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A trip to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is truly a dream holiday. With its palm lined beaches, azure blue ocean and balmy warm days its pretty much all you could ask for in a beach destination - but, when you get to stay at the 5-star Paradis Hotel & Golf Resort it just doesn't get better.
Travelling with two small children can be challenging - the packing, checking and double-checking that you have everything you may need in case of a medical emergency, and that you haven't forgotten their favourite toy. But, thankfully flying to Mauritius is a breeze - only 4-hours from Johannesburg and you touchdown in paradise. Travelling with one of the reputable agents, such as Beachcomber, means that every last travel detail is taken care of. You're met at the airport by a friendly tour operator who will whisk you and your bags to your awaiting transport where you're taken to your resort. And once you arrive - its pure relaxation for 7 days (or more) - in my opinion, one of the best family holidays you could choose to enjoy.
We've been lucky enough to have travelled to Mauritius on a couple of occasions (each time was superb) and on this trip we were most definitely not disappointed. The beautiful Paradis Hotel & Golf Resort is set on the Le Morne peninsula on the favoured west-coast with 7 kilometres of white sandy beach, a beautiful golf course and a spectacular mountain backdrop which really sets the scene for your island escape.
With our two girls, ages 6 and 4, Paradis proved to be a wonderful resort and it perfectly met our needs - a fantastic swimming pool, an extremely spacious room just steps away from 'our' beach, and a wonderful relaxed atmosphere where we all felt right at home. But, we noticed that it is obviously just as popular with honeymooners, golf enthusiasts, families and couples young and old. It may sound cliché but 'there is something for everyone'.
Incredibly spacious, the island-style thatched rooms are discreetly spread out amongst beautiful gardens filled with palm tress, bougainvilleas and frangipani and lined by white sandy beaches. Meandering pathways link the rooms with the restaurants, swimming pool, health club and other facilities, and are perfect for strolling along in the early morning or after dinner. Because it is spread out along the length of its own mini-peninsula there are a string of beaches - so whether you prefer a long stretch of sand, or a smaller cove with just a handful of sun-loungers you are spoilt for choice. Also worth mentioning, is that Paradis really does have one of the best beaches. Wide, soft sandy stretches with a gentle and gradual incline into the water which allows for easy and safe swimming - even for children. Coupled with the lagoon at the far end of the resort you really feel as though you have plenty of options to choose between - ideal for those who like to mix things up.
At the far end of the resort, the boathouse and water-sports centre offer great conditions for sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, pedal boating and kayaking. A highlight for our girls was 'kiddie' water-skiing under the ever-friendly supervision of the Bob Marlin kid's club staff.
In the heat of the day, or when you legs are feeling a little weary, you can call for a golf-cart to collect or drop you off at your room. This, of course, was another highlight for two small children who took great pleasure in calling out "Room 247, please" and bossily directing the driver on which way to go. By the end of the week, they had 'promoted' themselves to the front seat, and even had a turn to steer the golf-cart - once again humoured by the always-friendly, always-smiling Mauritian hotel staff.
Children are exceptionally well looked after at the Bob Marlin kids clubs at all Beachcomber resorts, and the young and friendly team on duty at Paradis were wonderful. With a daily changing programme including art activities, baking, games, sports, treasure hunts as well as great facilities in the kids club - this is a major plus for any parent travelling with children. We chose to spend most of the day with our girls, swimming in the enormous pool, and playing on the beach collecting shells, starfish and snorkeling. But, come evening our girls were more than happy to enjoy their dinner at the kids club with their 'friends' so that we could make the most of the magical sunsets followed by dinner for two! Not that dinner with mom and dad could compete with fun activities such as crab hunting on the beach by torchlight, nighttime fish feeding and henna hand tattoos - it's safe to say we were all delighted.
And, speaking of the food ... Every meal at Paradis was a treat. From the freshly baked pastries, crepes, waffles and delicious selection of fresh fruits at the breakfast buffet (as well as everything else you could possibly imagine) to the evening dinner buffets with their daily changing menu's including traditional Mauritian and Creole dishes, Indian, Italian and more. Not to mention the wonderful Mauritian tradition of late afternoon coffee and crepes - something else which our girls thoroughly enjoyed. There were four restaurants to choose from, as well as another four at the sister resort Dinarobin, a 5-min golf cart trip away.
You can't help but return from a holiday in Mauritius a few kilo's heavier - but a jog along the beach, a game of tennis, a round of golf or some swimming could help keep you in check ... if you have the inclination to tear yourself away from the spectacular view you get to enjoy while sipping a cocktail alongside the pool. There's only one thing left to do - start dreaming about the next trip.
Paradis is a Five-Star-Superior Resort with prices starting from R19 000 per person and includes flights, accommodation, and breakfast and dinner daily for 7 nights. To book a wonderful holiday to Paradis go to SimplyTravel.co.za
Have you been to Mauritius before? Where did you go and what were your favourite aspects of the island? Let us know.
