The Grand Bay Store Plaza which recently reopened its doors, offers a relaxation and recreation area to casual visitors of which one do not grow weary with.  One lets oneself be guided by ones desires or be seated in one of the café to enjoy the view.  A great atmosphere...

With its glassed-in façade, the Grand Bay Store Plaza is an essential break for vacationers who fancy window-shopping in the north of the island.  This brand new shopping mall has reopened its doors since the beginning of April, four years after being destroyed in an explosion caused by a gas leak.  A sad page which has definitely been turned thanks to this space entirely dedicated to pleasure.  With its thirty or so shops across the three levels, it's out of question of not finding what one is looking for.      

As far as the interior design is concerned, the designers have opted for a marine atmosphere so that the tropical setting will not be out of place with this site of holiday resort.  We almost expect to hear in the distance, the sound of the waves breaking against the shore.  The transparent floor with sand and shells underneath has a lovely effect.  A few old tickets are scattered on the sandy floor to the delight of the kids who are trying to pick them up.  At the top of the main escalator, the tourists are taking pictures in front of a pirogue under the watchful eye of a security guard.      

Persian carpets woven with golden thread

One'll find anything at Grand Bay Store Plaza: jewels, leather products, tapestry and designer labels clothes.  There is also anything to design tastefully ones home.  And in this regard, the tapestry shop will surprise many.  Hanging on the walls, the Persian beautiful tapestries arouse the curiosity of many visitors.  One of them that is woven with a golden thread, costs at around ten thousand euros.  A warning to the enthusiasts...The shop is owned by an Indian citizen with a perfect appearance.  His English, with a strong accent, already embarks us on a journey.               

At the ground floor, the colourful window of a luxury shop attracts ones gaze: "Le Galuchat."  This surprising name is indeed the common name referring to ray and shark skin activity.  A complete programme!  A quick glance at the handbags and other accessories displayed in the shop finally convinced us to step in.  From these outrageously expensive skins, the artisans make key holders, backpacks, but also elegant clothes much popular with those who want to shine in a social evening.

And to get back on one's feet again, one may sit down at one of the tables along the terrace of the café overlooking the public beach of Grand Bay.  From afar one may spot the catamarans returning to the dock along with tourists who spend a relaxing day on one of the many islets off the coast of Grand Bay. 

Written by Guillaume Gouges