The grandparents treated us to a special family holiday in Mauritius this past week.

For me, the highlight of the trip was snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs in the island’s crystal-clear turquoise waters.

We stayed in the north of the island and had the privilege of exploring several offshore islands. A small speedboat whisked us across the Indian Ocean to Coin de Mire (Rock Island), Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Swimming among shoals of parrotfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish, as well as clouds of sergeant majors and Moorish idols, was nothing short of magical.

A visit to Château de Labourdonnais, a 19th-century estate and manor house, offered a fascinating glimpse into Mauritius’s colonial past. In 1856, Christian Wiehe, a prominent figure in Mauritian society, began construction of the grand neoclassical château, which was completed three years later. The estate became home to generations of the Wiehe family, who played a significant role in the development of the island’s sugar industry and later a rum distillery.

After falling into disrepair, the mansion underwent an extensive restoration project in 2006 that returned it to its former splendour. Meticulously preserved records, correspondence and diaries provide a remarkable window into the lives of its former inhabitants and the society they helped shape.

As is the case with many former colonies, however, Mauritius’s prosperity was built on the labour of enslaved people and later indentured workers. They laid much of the infrastructure that enabled the growth of the sugar industry and the island’s economy. It is a history that resonates strongly with our own experiences in KwaZulu-Natal, where the sugar industry also played a defining role in shaping communities and livelihoods.

Each day ended with the most exquisite sunsets, and the children and I made our way down to the beach every evening to watch the sky change colour. Esti Rose (3) always had her bucket and spade in hand, while Ruben (8) explored the rock pools and proudly brought us hermit crabs and other treasures.

It was as romantic a scene as you could hope for. From our beach deck chairs, we even witnessed a wedding and a proposal. I hope she said yes.

Now that we are back to normal life, reality hit hardest this morning with the return of the humble oats porridge. No more waffles, pancakes or French toast breakfasts. Thankfully, my waistline could not survive another moment in buffet heaven.

Honestly, though, having our meals prepared for us may be my true favourite part of a holiday. I am spoiled for self-catering.

More than that, though, it was a rare week of uninterrupted family time – exploring, swimming, eating and making memories together. Those are the souvenirs that will last far longer than any photograph or fridge magnet.