It started as any normal search for the ideal holiday destination, however this time it was a little more special, because this time I was taking my little man with me. When settling on a destination it had to perfect which would allow relaxation time for me but also keep little Alex occupied. Anyone travelling with a little person understands that if the kids are entertained, there will be peace and quiet.
After hours of research and speaking to tons of people, I finally settled on the obvious chose, the island of Mauritius. It offered everything I needed and more, sun, sea and all day entertainment for both my little man and myself. The final selling point for me was that it was just 4 hours travelling time and there was a direct flight from Durban.
Arriving at the airport was the usual rush, and although one does not need a visa when travelling from South Africa, if you are a single parent travelling with your minor child, it will feel as if you would need everything except your blood type available. Jokes aside, I think with all the human trafficking taking place as well as parents stealing their children, the immigration laws are very strict. If you find yourself in my predicament make certain that you have the following documents available..
- An unabridged certificate for your minor child
- An affidavit from the other parent giving you permission to take the minor child out of the country
- A certified copy of their identity document.
If anyone of these is outstanding, your holiday may never happen.
The flight to Mauritius was a breeze, and on arrival the weather was a cool 19 degrees celcius. The transfer to the resort was 2 hours and although everyone on the bus was exhausted, we were all eager to get to our final destination.
They say first impressions are important, and the moment I set foot off the bus, I was in awe. Alex quickly made friends with another boy traveling with his parents from South Africa, and just like that, phew! He was gone.
The month of September is a much cooler month to visit Mauritius, with the temperature reaching about 27 degrees celcuis during the day and dropping to an average of 18 degrees at night. The days were warm and the cool wind makes it manageable and enjoyable.
With this been a holiday intended for relaxation, my goal was to lie on the beach and do absolutely nothing, and oh yes! Doing nothing was exactly what I did, and guess what? I am pretty good and doing it.
It was all about late morning wake ups, afternoon siestas, and evening shows, not to forget the crazy cocktails and the endless supply of delicious food.
My favorite part of my travels is the experience of new cultures, so I decided to book an island excursion. It was a full day excursion, which left super early, well early in relation to holiday time. Wakeup call was at 6am, breakfast ant 6:30 am and we were off at 7am.
The first stop was at Moka, where we visited a beautiful colonial home that was made into museum. The guide explained how the people lived and it was crazy to hear that at that time, it was normal for a couple to have 17 children, wow!
The Chamarel was phenomenal, it is a landscape filled with different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ashes.
The same area had beautiful waterfalls and a little animal farm where you could pet the animals.
Then we were off to Ganga Talao which is an important pilgrimage site where Mauritians of Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival. Its was gorgeous and enlightening, filled with statues of deities. I love immersing myself in culture so I decided to go inside the temple. The sound of the chimes, smell of incense and the priests praying over people was heart warming to experience.
After been filled with the holy experience, we were off to the rum distiller where I learned how to make rum cocktails, and after tasting many different flavored rum, we were quickly whisked into another room for the true intention of the visit. Yes, you guessed it, shopping. Like all tourists, I must admit that I did lose my mind, and I shopped. And it was only after getting back to the hotel, did I realize that I probably over did it. After all, I don’t know many people that drink rum.
The excursion into the island was very educational, and our tour guide, Ramsy was both entertaining and knowledgeable about the island as well as their culture. I remember returning to South Africa, relaying his wonderful stories to my mom.
Like all islands and countries that rely on tourism, the local people are extremely friendly and hospitable. The island is filled with entertainment for families, but also serves as one of those romantic wedding destinations, perfect honey moon destination, or a quick getaway with your loved one.
From the beautiful beaches, to the perfect pool side drinks, Mauritius is the one place you must visit.
However you visit Mauritius, I am certain that it will steal your heart. I left a little part of me there, so I guess I have to return soon.
