal vibes while snapping a fascinating spectrum of shopfronts – from the faded geometry of neglected shacks, to the crisp lines and bold hues of more recently decorated buildings. But enough chat, it's time to feast your eyes on the colourful, uplifting spirit of island life, Mauritian style...
Paint and DIY store, Souillac, Mauritius
Electronics store, Riviere Des Anguilles, Mauritius
Bold colour combo at Uvcom Unik Shop in Souillac, Mauritius
Sunny shopfront, Riviere Des Anguilles, Mauritius
Geometric fascia in L'Escalier, Mauritius
Canary-style shutters in Plaine Magnien, Mauritius
Vibrant gates in Riviere Des Anguilles, Mauritius
A small gem of a tobacconist, Baie Du Cap, Mauritius
Faded geometry meets a profusion of ironwork, Riviere Des Anguilles, Mauritius
Even the back streets are vibrant in Souillac, Mauritius
A fresh paint job in Plaine Magnien, Mauritius
We travelled between the Le Morne peninsula and Mahebourg in the south of Mauritius. If you make it to Mauritius any time soon, we highly recommend a visit to the vibrant Sunday market in Centre De Flacq. We were guests at LUX* Belle Mare and LUX* Le Morne, resorts who are keen to celebrate the colour and energy of island life. That sense of colour and energy is everywhere – in the music, the food, and the shopfronts...