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Mauritius – A Family Vacation in a Tropical Paradise
- Katy M
- May 19
- 6 min read
Mauritius, a magical tropical island in the Indian Ocean, lies east of the African coast and feels like it was pulled straight from a dream—white sand beaches, turquoise waters, endless palm trees, and luxury resorts that feel like a private slice of paradise. But Mauritius isn’t just about breathtaking views—it’s an island with a fascinating story.
The island was uninhabited until the 16th century when it was discovered by the Portuguese. The Dutch arrived next and named it after Prince Maurice of Nassau (Prins Maurits van Nassaueiland). In the 18th century, the French took control and ruled until the British seized it in the 19th century. Even though the British governed the island until the mid-20th century, much of the French language, tradition, and even legal influence remains—and it’s part of the island’s charm to this day.
Today, Mauritius is considered a high-end, safe, and peaceful destination—perfect for honeymooners, but equally ideal for families seeking relaxation, nature, and comfort without compromise.
We took a 10-day family vacation to Mauritius this past April with our three-year-old Dan and five-month-old Lee. In this post, I’m excited to share all my tips, recommendations, and honest impressions—straight from our personal experience, including the things I wish I had known in advance to make it even better.
General Tips
Currency & Payments
We managed to spend 10 days on the island without using much cash—and it’s absolutely doable. Most places accept credit cards, so you don’t really need to exchange money. However, be aware that some places—especially gas stations, small tour operators, and certain shops—require a physical credit card and don’t accept mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Bring a traditional card just in case.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes come out in full force in the evenings, especially near vegetation and water. If you or your kids are sensitive, make sure to regularly use repellent and dress in light, long clothing in the late afternoon.
Weather
Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate, which means the forecasts aren’t always reliable—not even a few hours ahead. Sudden rain or intense sunshine can appear out of nowhere, so always be prepared and flexible with your plans.
Drinking Water
While water in most hotels and restaurants is considered safe, I recommend sticking to bottled mineral water and avoiding tap water altogether.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
Mauritius is a year-round destination thanks to its tropical weather, but some periods are better than others.
Summer (November–April): Hot, humid, and rainier—with a chance of tropical storms.
Winter (May–October): Dry, pleasant, and slightly cooler (though still tropical).
Shoulder seasons (March–May, November–December): The ideal time to visit—warm and comfortable with less rain.
We visited in April, just as the wet season was ending, and it was perfect. Warm but not overly humid, and the rain only appeared at night or in short bursts during the day.
Getting to Mauritius
We chose to fly Emirates via Dubai—a short layover, comfortable night flights, and well-equipped planes for families. We pre-booked a bassinet seat for Lee, and she slept wonderfully on both flights—much to our relief. If you’re traveling with a baby, definitely request a bassinet in advance.
Getting Around the Island
To my surprise, Mauritius is quite large and getting around requires a car. Roads aren’t always well developed and often pass through towns and villages, so even short drives can take longer than expected.
You can either rent a car or use taxis.Since we were traveling with kids, we pre-booked a car with two car seats, and it was waiting for us at the airport. In hindsight, this was one of our best decisions. Our hotel location required daily travel, and having a rental car gave us both flexibility and cost savings.
Note: Driving in Mauritius is on the left side of the road (like in the UK), but most roads are manageable—even if not always new or wide.
Where to Stay in Mauritius
General Tip
The island is big, and roads aren’t fast, so one-hour drives are quite common. Since attractions are spread across the island and there's no real “center,” I recommend splitting your stay between two areas—say, north and south. It gives you variety, saves on drive time, and helps you experience more of the island.
There are countless hotels and resorts in Mauritius—from ultra-luxurious to more modest, catering to every type of traveler.Since we were traveling with a toddler and a baby, we specifically looked for a hotel with a baby club so we could occasionally leave Li in good hands and enjoy some couple time. Most resorts offer kids’ clubs starting at age 3, but very few have facilities for babies under 1 year old. As of our search, we found only four resorts with baby clubs for ages 0–3.
We chose Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, a stunning 5-star resort in the southwest of the island, in the Bel Ombre area.
The hotel is set between white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush green hills—offering a perfect blend of colonial elegance and modern comfort. Named after Irish botanist Charles Telfair, the hotel’s design draws from French colonial architecture: white villas, wooden balconies, manicured gardens, and tranquil pools. It feels like an elegant, intimate village.
There are six restaurants on-site, including a fine-dining French restaurant set in a 19th-century château.
For families, the hotel is fantastic: a Kid’s Club from age 3 with activities like cooking classes, swimming lessons, and lagoon cruises, and a Baby Club for ages 0–3, staffed by trained caregivers in a specially designed environment.
Other resorts with baby clubs
Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers
What to Do in Mauritius with Kids
Mauritius may be famous for beaches and palm trees—but there’s so much more than just lounging. The island offers amazing nature reserves, lush parks, and charming islands to explore. And yes, kids will have plenty to do!
A fascinating geological phenomenon where the earth naturally forms stripes in hues of purple, red, orange, and brown. The entry includes access to the colored dunes, a waterfall, and a giant tortoise sanctuary. It’s quite a large area, and driving between sections is easiest by car. Perfect for a half-day visit.
A massive adventure and safari park with open jeep rides, zip lines, quad bikes, petting areas, penguins, and even lion feeding (if you’re into that). The park is packed with activities for kids and adults alike. Book tickets online and dedicate a full day.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of urban exploration, Port Louis has a local market, waterfront promenade, souvenir shops, and museums. Not a must, but a nice half-day stop— especially on cloudy days. Park near the market and walk from there. We visited:
Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO Heritage Site) – museum about Indian migration
Caudan Waterfront – shopping, cafes, restaurants
Central Market – for local produce and souvenirs
Dolphin Watching Cruise
One of the most magical experiences in Mauritius is an early morning boat cruise along the west coast to see dolphins in the wild. You might catch them swimming, playing, or even jumping out of the water. We went with Dan and loved every moment. The trip also included a shallow lagoon stop for some relaxed snorkeling.
Choose a company that respects wildlife and follows eco-tourism principles.Note: Speed boats can be loud—consider bringing soft headphones or earplugs for small kids.
Glass-Bottom Boat & Île aux Cocos
This calm day trip is ideal for families with young kids. The glass-bottom boat glides over clear lagoons teeming with colorful fish, starfish, and coral. You’ll stop at several snorkeling spots, then head to Île aux Cocos—a tiny tropical island with soft sand, turquoise water, and the perfect picnic setting. Calm waters and shade make it great even for toddlers.
More Attractions Worth Mentioning
Black River Gorges National Park – wild rainforest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts
Île aux Cerfs – beautiful island on the east coast with beach BBQs and water activities like banana boats
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden – home to giant water lilies, spice trees, and easy stroller-friendly paths
La Vanille Nature Park – a kid-friendly zoo with giant tortoises, crocodiles, monkeys, sea dogs, and a shady playground
Final Thoughts
Mauritius surprised us in every way—not just with its jaw-dropping beauty, but with the calm, peace, and sense of freedom we felt the moment we arrived.
It’s a rare destination that truly lets you balance restful beach days with active adventures. A place where parents can relax, kids can explore, and everyone leaves with a heart full of memories.
If you’re dreaming of a destination that offers stunning beaches, rich nature, family comfort, and unforgettable experiences—Mauritius is the perfect choice.
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