Not every traveller is the type who likes to “do nothing” for two weeks straight – and it’s especially difficult to get the right mix of relaxation and exploration when you’re travelling as a family or group. So how can you ensure your next getaway is enjoyable for even the most stir-crazy of holidaymakers?
Try a few of these crowd-pleasing activities (and then go find some more of your own) – and save up to 45% when you book your next trip to Mauritius with Sure Travel and World Leisure Holidays:
Escape the resort and drive or hike the Seven Cascades of Tamarind Falls in southwest Mauritius. This is an incredible (and fairly remote) day trip for those 12 and up – the full hike takes six hours and is geared toward the moderately-fit adventurer. The first 3 falls are easily reachable on foot, however some of the others will require abseiling or canyoning (using ropes, climbing and cliff jumping) and are best accessed with a guided tour.
Hike through lush forests, sugar cane fields and past Hindu temples to each of the thundering falls; then cool off with a swim at the foot of the towering cascades. It’s sure to be a highlight of your group’s active Mauritius holiday.
Travel tip: bring a backpack, hiking or sports shoes, suitable clothing, swimming costume and various protections (sun cream, insect repellent, warm clothes, drinking water). Remember you’ll need a waterproof camera if you plan to get photos!
Want another group-friendly hiking spot? Try out Black River Gorges National Park in the southeast. It’s Mauritius’ largest protected forest with more than 50km of trails.
Nearly surrounded by coral reef, Mauritius is paradise for sailing, swimming, snorkelling, water skiing and scuba diving. Most resorts offer a host of water sports to keep those of all ages and abilities busy.
Balaclava, Blue Bay, Rodrigues Island, Belle Mare, Flic en Flac, Pereybere, and Trou aux Biches are some of the best spots for group water activities.
Travel tip: if you’re planning to be in the water, remember to wash off your sun cream and instead don a long-sleeved rash guard to protect from the UV rays: a staggering number of the world’s coral reefs are being killed due to sunscreen pollution. Avoid aerosol applications also, as much of the spray ends up in the sand and subsequently washes harmful chemicals into the ocean with the tides.
Spend a couple of hours at the southern hemisphere’s oldest botanical garden – while Millennial travellers among the group may not be initially keen, they’ll soon see the landscapes are an Instagrammer’s paradise.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (SSRBG) covers about 37.5 hectares – at every turn you’ll be engulfed with the scents of flowers, spices, fruits and vegetables from the world over, planted by the French in 1767.
Imagine all your favourite foreign cuisines: Chinese, French, Indian or spicy Creole? Mauritius’ signature dishes are influenced by all of the above.
This is the place to eat fresh seafood (as in, fish caught today), nuanced chutneys and pickled 'achards', super-sized fruit and vegetables (as a result of the fertile volcanic soil), and black vanilla teas.
Street food’s an eclectic and delicious melange as well (so you'll find something for everyone's taste buds): sip on fresh coconut water, snack on chopped fruit covered in chilli and sugar, or sample Chinese fried noodles or savoury hot curries topped with chilli and wrapped in steaming thin breads made of ground yellow split peas.
Mauritius has several geological sits of interest (the country was formed from volcanic activity, after all). But one of its most popular are the rainbow hills of “Terres des Sept Couleurs” (translated as the “Seven-coloured earths”) at Chamarel.
Scientists believe the natural wonder was formed when decomposing molten volcanic rock transitioned into clay and then soil, and the colour shades are a result of different external temperatures during this cooling process – but the jury’s still out. Rains have since carved the rock and soil into surrealist hills of striped red, brown, purple, green, blue and yellow.
The hardest to impress among you will drop their jaws as the tree-lined drive of the 1859-built Château de Labourdonnais comes into full view. Stunning restorations have seen this mansion brought to her former glory days (it’s now a museum dedicated to its history and 19th-century life in Mauritius).
With 540-hectares of sugar cane fields and spaces for events, you’ll have the chance to stay and taste the fruits of its earth and orchards: rum, fruit juice, fruit paste and jam.
Nicknamed ‘Club M’ or ‘The Dodos’, Mauritius’ national football (soccer) team is beloved by locals. They compete in the African Cup of Nations Tour and are members of FIFA.
While they haven’t done particularly well in international tournaments, watching a match (either at the stadium or your nearest local sports bar) is one of the best ways to witness the passion of fans – these are no bandwagon jumpers! The hardcore-sports dads in your group will definitely be on board when they see this activity on the day's itinerary.
Better yet? Get out on the neighbourhood pitch and challenge the locals to a friendly game.
The country’s most famous extinct bird? The dodo. Unfortunately, many of the island’s 700 species of indigenous plants are still threatened with the same fate through loss of habitat. Mauritius has made valiant strides to establish itself as an international standard for the protection of endangered species and natural resources, however, the battle is daily and environmentally-friendly tourism plays a big role in preserving what's left of the indigenous flora and fauna.
Pay a visit (or donate) to the the Mauritius Wildlife Fund – they’re working hard to ensure the survival of some of the world’s rarest species, including the Pink Pigeon.
Keeping active is all well and good but after long days of exploring, everyone in the group can agree the best way to enjoy Mauritius remains a relaxing sundowner (virgin for the kiddos, of course), mouth-watering dinner (without having to cook) and a good night’s sleep (in those crisp, clean sheets you can only find at a 4- or 5-star resort)!
Thanks to World Leisure Holidays, travelling to Mauritius as a group has never been more affordable – they’ve got luxury resort packages that will suit all tastes (and up to 45% savings when you book and pay by 30 November 2018!):
7-nights from R37 940 pps* (from Johannesburg or Durban) / R39 530 (from Cape Town)
Travel dates: 9 January to 12 March 2019
Located on one of the best beaches in Mauritius, this five-star resort offers a haven of idyllic island leisure. Think pristine white sand, colourful coral reefs, gloriously warm water and palm-fringed shores. The resort itself is no less spectacular, featuring lush tropical gardens, sumptuous dining, exceptional service and the largest spa on the island. Look forward to lazy days under the sun, exciting water sports, gourmet cuisine and unforgettable experiences at this one-of-a-kind island escape.
*Highlights: second adult sharing the room stays free; book by 30 November 2018 to qualify.
Includes: return direct airfare with Air Mauritius + approximate airport taxes; return coach transfers; 7-nights accommodation in a Junior Suite (Ocean View); breakfast & dinner daily; all land & non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment.
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From R27 630 pps* (from Johannesburg or Durban) / R29 215 pps (from Cape Town)
Travel dates: 9 January to 12 March 2019
Long Beach is exactly as the name suggests. Set on one of the largest expanses of immaculate beach in Mauritius, there’s fun in the sun everywhere for the whole family. The contemporary design of the resort marries perfectly with the laid back island lifestyle one expects. Open plan rooms with large glass frontage means the view is always the centre of attention. Whether it’s the crystal blue waters or the vibrant tropical gardens, you’ll enjoy a feast for the eyes and senses. This part of the island resonates with a vibrant atmosphere thanks to the various restaurants, clubs, bars and luxury spas at your disposal.
*Highlights: 45% Discount – book by 30 November 2018 to qualify
Includes: return direct airfare with Air Mauritius + approximate airport taxes; return coach transfers; 7-nights accommodation in a Junior Suite; breakfast & dinner daily; all land & non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment.
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From R16 330 pps* (from Johannesburg or Durban) / R17 920 (from Cape Town)
Travel dates: 9 January to 12 March 2019
Feel the sand between your toes and leave your worries back home. That’s what your time at Veranda Pointe Aux Biches is all about. Whether you come as a couple, with friends or the whole family, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy the simple pleasures like resting, eating, reading and relaxing. The golden sands of the pristine beach are integrated into the architecture, so you always feel connected to the ocean. There is also a section of the resort reserved just for couples for a more romantic setting. So ditch your shoes and step into paradise.
*Highlights: 35% Discount – book by 30 November 2018 to qualify
Includes: return direct airfare with Air Mauritius + approximate airport taxes; return coach transfers; 7-nights accommodation in a Comfort Room; breakfast & dinner daily; all land & non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment.
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From R22 935 pps (from Johannesburg or Durban) / R24 520 (from Cape Town)
Travel dates: 9 January to 12 March 2019
Escape to a world where the sounds of traffic and construction become a distant memory. Here softly swaying palm trees and the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean are music to your ears. This stunning four-star resort on the East Coast of Mauritius is the ultimate contemporary retreat. It’s the perfect location for weddings, honeymoons or for some much needed downtime. Suited for couples, friends and singles alike, it has everything a tropical getaway should, all in a private and tranquil setting. Our all-inclusive packages means all you need to concern yourself with is enjoying yourself. So come treat yourself to paradise on earth and the perfect adult getaway.
*Highlights: 40% Discount – book by 30 November 2018 to qualify
Includes: return direct airfare with Air Mauritius + approximate airport taxes; return coach transfers; 7-nights accommodation in a Superior Garden room; breakfast, lunch & dinner daily; all land & non-motorised water sports; daily entertainment.
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Let Sure Travel help you plan your next active group getaway to Mauritius. Save up to 45% when you book and pay for a stay with World Leisure Holidays before 30 November 2018.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agency to enquire or book, or call +27 (0)861 47 48 49.