Kid-friendly tropical paradise
As busy parents, a holiday in a tropical destination is just the ticket. If you can face the 12-hour long flight with the kids to get there, The Residence luxury hotel in Mauritius is the perfect place to relax, be pampered, and catch up on some sleep.
Located in Belle Mare on the eastern coast of the island, this contemporary, colonial style hotel offers a slice of child-friendly paradise. With nearly a mile of powder soft sand and shallow turquoise waters, wobbly first steps will become confident strides as your little one discovers shimmering shells, birds and crabs. Chose from Colonial Suites or interconnecting rooms for families. A cot, baby bath and all the usual amenities, including a kettle for warming bottles can be provided.
The Plantation Kids Club, for kids aged three to 12 years, provides a tropical indoor and outdoor play area as well as crafts, cookery, activities and evening entertainment. Babysitting and nanny services are also available for younger children (at an extra cost) should you fancy a romantic dinner, spa treatment or even need an extra pair of hands during the day.
Who can resist the allure of the Indian Ocean?
Things to do
If you don’t want to stray too far from the resort, the concierge will arrange a private tour (car seat provided) to visit Grand Bassin, a sacred Hindu temple, the Trou aux Cerfs volcano, Flacq market or take a ride on the resort’s glass bottom boat.
For young guests, there’s the Planters Kids Club, hosted in a mansion on the plantation nestled in a tropical park, just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach. Kids aged three to 12 have plenty of space to play in, under the watchful eye of professional childminders, as well lots of activities to choose from, including treasure hunts, snorkelling lessons, body painting, sports competitions and even pony rides. At the kids club, little ones are served delicious buffet lunches and dinner (16 Euro per meal), which have been designed to suit even the pickiest of eaters. For families travelling with tots, there’s also a baby-sitting service and a nursery.
Seafood fans are spoilt for choice in Mauritius
Food
The food is influenced by Creole cuisine and there’s lots of fresh seafood as well as sumptuous evening buffets. There is a children’s menu and the chefs are happy to cook simple dishes, such as pasta, rice and omelettes for the young untrained palette. There are several restaurant options at the resort. The Verandah is a perfect choice for light lunches around the pool, while The Plantation, a charming planter’s house by the beach, is the perfect place for tucking into fresh seafood.
The lowdown
Price: Turquoise Holidays (01494 678400) offers seven nights for two adults, two children (aged 3-11) from £4,599, including flights, interconnecting rooms and complimentary half board for children.
How to get there: Direct flights are available with British Airways and Air Mauritius from London Heathrow to Port Louis.
Travel time: 11 hours and 55 minutes.
Find out more about the Residence in Mauritius.