From 1 to 8 September 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience Mauritius as part of a Mega Familiarisation Trip hosted by Thompsons Holidays. As a travel professional, there is nothing more valuable than experiencing a destination first-hand. It allows me to guide my clients using personal knowledge of the resorts, service, locations and overall holiday experience, beyond brochures and photographs.
Mauritius continues to be one of the most popular island destinations for South African travellers, and after this trip it is easy to understand why. Warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, excellent food and a wide choice of resorts make the island suitable for couples, honeymooners, families, groups and solo travellers.
The Mauritius resorts I experienced
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa
Refined west-coast luxury and memorable sunsets
A refined beachfront resort with a relaxed yet upmarket atmosphere. Set within spacious, beautifully maintained grounds on the west coast, the resort is perfectly positioned for Mauritius’ spectacular sunsets. The food was fresh and varied, while the service was warm, attentive and professional. Its excellent spa, beachfront setting and strong resort facilities make it a confident choice for a quality island escape.
Best suited to: Couples, honeymooners, families and travellers who appreciate spacious surroundings and polished service.
Pearle Beach Resort & Spa
Relaxed beachfront value in Flic-en-Flac
Pearle Beach is a friendly, intimate beachfront hotel offering good value in the popular Flic-en-Flac area. The hotel has an easy-going and welcoming feel, making it ideal for travellers who prefer a smaller property to a large luxury resort. The food was enjoyable, with a lovely combination of local Mauritian and international flavours, and the team created a warm atmosphere throughout our visit.
Best suited to: Value-conscious couples, families and groups looking for a casual, well-located beach holiday.
RIU Palace Mauritius
Adults-only, all-inclusive style at Le Morne
Located in the breathtaking Le Morne area, RIU Palace Mauritius is a modern adults-only, all-inclusive resort. The extensive food and beverage offering, direct beach access, inviting pools and entertainment create a lively but polished atmosphere. The dramatic Le Morne setting adds something truly special, while the all-inclusive concept makes the holiday wonderfully convenient.
Best suited to: Adults, couples, honeymooners and friends wanting a stylish holiday with almost everything included.
Preskil Island Resort
Lagoon views, island charm and easy airport access
Preskil has a distinctive island feel, beautiful lagoon views and a welcoming, easy-going atmosphere. The food was very good and the staff were friendly, helpful and attentive. Its location near Blue Bay and the airport, combined with water activities and family-friendly facilities, makes it a versatile option. It is also an excellent choice for the final part of an itinerary before flying home.
Best suited to: Couples, families and groups wanting a relaxed island experience in a convenient location.
The journey and organisation
Flying with Air Mauritius
Our journey with Air Mauritius was pleasant and comfortable. Check-in and boarding were efficient, the cabin crew were friendly and attentive, and the meals were enjoyable. The seating and cabin facilities were comfortable for the route, and the entertainment system was easy to use.
Transfers and ground arrangements
The transfers were punctual, comfortable and professionally coordinated. Vehicles were clean, luggage assistance was efficient and communication around collection times was clear. This helped the programme run smoothly despite our busy itinerary.
A special thank you
Our tour leader, Antoinette Samuels, was organised, approachable and professional throughout the trip. She managed the group and schedule calmly, communicated each day’s programme clearly and created a positive, inclusive atmosphere. Her destination and product knowledge added real value to the experience.
A sincere thank you to Thompsons Holidays for arranging such an informative and exceptionally well-organised educational trip. The trip provided invaluable first-hand product knowledge that I can now use to match my clients with the Mauritius resort best suited to their needs.
Why book a Mauritius holiday with OctaTravel?
Choosing the right resort involves much more than comparing star ratings. Location, atmosphere, meal plan, room configuration, beach and facilities all matter. Having personally experienced these properties, I can offer honest guidance and match your holiday to your travel style, occasion and budget.
Let OctaTravel turn your Mauritius dream into a memorable island holiday.
Candice October | OctaTravel | 082 700 2751 | candice@octatravel.co.za
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