If you fancy a sunshine holiday with the kids this winter (who doesn’t?), then we recommend this three star resort in Mauritius.
Why go?
Situated about a 15 minute drive from the tourism hub of Grand Baie, on the north-west coast of the island, Veranda Pointe aux Biches has done a sterling job of appealing to all age groups.
While a secluded area of the hotel ‘Sandy Lane’ has been set up for honeymooning couples who want to eat, swim and drink away from the noise, the other section of the hotel is almost exclusively devoted to families – think cultural programmes, a kids club and 44 family rooms which feature a double bed for the parents and a connecting door for the kids (sleeps two adults and up to three children).
Tired mums and dads can also have their own taste of paradise with a massage on the beach followed by some ‘laughing yoga’ or traditional Sega dancing with the kids.
Activities
KIDS’ CLUB
The Timomo children’s club runs from 9am until 8pm each day and includes painting, sand castle competitions and natural henna classes. A visit to the nearby aquarium runs once a week (Rs 275) and the club organises an end of week theatre show for children to perform to parents.
CULTURAL PROGRAMMES
Families can also benefit from the resort’s cultural programme. Activities for all ages including ‘laughing yoga’ on the beach and Sega dance lessons – the traditional Mauritian dance which is taught using traditional instruments of goatskin drums and triangles. These activities are all resort-based and included in the price of the rooms – itinerary available on request.
OUTSIDE EXCURSIONS
For adults who fancy escaping the beach, the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is just 15 km away (25 minutes by car). Recommended excursions during the summer months include visiting the sixty-acre Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (Rs200, open 8.30 – 5.30pm), the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
For something a little closer, ask the hotel for a guided walk or cycle ride to the nearby Hindu temple Maheswarnath. Simply after a change of scenery for the day? Veranda Resorts offers guests free access to its sister hotels during their stay. If the kids are in the kids’ club, head to adults-only resort Veranda Paul & Virginie for a peaceful lunch and stunning views.
For a family affair, head to Veranda Palmar Beach or Veranda Grand Baie (there is a free shuttle service to Grand Baie, the area with the only real option for night life, from the hotel). Both resorts also have a children’s club and cultural programme, with activities including a coconut workshop, glass-bottomed boat trip and traditional Creole cooking classes.
The lowdown
PRICE
High season (22 December-3 January): B&B from £92 per adult per night, with children (2-11) an extra £46 and teenagers (12-17) an extra £69.
Low season (1 May-30 Sept): B&B from £60 per adult per night, with children (2-11) an extra £15 and teenagers £30.
All-inclusive requires a supplement of £36 per adult and teenager per day, with children (to age 18) at £20.
Price includes: Cultural itinerary , snorkelling, kayaking, table tennis, pedal boat, badminton, WIFI. There is also a shuttle service to Grand Baie which operates three times a week (check at time of booking).
Travel time: A flight from London to Mauritius is approximately 12 hours and it is approximately one hour’s drive from the airport to the resort.
SPECIAL OFFERS
Save 10% on early booking bonus, booking code VPAB/WW/13-14/EBB
Save 30% on a seven night stay (excluding peak), booking code VPAB/PUB/13-14/SS
More information: Visit veranda-resorts.com/en/hotel-veranda-pointe-aux-biches
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