Discover the Secret to an Affordable Mauritius Getaway Under £800

Mauritius, a renowned winter sun retreat, enters its low season by May, resulting in significant price drops in this luxurious Indian Ocean paradise. With fewer crowds on the beaches and quieter attractions, visitors can enjoy pleasant mid to high 20-degree Celsius temperatures and crystal-clear sea conditions perfect for swimming. The humidity also decreases compared to the winter months, making May an ideal time to explore the island, visit local markets, and tackle hiking trails.

A week-long stay at Dodola Lodge is priced at £727 per person for a room-only arrangement, departing on May 10. Travelers will fly with Saudia via Jeddah and return with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, inclusive of a 23kg checked luggage allowance in both directions. Additionally, a private car transfer can be arranged for £81 round trip for the hour-long ride from the airport to the lodge, or for more flexibility, consider renting a car starts at £24 a day (available through carrental-mauritius.com).

Situated in the northern coastal area of Grand Baie, the lodge is nestled among pristine white-sand beaches, diverse water sports, and vibrant bars. Directly across from Pereybere beach—one of the island’s loveliest spots—guests will find tranquil turquoise waters framed by palm trees and beachfront eateries. While the lodge lacks a swimming pool and has only a simple breakfast restaurant, visitors can easily access shops, cafés, bakeries, and supermarkets within walking distance, along with the beach just a two-minute stroll away. The accommodations feature 18 bright and airy rooms adorned with tiled floors and dark wood and raffia furnishings, plus access to a communal kitchen area. For those desiring more privacy, rooms with a private kitchenette are available for an additional fee of £16 for the week.

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is just a half-hour drive away and offers a bustling harbour, colorful Hindu temples, a lively Chinatown, and the vibrant Central Market. For a more laid-back experience, visitors might explore the smaller bus station market, where they can savor local delicacies like dholl puri (stuffed flatbreads) and alouda, a refreshing Mauritian milkshake made with basil seeds and agar-agar jelly. Souvenirs such as spices, vanilla pods, and woven baskets are also available. A visit to the free Natural History Museum, located a ten-minute walk away, offers fascinating insights, including a reconstructed skeleton of the dodo, the extinct bird native to the island.

For those seeking adventure, a 30-minute trip to Mauritius’s east coast allows for an invigorating hike through Bras d’Eau National Park, where trails wind through lush forests leading to hidden waterfalls, breathtaking coastal viewpoints, and shimmering natural pools ideal for spontaneous swims.

On Sundays, join the locals at the beach, particularly at Baie du Tombeau near Port Louis, known for its vibrant all-day barbecues accompanied by dancing and drumming, alongside pop-up rum shacks. Alternatively, head to the fishing village of Cap Malheureux, just a five-minute drive from the lodge, to participate in a church service at the charming red-roofed Notre Dame Auxiliatrice chapel adjacent to the sand, featuring a giant clam shell as the baptismal font. Afterward, worshippers often celebrate on the beach, enjoying samosas and cold Phoenix beers from nearby stalls.

What Your £727pp Includes

• Round-trip flights from London to Mauritius, departing on May 10
• 23kg baggage allowance
• Seven nights’ accommodation at Dodola Lodge (booking through expedia.co.uk)

If you’re open to more extravagant options, consider the following alternatives:

The £1,400 Getaway

Salt of Palmar offers an even closer beachfront experience than Dodola Lodge, located directly on the sand in Belle Mare on the east coast. This property features a pool lined with loungers overlooking the sea, a 24-hour café with homemade pastries, a rooftop bar for scenic views, and two restaurants focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can engage in a variety of Mauritian activities including pottery sessions, basket weaving, drumming workshops, and early morning fishing trips, while enjoying live music performances three times a week. Seven nights’ bed and breakfast starts at £1,399 per person, including flights, departing May 8 (offered on tui.co.uk).

The £2,000 Retreat

If you’d prefer to stay put, Anahita Golf & Spa provides an all-inclusive experience on its expansive 500-acre grounds on the island’s east coast. With two championship golf courses, a driving range, two tennis courts, bikes for hire, three pools (one heated year-round), and a Japanese-inspired spa featuring treatments and poolside tea ceremonies, there’s something for everyone. Complimentary snorkeling trips and non-motorized water sports are available, along with a free water taxi to Île aux Cerfs, a stunning private island known for its soft white beaches and warm lagoons. Seven nights’ bed and breakfast starts at £2,037 per person, including flights, departing May 11 (details on britishairways.co.uk).