The Gift Of Mauritius
This trip was a special surprise for my nine-year-old daughter at the end of her school year. The gift of travel was even bigger: she would go with her best friends, who had already planned their summer vacation. She was over the moon and decided to keep it a secret, planning to meet her friend at the airport as a surprise, saying that they would be going together. The joy on her face when the plan unfolded was priceless—a moment I’ll never forget.
We traveled in July, which is winter in Mauritius, so the weather was pleasantly cool—around 23–25°C. It was quiet chilly for island standards, perfect for exploring without the intense tropical heat, and made outdoor adventures even more enjoyable for the kids.
For our stay, we chose Tamassa Bel Ombre, a really nice family-friendly resort that offers excellent value for money and plenty of activities for children. From pools to playgrounds, creative workshops to beach games, it had everything to keep the kids entertained while giving the adults a chance to relax. Even though we loved our resort, we were so excited to explore the island that we just couldn’t stay in one place—the adventures beyond the resort were calling us.
Exploring the Island Together
Mauritius called us beyond the resort, and we answered. • Chamarel’s Seven Colored Earths seemed spun from a dream. The dunes shimmered in every shade, almost teasing the children to “catch” the colors with their eyes. Waterfalls tumbled nearby, a living canvas framing countless family photographs, while we lingered in awe, marveling at nature’s brushstrokes. • Casela Park – pure kid adventure One day, we stepped into a world of wild enchantment. Giant tortoises ambled lazily past, zebras nibbled treats straight from our hands, and white lions and cheetahs moved with silent majesty. The kids were unstoppable—swinging like monkeys, darting through bumper cars, challenging each other on mini-golf, and gently patting bunnies and goats. Their wide-eyed wonder and uncontainable laughter transformed the park into a magical kingdom. Watching them feel like little zookeepers, discovering, learning, and exploring with open hearts, we felt the pure joy of family adventure. • Catamaran Cruise – a day on the ocean Our catamaran sailed into morning light, dolphins dancing alongside us, turquoise waters beckoning beneath. We danced barefoot to the rhythm of Sega, sipped wine under the sun, and savored a fresh barbecue prepared on deck. A stop at the Crystal Islands revealed beaches so perfect they seemed plucked from postcards—soft sand, shallow lagoons, and Le Morne rising majestically in the distance. The children splashed, laughed, and reveled in every moment, their joy spilling over into our hearts. We returned with tiny treasures—souvenirs and fragments of the island that would carry us home long after the trip ended.
Food That Made Everyone Happy
Meals became part of the magic. Buffets offered endless choice, fresh fruit awaited at every turn, and seafood dinners along the shore gave us moments of indulgence. The kids delighted in pizza and desserts, while we savored Creole flavors grilled to perfection.
Practical Tips for Families Traveling to Mauritius
Best Time to Visit • May to October: cooler, drier, and perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures. • November to April: warmer, with a chance of tropical rain, but still beautiful.
What to Pack for Kids • Rash vests and swim shoes (the coral can be sharp). • Plenty of sunscreen and hats. • Light clothes for the day, but a light sweater for evenings. • Snacks for excursions (though local fruit stalls are everywhere!).
Must-Do Adventures • Chamarel Seven Colored Earths and waterfalls for nature and photo opportunities. • Casela Nature Parks for safaris, hand-feeding zebras, giant tortoises, and playground fun. • Catamaran Cruise for dolphins, snorkelling, live music, beach stops, and onboard BBQs. • Île aux Benitiers for swimming with giant turtles. • Black River Gorges National Park for nature hikes and hidden waterfalls. • La Vanille Nature Park for crocodiles, monkeys, and tortoises. • Sugar Factory & Vanilla Plantation visits for tasting and learning experiences.
The Magic of Travelling Together
Looking back, what lingered was not just the island’s beauty but the rhythm of our days together. Morning coffees shared while watching our children play, whispered conversations on quiet balconies after bedtime, laughter echoing over sandcastles, safaris, and ocean waves.
We left with sun-kissed skin, hearts full of joy, and the promise that this would not be our last island escape.
Finally, I added Mauritius to my bucket list. I had been planning to go so many times, but something always held me back. This time, nothing could stop me—and I’m so glad it didn’t.
