When Turquoise Holidays tell you they love Mauritius, they’re speaking from experience. Because they won’t recommend any destination to families until they’ve visited, forensically examined every detail, then asked the deal-breaking question: would we bring our kids here on holiday?
It’s always a big ‘yes’ for Mauritius. But this year Turquoise are being more generous than ever; highly recommending the country itself and its national airline. With good reason, since award winning Air Mauritius now fly direct from the UK three times a week, year round, in just 12 hours. Plus they’ve just introduced their new child fares, making flying to Mauritius more affordable than ever for families.
They give both economy and business class passengers free seat selection, carry golf bags free and provide individual screens and headsets for kids: a characteristically thoughtful touch from this family-friendly airline.
Alongside recommending Air Mauritius, Turquoise have also given us the heads up on their favourite family friendly hotels, One & Only Le Saint Geran, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort and Four Seasons Resort Mauritius.
What’s so amazing about Mauritius? Ask an expert
Turquoise are the UK’s leading Mauritius travel specialists, with a team entirely devoted to creating family holidays there – alongside families themselves, of course. But even after years of getting to know every inch of the island, Mauritius still manages to feel fresh and never fails to amaze.
Admittedly, having some of the Indian Ocean’s loveliest beaches is a bit of an advantage. But sand and sea are nothing without the sun, and Mauritius is blessed with that, pretty much all year round. May to October temperatures between 22 to 26˚ accompanied by light breezes and blue skies are what Mauritians call cool winter weather: which isn’t too surprising when you discover highs of 34˚ are the norm when summer hits in November.
Although, much as Turquoise adore lovely weather, acres of sugary sand and gorgeous resorts, they’re a family company and know first hand that there has to be more to a holiday to keep kids happy. That’s not an issue in Mauritius, which manages to be almost too beautiful for words, steeped in fascinating culture, loaded with heritage, ridiculously exciting and incredibly good fun. Need proof of how taken junior travellers are likely to be? Have a look at the three top experiences hand-picked by the youngest members of the Turquoise team:
- Electro-Bike Discovery run guided tours all over the island; power round the volcanic interior (electric bikes laugh in the face of hills); cruise along the coast; explore wildlife packed forests, and get up close to authentic island life. Guides are super-knowledgeable and friendly, and hotels are happy to arrange tours.
- Île aux Cerfs might be just a few hundred metres off the coast of Mauritius, but it’s like the island time forgot and totally magical. Take a day cruise from the stunning east coast and prep for beaches, ziplining adventures and awesome water sports.
- You can’t visit Mauritius without climbing waterfalls. If you only try one, make it ethereal L’Ecil for its combo of forest hiking, brilliantly colourful birds, and wild swimming.
It’s also handy to know they drive on the right in Mauritius, hiring a car with child seats couldn’t be easier, and the island’s a perfect size for family road trips.
Three more reasons to see Mauritius with Turquoise Holidays
It might sound counter-intuitive to rave about Mauritius beyond its hotels, and then highly recommend hotels. But Turquoise firmly believe that everything about a family holiday should be remarkable, right down to where you stay:
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One & Only Le Saint Geran, north east coast
This beautiful, beach resort was the second hotel opened on Mauritius. Legend has it that the first owner recced the island by helicopter to find its best beach, then created One & Only to fit the spectacular location. That was 43 years ago and although the hotel has been extensively refurbished, it still retains the light, airy elegance of the original design.
Why Turquoise love One & Only Le Saint Geran
- On the best beach in Mauritius and every suite is sea-facing with butler service and complimentary mini-bar.
- All suites are designed for a family of four, and 2000m² ocean front suites open out onto the two kilometre long beach.
- Four restaurants, including La Terrasse, which has an ‘interactive’ kitchen and a great range of thoughtful menu options for kids.
- Complimentary beach yoga and meditation. Teen fitness camp and yoga.
- The Kite Flyers’ Club for four to 12 year olds has a fantastic programme of supervised sports, activities and creative play.
- One Tribe Teens is said to be the best over-12s club in Mauritius.
Stay seven nights at One & Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius in a Lagoon Room on a half board basis from £5,688 per family including international flights and private airport transfers (based on four sharing).
Guests will also receive a surprise gift in room on arrival.
Find out more about One & Only Le Saint Geran with Turquoise Holidays.
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Anahita Golf & Spa Resort, east coast
Chic and contemporary Anahita Golf & Spa Resort was recently named one of the Top 25 Family Hotels in the Indian Ocean at TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. And it’s easy to see why. Not only is the resort set in 213 hectares of lush tropical grounds on the island’s peaceful east coast, it’s also pulled off a clever trick by designing every suite and villa to combine five-star luxe with the family-friendly comforts of home.
Why Turquoise love Anahita Golf & Spa Resort
- Designed to create easy family holidays, without losing any sense of luxury.
- Two bedroom prestige suites and villas are great for kids, and even have their own kitchen. You can pre-order food shopping for your arrival, and there’s no charge for in-villa dining.
- Ill Aux Cerfs, a short boat trip away for a day of adventures
- Nine dining options, including ‘Dial A Chef’ which lets you book a resort chef to cook in your villa or suite.
- Great for golf, water sports, island excursions, land sports and activities – kids can even learn to Sega Dance.
- Ourspace Kids’ Club, renowned for being one of the best on the island, cares for babies, toddlers and kids up to 12 years.
Stay seven nights at Anahita Golf and Spa Resort, Mauritius, in a Two Bedroom Prestige Suite on a Half Board basis from £5,699 per family, including international flights and private airport transfers (based on four sharing).
Guests will also receive one free entrance to Ill aux Cerfs Adventure Park per person per stay.
Find out more about Anahita Golf & Spa Resort with Turquoise Holidays.
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Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, east coast
A luxurious resort tucked into a private nature reserve, with its own island and beaches, along with a lagoon – naturally – Four Seasons Mauritius is a perfect Indian Ocean retreat and wonderful for families. It’s an all villa property, with each villa boasting their own private pools. The fun kids’ club comes with everything your children could imagine, with fun & games including cupcake baking to mini discos. And if you’re a keen golfer, you will love the 18 –hole championship course which was designed by Ernie Els.
Why Turquoise love Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
- Every villa in this all-villa resort has its own private pool.
- The Two bedroom Residence Villas are on the resort ‘mainland’ and ideal for families with kids. Three, four and five bed Residence Villas are also available
- The resort has four swimming pools, and swimming in a sheltered, natural lagoon.
- Three restaurants, including Acquapazza, just across the lagoon on the resort’s delightful island, Île aux Chats
- Hobbit Village Kids’ Club is supervised by fully trained Four Seasons’ staff.
- As well as an 18-hole golf course, there are two tennis courts, a fitness centre, water sports, and cruises to nearby Île aux Cerfs for fun family activities like ziplining.