From kayaking along peaceful rivers and joining local fishermen to discovering traditional crafts and dancing to Sega music at sunset, Veranda Resorts is making it easier for families to experience more of Mauritius without spending a fortune on holiday extras.
Mauritius might be best known for its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and luxury resorts, but there is far more to discover beyond the sun loungers. From traditional salt production and colourful local markets to coastal adventures and Creole culture, the island offers plenty of ways for families to experience its character without stretching the holiday budget.
That is the thinking behind Veranda Resorts, a collection of boutique hotels across Mauritius offering complimentary and low-cost activities alongside their accommodation. Whether you are travelling with younger children or teenagers keen to get out and explore, the programme combines outdoor adventures, creative workshops and opportunities to meet the people who call the island home.
With rates starting from £157 per night for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis in December 2026, here is how to make more of a family holiday in Mauritius.
Discover a Different Side of Mauritius
On the island’s west coast, Veranda Tamarin offers a useful base for families who want to explore beyond the beach. Its complimentary Explorer Programme introduces guests to the surrounding landscape and local traditions, with activities particularly suited to families with older children.
One of the highlights is kayaking along the Rempart River. Paddling through peaceful waterways offers a different perspective on Tamarin, with mangroves, riverside scenery and views towards Rempart Mountain and La Tourelle. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including herons, ducks, green parakeets and red crabs.
For a glimpse into the island’s working heritage, the nearby Tamarin Salt Pans offer the chance to discover the traditional craft of sea-salt production, an artisanal practice that continues to play a part in the region’s identity. Guests can also take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to Flic-en-Flac beach, where a day by the sea can be combined with browsing local shops, sampling Mauritian street food or stopping at one of the seaside restaurants.
Those who prefer to explore on foot can follow the coastline around Tamarin Bay, taking in views of the Indian Ocean and the area’s distinctive surf culture. It is a slower way to experience the west coast, away from the usual tourist trail.
Back at the hotel, the local atmosphere continues into the evening. Tuesdays bring the Tir Traka ritual, with sunset, live Sega music and dancing on the beach, while Thursdays see Sunset Vibes at Kas Poz, where a campfire, music, cocktails and tapas create a more laid-back end to the day.
Make the Most of Life by the Sea
Over on the east coast, Veranda Belle Mare puts the island’s lagoon at the centre of the family holiday. Guests can enjoy complimentary water-based activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking and water skiing, offering plenty to do without having to book a separate excursion for every day of the trip.
There is also free bicycle hire from reception, making it easy to explore the coastline at your own pace. A ride around Belle Mare takes in ocean views and quieter stretches of scenery, with opportunities to stop for photographs or spend time by the water. It is a simple way to add a little adventure to a beach holiday while keeping additional costs down.
For families keen to understand more about everyday life on the island, Veranda Pointe aux Biches on the northwest coast offers a more personal experience. Guests can climb aboard a traditional wooden pirogue and join a local fisherman on a fishing trip, hearing stories about his childhood and life on the water along the way.
Rather than simply observing Mauritius from the comfort of a resort, the experience offers a chance to connect with someone from the local community and learn about a tradition shaped by the sea. For children, it can be a particularly memorable part of the holiday, providing a glimpse into a way of life that differs from their own.
Get Creative, Then Explore Grand Baie
For families who prefer to mix outdoor adventures with a little creativity, Veranda Grand Baie offers painting sessions for adults and clay workshops for children. The activities provide a welcome change of pace between trips out and time spent by the pool, with the added bonus of creating a personalised keepsake to take home.
The hotel also makes a convenient base for exploring Grand Baie, one of Mauritius’s best-known resort towns. Families can wander through the local bazaar, browse independent shops and meet local artisans, taking in a livelier side of the island beyond its beaches.
Located in the north, Grand Baie is also well placed for discovering more of the surrounding region. Whether you spend the day exploring local sights or simply take a leisurely walk through town, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the island at your own pace.
How Much Does a Family Holiday in Mauritius Cost?
Veranda Resorts rates start from £157 per night for two adults and two children under 12 sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis in December 2026. Rates are subject to availability and booking conditions, so check the details before booking.
With complimentary activities available across the collection, families can combine time on the beach with kayaking, cycling, creative workshops and cultural experiences without paying for a separate excursion every day. It is a practical approach to making a family holiday budget go further while still experiencing the landscapes, traditions and people that make Mauritius special. So what are you waiting for get that exoctic trip booked in and experience Mauritius.
For more information and bookings, visit Veranda Resorts.
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