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With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters Mauritius encapsulates everything a holiday should be. Its luxury hotels are framed by an impressive backdrop of volcanoes and mountain peaks with luscious greenery at their feet and idyllic beaches at their door. Widely regarded for its beaches there is also never a shortage of activities in which to partake, surrounded by the Indian ocean there is plenty of opportunity for water sports and diving whilst the island's diverse wildlife provides a great setting for nature parks and hikes.
When to go
Often associated with winter sun, Mauritius is a great year-round destination, its peak season is between October and April which can be very hot and humid whilst the winter season remains hot but also dry with the added bonus of holiday rates dropping by 30-50%.
Where to Stay
Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa
The western coast of Mauritius offers a private hideaway for this resort on a quiet stretch of beach, making it ideal for couples and spa aficionados. In this warmer more sheltered area of the island, the hotel is comprised solely of villas (with private pools of course) offering its guests the ultimate personal service with a minimum of three employees to each of the 65 villas. There are three restaurants for guests to choose from and rates include water sports, yoga and tennis - ensuring that there is never a dull moment to be had. The hotel is also family friendly with a kids' club for 3-12 years old, a children's pool and family activities in the surrounding areas.
Constance Le Prince Maurice Resort
Found on the east coast amongst luscious greenery, this resort is full of character and heritage with its 'suites' floating on stilts above the mangroves almost as if a natural part of the island. The hotel boasts nearly two staff per guest making it clear that service is priority with staff always prepared to go that extra mile to ensure satisfaction. As mentioned in our family holiday blog, the hotel underwent a refurbishment which saw the creation of 12 new family suites with bunk beds and apple mac minis (to keep the little ones quiet). Also, the hotel plays host to the only over water floating restaurant on the island guaranteeing an unforgettable stay.
Shanti Maurice Resort Hotel
A great resort for all holiday makers from singles to families, this family run boutique hotel exudes relaxation thanks to its informal yet attentive service. Set among the tropical gardens of the south between quiet fishing villages, Shanti Maurice is very family friendly. Activities for children include a junior pop up spa with treatments and meditation, trekking in the National Park, exploring the Black River Gorges, cycling, scooter hire and snorkelling.
St. Regis Resort Hotel
An outpost of the infamous St. Regis chain set on what is said to be one of Mauritius' most beautiful sheltered stretches of beach. As with all St Regis hotels every room has a butler on standby, this, combined with personable staff speaking great English reminds us why the St Regis hotels are held in such high esteem. All of the 172 residences are beach facing, decorated elegantly yet satisfying all the needs of a modern traveller. Suites can also be adapted to accommodate families who can drop their kids off (up to 12 years old) at the Kite Flyers children's club where they can enjoy a fantastic range of activities.
What to do
Port Louis
Mauritius' capital is mostly seen as a shopping destination, however it also has an array of cultural attractions such as the Natural History museum, Blue Penny museum or another tourist favourite, climbing up signal mountain to admire the stunning sunset.
Maison Eureka
This mansion bears witness to Mauritius' deep French colonial history, once owned by a French sugar baron it features architecture well ahead of its time, its also rather beautiful thanks to its mountainous backdrop, exotic gardens and waterfall.
Grand Baie
This old fishing village grew into a tourist hot spot due to its great shops and evening entertainment, it also offers countless activities such as excursions, the interactive island museum and an aquarium to name a few.
Black River Gorges National Park
Walk up the nature trail through the undulating deep green forests of the National Park surrounded by exotic wildlife (and if you're lucky a monkey or two!) to reach the highest peak of the island to witness one of its most beautiful views.
Casela Nature & Leisure Park
A fantastic way to spend a day for the whole family, this park offers amazing activities that you'll definitely look back on with a smile. Here you can 'canyon', rent a quadbike or segway on safari to enjoy the animals at your own pace, rock climb, zip line and there's also a petting zoo so the little ones aren't left out.
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