InterContinental Resort Mauritius ★★★★

My husband and I have always wanted to try Mauritius. We know a few couples who have come back simply glowing with healthiness after spending just a few days there, full of stories and photos of the dramatic scenery, the paradise beaches and the fantastic cuisine that blends everything from Indian spice to African flavour. We always thought, though, that to take the girls to an island known more for its expensive luxury hotels than its child-friendly fun would be a mistake, each summer choosing instead a Mediterranean break or just renting a cottage in Scotland…

Yet the answer was there waiting for us on the VeryChic website. The InterContinental Hotel group is known for its incredible service and unparalleled locations around the world, yes, but it also has a warm family-friendly heart that permeates all its properties, and the Mauritian resort in Balaclava was an exceptional example. This luxury hotel impressed with its warm welcome from the very beginning, with a sleek town car picking us up from the airport to whisk us through palm groves and sugar cane plantations to our hotel.

Once in the reception, that quintessential Mauritian warmth was difficult to resist from all the staff, as we were welcomed in impeccable English and given a tour of the facilities. The children’s pool and list of upcoming kids’ activities got the girls excited, while we were mesmerised by the beachfront of the hotel, featuring a vast terrace looking down onto the infinity pool that stretched out to Balaclava Bay beyond. This is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline on the entire island, which is saying a lot for such a beautiful spot, and the charming little palm tree island offers not only additional aesthetic beauty but also curves round to protect our beach from big waves, making it ideal for young ones.

As we unpacked in our room, I was irresistibly drawn to our spacious balcony which looked out onto the ocean, while the girls unloaded their iPhones, iPads and other accessories onto their beds and dug out their swimming costumes – they weren’t going to waste one minute before getting into that pool!

For now, though, the plan was splashing in the pool for the girls and poolside cocktails for us, before we all got ready for dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants, opting for the buffet for our first night so that the girls could get a taste of some local cuisine and see how they liked it.

The next day we watched as our girls scurried off to the kids’ club without so much as a backwards glance before we headed off to discover Port Louis and its vast traditional market. While my husband devoured the local produce with his eyes, I picked up some beautiful woven bags for some friends from a traditional Mauritian craft stall. That afternoon we met up with the kids to go snorkelling together, after being shown the best spots by the ever-helpful staff.

With so much on offer and unfailingly friendly, warm service, the InterContinental was the warmest luxury hotel I had ever experienced, offering a truly family-friendly stay where everyone can find activities to suit their tastes.