As you might know we’ve recently come back from DisneyWorld, and quite frankly I’d be happy to make that my annual holiday for the rest of my life, but alas, Adam has different ideas. He wants to visit different places around the world and vetoed my desire to buy a time share (which we couldn’t afford… spoil sport).
Instead of an annual visit to Disney, I’ve managed to persuade Adam to compromise and we’re looking to return in either 2018 or 2019 depending on what we can afford. Despite the fact that I am desperate to return to the mouse eared Promised Land, I’m actually quite excited about some of the ideas we’ve come up with, from Tokyo (which doesn’t really hold much interest for me) to Mauritius.
When we had our honeymoon we went to Cayo Coco in Cuba, we were told by Thomas Cook reps that it was AMAZING, totally perfect for a honeymoon on a budget and just lush… but it wasn’t. It was a man man island with nothing but beaches, oppressed workers and a pathway to the reality of Cuba. I’ve since learned that we would have been much better going to Varadero or even Havana, but you live you learn eh? Anyhoo, I’m telling you this because my dream honeymoon was to none other than Mauritius.
Sprawling beaches? Check. Luxury? Culture and Sightseeing? Check.
The problem is, at the time to stay in the kind of resort we wanted, we give couldn’t afford it. There were very few options back then for Mauritius, it was exclusive and something that could really only be afforded if you were a superstar with MEGA bucks, but that isn’t Mauritius now.
It’s still a luxury resort so my initial reaction to going there when Adam suggested it was “Ha, my kids would get us deported by breaking a hotel”. Which in fairness is probably accurate way back when Adam and I tied the knot, but now Mauritius is not the place it once was. It’s filled with child friendly activities, beaches that offer up gems of learning opportunities and hours of digging and splashing in the water.
When we were in Florida, Reuben fell in love with the idea of snorkelling and swimming with Dolphins, however we never quite got round to it. Next year I’ve said I would like to go somewhere where we can actually get into the water and snorkel with the kids, and with all of the child friendly hotels and locations in Mauritius, that is a real possibility that fits into our budget.
I think as Brits we have this misconception that beach holidays have to be spent in Lanzarote or Greece when you have kids, somewhere near by, somewhere easy and relatively cheap. That just isn’t the case though, going farther afield can be such a plus and isn’t something we should shy away from. Reuben is doing a “children’s university” thing at the moment at school, which is basically a way to earn extra credits and promote learning outside of school in various different ways – visits to museums, learning about fossils on the beach etc. Anything can be educational and the opportunities for doing this are vast in Mauritius, they even have their own Natural History Museum.
What are your plans for a holiday next year?
H 🙂
Mauritius looks lovely. We got back from cape verde 2 weeks ago not sure if we can afford to go away next year but 2018 hopefully we can will definetly consider Mauritius.
Mauritius would be a great holiday for anyone. It’s so beautiful and I imagine there are quite a few things to do.
I have always wanted to visit here! Hope I get to go x
Stunning pictures, looks like Paradise! It’d be great for the kids to be taken a bit further out. The furthest I ventured as a child was spain and that was only once, the rest of the time it was dreary England. I was forever in awe of the kids that got to travel to exotic places! x
I am hoping to go away next year although I’m not sure where just yet. Those photos look amazing I’d love to visit Mauritius.
I would LOVE to visit Mauritius… if only…. sigh! What beautiful photos too.
Mauritius is beautiful. I would love to visit one day
My brother is getting married in Cyprus so next year’s holiday is all booked and paid for.
I love your pictures. How did you take the one with the dolphins? I miss summer already. It is good that you chose to have a vacation in Mauritius. It is more fun to explore places which are not near your country. I live in the Philippines and I would love to explore Europe someday.
I have big plans to move out next year so all holidays are on hold at the moment unfortunately x
I went to Mauritius at the beginning of the year and I’d say that it is really child friendly as when we were looking for an adults only hotel there wasn’t many at all xxx
Mauritius does sound like it would be a fun choice for a getaway with the kids. It’s nice that they’ve expanded over the years and added things kids would enjoy.
I have never been to Mauritius before but it looks amazing! we need a holiday
What a beautiful place and child friendly too – you’re right about there not being enough exposure to these places for Children x
What an absolutely stunning looking place – I could definitely see myself relaxing there ;).
This looks gorgeous and one day I would love to visit – I’m slightly daunted by the long flight though.
I know a few people whose parents /grandparents come from Mauritius. This is one place I’d love to go, looks heavenly x
Shame about your honeymoon as Mauritius looks like a much more suitable location! I’d love to visit 🙂
I love Mauritius and there is so much to do and certainly child friendly. Actually we are heading to Zanzibar on Monday with our now 11 month old and I’m quite excited about that! It will be his first winter sun holiday having been away a fair few times this year.
Hmmm I smell the desperation for another free holiday …..