A few of us spent the night before the flight in Joburg. I highly recommend the Garden Court Morningside(I didn't get paid for this endorsement). All the kids received an activity pack from the hotel. It was just a few pencils and an activity book but it kept them busy for a few hours. You can book a double room with two double beds which is perfect for families with young kids. Across the car park of the hotel you will find the Ri Stretto restaurant. It's the most kid friendly restaurant I know and I wish we had one in Ballito. The kids all ran to go and play on the mountain of playground equipment. They re-appeared on a regular basis to enjoy their yummy milkshakes and pasta. The food was excellent and the adults could enjoy a few drinks as we only had a short walk to our rooms. Perfect start to a holiday. Just wish we could get rid of the long drive.
The trip to the airport was filled with the usual stress of last minute things, helped by us choosing to park in the long term parking. It really isn't the easiest solution and next time I will pay a car company. Z had spent the night vomiting which made things even worse. Finally checked in after getting the whole family of four siblings, various partners, kids and my in-laws all together. Had to go to the pharmacy air side and buy meds for Z but we did make the flight.
Problem with the flight is it arrives in Mauritius at 7pm. After getting through customs and picking up our rental car it was after 9 at night. If you are going the self-catering route I would recommend an earlier flight. The trip across the island took another hour. We stopped at the new big mall near Grand Baie to pick up supplies. The self catering placed had supplied dinner,dessert and drinks for the first night. We didn't know this but apparently it is common practice in Mauritius. Get very exact directions if you plan to rent a self-catering place as we spent ages looking for our place. There was no number on the wall and it was down a small side alley with a crumbling wall. Poverty and wealth exist side-by-side on the island. Your self-catering place could be surrounded by utter poverty but look amazing inside. Reminded me of Mexico and Thailand. The kids played in the pool of our house until midnight. On a complete high and all so happy to be together. Poor Z was still sick.
The main point of the trip was the wedding on Friday. No kids allowed but we got lucky and found an English speaking to teacher to watch the kids. Great evening and I got far drunker then I have in years. Wine, beer and cocktails plus an open bar is rather deadly. Hitting your 30's and small children to watch both ensure that the hangover is far worse in the morning.
The rest of the trip was spent swimming, hanging out with the French-Mauritian family and exploring the island. Sadly Z was sick for the whole trip. She rallied and managed to have fun every day but she did vomit a lot and ran a fever for most of the trip. The rest of all managed to catch her cough and I am still battling to shake it. Two course of antibiotics and still sick. A is really bad but I think we are all reinfecting each other.
On a more cheerful note here are a few more tips for your trip.
1. The days on the beach seem to blend into one so try and get out to explore the rest of the island.
2. Get going early in the day. We had a large group and only left the house at 11 most days. We missed seeing a lot because of that.
3. The rand is weak. Everything on the island is expensive. The majority of stuff is imported and you will really blow your food budget. Beer was about R25 for 330ml in stores, milk was around R30 per liter. Chicken was the cheapest meat and beef was completely out of budget. We did feed a family of 8 adults and 6 kids but our budget with drinks was over R2000 per day.
4. Eating out in the North is pricey. One meal cost over R7000 for us. I saw burger specials on pub walls that equaled R120 for a burger.
5. I would suggest going on a cheap all inclusive hotel deal, but get out and explore the island away from the beach.
6. Climb the highest point in Mauritians. It's a 7km round trip from the car park. Be warned that the path is often muddy and is fairly heavy going. The last part involves a very steep climb with a rope but the views are spectacular.
7. Find a nice pub with a happy hour to enjoy sundowners with a view.
8. Go to Ile aux Cerfs - our day trip there was the highlight of my trip. I wish we had spent more time there. Go on the drift to the side of the island and relax. There are numerous boat trips to the island but try and get one that allows as much time as possible there.
9. Swim as much as possible.
10. Relax and try not to get sick on holiday!!
Here are a few pics from the trip.
So would I go again... Yes. Not for a few years and I would do very different style of trip but we had a great time. The kids loved it and it was nice to have a break away from everything.
I would love to go to Mauritius with the kids. Next time contact APS - they are waiting for you at drop off to get your car and bring it back washed and cleaned when you are back.
ReplyDeleteWe would love to go there as well! I am planning a Mauritius holiday in two years time when I am turn a big 0 again! Have to start saving now. :-) But I think we will do the all-package included stay in a hotel!
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