Prized for its dazzling beaches, fascinating azure lagoon and lush green vegetation, Mauritius is truly the place to be for family vacations. This destination, rich in authenticity and hospitality, enjoys mild, sunny weather all year round, making it a paradise for toddlers and teenagers alike. They’ll have the opportunity to unveil the island’s mysteries from a variety of angles, get involved in a myriad of activities – whether nautical or on land – get absorbed in the exoticism of the local culture thanks to interactive excursions, and indulge in Mauritian gastronomy, so rich in its delights.
Seduced by an enchanting setting
Evoking a veritable Eden on earth, the immense coral reef that generously surrounds Mauritius has given rise to a lagoon of scarcely believable serenity, clear and generally shallow. It’s a real paradise for youngsters, who can indulge in the joys of swimming in complete peace and quiet, enjoying the mild, temperate waters all year round. Then, in the shade of the coconut palms, they’ll be able to rest in the cool, far from the sun’s rays. In this idyllic setting, young and old alike can enjoy a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding and pedal-boating, or learn about the aquatic fauna on a snorkeling trip or a ride on an underwater scooter – memories that are sure to be priceless. Despite significant development, Mauritius has managed to preserve much of its wild environment. Families in search of natural sensations will marvel at the abundance of forests and verdant parks, echoing the lush vegetation of the Black River gorges, simply waiting to be discovered.
For mountain lovers, we offer a wide range of hikes to suit all levels. Gardens like Pamplemousses offer pleasant strolls through tropical landscapes. It would be a mistake not to visit Casela Park, a veritable institution on the island, so rich and varied is its range of recreational activities: a walk in the company of lions, exploration of the farm and its animals, a zip-line session or even a 4×4 safari offer so much to do. convivial moments of discovery.
A prodigiously rich multicultural heritage
When it comes to cultural richness, Mauritius truly stands out thanks to its exceptionally dense heritage. A living testimony to the French and British colonial imprint, a variety of museums and monuments dot its territory, offering a vivid retrospection of its captivating history. An adventure through the streets of Mauritius reveals a multi-faceted human fresco: African, Indian, Chinese and European. This diversity is the result of a unique blend of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim traditions. In a land dotted with sanctuaries of worship, from churches and temples to mosques, Mauritians are an exemplary model of tolerance and social harmony. Imagine travelling to this piece of paradise, walking around the perimeter of the Grand Bassin with your family, and soaking up the sacred aura of this site favoured by Hindu pilgrims.
A cultural mosaic par excellence, Mauritius has produced a largely trilingual population. Mauritians navigate with remarkable ease between Mauritian Creole, French and English. To this linguistic mix are added the exotic notes of Hindi, Tamil and Marathi, frequently heard despite the fact that the Chinese-speaking population represents only 3% of the Mauritian people. Nevertheless, the island still vibrates to the rhythms of traditional festivals from the Middle Kingdom. Embark on a family trip to Mauritius and you’re guaranteed an invigorating immersion in the heart of diverse cultures, and an early introduction to the world’s multicolored riches.
The Mauritian Taste Symphony: A fusion of international flavours
Mauritius’ appeal goes beyond its abundance of heavenly beaches: it also seduces palates with its deliciously spicy cuisine. Indeed, the amalgam of its diverse cultural identities is eloquently revealed on every plate, resulting in singular dishes that fuse traditions and indigenous ingredients such as exotic spices. Mauritian street food, with its pimento cakes, gadjacks and dholl puri, is a world-renowned culinary composition that will satisfy even the most discerning gourmets. While the adults enjoy the spicy samossas, the youngsters will be delighted by the rotis, tasty patties that can be garnished with vegetables and topped with a velvety sauce.
Exploring the Port-Louis market, we discover alouda, a fragrant milk drink. It’s flavored with vanilla, strawberry and almond, topped with basil seeds and a delectable scoop of ice cream. Such a concoction proves the perfect refreshment to soothe the heat of a day of discovery while satisfying sweet tooths.
An exceptional family haven
The island’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its idyllic resorts, nestled along its most enchanting beaches. The most prestigious resorts have rooms or villas fully equipped to meet the needs of every family, and in addition to their fabulously designed kids’ clubs, offer a myriad of activities for all age groups. Tennis, Creole language lessons, treasure hunts, glass-bottomed boat adventures, tennis matches… The huge swimming pools, equipped with special pools, are also the ideal place to enjoy moments of complicity. What’s more, many establishments concoct exclusive dishes for the little ones, and invite the most daring to transform themselves into apprentice bakers for a day!
Teens won’t be left out either, thanks to video game rooms, art workshops, marine or mountain expeditions, and themed evenings organized in the hotels’ discotheques. The hotel’s attentive and dedicated team will look after you and your family throughout the day, allowing you to enjoy the beach in peace, sip a cocktail or head to the spa for a rejuvenating massage. She’ll also be happy to suggest the most attractive activities to enjoy with your family, to make your vacation memorable and full of great emotions.