Text: Xanet van Vuuren. Photographs: Supplied. Article from the January 2013 issue of Living and Loving Magazine.
There’s nothing quite like an idyllic island holiday when you’ve run yourself ragged taking care of your family all year. But the dream of white sandy beaches and cocktails sipped poolside out of reach for the average South African family?
Maurtius isn’t just for honeymooners as we discovered on a recent trip, affordable luxury options and kid-friendly activities make it a viable family holiday destination.
Island dreams
About 2400km off the southeast coast of Africa, surrounded by the world’s third largest coral reef, rests the enchanting island of Mauritius. The island was created by volcanic activity about eight million years ago, and is encircled by a jaggered ring of mountain ranges and 150km of beautiful white sandy beaches. What’s more, Mauritius is the perfect place for a family looking for a restful, rejuvenating holiday. Afterall, what could be better for an exhausted mom than jetting off to a resort that will take care of every meal and snack requirement her family may have as well as provide fun and entertainment that will keep the children happy while she snoozes on the beach?
On a recent trip to Mauritius we made it our mission to see if there were truly affordable family packages available and to show you how you can make this fantasy a reality.
Child-friendly facilities are offered by many of the resorts on the island but not all, so it’s important to find out when you book, exactly what you can expect from each resort. Some are more geared to entertain children than others so depending on the ages of your children, you’ll know what your requirements are.
While the crystal-clear waters and gentle seas are perfect for snorkelling, canoeing, glass-bottom boat trips, windsurfing and scuba diving, for those looking to spend time just paddling in shallow waters with the children, there’s really no better, or safer place than Mauritius.
Activities
Apart from the wide beaches and calm water, the island has a number of cultural activities geared for families too, so here’s a list of things to add to your ‘to do’ list when visiting the island:
- Learn about Mauritian heritage and local scenery by visiting an extinct volcanic crater.
- Wander through the bustling corridors of the craft market at Caudan Waterfront in Port-Louis.
- Not to be missed are the Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses with 500 rare plant species to be seen.
Where to stay
Ambre Hotel
Ambre Hotel on the East coast is a firm favourite among South African families as it’s affordable. This four-star hotel has beautiful sea-view rooms, spacious family rooms and a pristine white beach the whole family can relax on. Kids can splash around in the pool while you relax, or you can leave them in the capable hands of the staff at the Kids Club.
Enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach, or partake in a mouth-watering buffet in the main restaurant or taste the local cuisine at Eureka – an ancient Creole house built in 1830.
Sugar Beach Hotel
Over on the West coast is the beautiful Sugar Beach Hotel. Children will have a ball in the luscious, landscaped gardens and will also love the Sun Kids Club (free for children 2-11 years) where fun activities are on the cards every day.
Adults can enjoy cocktails at Tides Restaurant, or stroll along the beautiful beaches of Sugar Beach to the neighbouring resort La Pirogue.
Long Beach Hotel
The recently completed Long Beach Hotel is stylish and upmarket yet has a very vibrant and playful atmosphere – perfect for families. Relax next to one of two swimming pools, or get comfortable under a palm tree on the beach where the kids can build sandcastles and you can sip cocktails. If you need some down time, leave the kids at the Angels Club for the day. The fully trained child minders will keep your little ones busy with fun, age-appropriate activities and arts and crafts.
Contact World Leisure Holidays to enquire about prices for children, as they can often stay for a discounted price depending on their age.
Thank you to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and World Leisure Holidays for a spectacular four days on the beautiful island of Mauritius. Visit www.wlh.co.za or www.sunresortshotels.com for more information on the resorts and excursions in Mauritius.
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