It's simple to think that a vacation to Mauritius comes with a hefty cost. And while that's true at its legion of upscale resorts, you can enjoy this island paradise on a budget. Listed here are our some tips.
When to go
It is effective be flexible. You'll get the very best prices during the low season (May to September, when climate is lower but nonetheless tropical), using the exception being European summer break. In general, high season runs from around December to February, with prices soaring over Christmas and New Year. An agreement could be shoulder season (March, April, October and November). Accommodation prices are slightly less than peak season, there are fewer visitors but climate is still high.
Where to stay
Mauritius is symbolic of top-end, opulent resorts and hotels. But skip these and go for a mid-range yet still lovely option like Veranda Resorts, whose properties for example those in Grand Baie and Tamarin offer contemporary rooms, friendly staff and delightful grounds in gorgeous beachfront settings. Cheaper still is renting a holiday apartment or villa, especially if there are many individuals your group. Along with the likes of AirBnb, a number of the larger agencies include CG Villas, Ropsen and Grand Bay Travel & Tours. Another characterful option is Mauritius' guesthouses, managed by locals with genuine hospitality; there are many in Pointe d'Esny.
What to eat
You needn't spend a fortune on dining in Mauritius, as street food and economical eats are in plentiful supply. In addition to delicious local fare, you may also get Indian, French and Chinese treats. Roadside stalls serve biryani and faratas (unleavened flaky flour pancakes), while inexpensive snacks for example g^ateaux piments (chilli cakes), rotis, samosas, bhajas (fried balls of besan dough with herbs or onion), dhal puris (lentil pancakes) and boulettes (tiny steamed Chinese dumplings) are offered at markets, public beaches as well as in the main city, Port Louis. If you are in Port Louis, consider a street food tour with Taste Buddies, where an in-the-know guide will highlight round the city's most salivating spots.
Activities
There's a plethora of land and water-based activities available in Mauritius, with options which range from catamaran cruises, diving and surfing to golf and mountain-biking. Happily, a couple of Mauritius' finest activities are completely free. You will find stunning beaches through the island, particularly across the new england with long, absurdly photogenic, often deserted stretches. Wonderful hiking spots also abound: Black River Gorges National Park has the island's most breathtaking scenery and well-maintained, clearly signposted trails through forests, waterfalls and gorges, while climbing dramatic outcrop Le Morne brings extraordinary views. Keep in mind though that you're probably better off hiring a guide for just about any major hikes.
Festivals really are a wonderful way to jazz up a visit to Mauritius and take in some island culture. The biggest, in February or March, is the 500,000-strong Hindu pilgrimage towards the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. March coincides with Holi celebrations, October 's time for Divali, and Teemeedee in December or January sees Hindus fire-walking.
While diving is one of Mauritius' big draws, it is also expensive. Consider snorkelling instead: it's a terrific way to explore underwater with minimal equipment and without the big price tag. The shallowest reefs off Mauritius are the place to find fascinating marine life. Rental gear is easily offered by dive centres, boat operators and hotels, or catamaran cruises will frequently include snorkelling in the deal.
Getting there and around
Numerous carriers fly direct to Mauritius. Air Mauritius may be the excellent national carrier; there is a decent international network and are currently upgrading their economy cabins.
Save money by travelling by bus, that is cheap, fun and usually a simple and reliable method of getting around. There isn't any countrywide service; instead there are several bus companies and individual operators. Be sure to speak to locals, who are the best and most accurate source of information, as bus services don't publish timetables.
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