Family Package for Mauritius?

Q: We are considering travelling to Mauritius in July 2011. Do you have any recommendations for reasonably priced places to stay that would be suitable for a family (ages 3 - 65)? Any other tips or special packages would be most welcome. - Gwyneth Lipson

A: You could find a cheap hotel, but a self-catering flat or villa is likely to be your best bet for a family holiday. There are plenty of such places available in all parts of the island. Your first decision will be to decide where you want to stay. The north is the most popular part of the island, with a large number of accommodation options, restaurants and shops around Grand Baie. However, if you want a more remote part of the island with great, quiet beaches, head for the east. Finding the right accommodation depends on your personal preferences. For example, you could opt for a great two-bedroom apartment located on the top floor of a shopping complex in Grand Baie. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the shops and night-time action. The apartment, which has fabulous sea views, is priced from around R800 per night (www.stayinmauritius.com). For a wide listing of places to stay go to www.travellerspoint.com, where you can get rooms for as little as R210 per night, You can also check www.cheaphotelsmauritius.com. One option which caught my eye was La Pointe Villas, which is located in Pointe Aux Canonniers and only 200 metres from Mont Choisy Beach. The complex has a swimming pool and all units have dining areas and kitchens with refrigerators, cookers and microwaves. Choose a bungalow or apartment priced from around R500 per night. This means you can save a small fortune by buying produce at the local markets and supermarkets and cook your own meals. You should also shop around before you buy packages for tourist excursions or tours. Often you can get the best prices in towns or local shopping areas, away from the tourist zones. (16/1/11)