Mauritius
A 65-kilometer-long island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with white-sand beaches, dolphins less than a kilometer from shore, and a waterfall pouring over seven-colored earth. For the family with young kids who wants adventure without impossible logistics.
The most complete family resort on the west coast — the side with the best dolphins and the best sunsets. On Tamarin Bay lagoon, with free water sports included (kayak, snorkel, paddleboard), a spa, a gym, two tennis courts, and staff reviewers describe as "extraordinarily helpful." The buffet breakfast, with tropical fruit, local curries, and vegetarian options, settles the day's first debate for kids of any age.
✦All-inclusive except boredomA historic west-coast resort set in wide tropical gardens right on the beach. Villas and bungalows wrap around several pools in a space large enough for kids to run without constant supervision. A water-sports center, a kids' club, and the Sugar Mill restaurant turn dinner into an adults' plan while the kids have their own space.
✦More breathing room between guestsA boutique resort in Belle Mare — the island's calmest beach, on the east coast — with an infinity pool, direct access to Palmar Beach, and the quietest atmosphere of the three options. Rooms are spacious, breakfast is the best of the three, and the beach is the most photogenic on the island. Trade-off: the dolphins and the catamaran are a 1.5-hour transfer away.
✦East-coast calmThe west-coast route takes in Crystal Rock — the coral formation rising dramatically out of the turquoise lagoon — plus Île aux Bénitiers, a white-sand island with flat water perfect for young kids. Onboard BBQ, drinks included, and a chance to swim alongside spinner dolphins in the Le Morne bays.
Volcanic earth in seven natural colors, the Trou aux Cerfs volcano, the sacred Grand Bassin lake with wild monkeys nearby, the Chamarel waterfalls, and a rum distillery. For kids: the colored dunes and the park's giant tortoises are the highlight. For adults: Chamarel rum, with a tasting included.
Sugar cane fields, the Gris Gris coast, the La Roche qui Pleure cliffs, and a stop to swim at a quiet, tourist-free beach — all by quad bike along the roads of the island's south. Best suited to kids 8 and up; for younger ones, check with the operator about passenger-seat options.
Mauritius had no human inhabitants until the 16th century — one of the last major islands in the world to be settled. The dodo, the giant flightless bird that went extinct in 1681, is endemic to Mauritius and the island's national symbol. The Natural History Museum in Port Louis holds the most complete dodo skeleton in existence. Kids recognize it instantly from Alice in Wonderland.
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Plan my trip →Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), in the southeast of the island. Direct flights from Paris (Air France, Air Mauritius, 11 hours), London (British Airways, 12 hours), Dubai (Emirates, 4.5 hours), and Nairobi (Kenya Airways, 4 hours). From Mexico or Latin America: connect via Dubai, Paris, or Johannesburg. It's a 1.5-hour drive from the airport to Flic-en-Flac on the west coast.
A rental car (~$30–50 USD/day) is the most flexible option for families. Driving is on the left (British legacy). Taxis are available but negotiate the fare beforehand. For catamaran excursions, hotel transfer is included in most tours.
In October: 24-28°C, sea at 24-25°C. The last month of the dry season before November's rains arrive. Sunny, low humidity, calm seas. Cyclone season starts in November-December.
