While most tourists generally choose to stay in the coastal resorts, there are a growing number of visitors who might consider staying in small private villas or with local families. This has a number of advantages, both for tourists and local hosts, but requires a certain amount of planning and local information.

Mauritius is often advertised for its luxury hotels and beautiful sandy beaches, and rightly so. There are some exquisite resorts out there and if you can afford it then go for it as the hotels are worth every penny and provide a once in a lifetime experience. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a bit of luxury, don’t despair. You can still have the vacation of a lifetime in the paradise of Mauritius for a fraction of the cost.

In fact, there are a number of places to stay and things to do in Mauritius that won’t break the bank. The coastal areas are full of small and medium-sized villas and apartments for rent at a reasonable price. Most of these little places are a stone’s throw from the sandy beaches, so you can literally walk along the beach whenever you feel like it. Mauritius is a relatively safe place and the people are friendly and always ready to help, in case you get lost. However, as with most rhythms today, caution is a must. Avoid wandering off on your own in Mauritius after dark and make sure your belongings are safe. If you are staying in a private bungalow, make sure all doors and windows are closed at night. Although Mauritius is a beautiful place, a true paradise, the level of crime and petty theft is not inconsiderable and you need a minimum of caution if you want a quiet and pleasant holiday.

If you stay in a small guest house, eating is no problem. The streets are full of small restaurants, supermarkets and the prices are very affordable. Mauritius has a very diverse cuisine, whatever your taste. Indian and Chinese foods are available on every corner and you can also find European food…if that’s what you fancy. Unlike some countries, Mauritius has a pretty good health and safety record, and it’s generally safe to buy and eat food almost anywhere. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, avoid street vendors and dholl puris, which is a local bread stuffed with vegetable curry.

Staying with the local people will certainly open up another side of Mauritius to you. The hotels are great and nice, but if you’re not careful you could end up not seeing much of the local lifestyle and culture and that would be a shame. There are NGOs that will arrange for tourists to be housed and looked after by a local host for a small fee. You can stay with a family and thus experience first-hand the way of life in Mauritius. Not only can this leave you with a memorable experience, but your host will also be blessed with your company and contribution.

As the tourism industry in Mauritius grows and the number of tourists quadruples in the nest in seven years or so, no doubt staying with the locals and the small guest house will become more frequent and a win-win solution for everyone in Mauricio.

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