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Best family-friendly hotels in Mauritius, as recommended by parents
With its powder-soft beaches, sapphire waters and fab range of family-friendly hotels, Mauritius is bound to wow both parents and kids. We round up the best hotels for a tropical escape.
By Jenny Elliott | Last updated Feb 16, 2024
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is famed for its pristine beaches, warm lagoons and coral reefs. But that’s not the whole story.
Step from the coast and you’ll also find stunning nature reserves, fantastic food and a rich and diverse culture - making it an ideal destination for families who want sun-drenched days by the ocean, as well as the possibility of adventure. What’s more, many of the island’s hotels excel at pampering parents and entertaining kids.
So, where to stay in Mauritius with children? To save you time, we’ve drawn on the experience of our well-travelled Mumsnetters and handpicked the best of the island’s hotels and resorts with spas, activities, kids’ clubs, playgrounds and pools.
Best hotels in Mauritius for families at a glance
Best overall hotel: Zilwa Attitude | Book now
Best budget hotel: Be Cosy Apart Hotel| Book now
Best all-inclusive: Sugar Beach | Book now
Best value hotel: Tamassa Bel Ombre | Book now
Best for luxury: The Oberoi Beach Resort | Book now
Best kids' club: Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort | Book now
Best hotel for beaches: Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa | Book now
Best hotel for teens: Long Beach Mauritius | Book now
Best for large families: Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Resort | Book now
1. Best overall hotel: Zilwa Attitude, Calodyne
Check availability on Hotels.com | Check availability on Booking.com
What Mumsnet users say
"Perfect calm little bay and a kids' club with an old ship they can play on" – recommended by Mumsnet user, Samebutdifferent
"Zilwa is owned by a Mauritian company (I prefer to keep local business going rather than the big American hotels) and was 4 star. It is such a beautiful hotel" – recommended by Mumsnet user, bert3400
Our verdict
It’s no wonder this stylish hotel – offering excellent all-inclusive deals – is so popular with families. It’s steps from a gorgeous palm-fringed beach and sheltered lagoon on the island’s north coast. Plus, it also has a choice of seven restaurants and four swimming pools, including a shady option just for kids.
The kids’ club hosts treasure hunts, theme days and excursions for 3 to 12-year-olds. Meanwhile, parents can spend some well-deserved time at the eco-friendly spa or gym. And there’s no shortage of water-based fun, with the chance to zip about the Indian Ocean on a glass-bottomed boat, paddleboard, kayak or sailboat.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (43 miles)
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2. Best budget hotel: Be Cosy Apart Hotel, Trou-aux-Biches
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What Mumsnet users say
"Lots of local restaurants close by and the beach was just across the road. Eating out is VERY cheap on Mauritius" – recommended by Mumsnet user, Rafflesway
Our verdict
This excellent value hotel has a choice of one or two-bedroom air-conditioned apartments, just a two-minute walk from Trou aux Biches’ glorious beach.
Inside, the decor is bright and modern. Baby safety gates can be provided, and the kitchenettes (with fridge, hobs, microwave and dishwasher) are ideal for preparing money-saving snacks and meals. There’s also a decent-sized pool area and swim-up bar, plus children aged 3 to 12 can head to the supervised kids’ club with its small playground and choice of games.
The free parking is perfect if you're keen to rent a car for day trips; the onsite restaurant provides fuss-free packed meals.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (39 miles)
3. Best all-inclusive hotel: Sugar Beach, Flic en Flac
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What Mumsnet users say
"Damn near perfect. Great staff. Food in restaurants was just fab" – recommended by Mumsnet user, OllyBJolly
Our verdict
Wander through the lush gardens of this grand 5-star resort on the sunny west coast, and you’ll find yourself on Flic en Flac’s long stretch of beach: a perfect spot for little sandcastle builders as well as tweens and teens keen to kayak, snorkel or water ski.
In the resort, there’s a vast swimming pool, with a shallow area for tots. The kids’ club runs crafting, cooking and sports activities for 2 to 11-year-olds, as well as providing a dedicated zone for teens. All of which gives parents the time to unwind with a soothing massage at the spa or build up a sweat in the gym.
By choosing the all-inclusive rate, you can relax about the bill while feasting on the extensive buffet at the elegant poolside restaurant. Alternatively, head to the beach lounge for handcrafted pizza and spectacular sunsets.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (31 miles)
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4. Best value hotel: Tamassa Bel Ombre
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What Mumsnet users say
"It was amazing, good food, loads of free watersports and bike tours on its own beach. It's quiet and surrounded by sugarcane fields, and loads of places to visit if you want to explore. The spa was great and reasonably priced" – recommended by Mumsnet user, Virgo28
Our verdict
Okay, Mauritius will never be a uber-cheap family holiday destination. That said, the Tamassa Bel Ombre, on the island’s less developed south coast, offers some excellent all-inclusive rates.
Deluxe family rooms come with large doubles and a bunk bed, and larger families can request an extra bed (free for under 5s) and interconnecting rooms. Not that you’ll want to spend too long inside when there are tropical gardens, four swimming pools and a stretch of white sand beach to explore.
Kids aged 3 to 11 can enjoy crafting and crab hunting at the kids’ club. And there’s a teen studio for table tennis games, beach volleyball and bike rides. For those keen to explore more of the island, the hotel offers guided family walks through the Black River Gorges National Park.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (24 miles)
5. Best luxury hotel: The Oberoi Beach Resort, Pointe aux Piments
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What Mumsnet users say
"Stayed at The Oberoi - stunning hotel with incredible service" – recommended by Mumsnet user, nannymcphee
Our verdict
This high-end beachside retreat has a range of chic private pool villas, as well as spacious king rooms. And should you need it, an extra cot or kid’s bed can be added for free.
In fact, although the vibe here is luxurious and romantic, families are welcome. The sandy beaches and outdoor playground are bound to be a hit with little ones. As is the well-supervised kids’ club, where 4 to 12-year-olds can splash about in the heated pool, as well as enjoy movie screenings, cooking classes and star-gazing events.
Not that the entertainment options are only aimed at kids. For parents, there’s a plush spa, as well as a huge range of wellness classes and water-based activities – meaning you can start the day following a guided meditation in the garden and, by the afternoon, be snorkelling through the underwater world of Turtle Bay.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (36 miles)
6. Best hotel for kids’ clubs: Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Bel Ombre
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What Mumsnet users say
"Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort is lovely with amazing restaurants and you get a spa treatment every day included in the price. Can't wait to return" – recommended by Mumsnet user, bellsbuss
Our verdict
It’s unusual for kids’ clubs to cater for under-3s. So, sleep-deprived parents of babies and toddlers will be especially delighted that this swish all-inclusive resort provides personalised care for little tots, in addition to its jam-packed programme for bigger kids and teens.
The idyllic beachside location means there’s a host of boat trips and watersports on offer.
What’s more, families will love the airy rooms with sofa beds (some interconnecting), as well as the kid-friendly swimming pools and the crowd-pleasing choice of five restaurants.
Keen to encounter the island's lush tropical landscapes and magical waterfalls? The hotel can arrange a guided trek or buggy ride through the nearby Heritage Nature Reserve.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (24 miles)
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7. Best hotel for beaches: Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa, Mahebourg
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What Mumsnet users say
"We stayed at the Shandrani Beachcomber hotel and loved it" – recommended by Mumsnet user, FiveGoMadInDorset
Our verdict
Located on a private peninsula on the southwest of the island, this large 4-star resort is fringed by three picture-postcard beaches.
When you’re not building sandcastles, there’s plenty of other family-friendly entertainment on offer. Active broods can head to the flood-lit tennis courts, 9-hole pitch and putt golf course or watersports centre. For children aged 3 to 11, there’s a kid’s club with lots of art and crafts and games. Parents, on the other hand, may be keen to visit the serene spa.
The accommodation options should work well for families; some rooms come with a large double, single and sofa bed. The two-bed family apartments will suit those who like space to sprawl.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (3 miles)
8. Best hotel for teens: Long Beach Mauritius, Belle Mare
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What Mumsnet users say
"The hotel had a teens centre where they could hang out in the evenings with table tennis and pool, organised by the sports team. We did a couple of day trips out of the resort, catamaran, dolphin watching and one to the national park. I would certainly return" – recommended by Mumsnet user, ladybirdpoppy
Our verdict
Even hard-to-impress teenagers are bound to love this 5-star resort on Belle Mare’s sugar-white sweep of sand. Mornings can be spent lounging by the pool, followed by an afternoon kayaking or paddle boarding across the aquamarine ocean. Alternatively, there are painting and cooking classes on offer, as well as sessions to perfect DJing skills.
The chic spa offers treatments specially designed for tweens and teens. Meanwhile, the resort’s five restaurants – serving Chinese, Japanese, Italian and International cuisine – will ensure everyone is happy and well-fed. Family suites come with separate sleeping areas and bathrooms for kids, as well as lots of space to spread out.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (38 miles)
9. Best for large families: Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Resort & Spa
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What Mumsnet users say
"I would love to go back as it was the best holiday I've had. Lovely place, lovely food, lovely people!" – recommended by Mumsnet user, VitaminC
Our verdict
Located on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, this extensive Beachcomber resort has accommodation options to suit families of all sizes, including two-bed suites and three-bed villas.
There’s plenty of entertainment on offer, too. Choose between spending the day paddle boarding, kayaking or snorkelling around the reef in the glittering lagoon, or simply kick-back by one of the hotel’s seven pools.
Kids aged 3 to 11 will have a blast in the activity-packed kids’ club. Meanwhile, there are babysitters for younger ones, as well as a programme for teens. Come mealtimes, gather at one of the nine restaurants, where you can sample Italian, Indian, Asian and Mauritian flavours.
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (39 miles)
Is Mauritius good for a family holiday?
Mauritius is a fantastic family holiday destination. Not only does this sunny island have a good range of kid-friendly hotel options, but it’s also blessed with stunning natural beauty and plenty of things to see and do.
What’s the best area to stay in Mauritius?
Families are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beach resorts in Mauritius – with Flic en Flac and Trou aux Biches in the west and Belle Mare in the east all particularly popular areas.
When planning your trip, it’s worth bearing in mind the island’s seasons. In the hottest summer months (December to March), the south and east coasts have refreshing trade winds. Whereas during the milder winter months (June to August), heading to the more sheltered north and west coasts is a good idea.
What’s the flight time to Mauritius from the UK?
There are direct flights from London to Mauritius, which take approximately 12 hours.
Although that’s a long journey with kids, there’s only a 3-hour time difference, which should mean you aren’t battling terrible jet lag.
What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Mauritius?
We are big fans of the kids’ clubs at Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, and we love the easygoing luxury at the Beachcomber resorts. However, because of its value for money, kid-friendly facilities, beautiful location and sustainable tourism initiatives, the Zilwa Attitude gets our vote as the best family-friendly hotel in Mauritius.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out what family-friendly hotels in Mauritius were being recommended.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what family hotels in Mauritius had won accolades or been featured in 'best choice' lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family-friendly hotels in Mauritius at the moment.
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