A beautiful Indian Ocean island with a well-deserved reputation as a fantastic holiday destination, Mauritius has long been popular with honeymooners. It's also a fabulous choice for families looking to soak up some sunshine on white sand beaches, hone their water sports skills, or hike and cycle through the island's mountainous interior.
Many of the best family friendly hotels in Mauritius are big resorts with multiple swimming pools, restaurants, soothing spas — and even golf courses — as well as multi-bedroom villas. If you're envisaging something more understated, or keen to combine two elements over the course of your holiday, our Gurus can recommend a charming farm stay in the hills, or a wonderful riverside glamping experience. Part of Mauritius, little-explored Rodrigues is another brilliant destination for adventurers. A far more remote island just a short flight to the east, it's amongst the top kite surfing spots in the world. One for families with thrill-seeking teenagers for sure!
For a Seaside Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita offers 133 beautiful contemporary villas, perfect for family holidays on Mauritius' east coast. Villas have multiple bedrooms, plus pools, sea views and interiors decorated in natural tones. Guests also share access to the resort's four swimming pools, soothing spa and plethora of water sports. There's a golf course at nearby Anahita for those keen to enjoy a round or two in the sunshine.
- LUX* Grand Gaube, not far from lively Grand Baie in the north of the island, exudes cool, contemporary luxury. There's a brilliant kids club with heaps of creative workshops, as well as great water sports — sailing, kayaking, water skiing and more — for guests of all ages. Gourmet Peruvian restaurant INTI is well worth booking for a romantic evening amidst the family time. Very swish and set on a stunning stretch of coastline.
For Golfers & Active Travellers
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Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, part of beautiful Bel Ombre, is just steps from one of the island's most spectacular golf courses. The Beach Club is a family favourite, with great tunes, a shallow swimming pool and direct access to powdery sands. You'll find a great kite surfing centre for teens and adults, as well as kayaks and sailing boats. Larger suites are ideal for those travelling with little ones. Don't miss playing a round of golf!
- Paradis Golf Resort & Spa, close to Le Morne, has a more classic feel. Interiors feature polished wood and white-and-blue patterned textiles, plus there are dazzling ocean views. The resort's golf course is spectacular, and the Golf Academy ideal for young players eager to have a lesson or two. Spacious suites, a children's pool and lots of water sports add to the appeal; this is a great part of the island for surfing.
For a Rustic Hideaway
- La Vieille Cheminée, a small organic farm in the hills near Chamarel, has a collection of rustic lodges — some with multiple bedrooms. The sea is just a few kilometres away, but the magic of this hideaway means that you're unlikely to want to leave. Take little ones to feed the chickens and collect eggs, forage in the vegetable patch, go horse riding and walking, or frolic in the hilltop plunge pool. A laid-back choice with hearty breakfasts, a friendly team and a real sense of connection to the landscape.
- Otentic, on the banks of Grande Rivière Sud-Est, is a wonderfully unusual offering, with 12 big safari tents set in leafy gardens. There's a swimming pool, bar and relaxed seating area with games and darts, plus bicycles and kayaks for days of adventure. Convivial dinners of grilled seafood and Mauritian specialities are enjoyed each evening. Children aged 5+ are welcome, and this is a great choice for those with outdoorsy teens.
For Remote Rodrigues
- Bakwa Lodge, on Rodrigues' south coast, has rustic white-painted guest cabins overlooking the ocean. Families or groups can pile into the multi-bedroom villa, and enjoy lazy mornings on the shady wooden deck, strolls along unspoilt beaches lined with casuarina trees, and beautiful days of kite surfing and kayaking on the lagoon.
- C Rodrigues Mourouk, just around the corner, has a fresh, playful feel. Guest rooms and a shared villa feature bold pops of colour, whilst pink-and-yellow deck chairs line the beach. This is amongst the best places on the island — and the world — to learn to kite surf. Book multiple lessons with great instructors to really get the hang of gliding along sparkling waters. There's kayaking, windsurfing and sailing available too, plus big buffets breakfasts and dinners, and live music in the evenings. A lively choice for families and big groups travelling together.
