MAGICAL MAURITIUS: Golf, beaches and great value for money
Fancy shaking up Christmas and spending it barefoot on a beach or on the golf course with your family. Then take a look on what your next family adventure could look like.
Mauritius isn't just for honeymooners and couples. This idyllic Indian Ocean island also packs a punch for active family holidays too and with all inclusive options aplenty plus their incredible golf offering it can prove really good value for families. Especially when you have 3 very hungry and very thirsty lads!
ARRIVING IN MAURITIUS AS A FAMILY OF FIVE
I had been to Mauritius pre-kids staying at Le Tousserok, but this time felt very different. I was arriving with my husband and our three teenage children for a much‑needed 10‑night escape: time to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy being together at Christmas, without constantly reaching for the wallet!
LONG BEACH HOTEL: LOCATION, STYLE AND CHRISTMAS WEATHER
We checked into Long Beach Resort on an all inclusive basis and what really stood out for us was how easy everything felt. The resort runs along a wide, white‑sand beach, framed by palms and beautifully kept gardens, with contemporary, low‑rise buildings that never feel crowded. Around Christmas, the weather on this side of the island is breezy but lovely: warm, dry and comfortable, with a constant trade wind taking the edge off the heat. We could be outside all day, whether lazing by the pool or out on the golf course, without feeling overheated.
The layout adds to the sense of calm. Everything is walkable, yet there is always a quiet corner or sea‑view terrace to retreat to. The ocean is a constant backdrop: at breakfast, along the pathways and with a drink in hand at sunset. For a festive‑season escape, it struck that perfect balance between atmosphere and relaxation.
ALL INCLUSIVE IN MAURITIUS: WHERE VALUE REALLY SHOWS
Mauritius is often seen as a blow‑the‑budget destination, but this trip reminded me how much value you can unlock here. At Long Beach, All Inclusive really does mean that almost everything is taken care of: meals, drinks, snacks, selected activities and, crucially for us, golf. As a family of five with three teenagers, that made a huge difference.
Food quickly became one of the highlights. Long Beach has several restaurants, each with its own style, so dinners never felt repetitive. One night we enjoyed Asian flavours, another night freshly grilled seafood or wood‑fired pizza. There was so much on offer.
DAYS FILLED WITH POOLS, BEACH TIME AND SIMPLE PLEASURES
One of our favourite spots was the adults only pool (over 16s so all our lads could join us). This space became our sanctuary: comfy loungers, attentive service and that blissful feeling of being slightly removed from the main buzz. There were swims, naps, proper conversations and the occasional cocktail before lunch.
The included activities were a lovely bonus. Beach volleyball matches became a regular fixture, joining other guests for some friendly competition. Snorkelling from the shore gave us colourful fish and coral without needing a full‑day excursion. It was that ideal mix of having plenty to do, yet feeling no pressure to tick anything off a list. If someone wanted to read, someone else wanted to swim and the teens fancied a game, it was all easily done.
ANAHITA GOLF COURSE: CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF INCLUDED
The real star of the value for us was the golf. Our All Inclusive package included complimentary rounds plus transfers to Anahita Golf Course, a championship layout that manages to be both spectacular and welcoming. Being collected from the resort, with clubs whisked into the vehicle, instantly made it feel special and, importantly, effortless.
Anahita sits between mountains and ocean, so many holes come with postcard‑worthy views. Fairways are generous but cleverly designed, with water, mature trees and well‑placed bunkers. For our family it was the ideal balance: interesting and challenging for keen golfers, yet still playable and enjoyable . The clubhouse and practice facilities feel polished but not intimidating, and the whole experience runs smoothly, from transfers to tee times. When you consider what a round like this could cost elsewhere, having it folded into our stay was a huge plus.
ÎLE AUX CERFS: BUCKET‑LIST ISLAND GOLF BY BOAT
We also had access to Île aux Cerfs Golf Course, which features on the world’s list of “100 golf courses you must play”. The excitement begins before you even reach the first tee, because the course sits on its own island. Transfers are by boat, skimming over that trademark Mauritian turquoise water past little beaches and mangroves.
Once there, the setting feels almost surreal. Many holes run alongside the coast, with sparkling sea on one side and lush vegetation on the other. Elevated tees give sweeping lagoon views, and the design makes the most of volcanic rock and natural contours. The fact that this bucket‑list experience formed part of our package, rather than a long list of extras, really underlined how strong the value can be in Mauritius.
RECONNECTING AS A FAMILY, WITH EVERYTHING TAKEN CARE OF
Mauritius might be a longer flight than some of the go‑to European resorts, but for us it delivered more: more inclusions, more quality, more space and more genuine connection as a family. With its strong All Inclusive options, superb golf with green fees and transfers included, and that dreamy Indian Ocean setting, it proved that looking a little further afield can actually offer excellent value for money.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are weighing up another “safe” European resort against somewhere more special, my experience in Mauritius might help tip the balance. Yes, it is further to travel, but once you arrive the quality and breadth of what is included, especially on a good All Inclusive with golf, can make it feel like far better value overall.
Fancy your own Mauritian family adventure? Then get in touch.
