Island Dreams Come True
My Mauritius Educational Trip with Thompson Holidays
When I tell you this trip was a dream from start to finish, I mean every single word. Eight days in the paradise island of Mauritius, organised by Thompson Holidays — an educational trip packed with incredible hotel experiences, breathtaking activities, supplier meetings, and memories that will last a lifetime. Buckle up, because this is a long one! A quick note before we dive in: Mauritius is 2 hours AHEAD of South Africa, so plan your travel times accordingly!
Day 1 – 26 August | Arrival in Paradise
Our adventure began the moment we touched down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 15:00. But before our transfers even took us to the resort, the Mauritian hospitality hit us full force — right outside the airport, we were greeted with the most beautiful surprise: hand-woven baskets and hats, chilled water bottles, and the vibrant energy of Sega dancers welcoming us to the island. What a way to arrive!
The Sega is the traditional music and dance of Mauritius, with African roots, known for its rhythmic drumming and colourful costumes. Seeing it live as our very first experience set the tone perfectly for the entire trip.
After soaking in the welcome, it was roughly an hour's drive to our first hotel — with beautiful Mauritian scenery flying past the window the whole way.
Hotel Stop 1: Sunrise Attitude
26 – 28 August | Adults Only | Belle Mare, East Coast
About the Hotel
Sunrise Attitude is a 4-star adults-only boutique hotel nestled on the beautiful east coast of Mauritius in Belle Mare — just 50 metres from one of the most stunning beaches on the entire island. Set in a lush, eco-conscious environment, the hotel draws design inspiration from the island itself: think terracotta, mustard gold, and leaf green tones that mirror the earth and ocean around you. Proudly certified Made in Moris and committed to responsible tourism, Sunrise Attitude is part of the Attitude Hotels group and holds B Corp certification.
The hotel's 153 rooms and villas are notably television-free — a conscious choice to encourage guests to truly disconnect and unwind. Instead, you'll find a Bulk Shop where you can stock up on teas, coffees and snacks in reusable glass jars. There are two gorgeous outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, a street food truck, and a selection of bars and restaurants. The Spa POZ uses 100% natural, locally grown ingredients for its treatments — including moringa oil, neem leaves, pure coconut oil and Chamelier coffee beans.
Activities include glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling, scuba diving with PADI instructors, catamaran trips, yoga, beach walks, cycling through the village of Flacq, and their signature Otentik Experiences — like dining with a local family in their home.
Our Experience
On arrival, the team was already waiting for us — welcome drinks in hand and cold towels at the ready. After a chance to settle in and freshen up, we gathered for pre-dinner drinks with appetisers. And dinner? Oh my word. The food was nothing short of amazing — Mauritian cuisine at its absolute finest.
After dinner, we headed to the club on the premises — the perfect end to an incredible first evening in paradise.
Day 2 at Sunrise Attitude
We hit the ground running! An early breakfast was followed by a full site inspection of the hotel — a real eye-opener to see all the thought and detail that goes into this gorgeous property. After the inspection, we had free time to spend at the beach. White sandy shores. Turquoise, crystal-clear water. Pure bliss.
The afternoon treated us to a cooking class — we rolled up our sleeves and made some traditional Mauritian dishes ourselves. An experience I'd recommend to any foodie traveller! Post-cooking class, we headed to the pool for some well-earned relaxation before getting ready for another incredible buffet dinner — the selection and quality of food was just extraordinary.
Final Morning at Sunrise Attitude
We packed our bags, had breakfast, and were just about ready to depart when we were surprised with a complimentary 15-minute head massage. What an incredibly thoughtful farewell! Sunrise Attitude truly goes above and beyond.
Hotel Stop 2: C Mauritius
28 – 30 August | Family Orientated | Palmar, East Coast
About the Hotel
C Mauritius is an all-inclusive lifestyle resort situated right on the stunning Palmar beach on the east coast of Mauritius, part of the Constance Hotels family. The hotel's philosophy is wonderfully playful — it invites guests to reconnect with their inner child! With colourful, locally-inspired décor, three swimming pools (including one with swings overlooking the sea!), a kite festival tradition, and a wide range of activities from paddleboard to kayak, beer pong to floating trampolines — C Mauritius keeps everyone entertained.
The resort is positioned on a beautiful shallow bay with a reef break, overlooking the idyllic lagoon of Palmar, 25 miles from the capital Port Louis. For dining, The Dining Room serves a quality international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Wok 'N Roll is an intimate à la carte Asian restaurant overlooking the beach, serving fresh sushi and dim sum. There's also the CPICERIE deli-style outlet, plus a wine cellar with over 50 international varieties.
C Mauritius is ideal for families and the young at heart — with activities for all ages, non-motorised watersports, and a vibrant, laid-back east coast atmosphere that's perfect for kite surfing.
Our Experience
The C Mauritius team greeted us in style — welcome drinks, cold towels, and warm smiles. After checking in and getting settled, we had a site inspection to explore the property properly. And just when we thought the day couldn't get better, a surprise was waiting for us at the beach: we got to create our own infused rum, followed by a cocktail making class! If you love a good cocktail, this is an experience not to miss.
Dinner was in the main buffet area, followed by live music entertainment — the perfect soundtrack to a magical Mauritian evening.
Day 2 at C Mauritius
After a lovely breakfast and some free time to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach, we had a picnic lunch right on the sand — a wonderful touch.
Then came the highlight of the day: a boat trip out to snorkel in the clear waters, complete with sundowners on the water. The colours, the calm, the company — absolutely unforgettable.
Before dinner, we had a paddle session lined up — and what an absolute blast it turned out to be!
That evening, we had a dinner reservation at one of the on-site restaurants. My oh my — the food! From sushi to dumplings to the most indulgent desserts, every bite was a delight. And because once is never enough.
We joined another cocktail making session to round off the evening!
Adventure Day: Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park
30 August | Formerly La Vallée des Couleurs
We had an early departure from C Mauritius at around 6am — our suppliers meetings awaited! We made our way to Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park (formerly La Vallée des Couleurs), where we met with hotels and suppliers from across the Mauritian tourism industry.
After the supplier meetings, they held a lucky draw — and I am thrilled to say that I was one of the lucky winners of a trip back to Mauritius! Pinch me!
Quad Biking to the Coloured Earth
After the meetings and the excitement of the draw, our adventure day truly kicked off. We hopped on quad bikes and rode out to see the famous Coloured Earth of Chamarel — one of Mauritius's most iconic natural wonders. This geological phenomenon features rolling hills of soil in seven distinct natural colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. We also spotted a stunning waterfall along the way. This is absolutely a must-do when visiting Mauritius!
Mauritius's Longest Zipline
Just when we thought the day was done with surprises, another one hit us: the opportunity to experience Mauritius's longest zipline! Soaring through the air with jaw-dropping views of the island stretching out beneath us — this is the kind of experience that you'll be talking about for years. If you have even the slightest sense of adventure, put this on your list immediately. 100% a must-do.
Hotel Stop 3: Solana Beach
30 August – 1 September | Adults Only | Belle Mare, East Coast
About the Hotel
Solana Beach is a romantic 4-star adults-only hotel nestled along the pristine coast of Belle Mare on the lush eastern coast of Mauritius. All 117 of its rooms boast magical, unobstructed ocean views — every single one. The hotel features a main buffet restaurant, an à la carte restaurant with Mediterranean influences, an authentic Creole cuisine restaurant, and three bars. The Ylang Spa offers massages, hairdressing and body care, plus complimentary access to a relaxing sauna and steam bath. Activities include canoeing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, tennis, and diving.
Solana Beach is particularly well-suited for couples — it's been specifically designed as a sanctuary of tranquility and romance, with every room offering those incredible sea views and private balconies or garden patios.
Our Experience
We arrived later than planned after our full adventure day at Vallée des Couleurs — and even though we had missed the main dinner service, the team at Solana Beach had plates waiting for us. That kind of thoughtfulness really makes a difference after a long day. We had an early, well-deserved night.
Day 2 at Solana Beach
We woke up to the most spectacular sunrise views from our ocean-facing rooms — the kind that remind you exactly why you travel. Breakfast was followed by free time at the beach, then a site inspection of the hotel to fully appreciate the property.
Then came the highlight of the day: a glass-bottom boat trip out to snorkel in the clear waters
Later, we enjoyed an amazing lunch with views of the beach stretching out before us.
That evening, we dined at one of the à la carte restaurants on site — open-air, under the stars, with live music drifting through the warm Mauritian night air. Romantic doesn't even begin to cover it.
Day Out: Exploring Port Louis
1 September | History, Markets & Shopping
After an early breakfast, our drivers picked us up for a full day out exploring the capital of Mauritius. Port Louis is a vibrant, colourful city that perfectly captures the multicultural soul of the island — where French, Indian, African and Chinese influences all come together in beautiful harmony.
Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle)
Our first stop was the iconic Fort Adelaide, also known as La Citadelle — a historic British colonial fort perched dramatically on a hilltop 74 metres above sea level, overlooking Port Louis harbour. Construction began in 1830 and was completed in 1840 under British colonial rule, named in honour of Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV. Built from striking black basalt stone, the fort was designed to protect Port Louis from invasion and control civil unrest during a period of significant social change on the island. Interestingly, the fort was never used for actual combat — but it stood as a powerful symbol of British authority. Today, it's a national monument and popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city, the harbour, the Champ de Mars racecourse, and the majestic Moka mountain range in the background. Entry is free!
Visit in the late afternoon for spectacular sunset views over the city — it's an absolute must for photos!
Port Louis Market & Caudan Waterfront
From the fort, we made our way to the famous Port Louis Market — an absolute feast for the senses! We tasted authentic local Mauritian street food (rotis, samosas, fresh fruit — all incredible), haggled for souvenirs, and soaked in the lively, colourful atmosphere of this legendary market.
We also took a short walk to the Caudan Waterfront — a beautiful waterfront complex with shops, restaurants and stunning views of the harbour. A lovely way to round off our city exploration before heading to our final hotel.
Hotel Stop 4: Preskil Island Resort
1 – 2 September | Family Friendly | Pointe Jérôme, Mahébourg, South-East Coast
About the Hotel
Preskil Island Resort is a superior 4-star family hotel set on a stunning natural peninsula between the historic village of Mahébourg and the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park in the south-east of Mauritius — just 15 minutes from the airport! Shielded on one side by a magnificent lagoon and on the other by the majestic Lion Mountain, Preskil is a genuine architectural and natural gem. The resort's colonial-style buildings and thatched cottages are spread across lush tropical gardens, with 214 spacious rooms all featuring private terraces or balconies. Preskil is famous for its two swimming pools (including a gorgeous infinity pool), three restaurants, kids' club, Banyan Spa, and an extensive range of watersports. The resort is the only 4-star superior property on the south-east of the island.
For dining, Preskil offers three distinct restaurants: Mediterranean, Local and Asian cuisines — with halal, vegan and gluten-free options all available. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and authentically Mauritian, with cultural shows and curated island experiences throughout.
For dining, Preskil offers three distinct restaurants: Mediterranean, Local and Asian cuisines — with halal, vegan and gluten-free options all available. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and authentically Mauritian, with cultural shows and curated island experiences throughout.
Our Experience
After checking in and taking some time to explore this beautiful resort, we received the most wonderful surprise — a sunset catamaran trip had been arranged for us! We got ready, gathered on the jetty, and stepped aboard... and from the moment we cast off, we knew this would be the perfect finale to our Mauritius experience.
The catamaran glided out onto the glittering Indian Ocean as the sun began its descent. Music played, drinks flowed, and we had little bites of delicious food as we watched the sky turn the most incredible shades of orange and pink. This is absolutely, unequivocally a must-do in Mauritius. The vibes, the views, the company — pure magic.
Upon returning to shore, we had a beautiful dinner on the beach, followed by a farewell party at the resort — the perfect send-off to an extraordinary week.
Last Day – 2 September | Farewell, Mauritius
Our flight back to Johannesburg with FlySafair was at 16:15, so we had a leisurely final morning — a quick site inspection of the resort, some relaxed poolside time to bottle those last memories, and then it was time to make our way to the airport.
As I sat waiting for my flight home, I genuinely struggled to put into words what this trip had meant to me. Mauritius is more than just beautiful beaches (although yes, those beaches are beyond spectacular). It's the people, the food, the culture, the warmth, the energy. And experiencing it all through the lens of Thompson Holidays — with such a thoughtfully curated, jam-packed itinerary — made every single moment feel special.
And of course... I won a trip back. So Mauritius, I'll see you again very soon!
Hotels at a Glance
- Sunrise Attitude (Belle Mare) – Adults Only, 4-star, eco-conscious boutique hotel with incredible beach access and unique Otentik cultural experiences. Perfect for couples seeking a peaceful, authentic Mauritian escape.
- C Mauritius (Palmar) – All-inclusive, playful family resort on the east coast with vibrant activities, great Asian dining and a beach made for fun. Perfect for families and the young-at-heart.
- Solana Beach (Belle Mare) – Adults Only, 4-star romantic retreat with 117 sea-view rooms, open-air dining and a wonderful spa. Perfect for couples wanting pure relaxation with style.
- Preskil Island Resort (Mahébourg) – Superior 4-star family resort on a stunning southeast peninsula, just 15 minutes from the airport. Perfect for families or as a first/last night stay.
My Top Must-Do's in Mauritius
- Watch the Sega dancers — experience the soul of the island
- Spend time on Belle Mare Beach — arguably the most beautiful in Mauritius
- Take a cooking class and discover Mauritian cuisine
- Do a cocktail making and rum infusion class
- Visit Vallée des Couleurs for the Coloured Earth and the waterfalls
- Do the zipline at Vallée des Couleurs — Mauritius's longest!
- Quad bike through the south of the island
- Take a sunset catamaran cruise — non-negotiable!
- Visit Fort Adelaide / La Citadelle in Port Louis for free panoramic views Explore the Port Louis Market and Caudan Waterfront
Thank you, Thompson Holidays, for an unforgettable experience.
Mauritius — you've stolen my heart.
