Mauritius on Different Budgets: Luxury vs Mid-Range vs Budget Experiences

Living in Curepipe, the heart of Mauritius, has its perks; cooler temperatures and lush greenery but when you're craving that tropical beach vibe, sometimes you need to escape to warmer, sunnier parts of the island. Over the years, Nim and I have perfected our accommodation booking strategy for different types of getaways, and I'm sharing our tried-and-tested approach to help you make the most of your Mauritius experience, whatever your budget.

Why We Book 3-4 Stays Per Year

Living in central Mauritius means dealing with cooler, rainier weather compared to the coastal areas. We've learned that strategic mini-breaks throughout the year help us recharge and experience different sides of our beautiful island. Here's how we approach our bookings:

Our Three Types of Getaways:

1. Couple Getaway (Budget: Mid-Range) Purpose: Escape daily routine, reconnect, relax

2. Friends Getaway (Budget: Mid-Range to Luxury) Purpose: Social time, group activities, shared experiences

3. Event-Based Getaway (Budget: Budget to Mid-Range) Purpose: Attend concerts, festivals, or special events without long drives home

Location Strategy: North vs East Coast

Why We Choose North Coast:

• Weather: Consistently sunnier and less windy

• Beaches: Calm, clear waters perfect for swimming

• Activities: Close to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife

• Best For: All types of getaways

  
  

Why We Choose East Coast:

• Scenery: More dramatic, less crowded beaches

• Vibe: Quieter, more romantic atmosphere

• Weather: only in summer as in winter it can be windier

• Best For: Couple getaways and peaceful retreats

  
  

Our Booking Criteria by Getaway Type

1. Couple Getaway Accommodations

What We Book: 1-2 bedroom apartments Budget Range: Rs 4,000-6,000 per night

Must-Have Criteria:

• Beachfront location OR maximum 5-minute walk to beach

• Private balcony/terrace with sea view (preferred)

• Kitchen facilities for breakfast and light meals

• WiFi (because we can't completely disconnect!)

• Parking space

  
  

Nice-to-Have:

• Pool access

• BBQ facilities

• Quiet neighborhood

• Sunset views

  
  

Where We Book: Primarily Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux or Poste Layette areas

2. Friends/Family Getaway Accommodations

   
   

What We Book: 3+ bedroom villas or large apartments Budget Range: Rs 8,000-12,000 per night (split between friends)

Must-Have Criteria:

• Minimum 3 bedrooms (we are normally a group of 6 pax)

• Beachfront or a few minutes from the beach location

• Large living/dining area for group meals

• Full kitchen (we love cooking together)

• Multiple bathrooms

• Pool access or private pool

• Outdoor space for evening gatherings

  
  

Nice-to-Have:

• BBQ facilities (essential for our group dynamics!)

  
  

Where We Book: Cap Malheureux, Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie or Poste Lafayette

3. Event-Based Getaway Accommodations

What We Book: Studios or 1-bedroom apartments Budget Range: Rs 3,500 - Rs 4,000 per night

Must-Have Criteria:

• Close proximity to event venue (maximum 15-minute drive)

• Comfortable bed (we prioritise sleep quality)

• Basic kitchen facilities

• Safe neighbourhood

• Easy check-in/out process

  
  

Nice-to-Have:

• Beach access (if event schedule permits)

• Parking

• Late check-out options

  
  

Where We Book: Depends on event location – often North

Platform Preferences: Airbnb vs Booking.com

When We Use Airbnb:

• For: Couple and friends getaways, last-minute bookings

• Why: Better selection of apartments and villas, more personal touches, kitchen facilities

• Pros: Local hosts with insider tips, unique properties, better value for longer stays, hidden gems and less commercial properties

• Cons: Less standardised, cancellation policies vary, immediate payment usually required

  
  

When We Use Booking.com:

• For: Larger group getaways, corporate-style accommodations

• Why: Hotels, resorts, and larger establishments with consistent standards

• Pros: Reliable customer service, flexible cancellation, loyalty points, pay later options, better for bigger complexes

• Cons: More commercial properties, can be more expensive, less unique character

  
  

Pro Tips from Our Experience

Booking Strategy:

• Book early for peak season (November-April)

• Be flexible with dates for better rates

• Read reviews thoroughly, especially recent ones

• Contact hosts directly with questions

• Check cancellation policies before confirming

  
  

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Properties with no recent reviews

• Hosts who don't respond quickly to messages

• Unclear location descriptions

• No photos of bedrooms/bathrooms

• Unrealistic prices (too good to be true)

  
  

What We Always Pack:

• Beach towels (not always provided)

• Basic spices and condiments

• Bluetooth speaker for pool/beach time

• Phone chargers and power banks

  
  

Final Thoughts

After years of exploring accommodation options across Mauritius, we've learned that the "perfect" stay depends entirely on your purpose. Whether you're escaping Curepipe's cooler climate for a romantic weekend, gathering friends for a beach celebration, or attending an event without the hassle of driving home, the key is matching your accommodation choice to your specific needs and budget.

Remember, Mauritius is small but diverse. Don't hesitate to explore different areas, each coast offers unique experiences and vibes. The north might be your go-to for convenience, nightlife and activities, but the east coast could surprise you with its untouched beauty and romantic sunrises.