Apartments in Mauritius: Airbnb, Tourist Residences and Rentals

Apartments in Mauritius: the ideal option for independent stays

Renting an apartment in Mauritius is an option often underestimated by French travelers, who still assume the island is limited to large hotels and resorts. Yet the supply is abundant, the quality generally good, and the value for money often unbeatable for stays of 7 nights or more.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with a small family, a well-chosen apartment gives you independence, space and an experience much closer to local life than a hotel. And with an equipped kitchen, you can shop at the neighborhood market, cook some of your meals and noticeably cut your total budget for Mauritius.

In brief

Where	Mostly in the north (Grand Baie, Pereybere) and the west (Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin), with some options in Mahebourg and along the east coast
Price	Roughly 50 to 300 EUR/night depending on area and size
Time needed	From 5-7 nights to make the most of an apartment’s independence
How to book	Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com for tourist residences
Best time	May to December for the best conditions, avoiding July-August and December-January for the best prices

The different types of apartment rentals

Apartments in tourist residences

Tourist residences are complexes of several apartments managed by a single operator. They often offer a shared pool, sometimes a bar or restaurant, and a reception service. It’s a hybrid between a hotel and a private rental: you have your own independent apartment with an equipped kitchen, while still enjoying some hotel-style services.

This is often the best choice for families and couples who want the independence of an apartment without giving up shared amenities entirely. Residences such as Les Residences du Lagon in Flic-en-Flac or several residences in Grand Baie offer excellent facilities in this category.

Price: 80 to 200 EUR/night for a 2-bedroom apartment with a shared pool.

Best for: families, couples on long stays, travelers who want independence with a few added services.

Privately rented apartments (Airbnb, VRBO)

Airbnb and VRBO list thousands of apartments in Mauritius, from a simple studio in the town center to a penthouse with a lagoon view. You book directly from the owner, with the advantages (often lower prices, authenticity, flexibility) and drawbacks (fewer guarantees, direct communication with the owner, not always a reception desk) that come with it.

Price: 50 to 300 EUR/night depending on size, location and comfort level.

Best for: couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and anyone who loves full independence.

Studios and small furnished apartments

For solo travelers or couples on a tight budget, furnished studios are an economical alternative to hotels. Common in Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac, they offer a double bed, a kitchenette and a private bathroom for 50 to 100 EUR/night. They are the entry-level rung of apartment rentals, just above guest houses.

The best areas to rent an apartment

Grand Baie and the north

The north is by far the area with the widest choice of apartments and tourist residences. Grand Baie offers immediate access to every amenity: restaurants, supermarkets, tour agencies, pharmacies. You can get by without a car for everyday activities, which is a notable advantage and a saving on car rental.

Apartments in Grand Baie are often 5 to 15 minutes’ walk from the public beach. The best-located residences have direct lagoon access or a pool on-site. Pereybere, 2 km from Grand Baie, is slightly quieter and offers apartments that are sometimes cheaper, with a more family-friendly beach.

Expect: 70 to 180 EUR/night for a decent-standard apartment in Grand Baie.

Pros: everything within walking distance, plenty of agencies for catamaran trips or excursions to Ile aux Cerfs, nightlife, markets.

Cons: the most touristy area, sometimes choppy sea at the beach, noisy in high season.

Flic-en-Flac and the west coast

The west coast offers a more residential, quieter atmosphere than the north. Flic-en-Flac is ideal for families and couples who want the long sandy beach right on their doorstep. Apartments are slightly fewer than in the north, but the average quality is good and the beach markedly nicer.

Many apartments are found in small residences with a pool, a few hundred meters from the beach. Sunsets from a west-facing terrace are among the most beautiful on the island.

Expect: 80 to 200 EUR/night.

Pros: long beach within walking distance, sunsets, relaxed atmosphere, excellent area for diving and snorkeling.

Cons: less nightlife than in the north, a car is recommended, fewer restaurants.

Tamarin

Tamarin is a residential neighborhood popular with expats on the west coast. Apartments here are often good quality, set in a green environment. Tamarin beach is known for its surf and its dolphin-watching spot. For swimming with dolphins, it’s the best starting point on the island.

Expect: 90 to 220 EUR/night depending on the standard.

Mahebourg and the southeast

Mahebourg is an authentic port town, not very touristy, ideal for those who want to live away from the hotel zones. Prices here are notably lower than in the north or the hotel-heavy east. Few tourist residences, but many privately rented apartments.

The international airport is about 10 km away. It’s the most convenient area if you’re arriving late or leaving early, and airport transfers from Mahebourg are among the cheapest on the island.

The beaches of Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny, a few kilometers away, are among the most beautiful on the island. The Blue Bay marine reserve offers exceptional free snorkeling — a considerable advantage for families.

Expect: 50 to 120 EUR/night.

Pros: the lowest prices, authenticity, close to the airport, beautiful surrounding nature.

Cons: fewer tourist services, a car is essential for the Blue Bay beaches.

Belle Mare and the east coast

Apartments are rare on the east coast, which is dominated by large luxury hotels. A few tourist residences exist at more accessible prices. It’s an interesting option for those who want the exceptional setting of the east without the budget of a palace hotel. Belle Mare beach is 5 to 15 minutes’ walk away depending on the apartment.

Expect: 100 to 250 EUR/night for the few apartments available.

How to choose the right apartment in Mauritius

Check the real distance to the beach

On Airbnb, an apartment listed as “near the beach” can be 5 minutes or 20 minutes’ walk away. Always check the map and calculate the real distance. Having a good public beach nearby is essential if you’re coming for the seaside. Our guide to the beaches of Mauritius helps you identify the best lagoons.

Assess the quality of the equipped kitchen

One of the perks of an apartment is being able to cook. But “equipped kitchen” can mean a simple hot plate and a pot, or a full kitchen with fridge, oven, dishwasher and all the utensils. Ask for photos of the kitchen if they’re not included in the listing.

Read the reviews carefully

On Airbnb, reviews are verified since the platform confirms stays. Read the most recent comments and pay attention to mentions of recurring problems: unreliable wi-fi, noisy neighbors, insufficient cleaning, an unresponsive host.

Clarify what’s included in the charges

Are utilities (water, electricity, gas) included in the listed price? Some owners charge extra for air conditioning, which can significantly increase the final bill. Also check whether final cleaning is included or an optional extra.

Check the cancellation policy

Especially if you’re booking well in advance. Airbnb policies range from “Flexible” (free cancellation up to 24h before) to “Strict” (partial refund only). For a trip to Mauritius where flight costs are significant, a flexible policy may be worth a few extra euros per night.

What a good apartment in Mauritius usually includes

• Equipped kitchen (fridge, hotplates, microwave, utensils)
• Private bathroom
• Air conditioning in the bedrooms (check)
• Free wi-fi
• Bed linen and towels
• Television
• Access to a shared pool (for residences)
• Secure parking often available

What you won’t find in an apartment

Compared to a hotel, an apartment generally does not offer:

• Room service or an on-site restaurant
• Organized entertainment or activities
• Included water sports
• Guaranteed access to a private beach
• A concierge service to organize your excursions

If these services matter to you, look instead at a tourist residence with a pool and restaurant, an all-inclusive resort, or a higher-end hotel.

Tips for making the most of your apartment stay

Do your grocery shopping on day one. Mauritian supermarkets are well stocked and prices for basic goods are reasonable. Tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, fish, spices — there’s plenty to cook delicious meals inspired by Mauritian cuisine.

Find out about the local markets. The Grand Baie market (Thursday morning) and the Mahebourg market (Wednesday) offer fresh fruit and vegetables at unbeatable prices, and a genuine taste of local life.

Bring a fan as a backup to the air conditioning. July-August nights can be cool away from the coastal areas, and a fan is often enough.

Negotiate for long stays. For rentals of 2 weeks or more, owners often agree to negotiate the rate, especially in low season. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Rent a car if you’re staying in Flic-en-Flac or Mahebourg. Our guide to car rental in Mauritius details the best agencies, terms and rates. Unlike Grand Baie, these areas require a vehicle to easily reach the beaches and sites.

To avoid being without a connection on arrival, consider ordering an eSIM before departure: eSIM for Mauritius — mobile data. And for a stress-free first ride from the airport, booking a transfer in advance is very convenient: private airport transfer to your apartment.

Plan your excursions in advance. Even on a self-catering apartment stay, organized excursions from your area are easily accessible. Local agencies will pick you up at your apartment for catamaran outings or guided hikes.

Price summary table by area and type

Area	Studio	2BR	3BR
Grand Baie	60-100 EUR	90-180 EUR	150-280 EUR
Flic-en-Flac	70-110 EUR	100-200 EUR	170-300 EUR
Mahebourg	45-80 EUR	70-130 EUR	120-200 EUR
Belle Mare	90-150 EUR	130-250 EUR	rare
Tamarin	80-130 EUR	120-220 EUR	180-320 EUR

Prices in EUR/night in low season. Add 30 to 50% in July-August and December-January.

Apartment or hotel: how to decide?

The question comes up often. Here’s a simple decision framework for choosing between an apartment and a hotel in Mauritius.

Choose an apartment if:

• You’re staying 10 days or more and saving on meals matters
• You enjoy shopping and cooking occasionally
• You’re traveling with family with non-standard mealtimes
• You value independence and living at the local pace
• Your accommodation budget is tight but you don’t want to sacrifice space
• You’ve already been to Mauritius and know the areas

Choose a hotel if:

• It’s your first trip to Mauritius and you want a clear structure
• You want a professional kids’ club for your children
• Spa, private beach and fine dining matter to you
• You want zero daily logistical effort
• You’re staying fewer than 7 days

Our hotel versus villa comparison explores this further with cost examples for different profiles.

Markets and shopping: making the most of your apartment kitchen

One of the real pleasures of an apartment stay in Mauritius is shopping at the local markets and supermarkets. Here’s what you need to know:

Supermarkets: Super U, Winners and Intermart are the main chains. Prices are reasonable for basic groceries. The fresh produce section offers local fruit and vegetables at very accessible prices.

Markets: the Grand Baie market takes place on Thursday morning — tropical fruit, local vegetables, spices, small takeaway dishes. The Mahebourg market (Wednesday) is bigger and more authentic, with stalls of fresh fish, vegetables and textiles. These markets are also a must for cultural immersion, described in our Mauritius food guide.

Products not to miss: fresh mangoes (depending on season), papayas for breakfast, pineapple from the central region, market fish (grouper, kingfish, tuna), Mauritian spices (curry, coriander, thyme), homemade tamarind or guava jam.

Mauritian cooking at home: some apartment owners offer informal cooking classes — a fun way to learn to make rougail or briani to bring home (as recipes, of course).

Safety and insurance for apartment rentals

Travel insurance. Does your standard travel insurance cover damage caused in a rental apartment? Check your policy before departure. Airbnb offers host and guest cover, but it’s limited. For a long stay or a high-end property, comprehensive travel insurance with rental-liability cover is recommended.

The security deposit. Most owners ask for a security deposit of 200 to 500 EUR, refunded when you leave if no damage is found. Check the refund process before signing.

The check-in inventory. Take detailed photos of the whole apartment when you arrive, before unpacking. In case of a dispute over pre-existing damage, these photos are your best protection. Email them to the owner as soon as you arrive to create a dated record.

Lock quality. Check that doors and windows close properly. Mauritius is generally safe, but it’s worth making sure the apartment is properly secured, especially if you leave valuables inside during your beach days.

Getting around from your apartment

If your apartment is in central Grand Baie, you can get by without a car for everyday life. For other areas, the options are:

• Car rental: 35 to 60 EUR/day. Essential in Mahebourg, Flic-en-Flac and Tamarin to easily reach the beaches. Our guide to car rental in Mauritius lists the best agencies.
• Scooter rental: 15 to 25 EUR/day. Handy for short distances, less comfortable for long trips.
• Taxi: taxis are available in every area. Negotiate the price before getting in, or ask for a metered taxi.
• Bus: the bus network is fairly well developed between the main towns and coastal areas. Cheap (under 1 EUR per trip) but not very practical for tourists unfamiliar with the network.
• Airport transfer: for your arrival and departure, a private airport transfer is more convenient than a taxi from arrivals, especially with luggage and if you’re arriving at night.

Charges, cleaning fees and taxes: what gets added to the listed price

The price shown on Airbnb or a residence’s website is almost never the final amount. Before comparing two listings, always check:

Cleaning fees. Often charged as a flat extra (30 to 80 EUR for the whole stay, regardless of length), they weigh proportionally more heavily on a short stay than a long one. A 3-night studio with a 50 EUR cleaning fee ends up costing much more overall than the nightly rate suggests.

Platform service fees. Airbnb generally adds 10 to 15% in guest service fees, to be mentally added to the nightly rate before comparing with a tourist residence, which often shows an all-inclusive price instead.

Tourist tax. Some residences apply a small local tax per night and per person, rarely more than a few euros but worth checking in the price summary before paying.

Extra charge for air conditioning. In some older private rentals, air conditioning use is billed separately (daily flat rate or meter reading). Ask the owner directly before booking if the climate during your stay (July-August, cooler, or December-March, hotter and more humid) makes air conditioning essential.

Apartment with or without a sea view: a real price gap

The view is one of the factors that most affects an apartment’s price in Mauritius, often more than the floor area itself.

A “garden view” or “street view” apartment in a residence in Grand Baie or Flic-en-Flac generally costs 20 to 40% less than an equivalent apartment with a sea or lagoon view in the same complex. For an active stay where you spend most of your days at the beach or on excursions, the price difference can be hard to justify — you only enjoy the view in the morning and evening. Conversely, for a more contemplative stay, as a couple or on a honeymoon, the sea view from the terrace makes a real difference to the overall experience.