Mauritius Family Holidays

When visiting Mauritius with spouse and children, one must be aware of a few important details, which can make or break one’s holiday experience and after comprehension of which nothing stands in the way of a wonderful family island adventure.

The most important thing to know about a stay with kids on a tropical island is the fact that they need protection from the sun even on a cloudy day. In fact, sun protection is the most important thing, closely followed by the water issue: Children even more than adults need their daily intake of water to balance the humidity and cope with the heat. So carry a supply of water (no juice or sweet drink will do, just plain water is needed), sun hats, long-sleeved t-shirts and sun cream around at all times, and you can enjoy the island to the fullest. Mosquito-repellent throughout the day and mosquito tabs or coils at night will make your island stay an even safer and perfect one.

Kayaking With Patrick Haberland In Mauritius
 Kayaking With Patrick Haberland In Mauritius
 Port-Louis Market Place Mauritius
Port-Louis Market Place Mauritius

Almost all products available in a European supermarket are also available in Mauritius, but you might be shocked about the price. So then why buying an expensive imported product if you can have its local brother right beside on the shelf for a lot less? Those in self-catering accommodation are well advised to check the prices and the quality of food before buying large quantities.

Local markets are great places to buy fresh and island-grown fruit and vegetables, and besides food and souvenirs, many interesting items for everyday use and wear can be found there as well.

Travelling families may be surprised to see how kind and caring Mauritians in general treat the little visitors to their island. Be it in the streets, in a restaurant, public place or at the hotel, children are almost always given special attention and care. Most hotels have their own children's programs, some of them even feature full day care with meals so that parents may really kick back and enjoy some days off during their precious vacation.

Special children's menus are not only provided in hotels, but also in most restaurants.

Most hotels provide baby cots or add beds to accommodate small families. Rooms with interconnecting doors are also quite frequently offered. This way, ordinary rooms can be turned into mini-suites or family quarters. However, If you not only want your private sleeping quarters, but also just feel more comfortable with an all-family style holiday, you can opt for rental of a beach house or villa. This way, you can have your own private Mauritius with pool and garden all to yourself, plus enjoy services such as housekeeping, laundry and in some cases even cook or butler service while residing in style and splendor. Holiday homes or villas are commonly equipped with fully furnished kitchens, so you can cook your children's favorite meals, or prepare cherished lazy breakfasts and thus create a true home away from home.

Guesthouses or bed and breakfasts on the other hand are the solution for anyone seeking to combine the comforts of a hotel with the spaciousness of a holiday home.

Providing the meals and the basic hotel structure, they are nevertheless personal and often family run, so that the ambiance is more relaxed and may best suit your needs. Proper planning prevents poor performance: What would your Mauritius family adventure be without ample preparing?

 

Bernard Beach Villa Point D'Esny Mauritius
Beach Villa Point D'Esny Mauritius
Marin Park Bleu Bay Mauritius
Marin Park Bleu Bay Mauritius

So when you sit down to do the homework do not hesitate to consult the map and the calculator; you may be surprised to see that even a luxury beach house can be less than hotel rooms for your entire clan during high season. And even though your desired beach house, villa, pension or hotel may be slightly above your planned budget, you can save on meals and transport fees by cooking simple meals and choosing accommodation close by attractions and family parks and hence live big and yet stick to your budget. Casela in the West, La Vanille Crocodile Park in the South, Domaine des Pailles on the central Plateau or nature attractions such as Chamarel Adventure Park, the National Park or Blue Bay Marine Park are favorites of families and travellers with children.

ECO-tourism and its associated leisure activities as for instance archery, horse riding, hiking or mountain biking have also become very sought after.

Organizations and small enterprises like Mauritius Horse Trails, the Domaine d'Etoile or Mauritius Wildlife are amongst those offering the best and most informative ECO-delights. And, as a classic evergreen, the Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses is a real must to see and this not only just because of the beautiful flowers, but also because of its animal park containing stags and huge old turtles; some of the latter centuries old.

Last but not least: Why not go and spend a rainy day at the Museum?

The Naval Museum in Mahebourg, the Blue Penny Museum or National History Museum in Port Louis show fascinating exhibitions and lots of interesting facts about island history; and the surprising Aventure du Sucre Sugar Museum in Beau Plan even has a special tour just for children with age appropriate and fun activities. A day at the Museum can more than make up for time not spent at the beach. So be it rain or shine, families visiting the island of Mauritius can count on a host of exciting, delightful and exhilarating activities.

Bleu Penny Museum Mauritius
Bleu Penny Museum Mauritius