By Sita Kelly Photography
If you’re dreaming about a family photo shoot in Mauritius and wondering where the best spots are, you’re in the right place. I'm a family photographer of 10+ years, based in Tamarin, and I'm also a mother of three, so I know how much goes into getting a whole family dressed, fed, and out the door.
The good news is that some of the most beautiful backdrops on the island are also the easiest for families, and you may not even need to leave your resort. I’ve learned which locations are beautiful, practical, and calm enough for everyone to settle in and enjoy the moment. Plus, you’ll get the memories of your dreams: you and your loved ones spending special time together in paradise.
Here’s a simple guide to the places I love most and why they work so well.
Start With Your Resort
The best location for your Mauritius family photoshoot is often the resort where you're staying. Most resorts welcome outside photographers, and their beaches are stunning. You are already there, which means no car journey, no hunting for parking, and no logistics to juggle. That makes a real difference for families with small children or large extended families.
Staying in a Villa or Self-Catering? You Can Still Have a Resort Backdrop
If you are in a villa or an Airbnb, you don't have to miss out. I know public-access spots where we can photograph your family against a five-star resort backdrop, so you get the look without having to stay there. The beaches are safe for young children, with plenty of room to run, explore, and play.
Le Morne
Le Morne is usually the first place I recommend because it gives you everything in one short walk: tropical palms, soft white sand, calm water, and that unmistakable, dramatic mountain backdrop rising behind you. It’s one of those rare locations where your photos instantly say We were in Mauritius.
It also works beautifully for families with small children or limited mobility. We can stay close together, take our time, and move between backdrops without any long walks. Toward the end, kids love splashing in the shallows or looking for tiny sea creatures. Those moments always bring out the real smiles.
I arrive early to check the tide, watch the light, and find the quietest stretch of beach before you arrive. That way everyone can ease into the session without distractions.
My favorite resort backdrops in Le Morne for family photos are:
Beachcomber Paradis
Dinarobin
St Regis
LUX Le Morne
RIU Turquoise
See the link for some images of a family photo shoot at The St Regis, Le Morne.
Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac is wonderful if you want a quieter stretch of beach. I know palm-lined white sand with views of La Tourelle and Le Morne across the ocean in the distance, and the same golden west coast sunsets. Again, you get the resort feel without needing to stay at one.
My favorite resort backdrops in Flic en Flac are:
Sugar Beach
La Pirogue
Maradiva
Sofitel L'Imperial
Family Photo Shoot at Beachcomber Dinarobin, Le Morne
How I Choose the Right Spot
Whichever resort we choose, I look for the quietest corner of the beach. Active toddlers need space to move, and large groups need room to gather without bumping into other guests. I look for spots with very few people in the background so everyone can relax and feel at ease during the session.
What Families Have Experienced
One of my favorite sessions was with a family of five from Australia, with three children under five including a baby. We photographed them at Dinarobin, where they were staying. The day was overcast and windy, and it still turned into one of the most beautiful sessions. The young boys loved having so much space to run around and play, and that energy is exactly what shows up in the photos.
Another time, a family of four from the UK was staying at an Airbnb in the north and let me choose the location. I chose my number one spot in Le Morne. They didn't mind the drive for such a stunning backdrop, and they turned it into a full day out, finishing with dinner in Le Morne after our session. Their ten-year-old son later told his parents that the photoshoot was one of his favorite experiences of the whole holiday. Moments like that remind me that a session can become part of the trip itself rather than something you have to squeeze in.
When to Book Your Session
Family sessions usually last about an hour, and we plan for them to end at sunset, so we typically begin about an hour before. On the east coast we start about half an hour earlier than on the west, because the light fades sooner and there is no sunset over the water.
Sessions With a Baby
If you have a baby, a morning session is often the better choice. Babies are usually fresher and happier in the morning, and we start within the hour after sunrise, before the sun becomes too strong for little eyes.
What Happens If the Weather Isn't Perfect
If rain or very strong wind is forecast, we can usually reschedule for the next available date. Cloudy and overcast skies are a different story, and we go ahead anyway. I sometimes quietly hope for a few clouds, because the sun can stay quite strong until just before sunset, and clouds create a beautiful, soft, diffused light that is wonderful for portraits.
How to Prepare for Your Session
Once you book, I send every family a questionnaire so I can get to know the children before we meet. I like to know what makes them laugh, what they love, and how they like to play. I also send a wardrobe guide so you feel confident about what to wear.
I also tell parents in my preparation email that I don't expect children to behave like perfect little adults. I'm a mother of three, I've seen it all, I don't judge, and nothing fazes me. My advice is to embrace the chaos of your family, because that is where the real personality lives.
During the session I gently guide your family into interactions that lead to natural, fun, love-filled photos, and I leave plenty of space for candid moments to unfold on their own.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Family
If you are staying at a resort, start there and let me find the quietest, most photogenic corner. If you are in a villa, tell me your area and your dates and I will suggest a resort backdrop nearby. If you are happy to travel for something special, Le Morne is the location I would choose for you every time.
Wherever you decide on, I'd love to photograph your family on this beautiful island and create memories you will treasure long after the holiday is over.
