Mesmerising Mauritius; a family experience

When I was growing up Mauritius was the sort of name that was thrown around as the ultimate luxury destination, to which all of us could one day aspire to visit. The world may have moved on and opened up somewhat since then (although I’m obviously still very young), but the island is still a fantastic destination, marrying beautiful beaches, with lush tropical, mountainous scenery, all set within a warm, sunny, almost rum-tinted climate.

I returned there recently having visited many years prior, and before I became a mum, and was keen to see what the island has to offer through a family lens.

The tourism industry in Mauritius continues to thrive and there’s a remarkable choice of resorts suiting families, couples, honeymooners, golfers, really any visitor, no matter how adventurous, or whatever the budget; often making comparable European destinations look expensive and pedestrian by contrast.

Here’s just a few of the adventures you can experience as a family:

Cruise the lagoon Just off the eastern coast, a huge natural lagoon lends itself to exploration, huge amounts of marine life, and a lazy day of cruising, be it by casual catamaran, or suped-up speedboat. Families can snorkel together amongst vast shoals of multicoloured fish, spot dolphins darting past, while you sneak a glass of cold rum cocktail (you’re supporting the local economy after all!)

Beach barbeque bliss Many tours offer a full beach dining experience, freshly caught fish grilled to perfection, more rum, live music and more, as the kids play in the crystal-clear lapping waters only feet away.

Hold back the river You can explore by tour boat, canoe or kayak along the rivers near Mahebourg, meeting monkeys, local fishing boats and cascading waterfalls along the way.

Wonderous water sports Whether you want to jump on board a banana boat, be flung around on a donut or fly high into the sky, Ile aux Cerfs is the stop off for those seeking adrenalin action! With restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and untouched tranquil beaches, there’s also space for those seeking relaxation.

Zip, quad, jeep Moving further into the island; the south west of Mauritius offers serene to scary entertainment as best you wish. Vallee des Couleurs offers a full bloodied day of thrills, the older kids can try everything from crazed quad bike tours to the 23 (count them) coloured sands, to long zip wires that fling you for over 1.5km above the tropical canopy.

Every tear is a waterfall What Mauritius doesn’t lack is a view. Vast valley vistas about, and plummeting waterfalls make the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the posh picnic your resort has provided.

Mauritian menagerie The one thing Mauritius has in spades is animal life, from the lions and crocodiles of the Casela wildlife park (take a stroll with the lions if you dare!) through to giant turtle rides, and cuddles for baby crocodiles at La Vanille Nature Park. Wildlife parks are a day out in of themselves.

Rum tasting tours An island adventure in Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without a quick visit to sample the local rum. Stop off at St Aubin House to see an artisan agricultural distillery in action and try as many of their rums as you wish. Just make sure you take a taxi!

Overall, Mauritius is still that far flung sun-soaked paradise of childhood dreams, but it’s one where you can mix beach life and resort relaxation with once in a lifetime family experiences. And it’s one that’s no longer out of reach.

Get in touch to find out more!