Newsletter April 2023

Dear Partners and valued readers,

April 2023 …and yet another edition of our monthly newsletter.

As we move further into the year, the month of April brought with it a sense of renewed hope and optimism. The changing weather, the colorful blooms of a near warm winter, and the many celebrations that marked this month provided a much-needed respite from the challenges of the past year.

In this newsletter, I am excited to share with you some of the highlights and experiences in the month of April. From the joyous celebrations of Eid ul Fitr to the efforts made towards environmental conservation on Earth Day, the month of April was a melting pot of diverse experiences that allowed us to connect with the community, the environment, and our inner selves.

Happy Reading!

Josian Deelawon

Eid ul Fitr Celebrations

Eid ul Fitr is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated in Mauritius, and it marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The celebration usually lasts for three days, and it is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends and enjoy traditional food, exchange gifts, and give to the less fortunate.

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning for special prayers at the mosque, where they offer their gratitude to Allah for helping them successfully complete the month of fasting. After the prayers, families and friends gather to share meals, and traditional dishes like biryani, samosas, and halwa are served.

In Mauritius, it is customary to exchange gifts and sweets on Eid, and children receive special presents from their elders. The less fortunate are also given donations and charity to ensure that they too can celebrate the festival with joy and happiness.

The celebration of Eid ul Fitr in Mauritius is a time of joy, peace, and unity. It is an occasion for Muslims to strengthen their bonds with family and friends, and to show kindness and generosity towards others, in keeping with the teachings of Islam.

Biryani is a popular rice dish that is served widely across the island during Eid ul Fitr. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and is now enjoyed all over the world. Biryani is a one-pot dish that can be prepared in different ways depending on the region and the preference of the cook.

The traditional biryani recipe in Mauritius typically involves layering the rice with meat or vegetables, spices, and herbs, and then baking the dish in a sealed pot. The result is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is a favorite of many.

In Mauritius, Eid ul Fitr is a public holiday, and all communities and religions join in the festivities.

Non-Muslims are often invited to the homes of their Muslim friends and neighbours to share traditional dishes, and to exchange greetings and gifts.

Earth Day

The official theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest In Our Planet,” which builds on the theme from the previous year.

The aim is to encourage individuals, companies, and governments worldwide to invest in the planet and its future, in order to address the pressing concerns of climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and pollution, which have led to the decline of wild plants and animals.

By investing in our planet, we can improve the environment and create a safer and more prosperous future for generations to come.

As part of the Earth Day celebrations, the Ministry of the Environment organized various competitions for pupils in primary, secondary, and higher education establishments. The winners were rewarded at a prize-giving ceremony held at the Sir Harilall Vaghjee Memorial Hall in Port-Louis on Monday, in line with the global efforts to promote environmental awareness and protection.

In light of environmental concerns, My Holidays has taken a proactive approach to reduce paper usage and energy consumption through the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, among other initiatives. The goal is to become a completely paperless organization by the end of the current year.

Discovery

Macondé Viewpoint

The Macondé viewpoint is indisputably the most sought-after spot, boasting unrivaled vistas of the turquoise waters along the southwest coast and Le Morne Brabant.

Positioned in Baie du Cap village, it is accessible via a narrow flight of stairs from the main road, which winds around a hairpin bend. However, the viewpoint tends to draw a crowd, especially on weekends.

Nonetheless, we suggest visiting the alternate viewpoint, which offers equally stunning views and can be reached by hiking for just 30 minutes. Although the main viewpoint is still worth a visit, the alternate viewpoint provides a quieter and more serene experience.

To arrange a visit to the Baie du Cap Macondé viewpoint, please contact our hotel representatives for a personalized, full-day car tour with our experienced driver-guides.

Swim with Dolphins

Embarking on an early start for a once-in-a-lifetime experience is a wise investment of one’s time.

Indulge in an exhilarating and all-inclusive speedboat excursion along the West coast.

You will depart from a beach on the West Coast, to follow the dolphins’ tracks in their natural habitat. If the weather permits, you can even approach them closely and enjoy snorkeling and swimming with these fantastic aquatic mammals.

Afterward, revel in a fantastic BBQ with drinks served on the stunning “Ile aux Bennitiers” island, while the crew entertains you.

Finally, return through the calm waters of the lagoon to catch your vehicle and set your way back with unforgettable memories.

Our German Couple said YES

Mauritius boasts soft white sands, sparkling lagoons, and an unforgettable array of island experiences, making it no surprise that weddings held here are some of the dreamiest in the world.

From managing the civil wedding application to following up on supporting documents with the Civil Status Office, as well as arranging the perfect celebration, our wedding coordinator ensures a hassle-free wedding experience.

Our Resident Manager and Hotel representative will oversee the entire event, ensuring that our guests not only receive their wedding certificate but also leave with golden memories of a lifetime.

Planning your dream wedding in Mauritius is easier than you might think. My Holidays can coordinate with hotels that have their own experienced wedding coordinator, who will handle every last detail of your wedding, from the flowers to the post-ceremony celebration.

Local suppliers are highly experienced in weddings, and the island boasts award-winning talent, including wedding photographers who have captured everything from intimate ceremonies to extravagant weddings.

Most of the hotels and resorts in Mauritius offer extensive wedding and honeymoon packages, allowing you to choose the perfect one to suit your party size and style. Villas are also becoming increasingly popular for multi-generational wedding parties and honeymooners.

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Mauritius enjoys warm weather all year round. Although the chance of rain increases during the summer months of January to March, outdoor weddings are still possible.

As the Indian Ocean is already a divine honeymoon destination, getting married in Mauritius means that the happy couple doesn’t have to travel far to enjoy the start of wedded bliss together.

We hope that this edition of our monthly newsletter has provided you with a glimpse into the many exciting events and experiences that took place in April 2023.

As we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic, it is heartening to see communities come together to celebrate, connect, and protect our planet.

We look forward to sharing more stories and updates with you in the coming months, and we thank you for your continued support as our valued partners and readers.

Until next time, stay safe and stay inspired!

My Holidays