Firmly established in the weddings and honeymoon market, Mauritius is now being promoted as a family destination, as more hotels add facilities for children.
Elite Vacations managing director Peter Jackson said:”While the destination has traditionally attracted couples, Mauritian hotels are now geared up for youngsters, as many now have special clubs and activities for kids.”
The operator’s top family hotel in Mauritius is Sun International’s Sugar Beach resort, which recently upgraded its facilities. A new feature is a Hansel and Gretel Cottage for children aged two-12, which is kitted out with a state-of-the-art computer corner and a garden with swings and slides. Teenagers get their own separate entertainment programme in the form of shopping trips and water-skiing. The resort also has a creche for toddlers.
“Child reductions are very good with Sun International. It is not just an air fare reduction, you get a discount on accommodation too,” said Jackson.
Adult prices at Sugar Beach for June this year lead in at ú1,179 for seven nights, with a child price of ú568 for the under 12s. Both prices include flights, transfers and half-board accommodation.
The only potential downside of the destination for the family market is the lengthy flight time – around 12hrs from the UK. However, operators are looking to improved in-flight entertainment to make the hours pass more quickly for children.
British Airways Holidays worldwide product manager Paul Cleary said: “The flight is 12hrs, but the planned improvements to the BA World Traveller service, such as seat-back videos, special kids meals and packs will make Mauritius a more attractive proposition.”
To push Mauritius as a family destination, BAH flags up hotels as ‘family friendly’ if they have good children’s facilities and discounts. “We recognise that the Indian Ocean and Caribbean are strong in the honeymoon market, but we are actively trying to increase our stake in the family market this year,” said Cleary.
Cleary recommends the four-star Belle Mare Plage or Sun International’s three-and-a-half star Le Coco Beach. “The Belle Mare Plage has a children’s’ mini club, mini golf and table tennis. Le Coco Beach has a children’s playground and a kids club,” he said.
Adult prices at Coco Beach start at ú1,209 per person for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis, while the child price is ú715. Both prices include flights with BA. The Belle Mare Plage costs ú1,105 per adult for seven nights half-board, and ú619 per child. Prices include flights with British Airways.