Free drinks in Mauritius

QUESTION: We are going to Mauritius in December and have been offered the option of taking the 'fully inclusive" package for around R500 per day. We know that drinks and extras are expensive at resorts on the island, but are not sure whether this is a cost-effective option. Our package already includes breakfast and dinner. What do you think? - Gwynn Brink

ANSWER: This really depends on whether you intend drinking alcohol or not. If you are only going to have a light lunch and one or two soft drinks every day, then the package may not work for you. Alcohol is usually very expensive at Mauritian resorts, so the additional cost will make sense if you intend drinking wine with your meals and enjoying a few drinks and cocktails during the day. The package you are referring to includes a choice of restaurants for lunch, unlimited house wine during lunch and dinner, unlimited alcoholic drinks, wine and soft drinks from the bar from 10am-11pm, sandwiches and pancakes from 10am-4pm, your mini-bar replenished once a day and free coffee and tea in the room. The free mini-bar is a nice touch, because many all-inclusive packages only allow you free drinks taken at a specific bar (some don't even allow you to order your free drinks at the pool or on the beach). Based on past experience, I would say it is probably worthwhile accepting this package. It's a great feeling knowing that all your drinks and meals are paid for in advance. And you don't have to mentally calculate the exchange rate every time you think of ordering a drink or a snack!