Best family hotels in Mauritius, as tried and tested by Mumsnetters

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)