Mauritius is a paradise for active families. This pocket-sized tropical paradise offers an incredible amount to do, from island hopping and hiking in forested nature reserves to whale watching, electric bike rides in the highlands and wildlife safaris in eco-parks. Night flights and short travel distances mean kids can snorkel from a sun-drenched beach mid-morning. Some island hotels have fantastic facilities for families, from family rooms to multi-bedroom pool villas, and the benefits of baby clubs, mini buffets and a range of free water sports.
Kids' clubs keep children happy with crab hunts, Creole lessons and cinema on the beach, while teenagers get kitesurfing, diving and golf lessons, bike rides and beach barbecues. They can even try flyboarding, the latest adrenaline-pumping craze. Perhaps best of all, family holidays here are affordable - Mauritius has some of the best value deals in the region - especially in our summer. Here's our pick of the best family-friendly hotels in Mauritius.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
LUX* Belle Mare is located on the white sandy beaches of Belle Mare Plage on the windy east coast of Mauritius. This scenic retreat provides the ideal location for families looking to relax by the ocean and explore further afield. The recently renovated all-suite property has a sophisticated yet cool and relaxed boutique atmosphere that incorporates elements of tropical design. Activities, such as water sports, are plentiful for guests of all ages and both children and adults will want to make use of the central swimming pool, poolside ice cream parlor and more toddler-friendly lagoon. The PLAY kids club and Studio 17 for tweens and teens are aimed at younger travelers. There is a toddler area and babysitting service at the resort, as well as a children's corner in Mondo restaurant.
Creole-style architecture, warm service and authentic local experiences characterize this boutique retreat, distinguished in appearance by its white buildings with blue shutters and high wooden vaulted ceilings, in the heart of Grand Baie. Located on a small beach, just a short walk from the larger beach of La Cuvette, this waterfront hotel offers family-friendly activities, including free water sports, catamaran snorkeling, archery, cycling and pirogue rides. There is also an activity corner with a swimming pool, table tennis and games such as beach volleyball. The spa offers children's massages on the menu and some rooms are interconnecting.
* The best hotels in Mauritius
Located on the mile-long beach from which it takes its name, the five-star family resort Constance Belle Mare Plage combines tropical French style with all the services and facilities you need for a family stay. Named 'Leading Family Resort in Mauritius' by the World Travel Awards for a number of years, this beachside retreat offers family-friendly facilities such as a kids' club with paddling pool, and also offers a plethora of activities for all ages, including weekly golf. , tennis and diving initiations, cooking classes and even spa treatments for both children and adults. Families staying here can choose a two-, three- or five-bedroom villa, or request connecting rooms, which are available in all room categories.
* The best all-inclusive hotels in Mauritius
Asian influence comes with a Mauritian twist at Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa on the east coast of Mauritius. The sprawling resort has no fewer than six beaches in its attractive location at Trou D'Eau Douce, while it also includes the private island of Ilot Mangénie and the island of Ile aux Cerfs, home to a golf course, both of which are a 10-minute boat ride away. ride away. A range of water sports, including mangrove kayaking, are offered at the resort's boathouse and there is a coastal e-bike tour and tennis coaching. For children, the T-Club has its own swimming pool and an impressive tree house, while teenagers can make the most of free teen club activities such as stand-up paddle boarding. Family rooms and suites are created by connecting interconnecting rooms.
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Inspired by 19th-century naturalist Charles Telfair, this five-star resort is located on the white sandy beaches of the former Bel Ombre sugar plantation. Here in the southwest you'll be in the foothills of the Black River Gorges National Park and within easy reach of Tamarin Bay, known for dolphin spotting. This all-suite village-like retreat features a bridge over a river from the lobby to the sea, and a central infinity pool set among tropical gardens. The resort offers a range of non-motorized water sports, padel tennis and cooking classes, with adventure activities such as mountain biking in the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve. Timomo Baby Club, a children's club, teen club and junior golf academy entertain the resort's youngest guests.
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For active family travelers, the five-star Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa on the Le Morne Peninsula stands out for its family-friendly offering and sporty atmosphere. Featuring over five kilometers of white sandy beach, a championship golf course and 'dine around' experience with eight restaurants, this property also comes with a super-sized swimming pool, tennis and golf academy and a Padi diving centre. The resort's kids' club has its own swimming pool and offers a range of fun activities, including lagoon fishing, mini golf and children's yoga. The teen program then includes everything from tennis initiation to water sports lessons and beach barbecues. Free stay for children is offered in low season.
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La Pirogue was the first hotel on the west coast of Mauritius when it opened in the 1970s and has retained its long-established appeal with its wicker rondavels, which are designed to look like the sail of traditional fishing pirogues, and with its distinct Mauritian taste. From this charming resort, located in a coconut palm next to the longest beach on the west coast, activities such as diving, dolphin watching and fishing are popular. On site, amenities such as a large infinity pool with slide and a freestyle pool are complemented by the resort's kids and teens club, which offers imaginative activities such as pirogue painting and sea exploration. With shallow, current-free waters, this beach is one of the island's best for families. Children under 12 also stay, play and eat for free when you book your accommodation.
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Considered the grand dame of hotels in Mauritius, this property is located on a private peninsula on the northeast coast of the island. More than a mile of white-sand beaches and extensive gardens surround the luxurious retreat, which is inspired in style by old sugar cane plantation homes. Three swimming pools, a lagoon boathouse and three tennis courts are among the abundant amenities of this resort, which is also the jumping off point for unique excursions such as helicopter island picnics. For families, the resort has one of the island's best kids' clubs, a youth fitness program and a teen club with exciting activities such as canyoning at Tamarin Falls.
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The contemporary Creole-style Preskil Island Resort is located on its own white-sand island on the relaxing southeast coast of Mauritius. The vibrant hotel is a favorite among families with a homely, Mauritian atmosphere and there's plenty to do from lounging in the large infinity pool to glass bottom boat trips, snorkeling in the lagoon and a visit to Blue Bay Marine Park with the Padi diving school. Other family-friendly experiences include learning to kitesurf, walking the Beau Vallon estate and electric bike tours. The resort has a baby club, kids club and paddling pool on the beach and there are plenty of activities, such as water sports and outdoor cinema, for teenagers. In low season children stay free.
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Abundant activities for children of all ages make lively Ravenala Attitude a must-visit for families. The all-suite, modern Mauritian-style resort features nine distinctive dining options, three large swimming pools and a diving center among its many facilities, surrounded by tropical gardens on a small white-sand beach. Children can learn about the life cycle of turtles at the Little Marine Discovery Center and teens can enjoy a pool table, tennis tables, outdoor cinema and karaoke at Teens Republic. The resort has 102 family suites that can comfortably sleep two children. Here in the north of the island, nearby attractions include the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.
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For active family travelers, the five-star Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa on the Le Morne Peninsula stands out for its family-friendly offering and sporty atmosphere. Featuring over five kilometers of white sandy beach, a championship golf course and 'dine around' experience with eight restaurants, this property also comes with a super-sized swimming pool, tennis and golf academy and a Padi diving centre. The resort's kids' club has its own swimming pool and offers a range of fun activities, including lagoon fishing, mini golf and children's yoga. The teen program then includes everything from tennis initiation to water sports lessons and beach barbecues. Free stay for children is offered in low season.
