How to Plan a Family Vacation to Mauritius

Ranked among the globe's most popular holiday destinations for families, Mauritius is a dream come true for those who are travelling with children. Offering group travellers a landscape that's rich in natural beauty and resources, the country is not only a beach Mecca for the masses but also a cultural hotspot in its own right. From finding the right rests to exploring the country's lesser-known highlights, here's how to spend a meaningful holiday in the country.

1. Time the Trip

Those who are heading to Mauritius with kids should first and foremost make sure they are travelling to the country during the right time of year. Although the country is promoted as a year-round holiday hub, those who wish to avoid inclement weather conditions should time their visit to coincide with the sunnier seasons in the Mauritian calendar. The best months to visit the country include April and May and October and November during the latter half of the year. The temperature during this period will not exceed 30 °C. The period from June to September can also be a good time of year if one sticks to the western coast of the country.

2. Find Family-Friendly Accommodation

The next step in the planning process is finding Mauritius suites that offer the creature comforts that your family is used to. Whether you select the Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas or any other property, it is important to check whether the venue contains a swimming pool, gaming arcade, babysitting and laundry services or any other facilities that your family will need for a seamless vacation experience. A strategically located rest will also serve families well as it will cut down on the time spent on the road in reaching various attractions and activity bases.

3. Sign up for a Hiking Tour

Families with a love of nature and hiking will find that the Black River Gorges National Park provides the perfect opportunities to enjoy their favourite pastime. Offering holidaymakers a range of easy to navigate and challenging trails, the national park is among the most breathtaking landscapes families will come across in the country. Birdwatchers will also relish the chance to catch a glimpse of the many winged beauties that call the area home while the Gorges viewpoint, where most trails end, provides panoramic views of the Black River Gorges National Park.

4. Allocate a Few Days to Explore the Beaches

Setting a few days aside to explore the stunning beaches of Mauritius is also a must for families as Grand Bay, Trou aux Biches, Grand Gaube and Cap Malheureux are not the only stunning coastal hubs in the country. Families with a passion for water sports should also pencil in a day at the Blue Bay National Marine Park on the southern shores of Mauritius where the lagoon offers excellent snorkelling opportunities for novices and seasoned visitors.

5. Pencil in a Shopping Spree

The vibrant markets of Port Louis should also have a place in your sightseeing itinerary in Mauritius as this bustling thoroughfare offers families and expats alike to stock up on local treats and aromatic spices. The Central Market of Port Louis is no less exciting as it is perhaps the perfect venue to pick up a souvenir.

6. Note down Local Treats to Savour

A trip to Mauritius will offer families the chance to dig into Creole cuisine like never before and those who wish to make an adventure of their culinary experiences in the country would do well to note down top restaurants and local dishes. Some of the best local treats to sample on a trip to Mauritius include octopus curry and the selection of flatbreads that pair well with seafood dishes.