Last minute Mauritius

Ok! I know! This isn't strictly backpacking! You see, we have had a stressful few weeks and father's day was coming up so I was "just" having a little look on Travel Zoo last Monday to see if I could perhaps book us a long weekend in Rome...

So here we are in Mauritius. A few days later.

This is the problem when you have a travel addiction. Sometimes deals really are too good to miss! And we did really need a break and some family time. Now I'm back at work and commuting with Thomas between London and Bristol for the foreseeable future, family time has become even more precious. Therefore the opportunity to jet off somewhere new where we could really just get away from everything and have quality time as a family was too tempting. Travel frees us. Frees us from the world back home and frees us from complications. Focuses the mind on what is really important.

I have to admit, this is only about the 3rd package deal I have ever booked in my life. I am much more a "book a flight and sort the rest later" kind of girl but the deal plus the speed of our getaway (we booked on Monday night to fly on Friday) meant this was the best option. So far, I'm pretty impressed. No buses of tourists or lollipop waving reps in sight.

We had planned to come to Mauritius about 18 months ago when I was pregnant with Thomas but had to cancel when I was advised not to fly due to medical complications. I had thought that meant we wouldn't come here until Thomas had flown the nest. A beach holiday with a baby? An 11 hour plus flight for a week? Craziness? Well, not so far. Its actually lovely being here with him and seeing the delight on his face at everything new he experiences. The flight, despite my concerns now that he is walking, was absolutely fine. He really is a great little traveller. He spent most of the overnight fight either winning over other passengers with his cheeky little smile or sleeping. Now that we are here, he's enjoying splashing in the pool and flirting with the female staff (see picture below!). The staff are incredibly friendly and every single one will stop and say hello to him if they pass. Nothing is too much trouble. I'm not much of a sitting and sunbathing person anyway and am enjoying writing whilst he naps.

We are staying at the Westin Turtle Bay, about half was between Port Louis and Grand Baie on the north west coast. It is stunningly beautiful and has plenty on offer for all 3 of us to do. We are planning a trip our to see some of the island during the week but for now... time to relax.