Mauritius has a reputation as a luxury honeymoon destination, all overwater bungalows and all-inclusive resorts with eye-watering price tags. But a recent trip report proves the island doesn't have to break the bank – if you're willing to DIY.
A couple spent 10 days in Mauritius in October for approximately $4,300 total, including round-trip flights from Dubai via Emirates. Their secret weapon: renting a car and taking control of their itinerary.
"If you're thinking about it, definitely do it," they wrote about car rental. "Driving around the island makes a huge difference."
They rented a Subaru Jimny for $500 for 10 days – giving them freedom to explore at their own pace without relying on expensive resort transfers or pre-packaged tours. The investment paid off in flexibility and experiences that resort-bound travelers miss.
Split Stay Strategy
Instead of booking a single resort for the entire trip, they split their time between two properties:
• Le Meridien Ile Maurice in the north (4 days) – adults-only Romantic Allure Suite, multiple restaurants and bars, several pools, and snorkeling right from the hotel beach
• RIU Palace near Le Morne (remaining days) – simpler property but excellent location for exploring the south
This approach gave them resort amenities when they wanted them, but also the flexibility to venture out independently.
Experiences Worth the Splurge
Even on a mid-range budget, they prioritized two signature experiences:
• Whale and dolphin watching – consistently ranked as a must-do in Mauritius, particularly during southern hemisphere winter and spring when humpback whales migrate through the waters
• Helicopter ride over the island – their trip highlight, offering aerial views of the famous "underwater waterfall" illusion off Le Morne, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes
Both activities, while not cheap, cost far less than the premium a resort would charge for arranging them. Independent booking meant they paid tour operator prices, not resort markup.
Driving Culture and Safety
Mauritius drives on the left (British colonial legacy), has decent road infrastructure, and relatively light traffic outside Port Louis. The island is small enough that driving from north to south takes about 90 minutes without stops – making day trips entirely feasible.
Gas is expensive (island pricing), but the total cost is still far below what organized tours or daily resort transfers would run.
Budget Breakdown Reality Check
$4,300 for two people for 10 days including international flights is solidly mid-range, not ultra-budget backpacking. But it's a fraction of what traditional Mauritius packages cost. Luxury resorts easily charge $500-1,000+ per night, which would put a 10-day trip at $10,000-20,000 for accommodation alone.
By choosing moderately priced hotels, renting a car, and selectively splurging on experiences that matter, this couple accessed the same island as luxury travelers for a quarter of the price.
Final Impression
Their takeaway: "Mauritius is a nice balance between just chilling and actually exploring. Having a car helps a lot."
The island offers white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, waterfall hikes, and multicultural food (Indian, Creole, Chinese, French influences). You can experience all of it without staying at a $800/night resort – but only if you're willing to drive yourself and plan independently.
For travelers who love tropical islands but balk at Maldives-level pricing, Mauritius offers an alternative. Not as a bargain destination (it's not), but as a place where smart planning and car rental unlock experiences that would otherwise cost double.
The best travel isn't about the destination – it's about what you learn along the way. And Mauritius teaches that luxury destinations are accessible when you stop expecting someone else to plan everything for you.
